Backside Line
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is considered one of our favourite ultralight backpacks for thru-hiking. It delivers an distinctive mixture of carrying consolation, sensible options, and light-weight but sturdy development.
Throughout intensive area testing on the PCT and CDT, we had been impressed by the Mariposa’s potential to comfortably deal with masses as much as 30 kilos whereas sustaining glorious stability. The thoughtfully engineered suspension system, that includes an aluminum body, load lifters, and soft padding, successfully transfers weight to the hips for all-day consolation.
With a sensible format that features a cavernous entrance pocket, numerous facet pockets, and beneficiant hipbelt storage, gear group is a breeze. The notable trade-offs are the pack’s restricted water resistance and the not-so-durable mesh on the entrance pocket.
For ounce-counting lovers in search of a feature-rich, comfort-focused pack at an affordable weight, the Mariposa 60 delivers excellent worth.
For extra evaluations of our favourite ultralight backpacks, see our full ultralight backpack gear information.
Fast Specs
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60
Most Snug Ultralight Backpack
CleverHiker Score:
4.7/5.0
Worth:
$315
Weight:
2 lb. 2.2 oz.(medium)
Quantity:
60 L
Max Weight Rec.:
35 lbs
Execs
- Snug
- Fast closure
- Good group
- Handy SitLight pad included
Cons
- Not water resistant
- Cloth is not probably the most sturdy
consolation
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 delivers distinctive consolation for an ultralight backpack able to hauling severe masses. A key characteristic is the closely padded shoulder straps and hip belt that present ample cushioning below load. Throughout our area testing on multi-day journeys, we discovered the padding successfully dealt with about 30 kilos and averted aggravating typical stress factors.
The Mariposa’s superior suspension system is vital to its carrying consolation. The aluminum body and load-lifter straps work collectively to steadiness the pack’s weight, transferring the load to the hips and preserving it secure in opposition to the physique.
The detachable foam again panel promotes airflow between the pack and your again, lowering sweat buildup. This panel additionally doubles as a handy sit pad. With its dialed-in ergonomics and premium padding, the Mariposa 60 presents reliable consolation from trailhead to summit and again once more.
Performance
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 delivers high-performance performance by means of thoughtfully engineered options. Unique to Gossamer Gear are the pack’s fold-top enclosure, redesigned trekking pole holders, and a detachable again panel that doubles as a sit pad. Hikers have a tendency to like or hate the distinctive fold-top enclosure. It takes some getting used to, however it presents a distinct strategy over the normal roll-top.
The Mariposa gives a number of storage choices and ample capability for gear group. The entrance pocket is big and really stretchy, simply accommodating cumbersome gadgets like rain gear or a tent fly. The pack options three facet pockets—an easy-to-reach water bottle pocket, a better “avocado” pocket, and a tall pocket on the other facet that’s good for tents or tent poles.
The beneficiant hipbelt pockets conveniently retailer each day gadgets like snacks, sunblock, sun shades, or a smartphone. The Mariposa 60 additionally incorporates an ice axe loop for snowy mountain treks. The load lifters assist shift weight in the direction of the physique and stabilize the pack.
Water Resistance
Whereas the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 excels in lots of areas, water resistance shouldn’t be its strongest swimsuit. Throughout our intensive water publicity take a look at, we noticed vital water penetration alongside the again panel and sides of the pack.
The first material, a light-weight recycled robic nylon, prioritizes consolation and weight financial savings over strong water repellency. Whereas this design alternative aligns with the preferences of many ultralight lovers, it necessitates utilizing a pack liner or cowl to guard gear in moist situations.
On a constructive notice, the pack’s facet pockets incorporate drainage holes to forestall water from pooling, a considerate characteristic to maintain you from carrying undesirable water weight.
Finally, prioritizing weight and luxury over superior water resistance displays Gossamer Gear’s dedication to ultralight design ideas. For adventurers who worth the Mariposa’s consolation and group, utilizing a pack liner or cowl is a straightforward answer in moist situations.
Building
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa achieves a powerful steadiness of light-weight development and sensible sturdiness. With a weight-to-capacity ratio of simply 0.5 ounces per liter, it’s lighter (for the dimensions) and extra sturdy than its sibling, the Gorilla.
After hundreds of miles of testing on the PCT and CDT, the Mariposa lastly started to indicate some put on however no catastrophic failures. To scale back weight, Gossamer Gear strategically reinforces high-wear areas like the underside panel with sturdy 210 denier robic nylon whereas using lighter 100D robic nylon for the remainder of the pack. Nonetheless, it must be handled lovingly like another ultralight gear.
Whereas the Mariposa 60 might not match the general sturdiness of heavier, extra robustly constructed packs, it strikes a considerate steadiness that caters to the priorities of ultralight lovers. The first weak level we noticed was the vulnerability of the stretchy mesh entrance pocket, which, though extremely helpful for storing gear, proved vulnerable to snagging and tearing.
Ought to You Purchase the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Ultralight Backpack?
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is a superb alternative for thru-hikers or ultralight newcomers who worth carrying consolation, intelligent group, and weight financial savings. In case your multi-day adventures contain masses round 30 kilos and also you prioritize an intelligently designed, feature-rich pack, the Mariposa 60 is properly price contemplating.
The Mariposa excels at distributing weight comfortably with the aluminum body and padded shoulder straps. The considerate format, together with well-placed pockets and ample storage, streamlines gear administration. Whereas it is probably not probably the most water resistant or ultra-durable pack obtainable, it balances weight and sturdiness surprisingly properly.
We wouldn’t name it a funds possibility, however the Mariposa feels fair-priced, particularly contemplating its high quality and innovativeness. If its strengths align along with your wants and also you’re prepared to make use of a pack liner in moist situations, the Mariposa may very well be your supreme path companion.
What Different Ultralight Backpacks Ought to You Take into account?
Don’t pull the set off on this pack till you try the remainder of our favourite ultralight packs! Listed below are some choices much like the Mariposa:
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Overview: The sibling to the Mariposa is the Gorilla 50. In fact that includes the identical Gossamer Gear Particular designs, it’s smaller, lighter, and is perhaps a greater match for the extra dialed-in ultralight hiker.
ULA Circuit Overview: When you by no means wish to fear about working out of area, the ULA Circuit gives a whopping 68 liters of capability and carries fairly comfortably. It is without doubt one of the hottest packs of the PCT.
REI Flash Air 50 Overview: The Flash Air 50 is a superb crossover pack for individuals hesitant to dive into Gossamer Gear’s ultralight mentality. It encompasses a sturdy hipbelt and suspension system much like extra conventional packs however the remaining is designed like an ultralight pack.
