First Impressions
When I set out this summer with the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L, my goal was simple: cut weight without sacrificing comfort. After logging over 70 miles of High Sierra trails, including a multi-day Yosemite trip to McCabe Lake and another 35+ hot miles in the Emigrant Wilderness (half of them off-trail), I’ve had plenty of time to put this pack through its paces. The Mariposa has proven itself as a lightweight yet durable companion, designed for hikers who value efficiency without compromising on the miles.
Comfort & Carry
One of my early concerns was moving away from a ventilated back panel. The SitLight pad that doubles as a back panel insert surprised me—it stayed cool enough, even while scrambling across granite in peak summer heat. The S-curve harness, minimalist aluminum frame, and pivoting hipbelt do an excellent job of transferring weight to the hips. Even with a full load—including a bear canister and four days of food—I managed to keep my pack weight down to 32 lbs. On trail, that extra 3 lbs saved over my old setup felt like freedom.
On the Trail
- Durability: Despite bushwhacking through trees and scraping across Sierra granite, the recycled Robic nylon shows no signs of wear.
- Fit: The upgraded XL hipbelt made a big difference for me, keeping the load locked onto my hips with minimal shifting.
- Organization: The seven exterior pockets are well thought out. The oversized side pockets are a standout feature—I can stash nearly my entire sleep system (hammock, straps, net, tarp) in one pocket, making setup at camp a breeze.
Packing Experience
Here’s where the Mariposa gets tricky. The main top opening is narrower than I’d like, especially if there are items in the zippered lid pocket. It makes stuffing bulkier gear inside a little frustrating, and the pack doesn’t naturally stay open while loading. That said, once it’s packed, it carries snugly with zero wasted space, and the bear canister rides comfortably without creating pressure points.
What I Miss
I do miss the bottom straps found on some other packs, especially for lashing on my Crazy Creek chair. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it means I’m still experimenting with my packing system to find the sweet spot.
Specs at a Glance
- Weight: ~38 oz with hipbelt (size L)
- Capacity: 60L (36L main body + 24L exterior pockets)
- Max carry capacity: 35 lbs (comfort at 30 lbs)
- Materials: PFAS-free 100D & 210D recycled Robic nylon
- Features: SitLight back pad, removable PVT Frame+Belt, trekking pole & ice axe loops, hydration routing, headphone port
Verdict
Named for butterflies that can travel 100 miles in a day, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L lives up to its reputation as a lightweight hauler built for serious mileage. With thoughtful pocket design, excellent load transfer, and trail-tested durability, it’s an ultralight pack that doesn’t feel delicate.
If you’re looking to drop weight and still carry everything you need for a High Sierra multi-day trip (including a bear canister), the Mariposa is a strong contender. Just be prepared for a tighter loading experience and a little creativity if you’re used to bottom straps.
Trail-Tested Takeaway:
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L cuts pounds, not corners. It shines in durability and comfort on long Sierra miles, even off trail, making it a worthy upgrade for anyone looking to go lighter without compromise.
