Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Backpack Review

The Gossamer Gear Mariposa has been a stalwart in the large-capacity, ultralight pack realm for years. Popular with both thru-hikers and casual backpackers, the new model retains our favorite elements of the previous version, including a cavernous main compartment and excellent pocket organization. Along with new colorways, the latest update improves on the original design with contoured hipbelt options, increased mesh durability, and a more structured backpanel that doesn't bunch up while hiking. Here's our breakdown of the Mariposa's performance and comfort after multiple rugged backcountry trips. To see how it stacks up, see our articles on the best backpacking packs and ultralight backpacks.

Editor's note: We updated this review on October 20, 2025 to reflect design changes to the latest version of the Mariposa and our updated testing notes. The newest model has more hipbelt options, a pivot system, and Gossamer Gear tweaked the material and frame design. We tested the new version on backpacking trips in Montana and in Utah, and updated our review accordingly.
 

Table of Contents

• Carrying Comfort
• Weight
• Organization
• Build Quality and Durability
• Fit and Sizing
• What We Like/What We Don't
• Comparison Table
• The Competition

Performance

Carrying Comfort

Despite a lightweight build of 2 pounds 2.2 ounces for the medium, the updated Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is surprisingly comfortable carrying up to around 30 pounds. Much of the credit goes to its suspension system, which uses an internal aluminum stay that inserts into the hipbelt. This lightweight frame stiffens the pack and helps distribute the weight from the shoulders onto the hips. The stay and hipbelt can be removed to reduce weight by several ounces, but we usually leave it in. The pack loses significant structure without the stays, and unless you're carrying less than 10 pounds, the comfort is greatly reduced without the stays and hipbelt. 
 

Gossamer Gear says the Mariposa can comfortably carry up to 35 pounds, which is a fairly high weight capacity within the ultralight category. In our experience, anything over 30 pounds starts to lose stability and pulls on our shoulders. We recently overloaded this pack for a food/water drop in the desert and found it lost stability and load-bearing capabilities as soon as it went over 30 pounds. While the pack isn't meant to carry more than its limit, a short overload is a good test to see how the pack might perform on a thru-hike where you'll be faced with the occasional long food and water carry. 
 

If you're traveling truly ultralight, you can also remove the “SitLight” foam backpanel, although we've found this foam provides more support than you'll benefit from losing a few ounces. The previous version's SitLight panel did tend to bunch up while hiking, but the new pad stays upright and flush to the back. Lastly, a significant carry update to the new model is the PVT Frame system, which uses a redesigned aluminum stay that better fits the back's natural contour and slots into a pivoting belt section to follow on-trail movement. We've gone back and forth with this. The pivot felt like it increased the swaying with a heavier carry, but it moved nicely with our stride once the load was lightened.

Weight

Because the Mariposa is so customizable both in features and sizing, your body type, pack load, and preferences will determine the exact weight. A full list of weights can be found on Gossamer Gear’s website, but complete pack builds range from 2 pounds 0.9 ounces to 2 pounds 5.7 ounces, with everything in between contingent on hipbelt style and customizable components. This is competitive with many other leading ultralight packs, including the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 (1 lb. 13.7 oz.) and ULA Circuit 68 (2 lb. 5.3 oz.). You can go lighter with Zpacks’ Arc Haul 60 for 1 pound 5.4 ounces, but that pack is more compromised in terms of storage and overall comfort.
 

Organization

One of the first things we noticed about the Mariposa 60 is its sheer number of external pockets. Not only does the pack have a cavernous main compartment, it also features a zip pocket on each hip and one on the top flap, two drop-in pockets on one side and one on the other, plus a highly functional rear mesh pocket. The four drop-in pockets are convenient for storing items independently of each other, and we like to stuff a tent or tightly rolled sleeping pad into the full-size right-hand pocket. The two separate drop pockets on the left have somewhat less utility. We get a little worried about items falling out, and prefer to stash energy bars and gels in there. Lastly, the rear mesh is so stretchy and ventilated it comes in handy for stashing wet layers or a soggy tent fly.
 

The main compartment is a deep cylinder with a large opening that fits a tall bear canister like the BV 500 Journey vertically, and shorter models fit horizontally. To round out the feature set, the Mariposa includes your typical pack essentials, such as a hydration sleeve, an exit hole for a hydration bladder tube, and load lifters with sturdier webbing than the previous model. For those peak bagging in winter or who like to optimize external organization, the Mariposa retains the previous model's attachment points for trekking poles and an ice axe on the rear external panel.

Build Quality and Durability

Gossamer Gear overhauled their backpack lineup a while back, and one of the most significant changes was shifting from Dyneema fabric to a 100- and 210-denier Robic nylon. The Robic used on the Mariposa 60 is quite durable and puncture-resistant, and we put it to the test on trips through the Canadian Rockies and off-trail in the desert. This durability is a notable upgrade over some abrasions and punctures we've seen in thinner Dyneema builds, but Robic can't hold up to Dyneema's waterproofing. The Mariposa is decently adept at shedding moisture, but if you're concerned about prolonged rainfall, we suggest a pack liner or pack cover to be safe.
 

Fit and Sizing

One of the best features of the Mariposa is that it allows for an extremely customizable fit. You choose from three unisex torso sizes ranging from small to large, and can also swap out the hipbelt for one of five options, including two curved sizes. The hipbelt purchasing is a little convoluted, as you'll have to buy the pack with its original hipbelt, add the additional hipbelt to your order, then send the first hipbelt back for a refund. We customized our most recent test pack and felt it was worthwhile, but it would be nice to have an all-in-one custom-order option in the future.  
 

The S-curve shoulder straps fit a range of body types and sizes, and the load lifters, sternum strap, hipbelt, and shoulder straps are all simple to tweak with a wide range of adjustability. Gossamer Gear also provides an extensive fitting chart on their website, and their customer service is easy to work with if you order the wrong size.

What We Like

• Robic nylon fabric is light, tough, and decently adept at shedding moisture.
• Exterior organization is a standout in the ultralight class.
• Wide range of adjustability for both sizing and strap adjustment.
• Updated hipbelt options offer more of a customized fit.

What We Don’t

• No ordering customization for swapping hipbelts—you'll have to buy a second and return the original.
• The pivot belt is hard to stabilize when carrying heavier food and water.
   

Comparison Table

The Competition

Gossamer Gear’s Mariposa is one of our favorite ultralight backpacking packs thanks to its lightweight build that doesn’t sacrifice storage or durability. Among the competition is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55, which weighs 4.5 ounces less than the Mariposa, but has fewer pockets and a significantly higher price tag. The Southwest uses waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric instead of Robic nylon, and we find the structure stays closer to our backs with heavier loads. The Gossamer Gear wins out for organization and price, but the Hyperlite’s waterproof design is a perk for hikers in rainy environments.
 

REI's budget-friendly Flash 55 regularly lands as one of our favorite budget packs, and their latest model has a customizable design with removable components, three torso sizes, and a combination large-torso-small-hipbelt option. Similar to the Mariposa, the Flash excels at organization and adjustability, and we love the removable lid that doubles as a day pack. The Flash 55 is nearly 11 ounce heavier than the Mariposa, but saving close to $100 for a nicely appointed pack will be a draw for many backpackers. 

Finally, Gossamer Gear's own G4-20 is worth a look. Recently redesigned with additional weight saving and more durable components, the G4-20 has 18 liters less capacity than the Mariposa, but is an excellent choice for streamlined packers who don't carry a bear canister. Hikers might miss the top lid and pockets with the G4-20's buckle-closure build, but the weight (and money) savings of the G4-20 combined with Gossamer Gear's adjustability and comfort can be worth it for true ultralight trips. 
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