Gossamer Gear G4 pack

First question would be, do you need the volume of the G4? It is a really big pack with the pack body alone coming in at 52 liters. If you can fit your winter gear in a CDT with a pack body of around 28L, it might be too much pack for you.

As far as the side pockets, I don't find the tall side pockets necessary unless you have the pack body already maxed out and need the extra volume. I think if you prefer having water bottle side pockets, you wouldn't like the tall pockets. And carrying the water bottles on your shoulder straps is a matter or personal preference. Personally, I do not like to do that.

If I was looking for a larger volume frameless pack, I would consider the MLD Exodus. Main body is 40L and I bet Ron would be willing to make you one without a hipbelt.

The exodus is $90 more and the last 2 times I emailed Ron about a custom pack he replied that he couldn't help me out. Yes the G4 is larger then my CDT, but it also weighs less..uugh..decisions decisions. .

The G4 is a very versatile pack, especially with the new remove-able hip belt design. It's been my go-to pack for all seasons for 12 years now. It is easy to compress the pack when it's not at capacity, so I think the only issue you need to resolve is can you live with the large side pockets that preclude bottle access while hiking. If that is not a deal breaker then the pack, for the weights you described, can't be beat in terms of versatility. BTW, without a hipbelt and no sternum strap, it is very easy to slide the pack off of one shoulder, while walking, to pull a water bottle out of a side pocket…

Yes. The sides are concerning me a bit. I ordered it without the hip belt as I do not need that. So technically yes I can slide 1 side over and grab a bottle out of the side. However..not sure how awkward that would be IF I had my snow shoes attached to the back..I can also try to attach shock cord to the shoulder straps like on my CDT..and hold a small bottle there.

A friend had one on the PCT and loved it, even with 4-5L of water.

He got a hoot packing out large bags of potato chips to take up the extra space. The look on peoples faces when he pulls out a giant bag for lunch was worth a laugh.

Found this on go lite site. The hydrosprint lumbar pack. Maybe I can use this with my G4 pack? Hmmmmm..

Joe, love my G4 and use it with and without the hipbelt depending on how close I get to 20 pounds. I use an SMD Starlite when I need a bear canister, but the G4 has been my go to for awhile. It.s easy to shrink down when the load is small. I am thinking about getting a second one. My wife says turning the two large side pockets into two smaller ones on each side would be easy so we are thinking about experimenting maybe with a used one. But for me, the G4 handles my multi day trips easily as is. On the other hand, I am working on getting my gear small enough for a GG Murmur!

I used one on the JMT. Frameless, it was comfortable for anything under 20 lbs or so. At that point, anything over that seemed to go directly to the shoulder straps. Because of some extra weight that I had to carry for my sons, I fashioned a simple frame from four Z-Rest segments and 2 light fiberglass rods ([picked them up at a hardware store in Mammoth). I left MTR with the G4 weighing 33 lbs but it carried fine with the frame till it lightened over the next few days.

BJ Clark: I use the Murmur Hyperlight for my 3 season. So far I love it!! I plan on using the G4 for winter here in NY/NJ/PA area. Both packs I have do not use hip belts as my weights are very low and I do not need them. The Murmur is a sweet pack, I totally recommend.

Had the Gregory repair folks shorten the left side pocket at trail dates Damascus ( no charge,love their thru hikers support crew) to reach back for gloves or hat with out taking off pack ,that and the air beam makes the G4 almost the perfect winter or 7 plus days between resupply pack