OK I am considering making a G4 Pack. I am intrigued bye its light weight. OK, Is it still a very viable option as a pack for a Thru Hiker on the AT/ Will it truley handle a load of 25 to 30 pounds. I need your feedback! Let me know please. Thanks Kent

I have a G4 (not home-made) and have used it on two CT thru-hike and loaded it up to around 25lbs without any problems. It could probably handle 30lbs pretty easily; but I probably wouldn't want to do a long-distance hike carrying 30lbs constantly with this pack, but like always, YMMV.

It's my go-to pack. I use the storage in the straps and hip belt...no foam...for socks/etc. Mine's the older GPV4 but I'd buy another in a heartbeat. The big net pockets make the pack. Mine shows no wear yet I use it often.

Thanks people , I am ordering a kit to make one from Quest outfitters today. I appreciate the feedback. My Mountainsmith Cross country carried well , but if I can lose three pounds pack weight, why not. Now if I could just scrape up the dough for a WM feather light bag.

I just finished making one and am still in the process of figuring out the best way to pack it. There is a lot of room in the G-4.

There are a few potential glitches in the sewing process; the directions are not always clear. You can easily wind up with the lashing loops inside the pockets if you are not careful; I caught it just in time on mine. PM me if you think I might be able to help.

Personally, I don't think there is enough of a weight savings to use silnylon for the body rather than the more durable PU-coated, 1.8 oz nylon. I did, however, make the extension collar out of the 1.3 oz silnylon.

I didn't like the Velcro roll-top closure so I used a strap over the top with just the drawstring. I sewed the strap between the shoulder straps on the front of the pack and just above the top of the center back pocket. You might want to consider this as a modification. IMO this works better than the design that comes with the directions. You can also put wet socks under the strap to dry en-route.

Pika, if it helps, the way I like to pack mine is with only the pad (rolled around the edge as opposed to inserted in the pocket), bag, clothing stuff sack and food inside the main compartment. Everything else goes in the mesh pockets. By putting a water bottle on each side pocket the wight winds up distributing nicely for me. YMMV

Pika ., I received my G4 kit from Quest about 5 days ago. You are right instuctions are not the best. However I wanted the pattern as well to make several for my son and his girlfriend etc. I may use silnylon on one or two as I have allot left over from my tent project. I do not need that many stuff sacks. Keep me posted about your load testing. I just figured out my Mountain Smith !