Before our John Muir Trail adventure, I had been using a second-hand backpack for shorter trips. While it did the job for weekend hikes, I knew I needed something better for a long trek. That’s when I turned to Brady, who is the gear expert, for advice. Thanks to his recommendations and research, I decided to invest in the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60. Though I only had it for about a month before our trip, it quickly became clear why this backpack is such a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.

Tech Specs

Here are the details of the Mariposa 60:

• Capacity: 60 liters (supports up to 35 lbs.)
• Weight: 32.7 oz.
• Materials: Durable 100D and 200D Robic nylon, Darlington mesh, foam
• Frame/Suspension: Removable internal aluminum frame
• Pockets: 7
• Made in: Mexico
• Price: $225 (backpack only), $270 with hip belt

The pack comes in three sizes:

• Small: 17.25” (torso length 11.5”-15.5”)
• Medium: 20.25” (torso length 15.5”-19.5”)
• Large: 23.25” (torso length 19.5”-23.5”)

Hip belts are sold separately in three sizes:

• Small: 24”-34” waist
• Medium: 30”-40” waist
• Large: 38”-50” waist

I really appreciate the customizable fit that comes with separate hip belt sizes, offering a better fit than many other packs. The removable hip belt also doesn’t compromise load transfer, which can be a concern with some packs.

Key Features

The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is a lightweight pack, yet it’s packed with features:

• Main Compartment: Large with fold-over closure (called “Over-the-top” by GG), secured with buckles
• Side Pockets: One long side pocket and two shorter ones
• Back Pocket: Large mesh pocket
• Small Zippered Stash Pocket: On the fold-over piece
• Hydration Sleeve and Port
• Multiple Loops: For strapping additional gear
• Removable Foam Back Panel: Doubles as a sit pad
• Removable Hip Belt
• Hip Belt Pockets: On the smaller side
• D-Rings for Trekking Poles
• Ice Axe Loop

Layout

The layout of the Mariposa 60 is simple but highly functional. The large main compartment features a fold-over closure that uses buckles to provide vertical compression, ensuring your gear stays tight and compact. However, it lacks horizontal compression, which could have been helpful for a 60-liter pack, though it’s not a dealbreaker.

The side pockets are a unique feature of this pack. One side has a long pocket that runs about ¾ of the pack’s height, while the other side has two shorter pockets stacked on top of each other. The asymmetry may look unusual at first, but it’s actually quite practical. I used the short pockets for small items like snacks and sunscreen, and the long pocket was perfect for a water bottle. The mesh back pocket is great for drying wet items or storing items you want to access quickly, like a GoPro or rain jacket.

A downside, however, is the hip belt pockets. While they’re not tiny, they are on the small side, and the zipper only runs about two-thirds of the way across. This makes it a bit tricky to access your gear, which could be frustrating if you use your hip belt pockets often.

Suspension System

The Mariposa 60 features a lightweight internal aluminum frame, which is common in many ultralight packs. What sets it apart is how well this frame transfers the pack’s weight to the hip belt. The pack uses strong attachment points that securely connect the frame to the hip belt, ensuring excellent load transfer. It almost feels like you’re using a traditional full-frame pack, but with the added benefit of being much lighter.

The foam back panel provides extra comfort and prevents you from feeling the frame stays pressing into your back. While it can get a little sweaty, it’s a huge plus in terms of comfort. Plus, the back panel can be removed and used as a sit pad at camp, adding more versatility to this already feature-packed pack.

Pros

• Comfort: This is, hands down, the most comfortable pack I’ve used. The shoulder straps and hip belt are well-padded, and the load is evenly distributed, making long treks feel much easier. Plus, the lightweight design keeps the weight off your back, which I truly appreciated during our hike.
• Organization: The Mariposa 60 is great for organizing your gear. The mesh pockets are perfect for drying socks or stashing other essentials, and the numerous loops allow you to secure trekking poles, an ice axe, or extra gear with ease.

Cons

• Durability: As much as I loved this pack, I did encounter an issue with its durability. Given that I’m hard on gear, I wasn’t too surprised when I found a significant tear in the bottom of the pack after our 16-day John Muir Trail hike. While Gossamer Gear does caution users about the fragility of ultralight gear, I had hoped the pack would hold up a bit better. Nonetheless, the pack is still functional and will continue to serve me well for future trips, despite the wear and tear.

Recommendation

The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is an excellent investment for hikers who prioritize comfort and lightweight design. It’s ideal for thru-hikes, weekend getaways, and overnight trips. Just be mindful of its fragility, and treat it with care to extend its lifespan. For those looking for a pack that excels in comfort, organization, and versatility, the Mariposa 60 is hard to beat.