Designed for efficient and comfortable mountain travel while climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, or trekking, the GoLite Men's Pinnacle Pack is built for high-intensity use in any weather conditions. Weighing just one pound, nine ounces, and constructed of bombproof and amazingly lightweight Dyneema gridstop nylon, the Pinnacle is one of the lightest and most durable large-volume alpine packs available. The Dyneema fabric is stronger than steel and lighter than any other high-performance fiber. Composed of extremely durable and light polyethylene fibers that are chemical, water, and UV resistant, used to reinforce 210 Denier (medium-weight) ripstop nylon, this fabric is 10-times stronger than steel and twice as strong as Kevlar by weight. The resulting pack fabric is extremely light and durable and is somewhat water resistant, designed for the rigors of backpacking and mountaineering.
The Pinnacle pack offers an ample 72-liter capacity for longer and gear-heavy trips. But offering incredible versatility, the comPACKtor system reduces the pack's volume so you can still maintain a streamlined and balanced load for shorter trips with two fixed compression anchor clips. Simple to use, you simply connect the two fixed compression anchor clips with the pack empty, and your pack volume and profile are instantly smaller.
With a streamlined design, built for comfort on the move, the Pinnacle offers optimum support with foam padding in the back and hip belt wings, and Brock foam padding in the spacer mesh shoulder straps. The sternum strap and webbing hip belt are fully adjustable. A large front pocket with a watertight zip and two side angled stretch mesh pockets provide easy access to stored items, while the top loading main compartment is easy to pack and has a top compression strap for load control. Two side compression straps further tighten down the load. The pack also features two angled side mesh pockets with elastic top bindings, ice axe loops with lightweight elastic cord, a pack hook system for closure, a haul loop, and a three-liter hydration compatible sleeve.
Specifications:
- Weight: One pound, nine ounces
- Volume: 4,400 cubic inches/72 liters
- Hydration: Three Liter Hydration Compatible, reservoir not included
- Fabric: Dyneema gridstop nylon
- Comfortable foam back pad and hip belt wings
- Space mesh shoulder straps with Brock foam padding
- Adjustable sternum strap and webbing for hip belt
- Two side compression straps with quick release buckles
- Top compression strap
- ComPACKtor system
- Large front pocket with watertight zipper
- Cord Lock to secure top closure
- Hydration compatible
- Two angled side mesh pockets with elastic top binding
- Ice axe loops with lightweight elastic cord and pack hook system for closure
- Haul loop
- Imported
Recommended Uses:
- Mountaineering
- Backcountry skiing/snowboarding
- All-season backpacking
- Alpine-style backpacking
Care Specifications:
- Use a mild soap and a damp sponge to wipe the outside and inside of the pack. Never use detergents or solvents.
- Stubborn stains may require scrubbing with a soft bristle nylon brush. Excessive cleaning may damage the protective coatings and is not recommended.
- Use McNett Mirazyme enzyme cleanser to neutralize organic contaminants such as sweat and food.
- Never tumble dry your pack--the heat may damage the protective coatings.
- The use of solvents and dryers may damage your pack.
- Be sure to completely air-dry the pack.
- Open all zippers and roll-tops prior to storing.
- Always store your pack in a cool, dry place.
Manufacturer Warranty
Lifetime
Amazon.com Backpack Guide
Finding the Right Backpack
For extended trips into the backcountry, there's no getting around the fact that you'll have to carry life-sustaining supplies on your back. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a backpack:
Internal vs. External
Up until late 1970s, external frame packs--which consist of an exposed, lightweight metal frame attached to a fabric pack-bag--were the only thing going. In recent years, though, packs that place the support structure of the pack inside the pack, known as internal frame packs, have boomed in popularity.
The good news about internal frame packs is that they hold the weight of your load close to your body, making it easier to maintain your balance on uneven terrain. Meanwhile, internals provide stiffness and support, but they are not completely rigid, which makes them more flexible when you're doing active sports. With the added flexibility comes a high degree of compressibility, meaning you can use the pack's compression straps to cinch down your load and keep items from shifting and throwing you off balance. Internals also sport slimmer shapes that allow for more arm movement in all directions--another big plus for off-trail bushwhackers, skiers and climbers. Last but not least, internal frame packs offer a greater range of adjustability in the shoulder harness and hip-belt than external frame packs.
There are some negatives for internals. First, once packed, it can be difficult to grab needed items out of them quickly. And because internal frame packs consolidate the load into a single, body-hugging unit, proper packing is very important. To distribute the weight properly, you should pack your heaviest items close to your back and in the middle portion of the pack-bag. Plan on getting a sweaty back with an internal, too, given the fact that they are pressed right against you. Finally, internal frame packs are priced higher than external models.
External frame packs are very good at focusing the weight of a load directly to the right place: your load-loving hips. While internals, when properly packed, do this effectively, too, you can always rest assured that an external will distribute the load evenly, no matter how unevenly packed it may be. Externals also offer easy access to your gear via multiple, easily-accessible compartments. Plus, because externals don't situate the load directly against your back, you'll enjoy far more air flow. Finally, if you're on a budget, or you're buying for a growing child, externals are more affordable.
If you plan on hiking on easy to moderate trails and you don't need a lot of body movement, you'll probably be fine with an external. But because externals are so rigid and inflexible, challenging trails or any kind of off-trail pursuit can become painful and frustrating. Also know that your balance is far more compromised with an external frame pack during activities like stream crossings and hops through talus fields.
Packs for Shorter Trips
In addition to backpacks designed for overnight trips, rucksacks are great for day-trips, warm-weather one-nighters, single-day ski trips, or fast alpine assaults. Some rucksacks blur the line between backpack and rucksack with integrated internal supports and sophisticated hip belts and shoulder harnesses. Choose a pack in this category based on your intended use. Short day hikers don't need an internal frame, while climbers and skiers with heavier loads likely do.
Sizes and Capacities
Packs in the 3,000 cubic inches and lower category are good for day hikes or overnighters in warm weather with minimal gear. Packs in the 3,000 to 4,000 cubic inch range are good for one- or two-night trips in colder weather. If you're going to be out for up to three days, look for a pack in the sub-4,000 cubic inch range. Choose a pack with 5,000-6,000 cubic inches for week-long outings. And finally, for trips lasting a week or more, you'll need something in the 6,000-plus cubic inch category. Keep in mind, though, that bigger packs weigh more, and since every ounce counts, you'll want to choose a pack that offers just enough space for your outings and no more.
