Gossamer Gear G4-40 Backpack

A weekend thru-hike pack built around a removable aluminum frame and dual aluminum stays that ride under two pounds without giving up load transfer. At 1 lb 4 oz the G4-40 is the lightest pack in this guide — light enough to vanish on fast-and-light weekends, sturdy enough to carry a full weekend of food, shelter, and sleep system. The removable aluminum frame and dual stays transfer real load to the dual-density padded belt on water carries and 30+ pound weekend kits, the 40L volume swallows a sub-two-day kit with room to spare, and the roll-top closure holds the kit close to the back on technical terrain without floppy re-fitting.