Golite gear

[Joshua Barney]

Anybody use Golite packs and other Golite gear for scouting our even hunting. I was considering a pack for scouting trips...

 

[PA 5-0]

I have bought two 800fill puffys(me then wifey) from them on crazy sales. I would put their quality up against any of the big brand names in my closet: marmot, North Face, Mountain Hardware, etc, etc. Mine is used under my Kuiu Chugach rain gear. Half the price of the puffys with a camo pattern. Everyone seems to luv their tents. Buy with confidence.

 

[topher89]

Their prices are great but I have had issues with long term durability. I have a Demarree down jacket and it now has over 20 patches on it. I haven't really abused it but it still kept getting holes.

I would not put my jacket against a Patagonia Down Sweater for instance but the Patagonia is twice the price and even more if you can hit one of Golite's sales.

 

[Arbutusbucks]

I have a really small daypack that I used for adventure race training and I still use it all the time its about 8 years old. The elastic strapping has stretched but no rips or tears, zippers are good and it's light stuff, I still use it all the time.

My brother took one of their packs to Africa for 3 months and I know he still uses it today, I think there was a seam welded pocket that broke but that thing is probably about the same age. I think they are good quality. His has load lifters, not sure how functional I'm no pack expert, and I know the belt padding is pretty light. Overall I'd recommend their gear.

 

[bucksbearsbeers]

I use one of their tents and sleeping bags. Good stuff at decent prices. I also use some of their merino tops which are my favorite but they are discontinued.

 

[Above Timber]

I have a 3 person Imogene tent. Super light weight and plenty if room inside for 2 and their gear.

 

[Beendare]

I have a poncho...and have seen good quality from their stuff.

The UL packs though are all similar- they barrel badly and aren't functional for a hunting pack.

 

[FreeRange]

I have an SL-5, great tent. I thought I'd like the GoLite poncho as a solo, fair weather shelter but ended up with an SMD Gatewood Cape as a similar poncho/shelter that's much better as a shelter.

My father wanted to try an "ultralight" backpack and ordered a GoLite Jam 50 and an REI Flash 45 at the same time. Side by side comparison, the REI flash 45 is way better, much better support as it actually has a frame and the Jam only weighed 2 oz less. The Jam got returned. Neither of these bags are a big game hunting pack though, that's for sure.

The Golite Bitterroot down jacket has quite the following as one of the best down jackets available for its great down weight/total weight ratio and $200 price tag. They aren't often available online. Can't comment on durability as I've never been lucky enough to snag one but durability issues come with the territory with these ultralight companies, always a compromise between weight and durability and some push that envelope too far.