Gossamer Gear G4-20 42 vs Gossamer Gear Skala 38
Quick take: The Gossamer Gear G4-20 42 costs $20 less; the Gossamer Gear G4-20 42 carries more (42 vs 38 liters); the Gossamer Gear Skala 38 is lighter (1.3 vs 1.6 lbs).
Which one to buy
Fit decides this before features do. The Skala 38 comes in one size, for an 18-21 in torso, while the G4-20 42 comes in three sizes from 11.5 to 23.5 in. If you're outside the Skala's range, the choice is made.
If you fit both, the trade is weight and closure against comfort and pockets. The Skala's complete weight is 0.3 lb under the G4-20's, and it strips down further: the body alone is 14.5 oz once you drop the Fastbelt and pad on easy days. Its roll-top adjusts to resupply size, its UHMWPE stretch mesh is tougher than nylon mesh, and it has hydration routing built in. But its belt has no pockets and its comfort fades past 20 lb.
The G4-20 is $20 cheaper, its fixed hipbelt carries pockets, and it's comfortable to about 25 lb with a 30 lb ceiling. Both put 30 L in the main bag, use Robic and carry the same one-year, US-only warranty. The G4-20 will carry a bear canister, strapped on top as Gossamer Gear suggests, which the Skala isn't sold to do. For most hikers carrying a full food carry, the G4-20 is the more forgiving pack.
Gossamer Gear G4-20 42
For hikers outside an 18-21 in torso, anyone who wants hipbelt pockets, or anyone whose loads approach 25 lb.
Gossamer Gear Skala 38
Best if your torso is 18 to 21 in, you like a roll-top, and you'll strip the belt and pad to run the 14.5 oz body on easy resupply legs.
| Spec | Gossamer Gear G4-20 42 | Gossamer Gear Skala 38 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $205 | $225 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Frameless |
| Capacity | 42 L | 38 L |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs | 1.3 lbs |
| Max Load | 30 lbs (25 lbs for comfort) | 25 lbs (20 lbs for comfort) |
| Torso Fit | S 11.5-15.5 in / M 15.5-19.5 in / L 19.5-23.5 in | One size, 18-21 in |
| Material | 70D and 100D recycled Robic, PFAS-free | Riptide Ripstop, 100D recycled Robic and UHMWPE stretch mesh |
| Back Panel | Frameless with removable sit pad | Frameless with removable foam pad |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | No |
| Warranty | One year against manufacturing defects, US purchasers | One year against manufacturing defects, US purchasers |
Pros & cons
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 Skala 38
- ✓The body alone is 14.5 oz, so stripping it down saves real weight.
- ✓Roll-top closure adapts to resupply size.
- ✓UHMWPE stretch mesh is tougher than nylon mesh.
- ✓Hydration loop and tube routing built in.
- ✗The Fastbelt has no pockets.
- ✗One torso size only.
- ✗Comfort fades past 20 lb.
- ✗No frame or ventilation.
- ✗One-year warranty limited to US buyers.
Gossamer Gear G4-20 42 vs Gossamer Gear Skala 38: common questions
Is the Skala 38 worth $20 more than the G4-20 42?▾
Only if you'll use what it adds: a roll-top, tougher UHMWPE mesh, built-in hydration routing and a body that strips to 14.5 oz. You give up hipbelt pockets and 5 lb of comfortable carrying range.
Which one suits a short torso?▾
The G4-20 42, whose Small size covers 11.5 to 15.5 in. The Skala 38 is one size for 18 to 21 in torsos, so shorter hikers have no option in it at all.