Do you feel enough people are not finding some of the lightweight gear acceptable, even though it is lighter? Are companies adding comfort back in and also increasing the weight as consumers are not finding this gear, (ultralilght, lightweight) uncomfortable? Did they bottom out and are having to make adjustments upward to get comfort back to an acceptable level? In my search for a new pack, I have run across a once light pack, that is being upgraded again and having the weight increased again. For example, I am seriously considering a Golite Pinnacle, which replaced the Gust that I had. The Gust weighed 20 oz. The newer Pinnalce weights 25 oz.. The 09 Pinnacle is going up in weight I have read. Other packs I have checked out in the capacity range I am used to, are no longer a little over a pound I have noticed. The competing packs I have looked at are around the Pinnacle's weight already or already at the weight it seems the Pinnacle is going to be in 09. For comparison, I have looked at ULA Conduit, Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus and SMD Starlite . This is just an example I have run across, not meaning to get your views on my pack choice.
I have definately seen this in many places. Golite was one of the first that comes to mind as you've seen. Some of this may be in response to warantte returns or complaints etc, as ultralight gear often is not as durable, because it simply can't be.
On the other hand I have seen other things get heavyweightized on redo for no good reason - My favorite current example is the MEC northern lite pullover - the old one was a fabulous light primaloft jacket/sweater - cheap as borscht and plenty durable. They "made it better" by redoing it with a heavy water repellent shell (for people who can't spray some nikwax or wear a shell over it) and adding a hood, almost doubling the weight of the thing. The new one sucks, and it distresses
me because I like my current one a lot and don't want to have to resort to a patagucci down sweater when it finally wears out.
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