Gossamer Gear is one of the original ultralight backpack manufacturers. They have continuously refined its products to adapt to the needs of lightweight backpackers, thru-hikers, and, more recently, day hikers, fast packers, and urban commuters. I started using their packs in 2008 when I hiked The Long Trail in Vermont with a Mariposa 60 Backpack and have used every generation of their backpacking packs since then, including prototypes that never made it to market. So, I have a hands-on appreciation of their strengths and weaknesses and whether they fit your needs. I’ve tried to package that know-how into this guide, but feel free to ask me any questions you might have in the comment form below.
Here are some tips to help you with the selection process.
| Model | Volume | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mariposa | 60L | 34.2 oz / 968g | Backpacking, Thru-hiking |
| Gorilla | 50L | 31.9 oz / 905g | Backpacking, Thru-hiking |
| G4-20 | 42L | 24.8 oz / 703g | Backpacking, Thru-hiking |
| Kumo 36 | 36L | 20 oz / 567g | Ultralight Backpacking, Day Hiking |
| Fast Kumo 36 | 36L | 21.5 oz / 580g | Ultralight Backpacking, Day Hiking |
| Murmur 36 | 36L | 12.7 oz / 361g | Ultralight Backpacking |
| Loris 25 | 25L | 19.5 oz / 553 g | Day Hiking, Urban, Commuting, Travel |
| Minimalist | 24L | 11.6 oz / 329g | Urban, Commuting, Travel |
| Vagabond Jet | 23L | 24.7 oz / 710g | Urban, Commuting, Travel |
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L Backpack
The Mariposa 60 Lightweight Backpack is Gossamer Gear’s highest-volume and most popular backpack. A medium weighs 34.2 ounces. While Gossamer Gear’s backpacks are unisex, they are female-friendly with S-shaped shoulder straps and a straight or curved hipbelt that wraps better around female hips and pivots (PVT) with your hips as you walk.
Open and Closed Pockets
I recommend The Mariposa backpack to most people who’ve never owned an ultralight backpack before because it has enough volume to carry most backpackers’ existing gear. However, packing it up might differ from what you’re used to. For instance, the Mariposa has 36L of internal covered storage (up to the top of the frame, plus extra in the extension collar) and 24L of external open storage in its front and side pockets. You’ll keep all the stuff you want dry in the covered storage and all the stuff you want easy access during the day in the open pockets, such as layers, food, water bottles, a water filter, a tent or shelter, or even a stove and cookpot.
The configuration and size of its side pockets distinguish the Mariposa 60 from other packs. For example, the Mariposa has a long external pocket, which I call a “quiver pocket” on the left side of the pack. This pocket is great if it’s raining because you can get your tent out and set it up without opening your backpack and getting its contents wet. This long pocket can also store a wet tent separate from the rest of your gear. Of course, you don’t have to store a tent or shelter in that pocket, but it’s a very convenient place to carry one if you do.
In addition to the stretch mesh front pocket, there are two stacked side pockets on the other side of the Mariposa. The bottom pocket is large enough to easily hold two one-liter bottles if you don’t use a hydration system, but it is also a good pocket to store a water filter, a pot/stove combination, or a Jetboil if you carry one. If it rains, this gear can get wet and doesn’t need storage inside your pack.
Backpack Frame and Shoulder Straps
The Mariposa comes with a pre-bent aluminum stay, which slots into the hip belt, allowing it to carry up to 30-35 pounds. It has load lifters and a replaceable hipbelt with hipbelt pockets that zipper closed. The shoulder pads and hipbelt are well-padded and comfortably shaped (S-shaped) to accommodate men and women.
Sizing
The Mariposa backpack is available in three torso lengths. If you’re in between sizes, they recommend sizing up because the load lifters will operate at a better angle.
- Small (16″-18″ | 40.6 cm – 45.7cm)
- Medium (18″-20″ | 45.7cm – 50.8cm)
- Large (20″-22″ | 50.8cm – 55.9cm)
There are five waist belt sizes, depending on whether you select the regular straight hipbelt or the curved PVT hipbelt. The regular straight belt works best for men with squarish hips, while the curved PVT hipbelt works well for both men and women.
- S/M Curved Belt | 28.5″-56″ (72.4-142.2 cm)
- M/L Curved Belt | 32.5″-60″ (85.5-152.4 cm)
- S Straight Belt | 26″-53.5″ (66-135.9 cm)
- M Straight Belt | 30″-57.5″ (76.2-146 cm)
- L Straight Belt | 34″-61.5″ (86.3-156.2 cm)
Best Use
The Mariposa is a great pack for overnight and multi-day use on hiking trails in wet or dry climates. It can haul a week’s worth of food without difficulty. I’ve taken this pack on many Appalachian Trail section hikes and multi-day trips. It’s also great in early spring or autumn when you need to carry a warmer sleeping bag and warmer clothing that require more space in your pack. Read our detailed review of the Mariposa 60L Backpack.
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50L
The Gorilla 50 Ultralight Backpack is slightly smaller in volume than the Mariposa 60. A size medium weighs 31.9 oz. The maximum recommended load for the Gorilla is 25-30 pounds. It is a good backpack if you need less volume than the Mariposa 60. The Gorilla’s extra-long side compression straps also make it possible to strap bulky gear to the outside of the pack, like snowshoes or a sleeping pad, which is awkward with the Mariposa 60.
Open and Closed Pockets
The Gorilla 50 is a top-loading backpack with a total capacity of 50 liters up to the top of the frame, not including a long extension collar. This includes 32 liters of interior volume and 18 liters in the pack’s external pockets. The Gorilla 50 has an extension collar that extends above the frame and adds 10 liters of capacity to the pack volume. This makes the Gorilla 50 a much larger pack, giving you more flexibility to overload it on the high end.
The pack has three open external pockets: a huge front stretch mesh pocket and two symmetric side pockets, making it easier to balance water bottles than with the Mariposa 60. It has the same over-the-top pocket with a zippered pocket and two large hipbelt pockets.
Backpack Frame and Shoulder Straps
The Gorilla 50 has the same pre-bent aluminum stay as the Mariposa 60 and can use a straight or curved PVT hipbelt. It has load lifters with shoulder pads that are well-padded and comfortably shaped (S-shaped) to accommodate men and women, identical to those used on the Mariposa 60. Like the Mariposa, the Gorilla. has a foam sit pad that slots into mesh sleeves behind the shoulder straps. While it doesn’t provide any real structural benefit, it is very handy to pull out when you want a dry spot to sit down in camp and is easy to slot back into the mesh sleeves when you’re ready to take off again.
Sizing
The Gorilla 50 backpack is available in the same torso lengths and waist belt sizes as the Mariposa. They recommend sizing up if you’re in between sizes because the load lifters will operate at a better angle.
- Small (16″-18″ | 40.6 cm – 45.7cm)
- Medium (18″-20″ | 45.7cm – 50.8cm)
- Large (20″-22″ | 50.8cm – 55.9cm)
There are five waist belt sizes, depending on whether you select the regular straight hipbelt or the curved PVT hipbelt. The regular straight belt works best for men with squarish hips, while the curved PVT hipbelt works well for both men and women.
- S/M Curved Belt | 28.5″-56″ (72.4-142.2 cm)
- M/L Curved Belt | 32.5″-60″ (85.5-152.4 cm)
- S Straight Belt | 26″-53.5″ (66-135.9 cm)
- M Straight Belt | 30″-57.5″ (76.2-146 cm)
- L Straight Belt | 34″-61.5″ (86.3-156.2 cm)
Best Use
The Gorilla 50 is a great pack for backpacking and thru-hiking, particularly if you prefer the symmetric side pockets or want to strap extra gear to the outside of the backpack easily. I’ve used a Gorilla on many Appalachian Trail section hikes and backpacking trips in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and it’s a very responsive pack that’s fun to use. Read our Gossamer Gear Gorilla Backpack Review.
Gossamer Gear G4-20 Backpack
The Gossamer Gear G4-20 is an updated version of the G4, one of the Gossamer Gear’s earliest backpacks (the 20 stands for 2020, the year this new design was introduced). With 42 liters of capacity, the G4-20 is a frameless backpack that weighs 25 oz. It’s best for carrying loads under 20 to 25 pounds and makes a nice ultralight backpack for multi-day trips and extended day hikes. It is distinct from Gossamer’s other backpacks in that it is a roll-top pack with a sewn-on hipbelt. If you want a removable hipbelt and a similarly sized volume, check out the Kumo 36 instead.
Open and Closed Storage
The G4-20 is a roll-top backpack in the Gossamer Gear product line (like the Murmur 36 below), making it much simpler to use than the over-the-top pocket used on the higher-capacity Mariposa 60 or Gorilla 50. Like the Mariposa, the G4-20 has one long quiver pocket, good for storing a tent body, and a shorter pocket on the opposite side. In addition to a front mesh pocket, it has an external front pocket with a water-resistant zipper good for storing personal items.
Sizing
The G4-20 is available in three sizes:
- Small – Torso (11.5″ – 15.5″); Hip (25″ – 35″)
- Medium – Torso – (15.5″ – 19.5″); Hip (30″ – 42″)
- Large – Torso (19.5″ – 23.5″); Hip (32″ – 50″)
Best Use
The G4-20 is a great option for ultralight backpacking, thru-hiking, and extended day hikes where there’s a good chance you’ll spend the night out and you need to pack extra gear as a contingency. It is made with thinner less durable fabrics than the Mariposa or the Gorilla, so you need to treat it more gently. Read our Gossamer Gear G4-20 Backpack Review.
Gossamer Gear Kumo 36L
The Gossamer Gear Kumo 36 Superlight Backpack is the favorite backpack of Gossamer Gear’s sponsored Brand Ambassadors. It’s perfect for experienced ultralight backpackers with compact loads who still need a backpack that can carry up to 20-25 pounds. The Kumo is also an excellent backpack for more challenging day hikes where you want to carry extra layers and for adventure travel because it doesn’t have an internal frame or aluminum stay, making it easy to take on airplanes.
The Kumo is similar to the Gorilla, with symmetric water bottle pockets, a front mesh pocket, and an over-the-top pocket ideal for storing maps or travel documents. It also has a removable hip belt with zippered mesh pockets for storing snacks, trekking poles holders, and an ice axe loop.
Weighing 20.5 ounces, the Kumo is available in two sizes for torso lengths ranging from 16″-24″ inches and in hip belt length that ranges from 28″-50″. The maximum recommended load for the Kumo is 25 pounds. Read Our Gossamer Gear Kumo Review
Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36L
The Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 has the same layout and features as the Kumo 36 but has vest-style shoulder straps, making it suitable for fastpacking (running and backpacking), ultralight backpacking, and extended day hikes. The vest-style shoulder straps have numerous external pockets that can carry soft bottles, electronics, and snacks. They also position the pack higher up on the torso, making it easier to run with if that’s your jam, with the same optional hip belt as the Kumo 36, which also helps keep the pack from bouncing if you are running.
Like the Kumo 36, the Fast Kumo has symmetric water bottle pockets, a front stretch mesh pocket, and an over-the-top pocket ideal for storing maps or travel documents. There are also trekking pole holders, an externalized foam sit pad, and an ice axe loop. It weighs 21.5 oz, slightly more than the regular Kumo 36. Read our Gossamer Gear Fast Kumo 36 Review.
Gossamer Gear Murmur 36L Backpack
The Murmur 36 Hyperlight Backpack is Gossamer Gear’s lightest backpack, weighing 12.7 oz. This pack is intended for hardcore ultralight backpackers who carry less than five pounds of gear (minus food, water, and fuel) for overnight trips, although it can also make a very nice day pack. It is considerably less durable than Gossamer Gear’s other packs and should only be used on developed trails to avoid snagging and tearing the fabric.
The Murmur is similar to the Kumo because it has side water bottle pockets, a large mesh back pocket, and uses a SitLight Sit pad as a framesheet to give the pack a little extra structure. The biggest difference is that the Murmur has a roll-top closure instead of a top lid pocket.
The Murmur is available in one size for torso lengths of 16″-24″ with a hip belt size of 24″-42″. The maximum recommended load for the Murmur is 15-20 pounds. See our Gossamer Gear Murmur Backpack Review.
Gossamer Gear Loris 25
The Gossamer Gear Loris 25 is a frameless daypack with vest-style shoulder straps with stretch mesh pockets, making it easy to carry a smartphone or snacks within easy reach Weighing 19.5 oz, it’s a great pack for day hikes and travel with a long front zipper that lets you access the content of the main compartment without having to undo the top lid. This is a great feature on a day pack (and unique on Gossamer Gear packs) since day hikers typically access the contents of their main compartment more frequently and because daypacks have less open external storage volume than multi-day backpacks.
The Loris 25 also sports all the other features that Gossamer gear packs are known for, including a sit pad, front stretch mesh pocket, and side bottle pockets. It also has an additional internal zippered pocket to store valuables, and its hydration pocket can double as a laptop sleeve. Read our Loris 25 Backpack Review.
Gossamer Gear Minimalist and Vagabond Jet
Gossamer Gear’s other backpacks, the Minimalist, and the Vagabond Jet are primarily daypacks good for committing, urban use, and travel. The Minimalist is a simple sack with straps that has sewn-in back padding and mesh side and front mesh pockets. It’s wide enough to carry a laptop and the other odds and ends you need during the day.
The Vagabond Jet is purpose-built for airplane travel with top carry handles, shoulder straps, a dedicated Air Tag pocket, and mesh shoulder strap and water bottle pockets. It’s a slick travel pack that can serve double duty as a daypack.
Gossamer Gear FAQ
Backpack Volume
Many ultralight backpacking companies, including Gossamer Gear, measure the volume of their backpacks differently than mainstream backpack manufacturers. This is important to know if you are trying to compare the weight-to-volume ratio of a conventional backpack to an ultralight backpack. When measuring backpack volume, companies like Granite Gear, Gregory, and Osprey only measure the volume of the closed storage and don’t include the volume of external mesh pockets, pockets without lids, or the added volume of an extension collar in their volume specifications.
While Gossamer Gear breaks out the volume of open and closed storage in its specifications for each pack, the total volume is computed by adding up the volumes of all open pockets and closed storage. The different volume calculation is justified because most ultralight backpacks have much more open storage than conventional ones, but it can be confusing.
When using an ultralight backpack, the assumption is that you will be storing most of your daytime gear, water, and food in the open, external pockets of your pack so you don’t have to stop and dig around in your pack to find them. This packing technique lets you hike farther and faster each day.
Sit Pads
The Mariposa 60, Gorilla 50, G4-20 42, Kumo 36, Fast Kumo 36, Murmur 36, and Loris 25 all come with sit pad pockets and foam sit pads that can be removed and used as trail seats. While you can replace them with a different pad, you want to avoid using a thicker one as it will position the pack farther away from your torso.
Maximum Weight Recommendations
Gossamer Gear’s maximum recommended weight recommendations for all of their packs are quite accurate. While you can exceed the maximum recommended load on a Gossamer Gear backpack if you have enough space to do so, the comfort of the hipbelt and its ability to support the extra weight does degrade, putting more of the load on your shoulders.
Mesh Pocket Durability
The external mesh used on the Gossamer Gear Mariposa, Gorilla, Kumo, Fast Kumo, Murmur, and Loris Backpacks is quite tough as long as you hike on developed trails and avoid bushwhacking off-trail through dense brush. The side pockets on the Mariposa and Gorilla backpacks are made out of solid fabric which significantly increases their resistance to tearing and the bottom of the pockets on the Mariposa, Gorilla, Kumo, Fast Kumo, and Murmur is reinforced with extra fabric to resist abrasion. As someone who had a history of tearing the mesh on older model Gossamer Gear packs, I can attest that the durability of the mesh is vastly improved over previous versions of Gossamer Gear’s backpacks and is quite robust.
Fabric Durability
Gossamer Gear’s packs are made with recycled robic nylon and have several different thicknesses depending on the pack size. Robic is now used widely by other mainstream pack companies and is about two times more abrasion-resistant than the previous version of nylon used by backpack manufacturers. That said, none of Gossamer Gear’s packs are durable enough for off-trail hiking and are intended for hiking on maintained trails. As with all lightweight backpacking gear, there are limitations to the durability of the backpack fabrics, and due care must be taken to avoid damaging them. Gossamer Gear packs can last through a thru-hike if not abused indiscriminately.
Repairs and Pack Customization
Gossamer Gear outsources customer pack repair requests to a company named Rugged Thread. They can repair almost any damage you do from mesh rips and abrasion to replacing buckles, straps, or zippers. Gossamer Gear does not offer pack customization. If you contact Rugged Thread directly, mention Gossamer Gear since they’ve negotiated discounts for customers.
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