You’ve heard the name on the trail. You’ve seen it strapped to the backs of thru-hikers on the PCT and CDT. The Gossamer Gear Mariposa is the pack that does what most ultralight gear refuses to: it carries a full load comfortably without adding unnecessary weight to your back.
At just over two pounds, it holds your gear, a bear canister, and days’ worth of food without complaint. The suspension actually works. The pockets make sense. And the 2024 redesign addressed the biggest complaints about the previous version.
The Mariposa has ranked in the top five most-used packs on the PCT for three consecutive years, with a satisfaction rate above 90% among thru-hikers. That kind of track record doesn’t happen by accident.
Here is everything you need to know before you buy.
What is the Gossamer Gear Mariposa?
It is a lightweight framed backpack built for thru-hikers and weekend backpackers. It is designed to carry loads comfortably without adding extra weight to your pack.
The Mariposa holds up to 60 liters of gear. It is between 33–38 oz, depending on size and configuration. It features a removable foam back panel that works as a SitLight pad.
The shoulder straps and hip belt are padded for comfort on long days. The pack works best with a base pack weight under 30 pounds. It comes in several sizes and colors to fit different body types.
It has also been the most-used pack in multiple Appalachian Trail hiker surveys, which gives it a credibility that most gear reviews cannot replicate. When thousands of hikers across multiple long trails keep choosing the same pack, the numbers do the talking.
Mariposa 60 Quick Specs
Here are the key specs for this pack. Use this quick overview to check capacity, weight, dimensions, and other details before you buy.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Backpack |
| Capacity | 60L |
| Pack Body Volume | 36L |
| Exterior Storage | 24L |
| Weight | Starts at 33.4 oz |
| Max Carry | 35 lbs |
| Comfortable Carry | 30 lbs |
| Torso Sizes | Small, Medium, Large |
| Frame | Removable PVT Frame+Belt |
| Harness | S-curve harness with load lifters |
| Material | Recycled Robic nylon |
| Best For | Ultralight backpacking and multi-day hikes |
| Price | $315 |
Specs tell part of the story. Numbers like weight and capacity are useful, but they do not show how a pack actually performs on the trail. The next section covers what those numbers actually mean when the Mariposa 60 is on your back.
Key Features that Stand Out
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 comes packed with well-thought-out features. Here is a closer look at what makes this pack stand out for long-distance hikers.
1. PVT Frame + Pivoting Hipbelt System
The pack uses a PVT frame with a new aluminum closed-shape stay that slots into the hipbelt housing. The hipbelt moves with your natural stride, helping reduce hip fatigue over long miles.
The frame is taller than the older version, which improves load transfer. Both the frame and hipbelt can be fully removed.
2. Suspension and Carrying Comfort
The Mariposa features an S-curve harness with wide, heavily padded shoulder straps.
The straps measure 3 inches across, which is noticeably wider than most ultralight packs in this category, and a key reason the pack feels comfortable under heavier loads. Redesigned load lifters from 2024 help shift weight from your shoulders to your hips.
Redesigned load lifters from 2024 help shift weight from your shoulders to your hips.
If you’ve used a more traditional suspension system, like the one on the Osprey Atmos AG 65, you’ll notice the Mariposa trades some structure for a meaningful weight saving, while still delivering a genuinely comfortable carry.
A sternum strap with a built-in whistle adds a useful safety touch. Most hikers find it carries loads of around 30 pounds without putting too much strain on the body.
3. Massive External Storage
It includes 7 exterior pockets for trail organization. The front mesh pocket uses stretchy Darlington Mesh and fits bulky items like rain gear.
The left side pocket holds a tent or trekking poles. The right side fits two one-liter bottles. Hipbelt pockets are large enough for a phone, snacks, and a small camera.
4. Removable Back Panel/Sit Pad
The foam back panel provides cushioning and structure, though ventilation is limited. It pops out in seconds and works as a sit pad on the trail.
This means you do not need to pack a separate sit pad. It is a small detail that saves real weight and keeps your gear list short.
5. Material and Durability
It is built with 100D and 210D Recycled Robic Ripstop Nylon. This fabric resists abrasion and cuts on rough terrain and handles airline baggage well.
The material is recycled, which was a key change in the 2024 redesign. The front mesh pocket base is reinforced to resist punctures, and all pockets include drainage holes.
6. Fit and Sizing Customization
It comes in three torso sizes and six hipbelt options. That gives you up to 21 size combinations. All weight and size details are listed on the Gossamer Gear website.
The hipbelt is easy to remove and reinstall. It slots into a base pouch and attaches with velcro at the shoulder.
7. Bear Canister Compatibility
The main compartment fits a BV500 bear canister vertically. For anyone hiking in areas with mandatory canister regulations — Yosemite, parts of the Sierra Nevada, and select CDT sections, this is a practical detail that removes a major logistical headache.
The canister drops in cleanly without needing to be strapped to the outside.
8. Design and Build Quality
The design has a clean, no-frills build focused on function. The stitching is tight, and the seams are well finished. Reinforced panels are placed in high-wear areas, such as the base of the front pocket.
Drainage holes are built into every pocket. The overall construction feels solid for a pack in the ultralight category.
Each feature adds value on its own, but it helps to see the full picture, what the pack does well, and where it has clear limits.
Where to Shop for This Pack
The pack is available from several trusted retailers. Here is where to look to find the right size and the best buying experience.
- Gossamer Gear Official Website: The best place to see all torso sizes, hipbelt options, and current stock in one spot.
- REI: Carries the Mariposa online and in select stores, making it easy to check availability near you.
- Backcountry: A reliable outdoor retailer that often stocks multiple sizes at once.
- Amazon: Available through verified sellers, but always confirm the size and seller rating before placing your order.
- Local Gear Shops: Some independent outdoor retailers carry Gossamer Gear products, so it is worth checking locally as well.
- Second-Hand Platforms: Sites like GearTrade or eBay sometimes list used Mariposa packs at lower prices.
No matter where you buy, make sure you go through the official sizing chart before placing your order. Getting the torso length and hipbelt size right from the start saves you the hassle of returns.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Mariposa 60
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is widely recognized as one of the top ultralight backpacks, especially among thru-hikers. However, like any gear, it has both strengths and limitations, depending on your hiking style and load requirements.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight build for long hikes | Not ideal for heavier loads |
| Pivoting hipbelt moves naturally | Hipbelt sizing may take time |
| Seven pockets for easy storage | Support drops over 35 pounds |
| Recycled Robic nylon adds durability | The front mesh can snag on the brush |
| The back panel works as a sit pad | The price is higher than that of some rivals |
| Up to 21 size combinations | Torso fit needs careful measuring |
Now that you know the strengths and limits of the Mariposa 60, the next step is finding the right place to buy one at the best price.
Who This Pack is Best For
This pack works well for some hikers and not others. Here is a simple breakdown to help you decide if this pack is the right fit for you.
Best For
- Thru-hikers who keep their base weight low
- Weekend backpackers looking for a lighter carry
- Hikers who need lots of external pocket access
- Those who want multiple hipbelt sizing options
- Backpackers who prefer removable frame systems
- Hikers carrying loads between 20 and 35 pounds
Who Should Avoid
- Hikers who regularly carry loads over 35 pounds
- Beginners who need more structured back support
- Those who prefer a traditional internal frame pack
- Hikers on a tight or entry-level budget
- Anyone who needs a fully padded back panel
- Backpackers who hike through heavy brush regularly
Overall, the Mariposa 60 is a top choice for hikers who want a comfortable, high-capacity ultralight pack. If your trips involve long distances and efficient packing, this backpack delivers excellent value and performance on the trail.
Mariposa 60 vs Other Popular Packs
Picking the right ultralight pack means looking at all your options. Here is how it compares to other well-known packs on the market.
| Pack | Weight | Capacity | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 | 33.4 oz+ | 60L | $315 | Thru-hiking, long food carries, hikers who want comfort and lots of pockets |
| Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 | 22 oz | 60L | $399 | Ultralight minimalists who want the lightest framed option |
| ULA Circuit | Just over 2 lbs | 68L | $299.99 | High-volume hikers who want strong load carry at a lower price |
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 | Varies by size | 55L | From $395 | Hikers who want better weather protection and tougher fabrics |
| Durston Kakwa 55 | 31 oz / 890 g | 55L | From $199 | Value-focused ultralight hikers who still want strong load support |
The numbers tell part of the story. Knowing which type of hiker each pack suits best makes it easier to pick the right one for your needs.
Fit Tips Before You Buy
Getting the right fit makes a big difference in how the pack feels on the trail. These simple steps will help you find your best size.
- Measure Your Torso Length: Use a soft tape measure from your C7 vertebra down to the top of your hip bones.
- Choose Your Torso Size: Match your measurement to small, medium, or large using the sizing guide on Gossamer Gear’s website.
- Measure Your Hip Size: Wrap the tape around the widest part of your hips to find the right hipbelt size.
- Pick Your Hipbelt: Gossamer Gear offers six hipbelt sizes, so you can mix and match with your torso size.
- Check the Fit Chart: The full size and weight chart is listed on the Gossamer Gear website for all combinations.
- Adjust on the Trail: Load the pack, buckle the hipbelt first, then adjust shoulder straps and load lifters for the best carry.
Taking the time to dial in the right fit ensures you get the most out of the Mariposa 60. A properly fitted pack can make long-distance hikes significantly more comfortable and efficient.
The Bottom Line
Finding the right ultralight pack is hard. There are a lot of options out there, and most of them ask you to trade comfort for weight or weight for features. You already know how frustrating that is.
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa doesn’t make you pick sides. It handles serious loads, keeps your gear organized, and moves with your body, not against it. And it does all of this at just over two pounds. That’s a tough combination to beat, especially at this price point.
So if you’re planning long miles and want a pack that actually delivers, this one’s worth every cent. Try it. Test it on the trail. See what thousands of thru-hikers already know firsthand.
Ready to make your move? Check the latest price and sizing options on Gossamer Gear’s official website today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gossamer Gear Mariposa Waterproof?
No, it is not waterproof. The fabric is water-resistant but not fully waterproof. A pack liner or rain cover is recommended for wet conditions.
What is the Gossamer Gear Mariposa PVT Frame+belt System?
It is a removable aluminum stay that slots into the hipbelt housing. It improves load transfer and pivots with your movement, reducing hip fatigue.
How Does the Gossamer Gear Mariposa Compare to the Gorilla 50?
The Mariposa offers more capacity, while the Gorilla 50 is the smaller and lighter option. Both use Gossamer Gear’s PVT Frame+Belt system.
