While hiking the scenic Colorado Trail, I had an unexpected encounter with a fellow adventurer who went by the trail name 'Papa'. His eyes lit up as he recognized the pack I was carrying. 'Is that the Gossamer Gear Mariposa?' he asked, prompting an enthusiastic exchange about gear. As I adjusted the load lifters to demonstrate my setup, it became evident that this backpack had impressed more than just me.
Papa expressed a common concern: 'I'm scared to have a 60L pack because I might be tempted to fill it up.' It's a sentiment many hikers can relate to. A large, packed backpack can quickly become cumbersome over long distances. Yet, I found the opposite to be true with the Mariposa. With its light weight, I felt comfortable adding extra gear, including a Goal Zero solar panel to keep my electronics charged, without being weighed down.
Over several weeks and miles on the trail, I've put the Gossamer Mariposa 60 Backpack to the test. This lightweight, versatile pack is particularly well-suited for long-distance hikes. Weighing in at 38 ounces, this 60L pack can be stripped down to an astonishing weight of under 20 ounces, a rarity for its size.
To summarize: the Mariposa 60 Backpack, priced at $315, is built for multi-day excursions. With a base weight of just 2 pounds, 6 ounces, it can be pared down to a mere 19.2 ounces—making it a prime contender for week-long adventures and thru-hiking. The pack features Gossamer's PVT frame system and an S-curve harness with load lifters, ensuring that even heavier loads can be comfortably transported over the long haul.
When comparing the Mariposa 60 to other options on the market, its benefits become clear. It holds a solid rating from GearJunkie, reflecting aspects like weight, comfort, organizational features, and durability, which each received ratings around 7 to 8 out of 10.
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 $285 at Garage Grown Gear
For further context on its ratings, the Mariposa boasts a variety of specifications. It can fit a BV500 bear canister vertically and is available in small, medium, and large sizes. With an aluminum hoop frame and a removable hip belt including various shaped options, this backpack combines adaptability with style. Additional storage features include two zippered hipbelt pockets, three side pockets, and a front mesh shove-it pocket, providing ample organization for essentials.
Prospective users will appreciate the durable Robic nylon construction, which balances weight and resilience. The organizational advantages of the Mariposa are indeed commendable. However, challenges arise, particularly with the top pocket's accessibility once the pack is fully loaded and limited ventilation during active use.
After extensive use, I've discovered that the pack manages a comfortable carry for weights between 30 to 40 pounds. The uncomplicated main compartment, while minimalistic, is complemented by five external pockets that make it easy to pack efficiently. Though I’ve pushed it to nearly 40 pounds, I would caution against exceeding that limit, as comfort levels wane beyond that threshold.
In essence, this backpack takes its name from butterflies known for their endurance, symbolizing the lightweight and long-distance legacy it promotes. The Mariposa backpack is crafted from recycled Robic nylon, making it a sustainable choice without sacrificing durability. I've noticed many other hikers using this pack, which speaks volumes about its reputation on the trails.
Additionally, the specific tube pocket for tents pairs seamlessly with Gossamer’s trekking pole tent, allowing for easy packing whether using a stuff sack or not. The other side pockets are functional for bottle storage or smaller essentials like sunscreen and bug spray.
As my journey continues on the trails, the Gossamer Mariposa 60L backpack remains a reliable companion, symbolizing a blend of lightweight efficiency and versatile design that both novice and experienced hikers can appreciate.