Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus Backpack Review

[rainbowhiker]

Jason, have you ever done any thru hiking? I'd love to see you do a long long trail with all your lightweight gear so people could appreciate what ultralight is all about. Thanks.

[BrokenAeroVT]

That's a beautiful scene behind you. Imagine what it would have looked like with the electric blue skies and orange hues of sunset. I think that would have given people a lot of visual pleasure while they listened to your excellent information.

[MrSchpankme]

Except for the top strap, 'I don't see' anything that provides comparison.

[rspaulding]

How rainproof is this pack?

[Woodenarrows]

Jason, at a $45 dollar premium, in your opinion, what does this pack offer over the G4? I’m thinking it’s mainly durability. The G4 seems to have all the build features of the ‘Mariposa Plus’ and a slightly larger volume?

[intosh0812]

Thanks for posting this video Jason. I picked one up the other day and this thing is unbelievable. I was torn between this and the ULA Ohm, but with the detailed video that you posted helped make up my mind and I'm happy I went with the Gossamer.

[arangoje]

Hi Jason,

Do you think this pack will be comfortable at a total weight of 35 pounds ? With the Golite Pinnacle I felt too much pressure on the shoulder straps.

Thanks

Jesus

[MikeSkiera]

You think that pack would survive a thru-hike?

[jjeep91]

what kind of tent is that behind you?

[jasonklass]

It's a Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 2

[Darto501]

Keg= beer keg = bear can :)

[Fr4nkWh1te]

Lightweight rucksacks... only if you have money to burn. My Norrona Para Ranger Pack from 1991 is still in superb condition. I wonder what people will say about the gossamer packs in 20 years (when they are already rotting on some rubbish dump)

[bunky6765]

Jason, I'm interested in this pack. I've never owned an ultralight pack so I'm not sure how it will fit without the load lifters that I currently have on my heavy pack.. I'm 6'3" 220 lbs. I'm looking at the Golite Jam, Khatadin and Mariposa. Any comments will be helpful. Thanks

[jasonklass]

If you pack light, load lifters become unnecessary. So it really depends on how much you plan to carry. The Jam is also a great pack (I have one too). But to me, the outside pockets on the Mariposa are much more functional.

[bunky6765]

Thanks, I got a great deal on the Jam ($89 NWT, on Ebay), I couldn't resist.  You are right about the load lifters--there's no need for them. My pack with everything but food and water is at 9.5 lbs. It feels like carrying air!

[jasonklass]

Congrats

[bunky6765]

Hi Jason, How does the pack ride? I noticed that it doesn't have load lifters. i have used an external frame for the last 17 years and now I'm ready to go UL, but I'm concerned about how the pack will pull against my shoulders. I'm 6'3" 220lbs.

[boomtao]

Thanks for the review. It is an interesting pack, I actually like the large mesh-pockets aroud the whole back! You didn't show the inside of the main compartment. I am not familiar with cubic inches, I live in "metric-land", how many liters is this pack?

[Jonboyutube]

Great demo. This stuff is essential for those of us looking to make the first step into ultralight. Thanks :)

[EQUIPnTRIP]

Jason, this video is one of the best pack reviews I've seen. Well done and thanks.

[Cragdwella]

Thank you, that's pretty much what I had thought. I am 5'-10" do you think the SL1 would be large enough ? Peace

[jasonklass]

I think so. I'm also 5' 10" and it's large enough for me.

[Cragdwella]

I think you said that is the Seedhouse SL2 correct ? I am thinking of getting the SL1. People are advising me not to get it. They say that when it rains and you unzip the fly, the floor gets wet. Any thought's ? Thank you. Your opinion would be valued.

[jasonklass]

It can if you let the fly fall inside the tent. I'm careful with it and haven't had this be a problem. All of the other advantages far outweigh that minor inconvenience in my mind.

[nomaddrunk]

always enjoy your vids was wondering is there a diff between external and internal frames or just pref i use a alice pack and am thinkin of switching packs and any tips on tarp shelters

[Outsak]

You did a really nice job on this review. Well done.

[xmnemonic]

I'd bet his english is a lot better than your russian. He's from the Czech Republic, according to his profile. Shame on him for being reasonably bilingual.

[jasonklass]

First of all, I didn't know he was Czech. I'll apologize for that. Second of all, the official language in the Czech Republic is Czech, not Russian. Comment withdrawn.

[xmnemonic]

Argh, I wish they still had the small in stock of the original Mariposa.

[MtnSoli2d]

nice video! do you have any experience with the mountain laurel designs backpacks? Just wondering how they compare.

[jasonklass]

Thanks. Unfortunately, I've never tried an MLD pack but I've always wanted to.

[STRIKER520]

You never use mesh on the outside of a backpack they never last it will never be durable ballistic nylon would be the best way to go.

[jdf1023]

I am quite impressed with this pack. It incorporates many of the features I have added/wished for on my many packs over the years. I am interested to know what you put in your pack and how you pack it. I am new to the UL idea even though I am a long time backpacker. I am trying to introduce my wife to backcountry camping (which I'm sure she'll enjoy) as an alternative to "truck" camping (where one brings a truckload of stuff to a near the road camp). A light pack would certainly make it happier.

[palmtreetoo]

Great review Jason, very clear & concise. This pack is one of the UL packs I'm considering picking up. I assume it's a pretty durable pack?

[jasonklass]

It's as durable as any other UL pack out there. The Gorilla is supposed to be more durable but I don't see any issues with the Mariposa.

[musicman122010]

hey i heard that you gave a guy a keg and im to young to drink but i need a keg for my back packing things do you have any extras?

[jasonklass]

Sorry, a "keg"?

[cjc5531]

Jason, Well done VID and what a cool pack...Thanks for sharing...

[alpenstock2]

hallo, what it be knapsack, how much price, where buy? thank Alpenstock

[jasonklass]

Hi Alpenstock,

You can get all the info at gossamergearDOTcom

[jasonklass]

Sorry, I should have been clearer. "UL" stands for "ultralight".

[outside365]

doesn't look like you've used the pack much yet

[shugemery]

Brilliant and thorough review Jason.

I aim to get me one of those .... someday.

BTW ... I truly enjoy your reports from the field. Terrific scenery!!

Shug

[AllOfSantaBarbara]

i just bought this pack and i have to say that your videos played a big part of that decision (along with the insanely fast email replies to my newbie ?'s from GG directly). For someone like me, who is just getting into UL, your videos really bridge that transitional gap of understanding UL well AND inspire. thanks for this and I'll be off to japan with my Mariposa Plus next spring.

[jasonklass]

That's awesome to hear! You made my day. Enjoy your new pack and enjoy Japan!

[ArmoredSheepdog]

That was a great review Jason, very detailed and clear. Thanks!

[TrackingPatagonia]

Nice video Jason!

[alpenstock2]

o.k.!

[lampertron]

I like the look of this bag, but does it have a hydration sleeve or woud you just use the messh pockets for something like a camelback?

[jasonklass]

Yes, it has a hydration sleeve on the inside, right where the stays slide in.

[chrissept21]

thats good so you dont squash the hydration pack

[delldesktop5566]

very good useful truthful non-profit review

[maffro79]

I like that Gossamer Gear seems balanced about cutting off excess features while keeping comfort features and somehow staying hella lightweight.  I wouldn't do a pack without a frame. Does this pack ride well, keeping the load off your shoulders?

[jasonklass]

Yes, if you cinch down the hip belt properly, it pulls the weight off your shoulders. But my normal pack weight doesn't usually require this.

[jasonklass]

Canyonlands (Needles District)

[0TheChef0]

Is there a hydration blatter sleeve inside the pack? and if so how wide and long is the sleeve? Thanks, good review.

[jasonklass]

Yes, there is! I haven't measured it but I think most bladders will fit

[krewl5000]

to add to that...even if the bladder is bigger than the sleeve, just don't fill it all the way

[MrBillTroop73]

Nice!

[vinyancen]

Great review!

Thanks

[QuietBearr]

looks like a pretty sweet pack!

[rmojo23]

Great as always Jason. Could you give us an update as to what gear you are using in UL pack for Utah?

[jasonklass]

Sure, specifically what gear are you curious about?

Tent: Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 2

Bag: Western Mountaineering Summerlite

Pad: REI Litecore

What else do you want to know?

[JosiahsBackpack]

Good stuff Jason. Thanks for the look.

[medicjimr]

Great review thanks for sharing

[Godsmasher22]

I've never heard customizing your pack as pimping it out. That made my day.

[jasonklass]

Well, I'm cool like dat!

[irishguy80]

I like all the little extra features on that pack.

[beast12101]

cool pack, looks great out there.

[LoveRise]

Grr-eat Review! I hope you'll be doing more from Utah. A trail cooking video would especially be appreciated!

[otter46544]

good review. cool pack

[tigerou812]

Good Review. Thanks.