Gossamer Gear Kumo 36 V2

Product detailed description

The new generation of the Gossamer Gear Kumo 36 V2 backpack is here! The most significant change across all Gossamer Gear backpacks is the use of recycled materials, through which the manufacturer is fulfilling its commitment to reducing its environmental impact. The biggest changes have occurred primarily in the larger models—the Mariposa and the Gorilla. With the Kumo, everything remains the same except for a few minor details (a redesigned pole attachment). But you’ll definitely love the new addition: a yellow version, which is so popular on the larger Gorilla. The Kumo is the little brother of the famous Mariposa.

A great, durable backpack for its category, weighing just under 600 grams. It’s better suited for shorter trips and weekend getaways. For experienced hikers, however, it can be a great backpack even for longer treks. Proof that the Kuma is suitable for longer trips is this guy, who hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail (4,200 km) with it. However, I should note that for this, you need to have your basic gear optimized to weigh around 4–5 kg. The ideal load for the backpack is around 9 kg. It can handle more for short periods, but it won’t be comfortable to carry, and the backpack might not hold up!

Our Experience

In 2018, we thoroughly tested the backpack. Petr Kosek completed 3,500 km with it on the Appalachian Trail in the USA, and Vašek Malinský, for his part, took it on the 1,400 km long Via Dinarica Trail. We were both extremely satisfied with the backpack; our base gear weight was about 5 kg, plus we carried about 2 liters of water and food for 2–3 days. The backpack can handle this load over the long term. A few times we intentionally "overloaded" it to 13–15 kg, and the backpack handled it, but we definitely do not recommend overloading it this way. For one thing, it’s no longer comfortable to carry, and the backpack is definitely not designed for this—it won’t withstand such a load over the long term.

Lightweight, yet durable

The backpack is made from very durable yet lightweight recycled 100D and 70D Robic Nylon materials. Unlike the Mariposa, it does not have an aluminum back panel, but only a removable back pad; nevertheless, it fits perfectly. You can use the back pad for sitting, or if you’re using a shorter sleeping pad, you can place it under your feet or head. Personally, we use a folded foam mat in the back of the backpack, which we then also use for sleeping under an inflatable mat (the inflatable mat doesn’t slip on it and it also raises the insulation off the ground).

Wide and comfortable straps

The backpack has wide and comfortable shoulder straps. Kumo also has very practical, elastic, mesh pockets on them that easily fit a large 5-inch smartphone. This eliminates the worry of “where to put it,” and you’ll always have your phone at hand. I tried putting a smaller compact camera in the pocket, and it fit easily as well. So you can put your phone in one pocket and energy bars in the other. The shoulder straps have a chest strap attached to plastic sliders, allowing you to comfortably adjust the strap’s height. There’s also a removable whistle on the strap. A great feature is the backpack’s “tunnel” design. Simply fill it as needed, fold the lid over, and secure it with two buckles. Essentially, you can fill the backpack only halfway or “overfill” it by 15–20 cm above the length of your back.

Pockets

What you’ll appreciate most about this backpack are the exterior pockets. The large, elastic mesh pocket is ideal for items you need to have on hand at all times but don’t want to keep reaching into the backpack for—it easily fits a waterproof jacket, pants, a filter, and a snack. Of course, there are also two side pockets that easily fit a 1.5-liter bottle. You can easily reach for the bottle while walking without having to take the backpack off your back. There’s also a large zippered pocket in the backpack’s lid. There are compression straps on the sides, and the lid has 4 loops for threading additional straps and attaching items like a sleeping pad to the backpack. The bottom of the backpack also has loops for attaching an ice axe and trekking poles. The backpack has a removable hip belt that you can easily unclip from the plastic buckle. I also like the option of two loops for attaching the hip belt at different heights. Some people prefer to wear the hip belt lower, while others prefer it higher, so it’s entirely up to you which loop you use. Of course, the hip belt also features elastic mesh pockets that can hold a smartphone and other small items. 

Gossamer Gear Kumo 36:

• Detachable hip belt with zippered pockets – Fast Belt
• External zippered pocket for valuables
• Foam back panel that can be used as a seat pad
• Durable external mesh pocket
• Spacious Nylon side pockets
• Mesh pockets on shoulder straps
• Wide range of gear attachment options
• System for attaching trekking poles and an ice axe
• Headphone port
• Lightweight and durable material

Technical specifications:

• Weight (S): 535 ± 3 g, without hip belt (440 ± 3 g); without hip belt and back panel (370 ± 3 g)
• Weight (M): 565 ± 5 g, without hip belt (440 ± 5 g); without hip belt and back panel (400 g ± 5 g)
• Volume: 36 L (main compartment 28 L).
• Dimensions (S): 49.5 x 28 x 11.5 cm.
• Dimensions (M): 53.5 x 28 x 12 cm.
• Size (S): Torso length 29–39 cm and height under 167 cm.
• Size (M): Torso length 39–50+ cm and height approx. 165–193 cm.
• Hip belt: Ideal for waist circumference 57–109 cm.
• Optimal load: 9 kg, max. 11.5 kg.

Materials:

• Recycled 70D Robic Nylon (backpack body) 
• Recycled 100D Robic double ripstop (backpack bottom)
• PFAS-free

Replacement buckles for Gossamer Gear backpacks.