Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Review

Overview

The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is a lightweight ultralight-style backpack that weighs 33.4 oz. and is ideal for weekend backpacking and long-distance trips, particularly if you prefer a pack that has lots of pockets and a frame, like a more conventional backpack, but weighs half as much.

It was the most-used backpack in The Trek’s 2023 Appalachian Trail hiker survey

, and the 2024 update meaningfully improved on an already strong design — making it about as close to the “everything pack” as you’ll find in the ultralight category.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Weight	969g / ~34.2 oz (medium; varies by hipbelt config)
Total Volume	60L
Main Compartment	36L
External Pockets	24L
Material	100D & 210D Recycled Robic Nylon
Frame	Aluminum closed-shape stay with PVT pivoting hipbelt
Max Load	35 lbs
Sizes Available	Small, Medium, Large
Torso Range	16–22 in. (across all sizes)
Hipbelt Range	26–61.5 in.
Bear Canister Compatible	Yes (BV500 vertical; BV475 horizontal)
MSRP	$315
Comparison	See how Mariposa 60 compares to similar gear

Performance

Carrying Comfort

This is where the Mariposa earns its reputation. A key feature is the heavily padded shoulder straps and hip belt that provide ample cushioning under load. During field testing on multi-day trips, the padding effectively handled about 30 pounds and avoided aggravating typical pressure points.

The 2024 update introduced the PVT (Pivot) suspension system, which is a meaningful upgrade. The frame situates into the PVT Frame hip belt housing — a connection that allows the hip belt to move with you slightly, adjusting to your stride while keeping the pack in perfect alignment on your back. The redesigned load lifters from this iteration are a welcome change — testers felt much less shoulder fatigue compared to the older model.

One honest caveat on load limits: Gossamer Gear describes the pack’s max carrying capacity as “best with loads under 30 pounds but will handle up to 35 just fine.” Some experienced testers found the first part of that sentence more accurate — the harness doesn’t really provide the support for that much weight for everyone, instead shifting load onto the torso. If you’re consistently hauling 30–35 lbs, set your expectations accordingly.

For loads under 20 lbs, you can also experiment with going without the internal frame entirely. The hipbelt can be removed too — a handy trick for ultralight day trips or travel.

Organization

One unique aspect is how much of the volume is external storage: the 60L capacity is split between a 36L main compartment and 24L spread across a multitude of external pockets. This makes it incredibly easy to access gear you need throughout the day, and is a major differentiator versus similar packs.

The front pocket is huge and very stretchy, easily accommodating bulky items like rain gear or a tent fly. The pack features three side pockets — an easy-to-reach water bottle pocket, a higher “avocado” pocket, and a tall pocket on the opposite side that’s perfect for tents or tent poles.

The generous hipbelt pockets conveniently store daily items like snacks, sunblock, sunglasses, or a smartphone.

It’s worth noting that Outdoor Gear Lab measured the maximum internal volume of the Mariposa 60 at almost 55L, which is significantly more than the manufacturer’s conservative 36L advertisement. The fold-top collar deserves a mention here too — hikers tend to love or hate the unique fold-top enclosure; it takes some getting used to, but it offers a different approach over the traditional roll-top.

Durability

To reduce weight, Gossamer Gear strategically reinforces high-wear areas like the bottom panel with sturdy 210-denier Robic nylon while utilizing lighter 100D Robic nylon for the rest of the pack.

Real-world results are encouraging:

the pack’s mix of majority 100-denier and 210D Robic accents is relatively thin and light, but strong enough to handle the rigors of a long trip — one tester on the CDT saw only a couple of small holes in the back mesh pocket and a few torn stitches near the top of the main compartment after a four-month journey.

The primary weak point is the vulnerability of the stretchy mesh front pocket, which — although incredibly useful for storing gear — proved susceptible to snagging and tearing.

That’s a consistent complaint across multiple reviews. Be mindful in brushy terrain.

Water Resistance

Don’t plan on this pack keeping your gear dry in a downpour. Water resistance is not the Mariposa’s strongest suit — testers observed significant water penetration along the back panel and sides, and the lightweight recycled Robic nylon prioritizes comfort and weight savings over robust water repellency. On a positive note, the side pockets incorporate drainage holes to prevent water from pooling. A pack liner (Gossamer Gear sells one) is essentially a required accessory in wet country.

Fit & Customization

Women and people of small stature now get S-shaped shoulder straps, which are comfortable for both men and women and are now standard on the Mariposa 60.

The hip belt fits a wide range of body types and can be removed altogether to save a few hundred grams. Being removable, you can swap it out for different sizes and shapes — straight and curved — that Gossamer Gear sells separately.

Getting the fit dialed in is straightforward, and the range of torso (16–22 in.) and hipbelt (26–61.5 in.) options means most hikers can find a good match.

Back Ventilation

One genuine trade-off: the foam back panel sits flush against your back. There’s no trampoline or suspended mesh system here. The removable foam back panel promotes airflow between the pack and your back, reducing sweat buildup — but only to a degree. If a sweaty back bothers you on hot days, the Osprey Exos and similar suspended-mesh designs will serve you better.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sub-970g for a fully featured, framed 60L pack is genuinely impressive
• Best-in-class external pocket organization (24L across 7+ pockets)
• PVT pivoting hipbelt moves with your stride and reduces hip fatigue
• Recycled Robic Nylon construction — durable and sustainably sourced
• Removable foam back panel doubles as a sit pad
• Wide hipbelt and torso size range; multiple hipbelt styles available
• Bear canister compatible (BV500 vertical, BV475 horizontal)
• Highly competitive price at $315 vs. comparable ultralight packs

Cons

• Not water resistant — a pack liner is a near-mandatory add-on
• Front mesh pocket prone to snagging in brush
• True comfort sweet spot is ~20–30 lbs, not the full 35-lb advertised max for all users
• Contact back panel means a sweaty back in hot conditions
• Fold-top closure is divisive; requires a learning curve
• Compression/attachment options rely on small gear loops and accessory cord rather than integrated straps
• Some isolated quality control reports of hipbelt-to-frame connection issues

Who Should Buy This

The Mariposa 60 is the pack for hikers who want sub-2-lb weight without sacrificing the organization and comfort they’d expect from a conventional pack. It’s designed for multi-day backpackers with a full loadout under 35 lbs and has quickly risen to the top of the popularity list among thru-hikers. It’s particularly well-suited to PCT, CDT, and AT thru-hikers, weekend warriors dialing in a lighter kit, and anyone who hates digging through a single-chamber stuff sack to find their snacks. If you’re already running a sub-15 lb base weight with a frameless setup, the Mariposa might be more pack than you need — but it’s a natural stepping stone for anyone transitioning from traditional packs into the ultralight world.

Verdict

The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 has earned its iconic status. The pack has been on the market for over 15 years and has undergone many design changes over that time — while those changes have improved its durability, carrying capacity, and quality, the pack’s personality and widespread popularity have stayed the same. The 2024 PVT suspension update is the most meaningful revision in years, and at $315, it’s an exceptional full-size ultralight pack with best-in-class external storage, made with recycled Robic Ripstop and a frame-hip-belt combo that comfortably moves with you — competing favorably with other packs in the ~$300 price range where you won’t find many better options. The water resistance limitation is real and requires a workaround, and you’ll want to keep heavy loads to 30 lbs or under for peak comfort — but neither of those is a dealbreaker given everything the Mariposa does right. Rating: 8.5/10.