Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 V2

Product detailed description

The legendary and award-winning Gossamer Gear Mariposa backpack has undergone a major redesign for 2024, resulting in the V2 version. The core design remains the same, but the materials and internal construction are new. The Mariposa has long been our favorite large backpack, having proven itself on the longest and most demanding trails such as the CDT, or Hayduke Trail.

The New and Improved Mariposa

The most noticeable change is the backpack’s all-new main material—100D recycled Robic Nylon on the main body and even more durable, also recycled, 210D Robic Nylon on the bottom. These sturdier and more durable materials come with a slight trade-off in the form of increased weight. Nevertheless, the Mariposa 60 remains a top-tier ultralight backpack weighing a fantastic 968 grams (size M)! More durable material means, above all, an even longer lifespan, which goes hand in hand with sustainability and the transition to recycled materials, a shift that has affected nearly the entire Gossamer Gear lineup.

Flexible PVT Back System

The second major change is the new back support (PVT – Pivot Frame). The backpack now features a lightweight aluminum frame in the back that can be removed, allowing for the replacement of the hip belt. The frame is housed in a simple pocket within the hipbelt so that it can adapt even better to the movement of the pelvis and back while walking – PVT Frame+Belt system. Switching to a different size is now much easier. Size M and L backpacks come standard with a Medium-sized straight-cut hip belt. The size S backpack comes with an S/M-sized curved-cut hip belt. If you need a different size or prefer a more curved hip belt, you can purchase it at a discounted price here. Back to the back panel. It extends about 10 cm above the shoulder straps. The “load-lifter” balance straps thus do their job much more effectively and shift the center of gravity closer to your back, just as you need.

Our experiences at Nalehko

Over the past 8 years, we’ve completed nearly all of our long treks (CDT, AT, Hayduke Trail, Walking Around Czechoslovakia, Via Dinarica, Kom-Emine, Israel National Trail, and more...) and we’d stake our reputation on these backpacks. You’ll be hard-pressed to find more comfortable backpacks on the market than Gossamer Gear.

“I was so impressed with the backpack that I took it on a 5-month hike along the Continental Divide Trail. Over 4,500 km and 153 consecutive days with the backpack on my back, I was convinced every day that it was a good choice. Thanks to the internal reinforcement attached to the hip belt, the backpack perfectly transfers the weight to the hips and fits great on the back. The shoulder straps held up and didn’t sag or stretch, so even after 5 months, the backpack is still comfortable. The stitching and fabric held up everywhere; the only issue was a hole that wore through the fabric where the shoulder straps rest against the hip belt. Just wrap some tape around that spot and the problem is solved. Fortunately, it doesn’t interfere with anything there. The pockets and the hip belt’s functionality remained intact."

The backpack is “inflatable”

Under normal circumstances, I would have chosen a smaller Gorilla for this trek, but our double quilt—a down “duvet” for two that we carried instead of two sleeping bags—wouldn’t fit in it. It weighs just over a kilo, but it’s bulky. We also sometimes needed to pack 8 kilos of food, which takes up quite a bit of space. In the Mariposa, there was just enough room for all that, and we always managed to fit everything in.

The huge, mesh, elastic pocket on the outside is great; it fits a waterproof jacket, a filter, maps, and some food, so you don’t have to open the backpack during the day. The large side pocket on the right side comfortably fits two smaller plastic water bottles, but I carried a 1-liter water bottle and a 0.5-liter fuel bottle for the stove there. I don’t like putting fuel in my backpack because of the risk of accidental spills. You can easily reach the water bottle even while riding, so you don’t have to take off your backpack just to get water. The spacious, tall pocket on the left easily holds a two-person tent (such as the Tarptent MoTrail or any tent from Big Agnes) and other small items.

Simplicity is power

Most ultralight backpacks cut corners somewhere to save weight. Not the Mariposa. It even has a lid with a pocket. The design is a bit different than usual, but it works. I’ve loaded the backpack heavily a few times (19 kg), but it handled it just fine and held up. I definitely don’t recommend doing this—it can easily ruin lightweight backpacks—but it’s good to know that the backpack can handle it if necessary. Another great feature is that the backpack works well as both a 40L and a 60L – it’s actually a really long “sleeve” that you fill from the top, then fold the top down and secure it with two buckles like a classic backpack lid (the so-called Roll-Top system). The backpack can easily handle being filled up to 20 cm higher.

Capacity 60 L including pockets

My only criticism of the Mariposa is perhaps the misleading size label—those 60 liters include all the pockets. The main compartment of the backpack holds “only” about 40 liters. It’s also trickier to pack bulky items—the main compartment is definitely smaller and the opening narrower compared to other 60L backpacks. You’ll just have to get used to that. But that shouldn’t deter you from buying it, because it’s still one of the best lightweight backpacks on the market and is designed for lightweight gear. It’s no coincidence that the Mariposa has been the clear number one in the rankings of the most popular backpacks for long treks for several years! If you can’t fit everything in it, then you need to reevaluate your gear, not the backpack :-)

The backpack is available in three sizes—S, M, and L—based on back length and can be combined with three sizes of hip belts. Much depends on your body type and how you carry the backpack.

Sizes:

• S  (for back length 40–45 cm)
  Usually fits people up to 168 cm tall
• M (for back length 45–51 cm)
  Usually fits people between 165 cm and 180 cm tall
• L  (for back length 51–56 cm)
  Usually fits people over 178 cm

Please note: even the largest size (L) may not be sufficient for tall individuals with a back length exceeding 55–56 cm!

Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 V2:

• 7 spacious pockets.
• Excellent weight distribution.
• Removable foam padding.
• Comfortable shoulder straps.
• Quick and easy access.
• Loop for attaching a water reservoir.
• Trekking pole holder.
• Ice axe loop.
• Very durable and lightweight material.
• Compression cord loops.

Technical Specifications:

• Weight: 1025 g ± 5 g (size L), 968 g ± 5 g (size M) 946 ± 5 g (size S).
• Volume: 60 L (including pockets).
• Recommended maximum load: 16 kg.
• Hip belt: PVT (replaceable).
• Dimensions: 67 × 28 × 14 cm (size L) 61 × 28 × 14 cm (size M) 56 × 28 × 14 cm (size S).

Materials:

• Backpack body: 100D recycled Robic Nylon.
• Reinforced bottom: 210D recycled Robic Nylon.
• Pockets: Darlington Mesh & Supreme Air Mesh.
• Back panel: EVA foam.