Frameless packs

[BSquared]

My day pack even has a frame, and I love it. Maybe I've got wimpy shoulders and vertebrae, but I really, really like to have the weight on my hips rather than on my shoulders.

—B²

[trav867]

Haha now that I've decided on the G4 they're no longer in stock! Figures.

[frediver]

That sucks but simple as these paks are I might try making my own.
If you do you will have the option to select different fabrics in order to
make a more rugged bag.

[fishmonger]

I just got a G4 in the mail - planning on possibly having my kids use them this summer on the JMT, so the small size that was still available was just right.

first impression - wow - no weight. My fleece jacket weighs more.

on second thought - wow - that'll take them even longer to pack properly every mornin, and it's going to be less comfortable on their back, no matter how you look at it.

However, it is FOUR POUNDS lighter than their Kelty Coyote 4500's they used last year, which will make up for some of that discomfort due to the lack of weight transfer to the belt. We'll do some testing this spring and see how this works out. Perhaps we'll move up to the new "GG Gorilla" which has a light support frame, but still comes in at just 24oz

[frediver]

You can use short lt.wt. fiberglas rods or tent poles in the folds of the ground pad
"frame" as described in the instructions, it will help a lot.
How old are your kids, will they be careful of the pack fabric, it is a bit delicate?
IE NO leaning back or sitting on boulders with the pack on !

[fishmonger]

G4 isn't gonna work - the straps cut into the neck of my kids. Unless I cut them and trim them on the inside, there's going to be major irritation. You'd think smaller bodies would work better between those straps, but they are so darn wide that on their shoulders the inside edge of the staps rubs on their necks.

Kids are 11 - small size of the G4 is still a bit too large.

I think we won't go that route - looking at more regular style 3-pound packs now

[trav867]

Well I bought new, 1st generation Golite Jam on ebay today. 21oz, and $56 with free shipping- I think it will be a good intro to frameless packs for me. If I don't like it I can always give it to my girlfriend, who achieves astoundingly low pack weights simply by asking me to carry most of her stuff.