We had the pleasure of testing out one of Gossamer’s best selling backpacks, the Mariposa 60. This review will talk about our experience with this pack while putting it to the test in some harsh hiking and backpacking conditions. In this review, we will discuss how the pack fits, looks, works with other gear, its durability, and more. We’ll also show some pictures of our testing areas on some Colorado 14er peaks.
About Gossamer Gear | About The Backpack | Our Review | Summary
You can purchase the Mariposa 60 on the Gossamer website.
About Gossamer – “Take less. Do More”
Gossamer Gear is the self proclaimed “OG” of ultralight gear. Their goal is to provide gear that is as light as functionally possible. This means that Gossamer is a great choice for long distance backpackers and those that want to go a bit lighter than normal.
Even with this lightweight stance, these products are made of materials that will still able to handle lots of wear and tear. Strapping snowshoes and an ice axe on gave us little worry, as the external materials are quite durable.
With a 30 day return policy, Gossamer will take care of you if there are any product defects, or if you change your mind before usage.
Gossamer was created by a team of avid outdoorsmen and women that made these packs out of experience. We encourage you to learn more about Gossamer team here.
Our Testing Scenario
We took this backpack out on some CO winter 14ers with microspikes, snowshoes, ice axe, and all of the winter hiking essentials. A fishing trip, and several overnight camping trips.
About The Backpack
Weight
This backpack is an extremely lightweight pack. See the specs for each size below.
| Size | Weight |
|---|---|
| Small | 29.4 oz / 833 g |
| Medium | 31.2 oz / 884 g |
| Large | 33.3 oz / 944 g |
Capacity
| Total | 60 L |
|---|---|
| Main pack body to extension collar seam | 36 L |
| Max Carry Capacity | 35 lbs |
| For Comfort | 30 lbs |
The Features
- Large integrated hipbelt pockets
- Unisex ergonomic harness for both men and women
- Removable SitLight pad
- Over-the-Top closure system provides an easy secure storage location
- Larger ear mesh pocket great for drying gear and other gear storage
- Trekking pole hardware for storing them outside the pack
- External bottle pockets
- Internal hydration sleeve and drinking tube keeper
- Lashing loop doubles as ice axe holder
Our Review
Fit
The sizing instructions on the Gossamer site make getting the right size an easy process. The different strap options allow for this backpack to fit nicely on men, women, both tall and short. Because of the versatility of sizing options, you can pretty much be sure you can get a pack that fits you perfectly. The medium size fits a 5 foot 10 inch 160 pound male well, and even transitioned pretty well to a 5 foot 6 woman. If want the pack to fit more than one person, fit it for the larger person.
Comfort
The shoulder strapping and back padding is extremely comfortable and breathable.
Like other Gossamer backpacks, wearing a heavy DSLR camera that was hooked onto the shoulder strap remained comfortable throughout all day hikes.
It is clear that this pack is designed for long distance comfort, and allows for the carrying of a fair amount of gear comfortably. The removable seat cushion is an awesome camp addon as well for comfortable sitting. This is especially nice when sitting atop of a summit!
Organization & Storage
Internal
Main Storage
The main storage compartment is enclosed with a buckle and rollup system which is easy to use and allows you to expand that compartment quite a bit.
Hip Waist Storage
The large waterproof hip strap pockets are well designed, comfortable, and great for food, phone, or other gear you want to access quickly.
Zippers
All zippers on storage are nice, strong, and waterproof. The quality of these zippers appears to be great.
External
The external storage is where this bag really stands out from most, and is amazing like most other Gossamer bags. The large stretch pocket is awesome for stuffing a jacket, tent, or anything you want quick access to. The sides of the pack contain 3 stretchy storage compartments. These are amazing for water bottles, snacks, and the larger one can even hold a tent or jacket.
Straps
External straps make all of the accessories easy to carry. Whether it is a tent, snowshoes, ice axe, sleeping pad, there are plenty of straps to make just about anything easy to add on.
Tons of external straps make all the extras easy. This pack is really nicely designed for easily strapping on all types of gear. In addition, the external straps are designed in a way that they can be moved and interchangeable, adding tons of functionality. Double ice axe loops for easier winter storage.
Water Bottle Holders
The right side contains two smaller pockets that are very functional for small bottles, wet items, or easy snack access. The double pocket is a great feature. On the left hand side, there is one larger pocket. Great for tons of different types of items, or a large water bottle.
Recommendation
We highly recommend this this backpack. We have tested a lot of packs, and this is one of the most comfortable, lightweight, and well designed packs on the market. We will be using this on every trip where a 60L makes sense.
If you want comfort, lightweight, and tons of external storage, this is an ideal pack for you.
Gossamer Mariposa 60 Backpack Video
Additional Photos
We will be adding photos in the future to show this pack in action.
Gossamer Mariposa 60 On Winter Hike With Snowshoes
Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about