you bring up a really good point enough people do not, yiu can hike the at without a shelter but barefoot is tough your shoes and pack will be on yoou for your entire journey regardless of trail and many extra miles for your shoes, around town side trails and on and on. they should be called the biggest 2 but both are also highly personal, so listen to opinions but try before you go.
Exactly good shoes are so important! They carry you and all your gear for miles and miles. Foot problems on trail are horrible and can end your adventure.
I have the GG G4-20. It is very comfortable (those shoulder straps!). But I am having trouble getting used to the frameles'ness. I just got a HMG Southwest 40. I like that it stands up on it's own. And it has a bladder holder. It also has more capacity- it is 40L inside and ~ 10L in the pockets. The GG G4-20 is sold as a 42L pack but that is combining interior capacity (30L) with the pockets (12L). The HMG shoulder straps are not as padded, and the hip belt pockets are not as large. It also does not have a zip pocket. I have to use it yet to see if it is comfortable.
I wish the HMG had more padding on the shoulder straps to make it more comfortable. I do really like my GG Mariposa for comfort. They are both great packs.
I love my Mariposa but disappointed with the 2024 upgrades. Was hoping for a more water resistant material and larger main compartment as it’s hard to get into with a bear can. Otherwise I really like how it carries. Happy trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️
