Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Review
DISCLAMER: In 2024, Gossamer Gear updated the Mariposa 60. This review is based on the previous generation, which has a similar, yet, not exact design.
Post-Trail Review (2023): Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Backpack for the Appalachian Trail
After completing my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, I’m here to share my thoughts on the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60, the backpack I used throughout my journey. This review will cover its performance over 2,200 miles, the pros and cons, and whether I would recommend it for future long-distance hikes.
Should you buy this pack?
It is worth adding to your shortlist, but, despite being a workhorse, there are some serious issues to consider to see if this is right for you.
Backpack Overview
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is a popular ultralight backpack, with the newly released 2024 design priced at $315. It offers a 60-liter capacity, with 36 liters in the main compartment and 24 liters in external pockets. The pack weighs just 32.1 ounces (911 grams) and comes in small, medium, and large sizes. I opted for the large backpack with a small hip belt, as I have a slim build. Key features include:
Material: Made from 100-210 denier Aerobic nylon (water-resistant, not waterproof)
Frame: Removable aluminum frame for lightweight support
Storage: Multiple pockets, including a stretchy rear mesh pocket, trekking pole holders, an ice axe loop, and deep side pockets for water bottles
Extras: Optional sit pad for added comfort
What I Liked About the Mariposa 60
Comfort and Fit
After 2,200 miles on the AT, the comfort of this pack really stood out. It molded to my back over time, and I found it surprisingly comfortable to wear, even after months of hiking. At first, I struggled with some discomfort in the straps near my neck and collarbone, especially when the pack was heavy. However, once I adjusted the load lifters and fit, it became much more comfortable.
Easy Access to Water
The side pockets allowed me to easily access my water bottles while hiking, without needing to take off my pack. This convenience saved time and energy, especially on long days when I wanted to stay hydrated without too much hassle.
Durable and Tough
The Mariposa 60 held up well to the harsh conditions of the Appalachian Trail. Despite several falls, slips, and abrasions, the pack’s stitching and structure remained intact. The plastic clasps on the hip belt broke early on, but I was able to replace them with parts from a hiker box. The pack still performed excellently even after all the abuse.
The removable sit pad
What can I say? A comfortable place to sit at every rest stop and camp site is a unique addition. The pad acts as a back rest when you are wearing the pack, so there is no weight penalty.
What I Didn’t Like
Not Fully Waterproof
While the Mariposa 60 is water-resistant, it’s not designed to handle heavy rain. During wet conditions, I had to use a trash compactor bag inside the pack to keep my gear dry. The pack does have drainage holes in the external pockets, which helped water drain out, but it’s not foolproof in very wet conditions.
Size and Bulk
Though the Mariposa 60 offers plenty of storage, it can feel bulky when fully packed, especially on a slim person like myself or someone with a smaller frame. It sits quite tall and wide, which made it feel larger than expected. This bulkiness also made it less than ideal for windy conditions, where it caught the wind and became quite annoying.
Strap Management
Another downside for slimmer hikers like me was managing the excess straps. The pack has a lot of straps, and in windy conditions, the extra straps would flap around, occasionally hitting me in the face and neck, which was more annoying than painful. It would have been helpful if there were a way to manage these straps more effectively, especially on windy days on places like Katahdin.
No straps for a bear can
On other packs I’ve used, a bear can is able to be secured to the top of the pack, even when the interior is full, with a Y-strap or similar strap system that runs over the top of these backpacks. Gossamer Gear doesn’t have an equivalent system, which comes at a drawback.
Conclusion: Would I Buy It Again?
Yes, I would consider buying the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 again, despite a few inconveniences. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and durable, making it a solid choice for long-distance hikers. While not the most weatherproof, a simple trash compactor bag can help keep your gear dry. Its ease of access, ample storage, and overall performance on the trail make it a great option for those looking for an ultralight backpack.
However, another consideration is the size. If you are someone who packs light and minimal, or is mainly partaking in day hikes, this might not be the bag for you. The extra padding and storage space might be surpless to your requirements.
Moreover, It’s worth noting that I did not use it for the Pacific Crest Trail or the Continental Divide Trail, as I opted for other packs with better waterproofing and over-the-top Y-strap for bear can storage.
If you’re considering the Mariposa 60 for your next hike, it’s definitely worth considering, but make sure you’re prepared with additional waterproofing methods and bear can storage solutions.
