My Trail Backpack Light 50L

My Trail Co. has redesigned the Jam series backpack from the GoLite days, with improvements to its lightweight and frameless design. This water-resistant backpack is designed for backpackers where low pack weight is a priority.

When it comes to finding the right backpack, it appears there is never an easy choice with all of the available options in today's market. In 2016, GoLite had successfully ‘reloaded’ as My Trail Co, basing their operations out of Denver, Colorado. My Trail Co has resurrected several of the best and most popular products, and is slowly growing from its streamlined product range. One of GoLite’s most popular products, the Jam 50, is now known as the Backpack Light 50 L.

The Backpack Light 50 L bridges the gap between daypack-weight, and a full-feature backpack

Specs

• Volume: 50 Liters
• Weight: 2 lb 2 oz
• Load Range: Up to 40 lbs
• Frame Type: Flexible Frame Sheet Only (Removable)
• Fabric: DWR coated Dyneema Threaded Nylon (PU Coated Interior)
• Hydration Reservoir Compatible: Yes
• Included Rain Cover: No

 

Fit, Comfort, Ride, and Capacity

The My Trail Co Backpack Light 50 L is overall a very comfortable backpack. That being said, the maximum capacity can easily overload the wearer. Although the pack is specified to have a range up to 40 pounds, a weekend winter trip through the Appalachian Trail’s Rollercoaster in Virginia proved this to be very inaccurate.

Total pack weight of approximately 25 lbs with food, fuel, and water

Base pack weight for this snowy trip was approximately 13 lbs

A total pack weight of approximately 25 lbs was found to leave sore shoulders. Having happily worn this backpack in warmer weather from 8-14 lbs a dozen times, it wasn’t just the backpack. On a 19th backpacking trip in 2017, it also wasn’t the wearer. Note: the pack tested was a size L (19.5-21.5" torso, 33-56" hip) on a 5'10" 155 lb tester with a 21" torso.

Although not overloaded, the load lifters must be fully tightened to snug the pack to one's shoulders

The question of comfort then, is either the nature of a frameless pack, or poorly designed strap load lifters with thin straps. Quite simply, a flexible composite frame sheet cannot remain rigid enough to provide the necessary geometry for conventional load lifter design. Professional opinion on maximum comfortable capacity: 20 lbs.

The load lifter cannot achieve the proper angle due to such a flexible frame sheet.

Load lifter loose on left, pulled snug on right

Another Note Regarding Fit: It is not possible to modify, or use the hip belt for a waist below 32". This limits fit for the tall, slim folk.

It is recommended to test-fit this pack if one's waist measurement is below 34"

This backpack will hold A LOT of gear, including a bear canister. Restraint is necessary to keep this pack comfortable!

This 50 liter backpack can stash a lot of gear

The front pocket for this pack can hold quite a bit of gear, but it is difficult to get items in and out of the pack if your pack is loaded, and relatively full.

Organization, Accessibility, and Features

Simplicity is evident when looking at the Backpack Light 50 L. Although easy to overlook, there are several features that make this 2-lb pack luxe.

MyTrailCo’s ComPaktor system is a welcome feature, allowing the wearer to hem the bottom of the pack in, assisting with a more comfortable ride when carrying less gear.

A simple hook

And a simple loop

The bottom of the pack winches together, helping with weight distribution

 

Easy access water bottle pockets are not always "easy" to find in a backpack... Finding a friend on the trail to get your water isn’t necessary with My Trail Co. 

The stretch mesh pockets performed very well, with no sign of wear during testing.

The hip belt pockets are another big plus for this pack. Easy to zip and unzip one handed, stretchy, and a second flat interior pocket inside the pocket. Note: these pockets are mesh, with cordura above the zipper—not water resistant! 

Easy one-handed zipper operation! 

Headlamp, medical gloves, hand sanitizer, and room for several snack bars

Flat sewn-in pocket for infrequently used items

A PLB (Personal Locator Beacon), pocket knife, and spare room for about five snack bars

Detachable side compression straps.

Peace of mind is well worth the minor weight penalty

The elastic clips and ice axe retention loops will hold trekking poles or an umbrella.

Lower axe loop





The elasticized upper loop attachment lacks an adjustable cinch.

The reflective sternum strap has an integrated whistle. This whistle IS NOT emergency loud.

This whistle could not be heard when testing about 500 yards away from some fellow hikers

The pack has hydration access ports on both sides.

The simple features save weight, and still allow the pack to serve its necessary functions

The top closing strap allows the wearer to add some bulky items, ie. a winter CCF pad.

 

Construction & Durability

This pack has shown very little to no wear during testing. The dyneema robic fabric is tough, and highly water resistant.

Highly water resistant pack fabric in a lightweight, svelte package


The mesh areas of the pack have also held up well

One area of long-term concern are the buckles used with this backpack. It feels as though there is just a bit too much flex to the plastic.

Sternum strap buckle

Hip belt buckle

 

Conditions

This backpack has been tested from late summer to late autumn in the Mid-Atlantic region of the USA for over 200 miles on the trail. Temperatures have ranged from over 90°F down to approximately 25°F.

Many thanks to the people out at My Trail Co for the opportunity to test the Backpack Light 50 L for the Trailspace Gear Review Corps.

Thanks for reading!