REASONS TO BUY
Durable
Comfortable
Well-designed pockets
Carries light and heavy loads well
REASONS TO AVOID
Large capacity makes it less versatile
Gossamer Gear Mariposa Review
This pack wowed us with its perfect set of features, comfortable design, and carrying capacity
Credit: Gossamer Gear
RELATED: Best Ultralight Backpack of 2023
Our Verdict
With a larger carrying capacity and a lower overall weight than many other packs in this review, plus unparalleled comfort, it was a no brainer to give the Mariposa our Editors' Choice Award. It's hard to compete with a pack that is this lightweight and comfortable and still can carry large loads. The Mariposa carries like a dream, whether it's loaded up with a few days food and supplies or half-empty on the final day of a trip, and the pockets are big enough to carry a wide range of gear, from bottles to stoves to clothing. The feature set on this pack is hard to compete with. This pack is great for any backpacker - from a seasoned thru-hiker to a newbie just starting out on their lightweight journey.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Gossamer Gear Mariposa | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  |  | | |
| Price | $285 List | $200 List | Check Price at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $221.81 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $275 List |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Durable, comfortable, well-designed pockets, carries light and heavy loads well | Simple design, inexpensive, durable | Very light, large volume, versatile compression system | Great for medium loads, inexpensive, thoughtful set of features, external storage and lashing options | Customizable, great fit, comfortable, solid feature set |
| Cons | Large capacity makes it less versatile | Foam pad falls out easily, shoulder straps lack support | No frame, poor comfort for medium loads | Heavy, less durable than others | Expensive, lacks adaptability, lots of extra straps when compressed |
| Bottom Line | This pack wowed us with its perfect set of features, comfortable design, and carrying capacity | A lightweight, simplified version of our favorite pack from this same company, making a durable, well-designed option | For the ultimate lightweight pack, this pack steals the show with its entirely frameless design and streamlined set of features | This incredible pack has tons of features, carries medium-sized loads well, and is comfortable to boot | This is a customizable, extremely comfortable, lightweight pack with a custom fit |
| Rating Categories | Gossamer Gear Mariposa | Adventure Equipment... | Granite Gear Virga 2 | Osprey Exos 48 | Chicken Tramper 35... |
| Weight-to-Volume Ratio (35%) | |||||
| Comfort to Carry (25%) | |||||
| Features (20%) | |||||
| Adaptability (10%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Gossamer Gear Mariposa | Adventure Equipment... | Granite Gear Virga 2 | Osprey Exos 48 | Chicken Tramper 35... |
| Measured Weight | 30.5 oz | 24 oz | 18.5 oz | 37.6 oz | 29.8 oz |
| Stripped Weight | 30.5 oz | 23 oz | 18.5 oz | 33.9 oz | 28.3 oz |
| Claimed Volume | 60 L | 54 L | 50-58 L | 48 L | 35 L |
| Measured Main Pack Volume | 48 L | 45 L | 41 L | 40 L | 38 L |
| Measured Volume Total (minus hip belt and shoulder strap pockets) | 64 L | 53 L | 49 L | 59 L | 38 L |
| Measured Volume Stripped (minus hip belt, shoulder pockets, and removable lids) | 59 L | 53 L | 49 L | 53 L | 38 L |
| Average Weight-to-Volume Ratio (grams/Liter) | 14 g/L | 12.8 g/L | 10 g/L | 18.9 g/L | 21.7 g/L |
| Carrying Comfort 15 pounds | Great | Great | Good | Good | Good |
| Carrying Comfort 30 pounds | Great | Poor | Poor | Great | Great |
| Frame Type | Foam pad/ removable stay | Removable foam pad | None (foam pad) | AirSpeed Suspension Frame, adjustable | Removable carbon fiber |
| Fabric | 70 & 100 denier Robic nylon | 210 Robic nylon, 400d Robic Bottom Panel | Cordura | 100D & 400D high tenacity nylon ripstop w/ DWR | X-Pac VX21 210D Nylon |
| Main Pack Pockets | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Hip Belt Pockets | 2 | 2 | None | 2 | 0 |
| Single Hip Belt Pocket Capacity | 4 | 2 cliff bars | N/a | n/a | |
| Shoulder Strap Pockets | No | No | No | No | No |
| Whistle on Sternum Strap | No | No | None | Yes | Yes |
| Internal Hydration Sleeve | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bag Sizes/Torso Lengths Available | S, M, L | S, M, L, XL | Long, short, regular | S/M, M/L | S, M, L, or Custom sizing |
| Mix and Match Hip Belt Sizes | S, M, L | S, M, L, XL | No | No | XS, S, M, L, XL |
| Can Easily Strip Off Frame and Hip Belt | Good | No | No | No | No |
| BearVault BV500 Compatibility | Good | Ok | Ok | Just OK | No |
| Lid (aka Brain) | No | No | No | Yes, Removable | No |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
For a lightweight workhorse that is durable and adjustable, nothing compares to the Gossamer Mariposa. The pack is large enough to carry heavy and bulky loads, but easy to adjust to accommodate smaller loads as well. Its removable hip belt and frame make it light and compact, and the movable foam backing is an excellent addition for trail-side stops and added carrying comfort. The shoulder straps are thick and cushions and distribute weight incredibly well. Of the packs we tested, this one is by far the most comfortable right out of the box. Its design is easy to figure out, with no extra accessories or features, and it's ready for the trail right away, it requires little to no break-in period.
The features and unique top closure of this pack were exactly what we wanted in an ultralight backpacking pack. The large external, mesh pocket holds plenty of clothing, while the side pockets vary in size and can carry anything from a JetBoil stove to a Nalgene water bottle or a few snacks.
Performance Comparison
The Mariposa out for a few days hiking through the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park. The pack has ample room in the side pockets for stoves, bottles, and food, while the mesh pocket is large enough for a few extra layers.
Credit: Jane Jackson
Weight-to-Volume Ratio
Gossamer claims the Mariposa to have a carrying capacity of 60 liters. In our volume tests, we found this to be pretty about spot on, depending on how much you overfill the top of the pack with its fold-over closing mechanism.
In our measurements, the pack had a capacity of about 65 liters, with the external pockets holding more than the company reported online. With a stripped-down weight of 30.5 ounces or 1 pound 12 ounces, the Mariposa weighs more than the Gorilla (which weighs in at 27.5 with all accessories removed).
With its over-the-top closure mechanism, the Mariposa is versatile when it comes to the size load the pack can comfortably carry.
Credit: Jane Jackson
These three ounces are not much when you take into account the additional 10 liters of carrying capacity that the Mariposa offers. Compared side-by-side to the Gossamer Gorilla, the Mariposa scored lower overall in the weight to volume metric, but if you're looking for a pack that will perform in a more extensive range of situations, the Mariposa is worth the extra weight.
Load Carrying Comfort
With a capacity of over 60-liters, we were blown away by how comfortable this pack is with a heavy load.
Credit: Jane Jackson
This pack takes the cake regarding load-carrying comfort. Tested on some different trails from Wyoming to the Sierra Nevada, the Gossamer Mariposa felt great from our first steps with it on the trail.
The wide shoulder straps and waist belt disperse the load comfortably without creating pressure points. The new belt design is stiffer than the older versions of this pack, providing more support in the waist. The new aluminum stay connects the back of the model to the waist belt which also offers more support when carrying heavy loads. We found this pack to work great when carrying light loads (around 15-20 pounds) as well as more substantial loads (above 35 pounds).
Taking in the alpine scenery with the Gossamer Mariposa. Nothing beat the comfort of this pack for long days on the trail.
Credit: Jane Jackson
Features
The Mariposa has just enough features so that each item in your kit has its own place, but not too many bells and whistles that the pack feels like a one-man marching band when loaded up for a few days out.
The side pockets are placed in just the right position so that you can grab your water bottle (and replace it!) while keeping the pack on. The mesh pocket on the backside is large enough to hold snacks, clothing, and other gear, while the side pockets are large enough to hold a JetBoil or water bottle.
The small pocket on the Over-the-Top closure system is just the right size for a few bars and a headlamp.
Credit: Jane Jackson
The most notable new feature on the Mariposa is the over the top closure mechanism, which eliminates a lid from the pack's design. We liked this system, as it keeps everything secure while providing flexibility for carrying larger and smaller loads. The new hip belt also comes with little pockets, which we found useful for carrying snacks or holding micro-trash.
The dual side pockets on the Mariposa are unique to this pack - we haven't seen this feature on any other models and we love it.
Credit: Jane Jackson
Adaptability
The Mariposa is one of the most versatile packs we tested. It is easy to remove the frame and waist belt when slimming down and carrying lighter loads.
The side compression straps and the over the top closure also allow for significant adjustability concerning volume. The Mariposa works exceptionally well when paired with a bear can - something to consider if you plan to travel in national parks, where these are required.
A Velcro tab holds the Mariposa's aluminum frame in place. We like how Gossamer Gear makes it quick and easy to remove the frame in most of their packs.
Credit: Jane Jackson
Durability
In the Mariposa, Gossamer Gear uses 100D Robic High tensile strength nylon for the bulk of the pack and a combination of 100D nylon and 70D ripstop nylon for specific portions of the pack.
These materials proved to be as durable as they sound during our testing period. The pack received hardly a sign of wear or abrasion, even after many trips above tree-line and through many alpine talus fields. The foam backing and simple aluminum frame durable while still providing support.
A detailed photo of the stretch mesh pocket on the Mariposa. This material is both durable and super stretchy - a great combo!
Credit: Jane Jackson
Value
Like any quality piece of equipment, Mariposa is a bit of an investment, but it's guaranteed to pay off. The pack is both durable and versatile, so even if you're not going on long-distance trips all the time, the Mariposa will still be useful as a day-hiking or traveling pack.
The ultralight Gossamer Gear Mariposa going into the Sierras.
Credit: Sarah Van Cleve
Conclusion
We were blown away by the Gossamer Gear Gorilla in the previous round of ultralight pack testing, and this year we were excited to see how the Mariposa compared. As it turns out, the Mariposa impressed with its comfortable waist and shoulder straps, larger carrying capacity, and thoughtfully designed external pockets. This pack does it all and is durable to boot. The folks at Gossamer Gear have truly outdone themselves with the Mariposa.
—
Jane Jackson
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