The G4-20 42l is Gossamer Gear's frameless take on a 42-liter multi-day pack, weighing 660 g and rated to carry up to 13 kg. Frameless construction keeps weight down but shifts more load onto your hips and shoulders, so it rewards a genuinely light base weight rather than heavy food and water carries. The webbing hip belt (unpadded, non-removable) still carries built-in pockets for quick-access snacks or a phone, and side loops let you strap trekking poles on when hands are free.
Volume comes from a 30 L main body plus roughly 12 L of external mesh and pocket space, accessed through a roll-top closure that seals out light rain and compresses as supplies run down. The shell uses recycled Robic nylon in 70D and 100D deniers with a PFC-free DWR finish, a reasonable balance of abrasion resistance and weight. Sized for torsos 29-60 cm and hip belts 64-127 cm across three fixed lengths, it suits hikers on multi-day treks who have already dialed in their gear list and don't need a padded suspension system.
Specifications
Color
Gray
Main Compartment Volume
30 l (7.93 gal)
External Pockets Volume
12 l (3.17 gal)
Total Volume
42 l (11.10 gal)
Weight
660 g (1.46 lb)
Maximum Load Capacity
13 kg (28.66 lb)
Back System Type
Foam padding
Frame Type
Frameless
Torso Size Range
29 - 60 cm (11.4 - 2.0 ft)
Hip Belt Size Range
64 - 127 cm (2.1 - 4.2 ft)
Shoulder Strap Type
Standard padded
Gender-Specific Fit
Unisex
Main Fabric
Recycled Robic Nylon 70D & 100D
Fabric Type
Nylon
Water Resistance
Water-resistant (DWR)
DWR Coating
PFC-free DWR
Main Compartment Access
Roll-top
Front Pocket Type
Stretch mesh
Side Pocket Count
2
Side Pocket Type
Stretch mesh
Hip Belt Pockets
✓
Trekking Pole Attachment
Side loops
Hydration Compatible
✓
Intended Use
Multi-day trekking, Thru-hiking/Ultralight
Recommended Trip Length
Multi-day (3-5 nights)
Recycled Materials
✓
PFC/PFAS Free
✓
Volume/Weight Ratio f(x)
63.6 l/kg
Weight per Liter f(x)
15.7 g/l
Pack Style
Ultralight pack
Hip Belt Type
Webbing only
Rolltop Closure
✓
Where to buy
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Category context Hiking Backpacks (407 products)
Weight
Standard weight· mainstream zone 574–1283 g· ranked 40 of 130
660 g
33 g 6050 g
Total volume
Standard size· mainstream zone 38–60 l· ranked 267 of 407