The Best Deals on Camping, Backpacking and Outdoor Gear [July 2025]
We love ultralight backpacking here at Terradrift. In fact, it’s the only backpacking we ever want to do. But finding the perfect ultralight backpack can be tricky. So we tested out the new Gossamer Gear Skala 38 to see how it performed, what features were valuable (or not) and whether we’d carry it again.
Spoilers: while this pack is super sleek, it suffers from some major design issues, especially if you’re not an “average” size. Let’s dive in.
About the Gossamer Gear Skala 38
First things first: this is hardly the first Gossamer Gear backpack available from the brand. In fact, Alisha has carried the Gorilla 50 on too many tris to mention and has always been a fan. The Skala 38, however, is advertised as the perfect bag for “Type 2 fun” (which just happens to be our favorite kind of fun). That means it’s built for rough handling, big adventures, and there’s no babying the pack required (supposedly).
At 38 liters, it’s designed for either big day hikes (the kind where lots of gear and/or layers are required) or ultralight multi-day backpacking trips. The max carry capacity is about 20 pounds; we tested it on a multi-day trip when fully loaded with food and water it weighed in around 16 pounds.
- Weight: 20.4 oz / 578 g
- Size: One-size (best fits torso lengths between 18″ – 21″)
- Capacity: 38L (including pockets)
- Price: $225
Features
- Roll-top closure can be fastened in a loop at the top or via removable compression straps at the sides
- Lightrek Bungee attachment
- Large stretch mesh pocket on the front of the pack
- Two water bottle pockets with a cinch bungee
- Front zipper pocket for accessories
- Cushioned shoulder straps with perforated foam
- Removable Sitlight Pad; can be replaced with a 19” Airflow Pad
- Front and back reflective components
- Interior hanging loop and tube routing for a reservoir
- Sternum strap with a safety whistle
- Built-in stretch mesh pockets on both shoulder straps
- Trekking pole attachment system and ice axe loop
- Webbing thumb loops on shoulder strap adjustment webbing
- Tie-on points for extra compression and gear customization
- Top carry handle
- Single top compression strap
Review
Features are cool, but when it comes down to it, it’s how they perform in the wild that really matters. Here’s what we think of everything that makes this pack tick.
Materials
Why is Gossamer Gear offering even more shiny new packs when they already have so many? This line in particular is designed for type 2 fun (the kind where you’re slightly miserable but kinda love it). Meaning rougher trails and harder adventures. Meaning the pack is designed to stand up to more tree branches, granite boulders, slides down scree-covered hills, you name it.
So the materials are more durable than many of their other packs. It’s made of a Riptide Ripstop 100D made of recycled Robic nylon (that only comes in one color). Indeed, there are more beefy and feel more durable than the Gossamer Gear Gorilla or daypacks like the Loris.
That said, when compared to packs like the Zpacks Nero, Hyperlite Unbound, or Symbiosis Aspen, I found this pack fell kinda flat in the durability department. Sure, it’s made of more robust stuff than Gossamer Gear has used in the past, but it’s still not as bomb-proof as Dyneema or X-pac materials. That said, not everyone needs that (or has the budget for it). If you’re more of a weekend warrior who backpacks a couple times a year than a thru-hiker, the Skala should be more than durable enough for years of adventure.
Pack Weight & Fit
While the Gossamer Gear Skala isn’t the lightest ultralight backpack we’ve ever tested (that honor goes to the Zpacks Nero), it’s definitely a top contender. At only 1 lb 4 oz, it’s no slouch in the UL department. As such, it provides a pretty solid base for carrying up to 25 lbs (but GG recommends no more than 20 for max comfort).
As for sizing and fit, Gossamer Gear says the Skala is one-size-fits-all. But full disclosure: I tested this pack instead of Alisha because it was too big for her. As in, the sternum strap at its highest setting sat way too far down on her chest to be usable (her torso size is about 17″). In fact, even I had to wear the sternum strap at its highest setting and I’m a more average height (5’6″, 18″ torso). So when Gossamer Gear says it’s one-size-fits-all, particularly small or particularly large folks aren’t included since the comfort range starts at an 18″ torso and maxes out at a 21″ torso. We’ve never tested a pack that had such a limited size range, which was disappointing, frankly.
Also, the padded shoulder straps ended right at mid-chest level on me. So if you’re much taller or larger than I am, the straps may very well fit awkwardly short, which could also make the shoulder strap pockets inaccessible.
Storage & Access
But let’s talk about packing the bag, what fits inside, and where to put everything. Capacity-wise, the interior is a slim 30L with an extra 8L thanks to external pockets. So it’s best suited for fast and light adventures, short weekend trips, or ambitious day hikes. It won’t likely be roomy enough for longer expeditions (unless you’re an extreme summer ultralighter) or in winter when bulkier backpacking gear is required.
The main top-down compartment is accessible via a roll-top closure that has both removable side clips/compression straps and a single top compression strap that allows you to either expand the top a bit to cram in a few more items or lash something lightweight on top. The strap is fairly short compared to other backpacks with this feature, so don’t expect to squeeze super bulky gear under there (like a bear canister) if the pack is pretty full. A folding foam sleep pad does fit nicely and stayed put when hiking.
There’s a large front pocket made out of durable stretch mesh that’s great for snacks or wet gear and two side water bottle pockets. The bottle pockets are overall disappointing. Large bottles like a 32 oz Nalgene barely fit (one Smart Water bottles fits fine). What’s more, the pockets are high and deep, so they are next to impossible to access while hiking. I had to have Alisha grab a bottle for me every time I was thirsty, which is annoying. So I’d recommend using smaller bottles or the One Bottle Hydration system we reviewed. Why not a hydration reservoir? While there is a hangar inside the pack and routing for a hose, there’s no dedicated pocket for a bladder so it’s not very separate or protected from the rest of your gear.
Finally, there’s a small zipper pocket on the front top panel, which is great for stashing essentials like a wallet, small first aid kit or headlamp for quick access.
Comfort
Alisha and I had differing opinions on the comfort of this pack, though to be fair it’s not designed for her smaller body (5’3″). I found it pretty comfortable to carry, though. The sternum strap slides on a rail system, which makes it easy to adjust depending on how the pack fits your torso. I wish all packs had a sliding rail system like this.
The shoulder straps are padded–if not a smidge stiff right out of the box–and the back panel has a removable foam pad that doubles as the frame system and a sit pad. It adds minimal structure and some breathability thanks to perforated holes. That said, it’s still foam, so don’t expect to stay sweat-free.
The hip belt is minimal but comfortable too. It’s more mesh than padding, but that’s all you need when carrying a bag this light. It is removable, though, and attaches with a single clip, which makes it easy to take on and off. The pockets are small but usable—good for bars, gels, or tiny essentials like lip balm or sunscreen. With my pack weight, I barely had to tighten it–it mainly served as a stabilizer. Still, it stayed comfortable the whole time.
External Features
In addition to pockets on the outside of the bag there are a number of attachment points and other features, including trekking pole loops, bungee cords for lashing said poles, an ice ax loop, and side compression cords. That said, you can’t easily lash anything to the bottom of the pack. If you need to strap gear externally, it’ll have to go on the top.
This is a bit annoying because I almost always prefer to lash a folding foam pad to the bottom of the pack as opposed to the top where it can obstruct my peripheral vision and get in the way of photos. This might be a personal preference, but since its unlikely I’m the only one who has it, it’s worth mentioning.
How It’s Sustainable
When it comes to sustainability, the Gossamer Gear Skala 38 is no slouch. It’s PFAS-free, made of recycled materials, and is from a U.S.-based brand (Austin, TX).
Bottom Line: Gossamer Gear Skala
Frankly, the Gorilla is still our favorite backpacking pack from Gossamer Gear. It’s comfortable, feature-rich, well-designed, and a pleasure to carry. It has bigger water bottle pockets, better sizing flexibility, and overall more functionality—though it’s slightly less durable than this pack. In our opinion, Gossamer Gear backpack strap comfort and design has taken a hit lately (even in many of the daypacks).
That said, the Skala 38 is sleek AF, looks pretty sweet, and if you’re at least an average-sized human, The Skala 38 is a more durable, robust and sleek option for ultralight backpackers despite the poorly-designed pockets and lack of sizing inclusivity.
So would I recommend the Skala 38? Yes. And no.
If you’re an average-sized human who packs ultralight for weekend trips or shorter and doesn’t mind using a hydration hose, this is a great option—especially if you’re into type 2 fun and need a pack that can take some use and abuse. For much smaller and larger backpackers, there are better options out there with far more fit flexibility and functional adjustments. If that’s you, check out our review of the LiteAF Curve backpack and Symbiosis Gear Aspen.
Looking for more ultralight backpacking gear reviews? Check out our review of the Gossamer Gear The One ultralight tent and Durston X-Mid 2 tent!
If you prefer to watch instead of read check out this breakdown on YouTube.
