For the past couple of years I’ve been thinking about getting a pack with an internal frame, I haven’t used one since summer 2008 when I moved to a frameless pack. The frameless has been my go to it pack for any trip over 3-days, however for trips 5-days and longer the additional food weight has been a little uncomfortable on my shoulders.
Recently Gossamer Gear supplied me with a Mariposa to try out for comfort and fit. I loaded the Mariposa with the usual gear, shelter, sleep system, cooking, hydration etc. and food for a 5-day fall trip in the southeast 14-lbs TPW and began doing day hikes, then I went on a 6-day fall hike carrying 16-lbs including winter gear.
I’ve now used the Mariposa for 100+ trail miles and feel it’s time for a review.
Pockets- If you like pockets the Mariposa has plenty and they’re big…real big. The hip belt has two zippered pockets for small items or snacks. I need to carry an EpiPen, having it within easy reach is a must and I like carrying it in one of these pockets. At first glace I didn’t think it would fit and still be able to zip the pocket closed, I was wrong it zipped just fine with room to spare for lip balm and other small items. On the lid there’s a large zippered pocket great for maps and snacks or other small accessories.
On the right side there are two large pockets with elastic top closures, I carried my water treatment in the top. The bottom one is large enough to carry a 1.5-liter Nalgene wild mouth bladder and 1-liter Smart Water bottle.
On the left side there is one tall pocket. If you carry tent poles, umbrella or other long pieces of gear this pocket is great, I made use of it with my Thinlight pad. On the front there is a large mesh pocket great for carrying wet gear or in my case a water bladder.
Additional Features- It’s loaded! Over The Top (OTT) closure, Ice axe loop, mini D rings on the lid and shoulder harness, shock cord for various compression options or lashing on light gear, drain holes on the bottom of the pack pockets, internal hydration sleeve, two hydration ports, haul loop, adjustable sternum strap with whistle (now I can whistle at bears), the back panel has a sleeve for carrying a sit pad and providing additional back padding.
Comfort…ladies listen up! The removable internal frame evenly and comfortably transfers the weight to the hip belt.
Wide padded shoulder straps provided many hours of comfort, they sit very nicely on my small shoulders…and they didn’t rub my neck. The shoulder harness includes load lifter straps for those heavy load days.
The removable hip belt (available in 4-sizes) is wide and wraps around and over the hip bones for a comfortable fit and stays in place without the need to over tighten. Ladies are you listening!
I’m not saying the Mariposa is just for women, it isn’t, but women carry pack weight different than men and we have a hard time finding large volume lightweight and ultralight packs that are comfortable and that transfer weight to the hips. This alone is a huge, huge benefit.
The Mariposa is a large volume pack I don’t own enough gear to fill its 2860-ci 47-liter main body. If you carry large volume or heavier loads I think the Mariposa is one worth checking out.
The only problem I experienced with the Mariposa is with the webbing used to adjust the shoulder straps would slip as I walked causing me to readjust and tighten the strap. I’m not sure if the lighter weight webbing was the problem or possibly the buckle not biting into the webbing.
Suggested improvement, I would like to see waterproof zippers on the hip belt pockets or at least drain holes, during a hard rain mine filled.
For material, size and weight specifications of the Gossamer Gear Mariposa check it out here: Mariposa
Tagged: packs, reviews
