Gossamer Gear Mariposa Backpack In-depth Review
A Comfortable, Lightweight Pack for Long Carries and Thru-hikes
July 16th, 2024
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Our verdict
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa is an excellent lightweight backpacking backpack for thru-hiking. Although the bestselling Mariposa qualifies as an ultralight pack, it offers backpackers all the utility, comfort, volume, and durability of a heavier, traditional pack at a fraction of the weight. Its intuitive, easy-to-use design and extra padding tipped it ahead of other backpacks in its weight class as the winner of Best for Thru-Hiking in our Best Lightweight Backpacking Backpacks guide. The Mariposa is a multi-year bestseller for a reason with years of data and thousands of happy thru-hikers.
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa has long been a favorite of long-distance hikers. The annual PCT survey reports that it has been one of the top five most popular packs for Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) hikers for the last three years, with a greater than 90% satisfaction rate.
Professional and customer reviewers find that despite its two-pound weight, it can carry up to 35 pounds, which is a good weight range for most thru-hikes. The Mariposa is a bestselling favorite backpacking backpack loved by customers and professional reviewers alike.
The Mariposa has 60 L of capacity, which is more than enough volume for multi-day adventures, including the longest carries in the Sierra on the Pacific Crest Trail, 100-mile wilderness on the Appalachian Trail, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness on the Continental Divide Trail.
Backpackers especially liked its large, easy-to-access pockets that are free of common failure points like zippers or pull-ties. We think the Mariposa is an excellent choice for a first thru-hiking backpack as it is intuitive to use, easy to organize, lightweight, and well-padded so you can spend more time focusing on the trail and less time worrying about your gear.
Specs
Capacity: 60L
Weight: 1.9 lbs
Max load: 40 pounds
Materials: 100 & 200 denier Robic high-tensile strength nylon
Max Recommended Weight:
Main Body Pockets: 1 large front pocket
Water Bottle Pockets: 2 (each holds 2 Smart Water bottles)
Hip Belt Pockets: 2 zippered
Shoulder Strap Pockets:
Shoulder Harness:
Load Lifters: Yes
Compression System. Yes
Roll Top Closure: Yes
Gender: Unisex
Ice Axe/Trekking Pole Attachment Point: Yes
Bear Canister Capability:
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What we liked
A favorite feature of the Mariposa is the left side pocket (visible in this photo). It can fit a two-person tent or other items you may want to store on the outside of your pack. Photo by Liz Thomas.
Lightweight for the volume of pack
Durable against abrasion
Comfortable with generous amounts of padding
Innovative 3-pocket system works well for storing tent poles or longer items
Large, easy to access hipbelt pockets and side pockets
Excellent stretchy mesh is durable
What we didn't like:
Suspension capabilities could be better
Load lifters aren't in the best spot to maximize comfort
Comparison table
| BACKPACKING BACKPACK | MSRP | VOLUME (L) | MATERIALS | WEIGHT (LBS) | MAX LOAD (LBS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 | $315 | 60 | 100 & 200 denier Robic high-tensil strength nylon | 2.0 | 35 |
| Six Moon Designs Swift X | $375 | 56 | LiteSkin LS21 or EPX 200 | 2.4 | 35 |
| Granite Gear Crown3 60 (men's) | $240 | 60 | Robic High-tenacity nylon (100D and 210D) with Barrier DWR | 2.4 | 35 |
| Granite Gear Crown3 60 (women's) | $240 | 60 | Robic High-tenacity nylon (100D and 210D) with Barrier DWR | 2.4 | 35 |
| Zpacks Arc Haul 60L | $400 | 60 | Ultra 100, Ultra 200, mesh, 3D spacer mesh | 1.3 | 40 |
Fit and Suspension
The Mariposa is secure and balanced for when you travel on uneven ground. Photo by Liz Thomas
The Mariposa is a unisex pack that comes in three torso sizes (encompassing 17.25” to 23.5”) and three hip belt sizes (encompassing 22” to 50”) to accommodate a variety of body sizes.
Its suspension system is designed to carry up to 35-pound loads. The following are the key elements of the Mariposa’s fit and suspension system:
Hip Belt
Wider than found on most lightweight packs, the Mariposa's belt is well cushioned for a snug and secure fit. It's sized separately from the pack in order to customize the fit. The hip belts are sized as follows: Small (22”-32”), Medium (28”-45”), and Large (32”-50”). The Mariposa comes with a Medium hip belt; the Small and Large sizes are sold separately.
Frame
The newly redesigned Mariposa has PVT Frame system with closed-shape aluminum that has rigidity and strength for heavier loads. It is curved to the contour the back.
The Mariposa integrates the frame stay into the pocket of the pivot belt to improve weight transfer to your hips. The pack also comes with a removable sit pad to provide a cushion for your back. You also have the ability to upgrade to an Air Flow SitLight Camp Seat or replace your sit pad should you accidentally sit somewhere you wish you hadn’t.
Shoulder Straps
We found the Mariposa’s shoulder straps to be wider and more comfortable than most of the packs we considered. The unisex straps are 3” wide and extremely cushioned. Unlike many two-pound packs, it has integrated load lifters to customize the fit, as well as a sternum strap with an integrated whistle.
While we wish it had integrated mesh phone pockets like that found on Gossamer Gear’s Vagabond daypack and Kumo 36 Backpack, the Mariposa has the ability to add shoulder strap pockets. We further discuss how to fine tune your fit in our story on How to Choose a Backpacking Backpacks.
Features
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa on the Sierra High Route. Photo by Liz Thomas
Updates in the newest version
The newest version of the Mariposa has been redesigned. In addition to a new frame, it has load lifters in a different position for a more comfortable carry, especially with heavier loads. The position of the load lifters was one of our issues with the previous version of the Mariposa, we're happy to see the change.
There are more options for hipbelt as well, including straight and curved fits. This helps with weight transfer and to reduce chafing. We didn't have any issues with the old hipbelt in our testing, but having options is always a great thing to accommodate more shapes and sizes of bodies outdoors. The small/medium automatically comes with the curved belt, although you can transfer to get a the straight or curved hipbelt, if needed.
Material and durability
The newest version uses a PFAS-free durable 100D and 210 D recycled Robic nylon. We were very impressed by what the old Robic could take, including sliding down granite slabs on the Sierra High Route and on other high routes. We're thrilled for the new recycled PFAS-free fabric.
Removable Sit Pad
A removable sit pad comes with the pack and is used as part of the pack’s frame. We’re noting it again because we really like this dual-use item. The sit pad is easy to take out and put back into the frame during breaks on backpacking trips — and you can use it as an additional sleeping pad at night. If you don’t like the standard sit pad, you can upgrade to the Air Flow sit pad.
Large Mesh Front Pocket
The Mariposa has trekking pole and ice axe attachment loops on the bottom. The stretchy mesh can fit many items you may want to easily access throughout the day, like snacks. Photo by Liz Thomas
Gossamer Gear’s mesh is considered among the stretchiest in the pack industry, which is useful when you need to temporarily accommodate a lot of gear on the outside of your bag, or you need to store wet gear separate from your dry items (such as when packing out a wet tent). A good mesh front pocket is essential for items you want to access without opening your bag, like rain gear, maps, or lunch.
Side Pockets
The Mariposa has three side pockets. On the right side is a water bottle pocket, big enough for two 1L bottles. Above the water bottle pocket is an 8” wide x 10” tall pocket, where some people keep their cookware or other items that are voluminous but lightweight. On the left side is an 8” wide x 16” tall pocket that would be great for a small tent (we were able to fit a Zpacks Duplex tent without its stuff sack into this pocket).
A minor issue is that there is not a great place to hold a full-size umbrella (popular with many hikers for sun and rain protection). The umbrella will fit in the large side pocket, but there is no side compression strap or cord to secure items that stick out above the pocket.
Hip belt pockets
Treeline reader Roger Carpenter thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail in the Gossamer Gear Mariposa. Photo courtesy Roger Carpenter.
Larger than on other lightweight packs we considered, the pockets are integrated right into the hip belt. Integrated sewn-in pockets are beneficial because they won't slide or fall off should a plastic attachment come loose, as can happen with optional pocket attachments. Large pockets are also a huge bonus when backpacking, as you can access your phone, GPS, camera, snacks, or maps without having to stop and remove your pack.
Over the top closure system
The Mariposa on the Sierra High Route with a hydration system in the right water bottle pocket and rain gear (yellow) in the mesh pocket. Photo by Liz Thomas
The Mariposa’s top closure system securely covers the pack’s main compartment and has a zippered pocket. The zippered pocket on top makes it easy to access items like a first-aid kit, where you always want to know where it is, but also want it out of the way most of the time.
Trekking pole and ice axe loop attachments
Your hiking poles and ice axe can be securely attached to the front of the pack.
Water bladder sleeve
There are loops to secure the drinking tube to either shoulder strap. We've fit our 3L water bladder in the sleeve with no problems, though most backpackers will opt for a 2L bladder.
Adaptability
The hip belt, frame, and sit pad (back support) can be easily removed converting the pack into a frameless pack weighing close to one pound. This is weight-wise on par with our frameless pack pick, the Mountain Laurel Designs Prophet. However, we think the Mariposa is best used as a framed backpack.
Similar Backpacking Backpacks
Hyperlite Southwest 55
Capacity: 50 L
Weight: White: 1.9, Black: 2
Max load: 40 lbs
Cost: $379
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 is an ultralight backpack with a 55L capacity and is constructed of Dyneema Composite Hybrid. The white has 50-denier Dyneema, weighs 31.7 oz, and costs $379. The black version of the 55L is constructed of the much more durable 150D Dyneema. The black 55L weighs 34.6 oz and costs $399. Pockets on the shoulder straps cost extra.
Note: Since this full guide published, we’ve also done a long-term review of the similar Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction (40 or 55L) pack. Be sure to read that full review if you are looking for another Hyperlite pack comparison.
Compare prices of the Hyperlite Southwest 55
Capacity: 60L
Weight: 1.3
Max load: 40 lbs
Cost: $400
The Zpacks Arc Haul 60 is an ultralight backpack with a 60L capacity. The Arc Haul is constructed of Ultra 200 or Robic. It weighs 21 oz, which is lighter than the Mariposa, and costs significantly more. Hip belt and shoulder strap pockets are not included.
View the Zpacks Arc Haul 60
OSPREY EXOS/EJA 55 PRO
Capacity: 58L
Weight: 2.65 lbs
Max load:
Cost: $220
The Osprey Exos 55 Pro (large) has 58 L of volume and weighs 35 oz. The Eja has 55 L of volume and weighs 33 oz. Both packs are constructed of 100D nylon and cost $290. We find the Robic material on the Mariposa to be more durable than the Exos and Eja.
The 55L volume on the Mariposa is also more generous than the Exos and Eja. In fact, in our tests (see below on a note about backpack comparisons), the Mariposa was more like 70L. The ventilation on the Eja is better. However, it isn't as customizable as the Mariposa. The Mariposa can be folded up and turned into a frameless pack but there is no way to remove the frame on the Exos and Eja.
Compare prices of the OSPREY EXOS/EJA 55 PRO
Men's
Women's
About backpacking pack comparisons
Side-by-side comparisons of backpacks can be difficult. Each manufacturer may measure volume differently (see Treeline’s backpack volume test). Also, some manufacturers do not include hip belts or shoulder pockets in their standard design. The pockets and other accessories are not included in the pack’s weight or cost.
Pack material is a critical factor in a backpack’s weight and durability. For instance, SMD’s Swift X uses 210D X-Pac, a very durable material, while Osprey’s Exos/Eja 55 Pro uses 100D nylon, which is lighter but significantly less durable.
See more backpacking backpack gear reviews in our guide to The Best Backpacking Backpacks.
Should I buy the Gossamer Gear Mariposa?
We think the Mariposa is an excellent backpacking backpack, especially for hikers who are moving away from more traditional-style backpacks and curious about lightweight and ultralight gear options. There's plenty of room and well-organized pockets on the Mariposa, so you don't have to change your entire kit to match your pack. Still, it's lightweight to help you as you transition to a lighter pack. There's a reason why the Mariposa is a favorite among thru-hikers: it's versatile, can accommodate larger carries of food, and is relatively affordable.
Why you should trust us
Mike Unger is a Double Triple Crowner — he has hiked the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail not once, but twice.
In addition, he has backpacked numerous other on-trail and off-trail routes, including the Blue Mountains Trail, Great Divide Trail, Arizona Trail, Ouachita Trail, Oregon Desert Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and Mogollon Rim Trail (twice). Over the course of his backpacking, he’s purchased and owned an embarrassingly-large number of backpacks. He has tracked and researched pack technology for the past 20 years.
Mike Unger is not and has never been a sponsored athlete, ambassador, or influencer for a backpack company.
You can read all of Mike's stories on his author page.
