Gossamer Gear’s Mariposa Backpack When You Need Lightweight & Durability

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Gossamer Gear Mariposa BackpackHeading to Africa in two months, I’m investigating backpacks. My ideal requirements for a pack for the upcoming African journey is:

  • Less than 1 kg (2.2 pounds) when empty
  • High storage capacity (I won’t use the capacity most of the time, but I want the option to carry extra stuff)
  • It should hold comfortably carry 15kg (33 pounds).
  • Several pouches/compartments to help organize stuff
  • Few zippers (they often break over time)
Below are details on the Mariposa backpack from Gossamer Gear.
  • The Medium sized version weighs 765 grams (27 oz.)
  • The backpack is made out of custom 140 denier Dyneema GGridstop™ fabric.
  • 7 exterior pockets
  • The OTT (over-the-top) closure system for a simple, solid, secure closure that also includes a zippered top pocket.
  • The “Shock Top™ shock cord top-of-the-pack lashing system for attaching your foam pad or other gear to the top of the pack
  • The Mariposa is best with loads under 30lbs but will handle up to 35 just fine

For capacity, it carries nearly 70 liters or 4,244 c.i. Let’s break that down:

  • 2860 c.i. (47 l.) in main pack body/extension collar
  • 1384 c.i. (22 l.) in all 7 pockets combined

Let’s break down the 765 grams (27 oz.) backpack:

  • Pack Body = 15.85 oz (409 g) (Average for medium size)
  • Removable hip belt = 5.15 oz. (146 g.) (Average for medium size)
  • Aluminum curved stay = 3.5 oz. each (96 g.) (Average for medium size)
  • Sitlight Pad = 2.0 oz ( 51 g. ) (Average)
  • xtra shock cord and cordlocks .55 oz (16 g.)

With just two months to start my Africa trip, this looks like the backpack that I need. Of course, thru-hikers and backpackers will also appreciate this backpack, especially for winter trips or trips where you have to carry more than a week of food. Its durability gives me the confidence that it will last three years. Yes, it will be mangled, but it’s tough.

The only downside is that there are two closure clips to lock it down. I miss the old Mariposa backpack, which just had one closure. Still, given the other improvements, it seems we’ve got ourselves a winner! I’d give it 4 out 5 stars. 

Use the small black plastic thingy in the center to hook it all together

If it

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