Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 vs Gossamer Gear G4-20 42
Quick take: The Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 costs $15 less; the Gossamer Gear G4-20 42 carries more (42 vs 36 liters); the Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 is lighter (1.3 vs 1.6 lbs).
Which one to buy
Running or walking is the deciding question. The Fast Kumo 36 is the Kumo rebuilt for fastpacking, with a vest-style harness that keeps bottles and snacks on your chest and a detachable belt with zip stretch-mesh pockets. The G4-20 42 is Gossamer Gear's frameless classic for walkers, with a sit pad for back structure, a fixed hipbelt with pockets, and a bit more room.
Both are frameless, both use Robic, and both carry the same one-year, US-only warranty, so load comfort and fit settle the rest. The G4-20 is comfortable to about 25 lb with a 30 lb ceiling, five pounds more on each figure than the Fast Kumo. It also comes in three torso sizes starting at 11.5 in, against the Fast Kumo's two overlapping sizes spanning 14 to 23 in, which matters most for short-torsoed hikers. A bear canister fits the G4-20, though Gossamer Gear suggests strapping it on top, and only 30 L of its 42 L sits in the main bag.
The Fast Kumo saves $15 and 0.3 lb, but those savings only count if you'll use the vest.
Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36
For fastpackers and trail runners who want bottles and snacks on the harness and keep total weight near 20 lb.
Gossamer Gear G4-20 42
Best if you walk rather than run, carry closer to 25 lb, or have a short torso that the Small size, starting at 11.5 in, fits.
| Spec | Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 | Gossamer Gear G4-20 42 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $190 | $205 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Frameless |
| Capacity | 36 L | 42 L |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs | 1.6 lbs |
| Max Load | 25 lbs (20 lbs for comfort) | 30 lbs (25 lbs for comfort) |
| Torso Fit | S/M 14-20 in / M/L 16-23 in | S 11.5-15.5 in / M 15.5-19.5 in / L 19.5-23.5 in |
| Material | 70D and 100D Robic | 70D and 100D recycled Robic, PFAS-free |
| Back Panel | Frameless with sit pad | Frameless with removable sit pad |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | Yes |
| Warranty | One year against manufacturing defects, US purchasers | One year against manufacturing defects, US purchasers |
Pros & cons
Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36
- ✓The vest harness puts bottles and snacks within reach while moving.
- ✓Zip stretch-mesh pockets on the detachable belt.
- ✓$190 is cheap for a fastpack this size.
- ✓Two overlapping torso sizes span 14 to 23 in.
- ✗Comfort tops out around 20 lb.
- ✗Robic is heavier than the laminate used on comparably priced HMG packs.
- ✗No frame.
- ✗Short warranty for US buyers only.
Gossamer Gear G4-20 42
- ✓$205 is low for a cottage-brand pack in recycled Robic.
- ✓Three torso sizes, starting as short as 11.5 in.
- ✓The sit pad doubles as back padding and a camp seat.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets on a fixed belt.
- ✓A 30 lb maximum is above most frameless packs.
- ✓PFAS-free fabric.
- ✗Warranty is one year and US-only.
- ✗Only 30 of the 42 L are in the main bag.
- ✗A bear canister fits, but Gossamer Gear suggests strapping it on top.
- ✗Comfort tops out around 25 lb.
Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 vs Gossamer Gear G4-20 42: common questions
Can I run in the G4-20 42 instead of buying the Fast Kumo 36?▾
You can, but its standard shoulder straps won't keep bottles and snacks at hand like the Fast Kumo's vest harness. The G4-20 suits walking pace better, where its higher comfort range and three torso sizes count for more.
Which of these two carries a bear canister?▾
The G4-20 42 will take one, though Gossamer Gear suggests strapping it on top rather than inside. Gossamer Gear makes no canister claim for the Fast Kumo, so on trips where canisters are required it's the wrong pack.