A Review Of The 51 Liter GoLite Pursuit Backpack
May 25, 2010 by Anil P.
Filed under Luggage, Pictures and Video
The 50 liter backpack range is great for many types of packers (light and heavy) on trips of various lengths so I was excited to get a hold of the GoLite Pursuit backpack to review. The sleek Pursuit was named the “best all purpose backpack” by Backpacker Magazine and is one of the most comfortable I’ve ever tried on.
Those of you reading through my daily email update will need to click through to the post to view the video.
- Here is the link to my YouTube page mentioned in the video.
More Information About The GoLite Pursuit Backpack
It’s more of a hiking backpack than a travel pack and has slots to carry skis, snowshoes, or a snowboard. My only qualm with the Pursuit is that it’s a top-loader – which likely helps keep it light and streamlined. That makes it a bit inconvenient to grab something easily out of the main compartment but the large front panel should alleviate that issue for many travelers.
- The GoLite Pursuit trademarked “Velocity” nylon used to construct the backpack felt strong and durable despite my attempts to rough it up.
- GoLite products are designed to be recyclable, including the Pursuit backpack.
- It’s small enough to meet most carry-on requirements. You can use Luggage Limits to find the specific dimensions allowed by each airline.
GoLite Recycling Program
The Pursuit has a nice contour shape and felt comfortable with loads up to 15 kilograms (35 lbs) which is the maximum recommended. One thing I really like about GoLite (aside from their lifetime warranty) is that they’ll take back and repair, recycle, re-purpose or donate any of their unwanted products if you send them back. You can also recycle or donate your GoLite backpack yourself and if you do so, GoLite will give you 20% off your next purchase.
Earl (49)
blahh (14)
Deniz (12)
Maureen (12)
Audrey (11)
Dan (11)
I love the recycling idea behind the Golite. The other positive points were good as well…but the re-use and recycling point really caught my interest.
Me too, I really like the initiative on their part and personally it would be a factor in my decision making if I were looking to purchase a new pack.
51 Liters is probably the perfect size. On my first trip, I traveled with a Geo Metro sized 85L Osprey. I loved the way it carried, yet it was far to big. I downsized recently to a Gregory Baltoro 65L which is great. It front loads which is an epic bonus, yet it’s still too big. The smaller you have the lighter you force yourself to pack.
I love stuff you can take as carry on and like the 50L range. Are you sticking with the Baltoro or going to downsize eventually?
Not sure it’s in my budget to downsize at the moment – it’d depend what I could sell the Baltoro for. I have a trip to SE Asia in the brainstorming stage in the next couple months, so we’ll see how the Baltoro does then before I downsize again.
I think finding the right backpack is one of the most difficult things about any trip and I am still searching for mine. Might have to look into the Go Lite Pursuit.
I’m a bit of a backpack junkie myself, I could look at hundreds and still not get enough.
Looks pretty good & anything that can double as airline hand luggage is a plus point
Saves time and these days on most airlines, money!
Congrats on what I believe is your first video product review!
Thanks Rod, yes it was my first video review
It’s been fun trying to incorporate the new medium.
Looks great! I love that it can be a carry on…my husband and I are looking for a backpack for a round the world trip.
It’s a good, light one. If you’re looking for others to compare in this size range check out the Kelty 5600 (just read another great review about it today) or the REI Vagabond if you happen to be in the US. Good luck in your search for a backpack and feel free to get in touch if you need any help.