OHUB Review: Gossamer Mariposa 60 Backpack

Introduction

I’ve been placing the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 via its paces for the previous few months, from day hikes to a critical 14-mile trek via Southeast Louisiana’s brutal swamps. Dwelling down right here, shopping for gear on-line is of venture since we don’t have native retailers to check issues out, so I made a decision to order the Mariposa on-line, strictly going by a few of the newest opinions and discussion board feedback.

As somebody who’s cycled via varied packs over time, I took an opportunity on the up to date 2024 Mariposa 60 primarily based on its sturdy fame with thru-hikers. At 34.5 ounces with the curved hipbelt, this 60-liter pack regarded like an ultralight with performance.

Construct High quality & Supplies

The Mariposa is constructed with 100D and 210D Recycled Robic Ripstop nylon, and after plowing via thorns and tough Louisiana terrain, the material has held up nice. No tears, no extreme put on, and the fabric sheds water higher than anticipated. The aluminum body stick with PVT system feels strong and offers the spine for the pack’s 60-liter capability (cut up between 36L essential compartment and 24L exterior pockets). At 34.5 ounces for the small measurement with curved hipbelt, it’s impressively gentle for what you get. All of the zippers function easily even after getting soiled and moist, and the stitching appears clear all through with correctly strengthened stress factors. After I bought house, I sprayed it with Scotch Guard, and that ought to deal with our loopy climate even higher. The one weak level I can see is that it’s not absolutely waterproof, however that’s typical for this weight class.

Score: 8.5/10

Consolation & Carry

That is the place the Mariposa actually shines. The Curved PVT Hipbelt was definitely worth the improve. The pivot system lets the pack transfer with you rather than combating your pure gait. The froth again panel creates a superb buffer between you and your gear, so that you don’t really feel each merchandise urgent into your again. Throughout my 14-mile mission to a hidden pond, carrying about 20 kilos and pushing onerous to get there, I solely took one break and had zero again ache. The burden transfers to your hips effectively, making the load really feel lighter than it really is. Even when shifting quick via thick terrain, the pack stays balanced and doesn’t bounce round.

Score: 9/10

The detachable foam again panel retains you snug on the path and doubles as a sit-pad once you attain camp

Group & Structure

The 60-liter capability is cut up between a 36L essential compartment and 24L throughout a number of exterior pockets. I appreciated that the setup has one lengthy facet pocket that’s excellent for tents and two shorter pockets on the opposite facet for water bottles and smaller gear. There are additionally zippered pockets and a big entrance mesh pocket. I used to be capable of pack all my gear, together with a small battery lantern, with room to spare. The format helps you to set up by operate or frequency of use while not having further stuff sacks. My solely grievance is that the asymmetrical pocket design appears odd at first, but it surely’s really actually useful when you get used to it.

Score: 9/10

The zippered facet pocket retains your small gear safe and inside simple attain when you’re on the transfer

Performance

For backpacking and out of doors use, this pack dealt with all the pieces I threw at it. The primary compartment simply suits a sleeping bag, garments, and meals, whereas the facet pockets preserve continuously used objects inside attain. The detachable foam again panel doubles as a sit-pad at camp. The pack works nice for day hikes too, although at 60 liters it is perhaps overkill for some folks. One other function I appreciated was the exterior pockets that make it simple to seize water or snacks with out stopping to dig via the principle compartment. Bear canisters additionally match effectively both vertically or horizontally, relying on the mannequin.

Score: 9/10

Appears to be like & Discretion

The Mariposa has a clear, useful look that doesn’t scream tactical or overly technical. I bought the inexperienced model, which blends effectively in out of doors settings. The design is extra about operate than trend, but it surely’s not ugly by any means. The asymmetrical pocket format offers it a novel look that some folks love and others suppose appears bizarre. Restricted shade choices (inexperienced and grey) preserve it pretty low-key. It’s clearly a critical backpacking pack, so it received’t mix in city settings, however that’s not what it’s designed for.

Score: 9/10

The Mariposa 60 carried all the pieces I wanted for the day, together with a lantern. The pack carried out flawlessly, getting me to the pond

Worth & Closing Ideas

At $315, it’s not low cost, however for a completely featured, framed ultralight pack underneath 35 ounces, the worth is truthful in comparison with related choices. When you think about that many comparable packs are both heavier or dearer, the Mariposa 60 hits a superb candy spot. The 2024 updates with the brand new body system justify the associated fee, and the consolation enhancements make it definitely worth the funding for critical hikers. I’d advocate it to anybody in search of a pack that bridges ultralight and luxury, particularly for those who’re shopping for on-line and want one thing with a confirmed monitor report.

Score: 8/10

Total Score

It is a well-built, snug pack that proves ultralight doesn’t should imply uncomfortable. Its sensible group and glorious weight distribution make it ideally suited for critical backpacking.

Total Score: 9/10

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award-winning out of doors journalist who resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly out of doors column for the Slidell Unbiased Newspaper. He additionally writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Fee’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He’s the previous host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Present and is on the board of the Louisiana Outside Writers Affiliation. Keith contributes to quite a few publications each on-line and in print and prides himself on selling South Louisiana’s distinctive fishery. To contact Keith e mail: keithlusherjr@gmail.com