Skala 38

Description

Rikkar Specs

The listed 20.4 oz / 578 g weight includes the pack, Fastbelt, and SitLight pad. The pack body alone weighs 14.5 oz / 411 g, so your final carried weight will depend on how you configure the pack.

Key Features

• 38 L total capacity for compact backpacking kits
• Roll-top main compartment for adjustable capacity and easy access
• Removable Fastbelt for additional support or weight savings
• Removable SitLight pad for back padding and use around camp
• Eight exterior pockets for accessible gear storage
• Side compression system for securing and organizing gear
• Front zippered security pocket
• Hydration reservoir and tube routing
• Trekking pole and ice axe attachment points
• Reflective details on the front and back
• 100D recycled Robic nylon construction
• Frameless design

Sizing & Configuration

The Skala 38 is offered in one size and is designed for approximately 18–21 inch torsos.

One of the advantages of the Skala is how easily it can be configured around your gear and preferred carry weight. The Fastbelt and SitLight pad are both removable, allowing you to reduce weight or adjust the pack to your needs.

The complete pack weighs 20.4 ounces with both components installed, while the pack body itself weighs just 14.5 ounces.

Why We Like It

The Skala 38 makes sense for hikers who have already started paying attention to what’s actually in their backpack.

Rather than adding a heavier frame and additional structure for loads you may not need to carry, the Skala keeps things simple. The lightweight pack body, roll-top closure, extensive exterior storage, and removable components give experienced ultralight hikers plenty of flexibility without adding unnecessary weight.

We particularly like the eight exterior pockets. A frameless pack works best when the gear inside is organized and accessible, and having plenty of external storage makes it easier to keep frequently used items within reach instead of constantly opening the main compartment.

What Is the Skala 38 Best For?

The Skala 38 is particularly well suited to overnight backpacking trips, fast weekend trips, lightweight multi-day hikes, and experienced ultralight hikers who have already reduced the weight and volume of their gear.

Its 38-liter capacity is a good fit when a traditional 50–60 liter backpack starts feeling unnecessarily large for your kit.

The roll-top closure also gives you some flexibility. You don’t have to fill the entire pack on shorter trips, while the extension collar provides additional room when you need to carry a little more.

The Tradeoff

The Skala 38 is frameless, and that’s an important part of what makes it so light.

A frameless pack isn’t designed to comfortably carry the same heavier loads as a traditional framed backpack. The Skala makes the most sense when you’ve already worked to keep your total pack weight relatively low.

The 38-liter capacity also rewards disciplined packing. If your shelter, sleeping system, clothing, or food routinely fills a larger backpack, the additional space and support of a larger framed pack may be worth the extra weight.

In other words, the Skala isn’t really a “lighter version” of a conventional backpack. It’s a pack designed around a lighter way of packing.

Rikkar Take

The Gossamer Gear Skala 38 is an excellent choice for experienced ultralight hikers who want to move away from carrying a larger pack without giving up useful storage and versatility.

At just 14.5 ounces for the pack body, it provides an impressive amount of carrying capacity for its weight. Add in the removable Fastbelt, SitLight pad, roll-top closure, and extensive exterior storage, and the Skala can be configured around a wide range of lightweight backpacking kits.

If you’ve reached the point where your 50–60 liter pack is routinely carrying more empty space than gear, the Skala 38 is exactly the kind of pack worth considering next.