Gear Review: Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus Pack

Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus - Image Supplied by Gossamer Gear

Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus Back View - Image Supplied by Gossamer Gear

When choosing a pack for the Appalachian Trail I immediately thought of the Mariposa Plus from Gossamer Gear. The pack had served me well on a number of short backpacking trips and I knew it would serve me well on the AT. I consider it the most comfortable pack I own and it made sense for a trail where resupply was rarely more than 3-5 days.

Side Pockets - Image Supplied by Gossamer Gear

Side Pockets - Image Supplied by Gossamer Gear

Gossamer Gear recommends keeping the total load in this pack at 30 lbs (13.6 kg) or less which for the most part, should not be a problem on the AT. The pack is sized based on the torso (S, M, L) and waist size (S, M, L) of the user. Gossamer Gear’s Mariposa Plus Backpack is an ultralight pack made of ripstop nylon and silnylon. The pack has a spacious main compartment, a hydration sleeve, a large mesh pocket on the back, a tall mesh pocket on one side and two smaller mesh pockets (a rectangular pocket above a tapered pocket) on the other side. The pack’s total capacity is around 3,600 cubic inches (59 L) with all the mesh pockets accounting for 800 cubic inches (13 L) and the main compartment’s capacity at 2,800 cubic inches (46 L). The hydration sleeve had plenty of room for me to store a filled 3L Platypus Bladder and an additional empty and compacted Evernew Bladder.

Removable Stay

Mariposa Plus SitLight As Frame

The Mariposa Plus is very adjustable and can be adapted to fit almost any ultralight or lightweight backpacker’s style. The Mariposa Plus comes with a Gossamer Gear SitLight Pad, a curved, aluminum stay, two foam hip belt pad inserts, two foam shoulder strap pad inserts, 10 ft (3.05 m) of shockcord and three mini cord locks. These components can be used, removed or substituted with items from the backpacker’s gear depending on what the user wishes to do. For example socks, gloves or other apparel can be used in place of the foam inserts for the shoulder straps and hip belt. The user can also substitute their own sleeping pad in place of the SitLight Pad which sits in a stretch pocket and forms the pack’s frame. The shockcord can be arranged in a number of configurations along the back and sides to fit the user’s preference. Both the hip belt and sternum strap are removable should one wish to strip the pack down even further.

Hip Belt Foam Insert

Shoulder Strap Foam Insert

Y-Strap

The main compartment is top loading and has a cinch cord closure. A “Y”-strap and buckle goes over the top and allows bear canisters to be anchored to the pack. The pack has a haul loop which makes it easy to pick up when loaded and also comes in handy when hanging the pack at a shelter. The shoulder straps are made of wicking material and has an elastic strap to keep the drinking tube within easy reach. The buckle on the sternum strap has an integrated whistle. There is also an ice-axe loop on the back of the pack.

I love the way the pack fits and carries loads. It is by far and away the most comfortable pack I’ve used to date. The pack is tall and not too wide or deep when loaded so it rides closer to my back and feels very stable. The pack carries superbly with light to moderate loads. The pack becomes uncomfortable (even with padding in the shoulder straps and hip belt) as the weight creeps closer to the manufacturer’s recommended maximum load of 30 lbs (13.6 kg). The pack really digs into my shoulders when I hit or exceed the maximum weight. I would certainly not take this pack on an extended trip without resupply but for trips of 4-5 days this is my go to pack for 3-season usage.

The pockets on the Mariposa Plus are fantastic. The tall mesh pocket on the side of the pack has tons of room. I’ve carried my tent poles, rain gear, camp shoes and guidebook in without any issues. The back mesh pocket is huge and has ample room for lots of gear. I typically stored a water filter, cooking pot, stove, a sun hat, and my groundsheet for the shelter. The small rectangular mesh pocket has carried my sunglasses, Buff, bug hat and toilet paper (in a plastic bag). The lower tapered pocket had enough room for a water bottle, tent stakes, trowel, camera (in a plastic bag) and MP3 player (also in a plastic bag). The tapered pocket is easily accessible while hiking. I’ve had no issues reaching the water bottle, camera or MP3 player while wearing the pack. I reserved the main compartment for the 2-person tarptent, the NeoAir sleeping pad, sleeping quilt, first-aid kit, small organizational bag, clothes bag and two food bags.

Minor Y-Strap Fraying	Minor Center Lashing Fraying
Stretch Pocket Fraying	Stretch Pocket Fraying

After an extended section hike of the Appalachian Trail (over 800 miles) the Mariposa Plus is still in great shape. There are a few stains, from something I spilled, near the top collar on the pack. There is also some minor fraying on one of the “Y” straps where it attaches to the pack, a webbing strap located just above the large rear mesh pocket (that keeps the center lashing strap near the pack) and the stretch pocket that holds the frame (SitLight or owner provided pad). There is also a scratch on the pack’s exterior from taking the pack where it was not designed to go. Other than these few spots the pack is in great shape.

The Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus is a comfortable pack that is very adjustable that users can customize to fit their style and needs. Whether going for a long weekend or a thru hike with shorter distances between resupplies the Mariposa Plus is a great go-to pack.

Manufacturer	Gossamer Gear
Weight	Small: 21.3 oz. (604 g) Medium: 22.3 oz. (632 g) Large: 23.8 oz. (675 g)
Size	Small (13" - 17" torso) (33 - 43 cm) Medium (16" - 20" torso) (41 - 51 cm) Large (20" - 24" torso) (51 - 61 cm)
Capacity	Total - 3,600 cubic inches (59 L) Main Compartment - 2,800 cubic inches (46 L) Pockets (combined) - 800 cubic inches (13 L)
Price (MSRP)	$170

This story was originally posted November 4, 2010.