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Who had the Jam2 pack? Follow-up Review?

B

brians

Joined
Apr 22, 2006
Messages
1,375
I'm getting old and rusty and cutting weight where I can. Looking for an ultralight day/weekender and was wondering who had the Golite Jam pack? Would really appreciate a follow-up review on the comfort and durability of the Dyneema gridstop fabric on the Jam.

I have a Quest for longer--winter trips, but want something even lighter for summer.
 
Me.

I've only used it once so far. I had it with about 20 lbs in it and it was really hurting my cervical spine. I mean hurting. Not sure whether it was the lack of padding or what.

I actually bought it to use as a summer pack and took it on a sub freezing hike where I had to bring more stuff.

About 3/4 way into where I was going I thought I'd try it with the belt. It was instantly better and the pain subsided.

I hiked in my woods with it with around 15 lbs in it w/o a problem. I like it, but if you carry over about 15 lbs in it USE THE BELT.

Other than that I really liked it. I'm going to go on another multi day 18 mile trip in about 2 weeks or so and I'm taking it so I'll give you a second round report, but it will be with my lighter (around 14 lbs) summer load.;)
 
Thanks Hollowdweller.

I hear ya about the belt - gotta spread the weight between hips and shoulders. My plan mirrors yours - just summer outings where the load won`t be excessive.

With the weight you carried, any fabric or stitching starting to give out! (question mark - sorry, my keyboard thinks it`s french).
 
Here it is against the wall of the shelter
chike13.jpg

On a test run
jam.jpg
 
Have one,
it's a barebone back: all you have is a large pouch with shoulder strap, belt, straps a thin piece of foam as back system.

Very light.
Moderatly comfortable, not too good for sweat management, shoulder straps are pretty thin, not a problem when carrying light, different story when carrying heavy on long distance.
Capacity is pretty important, but remember that general shape is quite tubular, so it is not (at least to me) as good as the figures say.
Top-Opening system is the lightest possible, but not too pratical: it is ok if you only unpack in the evening when preparing camp, but quite annoying if you have to reach it frequently (there are a large zipped pouch and small lateral nets)
Seems quite durable, Fabric is dynema: supposed to be bullet proof vest fabric (better than kevlar) rated to resist pretty good to abrasion. I hear it burns easily.

Review seems quite negative, but it is actually pretty good for weight and price. Volume for weight is pretty impressive. I carry it when I don't want to carry much, but want a large container ready in case I need one.

Still, for a dedicated hiking bag, I still prefer my Osprey Talon (although a bit heavier and smaller).
 
Last edited:
Ravaillac said:
Top-Opening system is the lightest possible, but not too pratical: it is ok if you only unpack in the evening when preparing camp, but quite annoying if you have to reach it frequently (there are a large zipped pouch and small lateral nets)
Click to expand...

I hear you on the top opening. I have a Mountainsmith that is a side opener and it's really easy to access stuff in it. But like you say it weighs several pounds more and has actually LESS capacity than the Jam.
 
My wife has the Pinnacle, so I have some understanding of the pack.

I appreciate the opinions. Thanks guys.

Hollowd - Looks like you had the shelter to yourself- bonus.

B
 
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