Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Golite Terrono 90 Backpack

Let me tell you why. I had the Odyssey returned it and bought the Terrano. They are the same capacity. The Odyssey can't handle any serious weight like 50+. The hip belt is lame and won't stay put and the padding sucks. I broke the belt buckle. The Terrano padding is better and the belt design with reverse synch, clamps down on your hips for a good fit. The belt kept the load up so I didn't dig into my shoulders. I just got back from a cold weather camp, 6miler 2200 ft elev gain and @ ~50lbs pack weight with a bit of a bushwhack thrown in. Broke the Terrano belt buckle in the middle but it stayed tight on the outside clamps and the pack handled the load better otherwise.. An Osprey or Gregory is gonna be 2 to 4 lbs heavier so consider carefully. I agree with the sleeping bag tightness as it was like birthing a baby to get my winter bag in and out even with compression sack (I was ready to call an obstetrician). I may end up with those other packs but I am still trying to Go lite for now.

I have tried on the larger GoLite packs hoping to shave a couple pounds total, but I find their frame and belt are way to wimpy for carrying 50 pounds of winter gear. The pack I tried cut into my shoulders because the belt completely lost its shape with wieght. If you're winter mountaineering forget it. Get an Osprey or Gregory Denali.

I'm not sure why this model gets such a glowing review when the Golite Odyssey is lighter with larger capacity, and appears to be designed identically. Doesn't a pound lighter and 5 liters extra capacity sound better? Of course, the Odyssey is black and grey instead of day-glo green, but that doesn't improve performance any!