GoLite Speed Pack First Look

To see how tough this stuff really is then, we're going to put it through the mill of everyday use - mountain biking, backpacking, cragging, hauling kit to the gym or the climbing wall and back, getting the groceries in etc. If it stays together, we'll be convinced.

In other departments, we already are. The Speed is a lot more 'featured' than last year's 'zealot specials' and it weighs a little more - 730 grammes as compared to 560 grammes for the larger Gust - but the trade off for that weight is a little more comfort and an increase in versatility.

Filmy Fabric

The main fabric does feel thin, almost translucent, and Air France's baggage handlers have already given it an inaugural scuff or two as a souvenir of Paris, but it's early days yet and the general build quality - stitching, componentry, detailing all feel excellent. Most rip-stop fabric patterns these days by the way, are an affectation, the fabric is strong enough without, but it builds confidence, the SilLite must be close to the point where it's needed again. The base, by the way, is reinforced with a heavier, though still light, rip-stop Cordura.

Features

The Speed is designed as a multi-day adventure race pack, but also roomy enough - 47 plus 5 liters - and comfortable enough for lightweight backpacking too. The five stretch mesh stuff pockets are standard issue race issue, but we particularly like the 'helmet holder' which marries a larger pocket with two stretch fabric fins which can be cinched down for compression and also take poles etc.

The simple lid can also be removed if you're that way inclined and has a decent sized pocket to boot. We also liked the small hip-belt pockets, which are ideal for stowing trail snacks, keys etc. Anything bad? If the sac's only part full, but you still have the lid attached, the fastener on the back of the sac is a bit high so the lid droops down and flaps. We'd have liked either an adjustable or an alternative, lower fastening point.

Oh, finally, it's great that GoLite have included a 3-litre Platypus big zipper reservoir in the price of the pack, though if you already have a hydration system or a preference for a different brand, you may see that as a disadvantage. We reckon it works well enough and is easy to clean, but there are better bite valves around from Camelbak and MSR.

Comfort

So far we've found the Speed extremely comfortable for such a light pack. As with other GoLite packs you need to embrace the idea of keeping weight down all round and packing carefully to maximise comfort, but the minimally padded, buit contoured shoulder straps and vestigial hip belt both work well and the foam/mesh ventilation pack is in the ball park too.

Whether it will be quite as comfortable after a two-day back pack remains to be seen, but initial impressions are positive. One thing we would like to see though, is a more effective compression system. Perhaps a lighter version of the neat Osprey set-up using an extended version of the helmet-holder compressors. As things stand, half-packed, the contents tend to shift to the bottom of the pack.

Know more or want to?

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