GoLite Gust Review

"Totally awesome pack. IT only weighs 19 ounces and can hold about 4000 cubic inches. Beware though. Don't have a heavier load then 30 pounds in it. I love the pack. It is a perfect (only 99 bucks at www.travelcountry.com) pack for lightweight backpackers who are too lazy or not knowledgable enough to make their own."

"Sure it's light, but it doesn't have a hip belt or a sternum strap so if you have shoulder problems this isn't the pack for you. Thinking of fastening my own sternum strap with a piece of velcro and read somwhere that the pack can be rested on a fanny pack, lending some weight to your hips, I'll be trying that on my next trip to relieve the pressure on my shoulders."

"Very light and affordable as well as durable. Contrary to another review on this page, the Gust does have a hip belt--that reviewer was probably reviewing the GoLite Breeze. The gust does lack a sternum strap, but one can be improvised out of a bandanna, a short strap, duct tape, etc. Not made for power lifters--the Gust does great with loads below 30 lbs. Overall, really good value for the money."

"I recently purchased this pack from backcountry.com for $98.99 and have been very pleased. It served very well on a 4 day hike and was quite comfortable, even with almost 27 pounds of gear, food and water at one point. I never saw any need for a sternum strap. I will, however, need to sew a small rain flap on top and two mesh pockets on the sides. Otherwise, the pack would've received the highest rating. I also tried the Golite Speed, but was not nearly as satisfied. The Gust is an excellent value."

"I try to limit pack weight to 20lb and added an "aftermarket" sternum strap. Often forget I'm wearing a pack. Lots of room.
I have used those little bungees made for pony tails ( a thousand uses!) to attach net bags for stuff I want to get to without opening the pack. I also use a piece of sleeping pad foam cut to fit to give more shape. The pad doubles as my camp "chair" Simplicity is a virtue!"

"This is an excellent pack overall. I have used it several time on medium length hikes. The only drawbacks are lack of accesibility as it only has one pocket besides the main pack. It accomplishes its purpose, super light and comfortable."

"I've packed as much as 35# in mine and it's been great. I rarely use the hip-belt since I'm usually carrying <30#. The only downside is you really have to think before you pack so you keep what you need next on top, otherwise you have to take out everything to get what you need. I use my sleeping pad (1/2 of a ridgerest) rolled to give it shape."

"Great pack, took it on a 6 day trip in the smokies with a 30# load, lightweight and comfortable, i added an aftermarket sternum strap that is nice and adds some comfort. Overall this is a great pack, I do use half a sleeping pad rolled up to give it shape. AS was mentioned the lack of extra pockets is annoying."

"Yes, it does have a hip belt. I carried this pack on a 6 day trip in the Grand Canyon, and am packing it now for a 6 day trip inthe Paria River Canyon. It is sensational. Very strong. Keep within the weight limits for 2 reasons. 1 to save the pack. 2 to be going light in the first place. It is gigantic so space wont be the problem."