Gossamer Gear Skala 38 vs ULA Equipment UltraGrid Nexus
Quick take: The ULA Equipment UltraGrid Nexus costs $5.01 less; the ULA Equipment UltraGrid Nexus carries more (40 vs 38 liters).
Which one to buy
Same weight, a $5 difference and the same frameless approach, so the ULA UltraGrid Nexus wins on the things that last: a lifetime warranty against Gossamer Gear's one-year, US-only cover, four torso sizes against one, and hipbelt pockets ULA sizes for modern phones. It also has 2 L more.
Sizing alone settles it for many hikers. The Skala 38 comes in one 18-21 in size; the Nexus runs S through XL, from 15 to 24+ in. If you're short- or long-torsoed, the Skala isn't an option.
The Skala's case is narrower. Its roll-top adapts to resupply size, it has hydration routing built in, and the body strips to 14.5 oz once you drop the Fastbelt and pad, lighter than the Nexus's 18 oz stripped weight. Load comfort is close: the Skala fades past 20 lb with a 25 lb ceiling, and the Nexus carries a 25 lb comfort rating but fades quickly above it. Neither has a frame or a ventilated back, and the Nexus's Challenge UltraGrid fabric and Venom Mesh pockets are the tougher combination in brush.
Gossamer Gear Skala 38
Best if your torso is 18 to 21 in, you prefer a roll-top, and you'll strip to the 14.5 oz body on easy resupply legs.
ULA Equipment UltraGrid Nexus
For most frameless buyers, since four torso sizes, hipbelt pockets and a lifetime warranty come at $5 less.
| Spec | Gossamer Gear Skala 38 | ULA Equipment UltraGrid Nexus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $225 | $219.99 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Frameless |
| Capacity | 38 L | 40 L |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs | 1.3 lbs |
| Max Load | 25 lbs (20 lbs for comfort) | 25 lbs |
| Torso Fit | One size, 18-21 in | Sized S/M/L/XL (S 15-18, M 18-21, L 21-24, XL 24+ in) |
| Material | Riptide Ripstop, 100D recycled Robic and UHMWPE stretch mesh | Challenge UltraGrid with Venom Mesh |
| Back Panel | Frameless with removable foam pad | Frameless |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | One year against manufacturing defects, US purchasers | ULA lifetime warranty |
Pros & cons
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.
ULA Equipment UltraGrid Nexus
- ✓18 oz stripped is light for a 40 L pack with a hipbelt.
- ✓Large hipbelt pockets sized for current phones.
- ✓Challenge UltraGrid is a reinforced fabric that holds up to brush.
- ✓$219.99 is modest for a cottage frameless pack.
- ✓Venom Mesh pockets are stretchier and tougher than standard mesh.
- ✗Frameless, so comfort fades quickly above 25 lb.
- ✗Only one colour offered.
- ✗Weight varies by 3.5 oz with configuration, so listed weights need reading carefully.
- ✗No adjustable torso or ventilated back.
Gossamer Gear Skala 38 vs ULA Equipment UltraGrid Nexus: common questions
Why pick the Nexus over the Skala 38 when they weigh the same?▾
Fit and warranty. The Nexus comes in four torso sizes from 15 to 24+ in with a lifetime warranty, while the Skala is one 18-21 in size with a one-year, US-only warranty. The Nexus also has hipbelt pockets.
Which of the two strips down lighter?▾
The Skala. Its body weighs 14.5 oz without the Fastbelt and pad, while the Nexus weighs 18 oz stripped. That gap only matters if you'll run the pack stripped on easy days.