I want to talk about a backpack that’s been my trail buddy across both the misty hills of Scotland and the wet, wet rainforests of Costa Rica: the Mariposa 60L Backpack by Gossamer Gear.
This is one of the latest releases from Gossamer Gear, the Mariposa is named for the butterflies that can travel 100 miles a day during certain times of the year. Crazy, right?
First Impressions: That Front Mesh Pouch!
The first thing you’ll probably notice? That massive mesh front pouch. I used it to stash my rain gear, sunscreen, bug spray—anything I might need in a hurry. It kept everything accessible and organized on the fly. That oversized design really earns its keep when you're navigating changing weather or trying to beat the bugs to camp.
Mariposa 60 has Smart Side Storage
On one side of the pack, you’ve got a super-sized pocket—perfect for carrying larger water bottles, which I always have on me when filming. You can also shove a tent in here, though I prefer to keep my tent on the inside juuust in case something were to happen and it slipped out. On the other side, a map pocket. I wasn’t carrying paper maps, but it works great for my satellite communicator and walkie-talkie setup.
Simple, Ultralight Design
As you'd expect with any ultralight pack, the main compartment is a large, no-frills cavity. There are minimal interior dividers or zippers, which means you've got to be intentional about how you pack. Putting your important stuff at the bottom will result in a bad time.
There is a quick-access top pouch, which I load up with snacks, phone, wallet. Be careful about keeping valuables in pockets that anyone behind you has access to, especially in crowded locations!
Comfort Where It Counts
The shoulder straps are on the thinner side—as is typical with ultralight gear—but if you’re keeping your load light, they work just fine. The hip belt, though, is where this thing really shines. It fit me better than most packs I’ve worn, even on long hikes.
Plus, the hip belt pockets are actually useful. I easily fit my phone and even a small camera in one of them.
The load lifters are also highly functional. I could really feel the difference in weight distribution when I adjusted them.
The Sit Pad
Another neat little perk: the removable sit pad. It doubles as extra back padding while you hike and then pops out for sitting breaks. Not a necessity, but one of those small touches that adds real value on the trail.
Mariposa 60L Specs and Price
- Weight: 34 oz (just over 2 lbs)
- Capacity: 60L
- Max carry load: 35 lbs
- Price: $315 USD
Yes, it's on the pricier side, but if you’re entering the ultralight world, that’s kind of part of the deal. For comparison, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 55L runs around $380.
Who is the Mariposa 60L backpack for?
So is the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60L worth it? For me, absolutely.
While I’m not a hardcore ultralight purist—I like bringing a little extra gear—this pack hits a sweet spot. It’s lighter than most without going full minimalism. It's thoughtfully designed with features you actually use, and it's comfortable enough to forget you’re wearing it.
If you're ultralight-curious or looking to lighten your load without giving up all creature comforts, this could be a great middle-ground pack to get you started.
