Great review, you have one subscriber plus! These packs, this one, Gorilla, Mariposa...are very tempting. I wonder if you had tested them, I would like to see those videos because you give real feel of the comfort and mam weight. It would be nice if you display during yours videos figures in metric system too.
This is my most recent bag. I have a framed Northface Terra 40 that is 3 lbs. Like you I got my gear to sub 9 lbs, and was looking to make the pack match. With this pack my base weight is right at 10. I have made 3 hikes through LBL in Kentucky. All 3 where 4 day trips, just over 60 miles had no complaints. All told food, and 1 liter of water I was still below 25 lbs. Next year we are planning the Ozark Trail. We will have a resupply in Jackson Mo. So I will have to carry a bit over 6 days of food so we will see if that is a make or break scenario since this pack is coming with me. Looking like I will be over 30 lbs. If it kills m back or I have problems I will let you know.
Good luck on your hike! Having done a few long hikes myself, I have found that thinking critically about your food weight is just as important as the gear you include in your base weight. What is the point of shaving off an ounce here and there in your base weight if you are just going to add it back on with a food plan that doesn't have the same level of focus? Let me know how your hike goes and if there are any meals that make the plan work for you! I am always into great recipes that are super light!
Hilarious edits. Breaking down consumables and base weight like that was super helpful for a beginner like me. I want to do longer 3-5 day hikes and my tent, quilt, and pad are under 5 lbs so I think it's doable. Thanks
Nice! While it is sometimes nice to have the 'latest model' there is a lot to be said about having time tested gear! Hope you have great trips with this pack!
The G4-20 is the first pack I've ever bought. I got it in early July and have taken it on two overnighters in CO and a 70 mile hike in Idaho. I looooove this pack. It's design is great and it's very comfortable. Great price for the quality too.
I have one of these, done 3 trips so far. Fully loaded with food and water I sit between 20-23lbs and like you I can’t see going up to 30lbs for a long stretch of time. It’s my first foray into frameless so I like it but for the UL backpacker I could see this one being too heavy and being annoyed with the non removable hip belt. I also use it with a thin light pad on the back... I find it more comfortable since the other pad pushed it away from my shoulders too much and there’s no load lifters. Great overview though, after watching reviews on this pack before buying your video came up as recommended :)
Glad you found the review helpful! I agree that the sewn hip belt is an unusual decision. Glad to hear that the thin light pad is giving you a more comfortable fit!
Thaks for the review just bought a G4, first frameless pack(size large). Took it on an over night this week and am concerned i may have needed a size medium, i am in the high end on the measurements for the med and low end of the large. Perhaps you may know the answer to this, are the 3 sizes determined by shortening or lengthening of the pack itself or is it the straps and hip belt that are adjusted? It my be just my first experience with a frameless pack.I really want to love it but seemed to have had trouble dialing it in. It wasn't uncomfortable at 22lb
Hello First of all great and complete review!!! Secondly I have a question / request if you can help me with the problem below Mariposa 60 (at minimum capacity) can be used as carry-on on the plane. G4-20, size L, can it be used as carry-on? I am from Europe and I am interested if it fits, at minimum capacity, in 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. 1 "= 2.54 cm :) Best regards and stay safe
This one would be close... I think this would really come down to how full the pack is. You can see the specs on the Gossamer Gear website but if you had the exterior pockets filled or the roll top filled way out it would probably be too big. Likewise, if you had the top compressed and the exterior pockets empty- you could be fine. Also, double check the measurements from your airline - some have more restrictive carry-on requirements. One last point, I have found that boarding gate agents are more forgiving with a tightly packed backpack than an overstuffed wheeled carry-on.
Nice review - I just found this pack and Im thinking about trying it. I am currently using the mariposa which as I dial in is starting to get a bit big. I have lots of choices when it comes to dealing with wet gear. My blessing and curse is the Sierra Nevada's and their bear cans. based on your video, it looks like I could put the small BV450 inside. any opinions?
Depends on your gear, but you can actually get the bv500 (the large one) in this pack, and the kumo.. This pack is great if you have a shelter that you can fit in that side pocket. Really frees up room. In the Sierra, you do have to get creative on how you pack your gear; with a bear can such as the bv500.. but it will fit in this pack. Personally I bought a pair of special straps (from an Australian company called aarn) and their straps are made specifically for attaching a bear can to the outside of packs. Like he mentioned in this video, that one top strap on the g4 is a weak point. So, I'd either keep the bear can inside the pack, or get additional straps to attach it to the back of the pack.. which imo is easier, and more convenient.
Hey Neda- I don't have any direct experience with carrying a BV in this bag and will defer to others who have 'walked the walk'/ Sounds like the commenter has tried bother sizes in the bag and arrived at a third-party solution. Happy Trails!
@@bawattsyl Thanks for the info. At this date, I just ordered mine. So exciting. Im dialed in in an odd and somewhat frustrating way. I have a 10 degree quilt at 22 ozs. a Duplex - not small but light , a bear can, and a 60 liter Mariposa at 37oz. ....so I downsize the bag and save 12 oz which is awesome at only 180.00. I am dialed in with food - BV450/ 6 days. I'm not committing suicide by saying honey I need a new tent...Im pretty sure you can only say zpacks once in a marriage. So my 10 degree bag....its 290.00 to save 4 ozs (gain space) and give up 20 degrees for hot August trips. 72.00 per oz to essentially save space. Im hoping the 10 degree fits. Hope all is well. Cheers
@@nedanother9382 haha you're funny but yeah sounds like you've got a great setup and I think it will workout great for you! I know it can be hard to downsize gear. I always struggle but sounds like you're doing great!
Great review bud! Good to know about comfort carry capacity. I feel like that is something that many pack companies can't seem to get just right (whether it's actually heavier or lighter than claimed comfort weight). Keep up the good work and stay safe out there
Thanks for the comment! For me 22-23lbs was really comfortable. A little heavier was fine but (for me) it felt like the pack wasn’t carrying quite right. I can’t imagine carrying the ‘max load’ of 30lbs though!
Hey Rob- like I mentioned in the video, I have been backpacking with external and internal frame packs for over 30 years and am also a big fan of load lifters. For me, load lifters do a great job of pulling the weight of the backpack closer to my center of gravity and stabilizing a tall load. For this backpack, the total weight should be very low (I recommend less than 23 pounds) and because the overall volume of the pack is pretty small (30 L in the main tube) you shouldn’t experience either heavy loads or tall loads thus reducing the need for load lifting straps. That was my experience, but I would definitely suggest calling Gossamer Gear directly so you could talk to their customer service representatives. I had a great experience connecting with a real person who is able to answer specific questions about sizing and fit. Hope this helps!
Great review, you have one subscriber plus!
These packs, this one, Gorilla, Mariposa...are very tempting. I wonder if you had tested them, I would like to see those videos because you give real feel of the comfort and mam weight.
It would be nice if you display during yours videos figures in metric system too.
This is my most recent bag. I have a framed Northface Terra 40 that is 3 lbs. Like you I got my gear to sub 9 lbs, and was looking to make the pack match. With this pack my base weight is right at 10. I have made 3 hikes through LBL in Kentucky. All 3 where 4 day trips, just over 60 miles had no complaints. All told food, and 1 liter of water I was still below 25 lbs. Next year we are planning the Ozark Trail. We will have a resupply in Jackson Mo. So I will have to carry a bit over 6 days of food so we will see if that is a make or break scenario since this pack is coming with me. Looking like I will be over 30 lbs. If it kills m back or I have problems I will let you know.
Good luck on your hike! Having done a few long hikes myself, I have found that thinking critically about your food weight is just as important as the gear you include in your base weight. What is the point of shaving off an ounce here and there in your base weight if you are just going to add it back on with a food plan that doesn't have the same level of focus? Let me know how your hike goes and if there are any meals that make the plan work for you! I am always into great recipes that are super light!
Hilarious edits. Breaking down consumables and base weight like that was super helpful for a beginner like me. I want to do longer 3-5 day hikes and my tent, quilt, and pad are under 5 lbs so I think it's doable. Thanks
Awesome! Glad it was helpful!
I have an original that I've had for about 8 or so years. I really need to start using it again in summer.
Nice! While it is sometimes nice to have the 'latest model' there is a lot to be said about having time tested gear! Hope you have great trips with this pack!
The G4-20 is the first pack I've ever bought. I got it in early July and have taken it on two overnighters in CO and a 70 mile hike in Idaho. I looooove this pack. It's design is great and it's very comfortable. Great price for the quality too.
Totally agree... there is a lot of value and functionality in this pack!
I have one of these, done 3 trips so far. Fully loaded with food and water I sit between 20-23lbs and like you I can’t see going up to 30lbs for a long stretch of time. It’s my first foray into frameless so I like it but for the UL backpacker I could see this one being too heavy and being annoyed with the non removable hip belt. I also use it with a thin light pad on the back... I find it more comfortable since the other pad pushed it away from my shoulders too much and there’s no load lifters. Great overview though, after watching reviews on this pack before buying your video came up as recommended :)
Glad you found the review helpful! I agree that the sewn hip belt is an unusual decision. Glad to hear that the thin light pad is giving you a more comfortable fit!
Where'd you go? Great video!
This is the pack that I will be buying!!! You are so good at explaining and I watched this 4 times!!! Great job
Awesome! Thank you!
Wow really good review 👏👍!
It’s an incredible bag, I have a blue one. Some how i totally lucked out and mine has two full size hip belt pockets yay. 🎅🏻🥏🏔🏴☠️
Thanks! I am big fan too... This bag has so many upsides at a really competitive price point.
Awesome Video! Thank you for posting. Can't wait to see more videos 👍
Thanks so much!
Ultra lite is not a budget. It is about spending money. Love these commercials where the tuber is given the equipment.
This review was very helpful
Thaks for the review just bought a G4, first frameless pack(size large). Took it on an over night this week and am concerned i may have needed a size medium, i am in the high end on the measurements for the med and low end of the large. Perhaps you may know the answer to this, are the 3 sizes determined by shortening or lengthening of the pack itself or is it the straps and hip belt that are adjusted? It my be just my first experience with a frameless pack.I really want to love it but seemed to have had trouble dialing it in. It wasn't uncomfortable at 22lb
thanks man. nice review
Nice video. I have been looking at this pack. Well done. I have the Mariposa now, looking to make my pack lighter. New follower here. Crow✌️
Awesome! Thanks or the comment, Crow! Did you end up getting the pack?
Great review 👍 very thorough !
Glad it was helpful!
Hello
First of all great and complete review!!!
Secondly I have a question / request if you can help me with the problem below
Mariposa 60 (at minimum capacity) can be used as carry-on on the plane.
G4-20, size L, can it be used as carry-on?
I am from Europe and I am interested if it fits, at minimum capacity, in 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm.
1 "= 2.54 cm :)
Best regards and stay safe
This one would be close... I think this would really come down to how full the pack is. You can see the specs on the Gossamer Gear website but if you had the exterior pockets filled or the roll top filled way out it would probably be too big. Likewise, if you had the top compressed and the exterior pockets empty- you could be fine. Also, double check the measurements from your airline - some have more restrictive carry-on requirements. One last point, I have found that boarding gate agents are more forgiving with a tightly packed backpack than an overstuffed wheeled carry-on.
They’d sell more if they called it the GG420 69
😂 pass it on at: support@gossamergear.com
Nice review - I just found this pack and Im thinking about trying it. I am currently using the mariposa which as I dial in is starting to get a bit big. I have lots of choices when it comes to dealing with wet gear. My blessing and curse is the Sierra Nevada's and their bear cans. based on your video, it looks like I could put the small BV450 inside. any opinions?
Depends on your gear, but you can actually get the bv500 (the large one) in this pack, and the kumo.. This pack is great if you have a shelter that you can fit in that side pocket. Really frees up room. In the Sierra, you do have to get creative on how you pack your gear; with a bear can such as the bv500.. but it will fit in this pack. Personally I bought a pair of special straps (from an Australian company called aarn) and their straps are made specifically for attaching a bear can to the outside of packs. Like he mentioned in this video, that one top strap on the g4 is a weak point. So, I'd either keep the bear can inside the pack, or get additional straps to attach it to the back of the pack.. which imo is easier, and more convenient.
Hey Neda- I don't have any direct experience with carrying a BV in this bag and will defer to others who have 'walked the walk'/ Sounds like the commenter has tried bother sizes in the bag and arrived at a third-party solution. Happy Trails!
@@bawattsyl Thanks for the info. At this date, I just ordered mine. So exciting. Im dialed in in an odd and somewhat frustrating way. I have a 10 degree quilt at 22 ozs. a Duplex - not small but light , a bear can, and a 60 liter Mariposa at 37oz. ....so I downsize the bag and save 12 oz which is awesome at only 180.00. I am dialed in with food - BV450/ 6 days. I'm not committing suicide by saying honey I need a new tent...Im pretty sure you can only say zpacks once in a marriage. So my 10 degree bag....its 290.00 to save 4 ozs (gain space) and give up 20 degrees for hot August trips. 72.00 per oz to essentially save space. Im hoping the 10 degree fits. Hope all is well. Cheers
@@nedanother9382 haha you're funny but yeah sounds like you've got a great setup and I think it will workout great for you! I know it can be hard to downsize gear. I always struggle but sounds like you're doing great!
Great review bud! Good to know about comfort carry capacity. I feel like that is something that many pack companies can't seem to get just right (whether it's actually heavier or lighter than claimed comfort weight). Keep up the good work and stay safe out there
Thanks for the comment! For me 22-23lbs was really comfortable. A little heavier was fine but (for me) it felt like the pack wasn’t carrying quite right. I can’t imagine carrying the ‘max load’ of 30lbs though!
I loved your video thx so much!!!!
Thanks so much! I appreciate the feedback!
Need some advice. I'm used to having load lifters, how do you feel about not having that feature?
Hey Rob- like I mentioned in the video, I have been backpacking with external and internal frame packs for over 30 years and am also a big fan of load lifters. For me, load lifters do a great job of pulling the weight of the backpack closer to my center of gravity and stabilizing a tall load. For this backpack, the total weight should be very low (I recommend less than 23 pounds) and because the overall volume of the pack is pretty small (30 L in the main tube) you shouldn’t experience either heavy loads or tall loads thus reducing the need for load lifting straps. That was my experience, but I would definitely suggest calling Gossamer Gear directly so you could talk to their customer service representatives. I had a great experience connecting with a real person who is able to answer specific questions about sizing and fit. Hope this helps!