Gossamer Gear Shoulder Strap Pocket Review

Overview

The Gossamer Gear Shoulder Strap Pocket is a small zippered pouch that straps to a pack’s shoulder strap. It gives hikers a place for a phone, camera or snacks that can be reached without shrugging off the pack. It suits thru-hikers and weekend backpackers who shoot photos or check maps constantly. The trade-off is a little weight and bulk on the front of the body, which some hikers notice and others never do.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Weight	53 g (1.9 oz)
Dimensions	7” H x 3.75” W x 1.5” D (17.8 x 9.5 x 3.8 cm)
Phone fit	Up to 6.7” H x 3.45” W
Material	DWR-treated 70D Robic nylon
Structure	Foam-padded body, zippered main compartment
Extra storage	Front stretch mesh pocket
Attachment	1 vertical + 2 horizontal Velcro straps

Performance

Attachment. The pocket’s main selling point is how many packs it fits. Shoulder straps vary a lot: some have daisy chains, some have webbing loops, and some have nothing. The pocket has one vertical and two horizontal Velcro straps on the back. Each is long enough to wrap around an attachment point and fold back on itself, so it works in either orientation. Section Hiker’s reviewer used it on a range of frameless and framed packs and found it easy to mount on all of them. Owners have reported secure fits on a Hyperlite Southwest, Osprey’s Eja and Aether, and Gossamer’s own Mariposa and G4-20. One long-term reviewer called the Velcro possibly over-specced and saw little chance of the pocket coming adrift.

Mounting still takes some care. Pack Hacker’s testers found the pocket can slide down the strap if it isn’t anchored to a D-ring or loop. One owner on a Section Hiker thread said it migrated toward the hipbelt until she built a retention system, using tri-glide clips on a wide daisy chain. Gossamer sews a small cord loop into the side seam for an extra keeper line, which is the usual fix. The same tester noted that the Velcro can snag on mesh and loose threads on the strap.

Protection and capacity. The foam structure gives a phone or camera real padding, which a stuff-pocket or loose mesh pouch can’t offer. The zipper keeps contents in during scrambles and stumbles. The DWR-treated Robic nylon sheds light rain, but it isn’t waterproof. One owner with several brands of strap pocket described this one as a favorite and also said it protects without being fully waterproof. A phone that goes on a wet trail should still go in a bag liner.

Phone fit is generous. Gossamer rates the pocket for phones up to 6.7” x 3.45”. Owners confirm that big phones such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung S23 and S24 Ultra go in. One user fit a Garmin inReach Mini 2-style device, a Garmin i67, alongside a phone. A phone in a thick case fits the front stretch mesh pocket snugly. Once a phone is in the main compartment, there’s little room left for other items. Past users have also fit a point-and-shoot camera, or a phone with a small battery brick and a short cable, in the older design.

Durability. A long-term reviewer who carried one for roughly 1,000 miles found no loose stitching, no holes in the mesh and plenty of snap left in the elastic. The only wear was some corrosion on the metal zipper pull and slight fading of the pull cord. The zipper itself still closed fine.

Bulk. This is the most common complaint. One owner who loved the pocket still said the bulk always seemed to be in her way. Pack Hacker’s testers said it takes some time to get used to. At 1.5 inches deep, it sits proud of the strap. Hikers with narrow chests, or those who swing their arms wide while using trekking poles, may find it intrudes. Others say they barely notice it after the first day.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fits most packs, thanks to three long Velcro straps that work on daisy chains, loops and D-rings
• Foam structure protects phones and cameras
• Zippered main compartment plus a front stretch mesh pocket
• 53 g is a modest weight penalty for the convenience
• Holds large modern phones
• Holds up over long mileage, with a 4.8/5 average across 437 reviews on Gossamer’s site

Cons

• Adds bulk to the chest and can get in the way of arm swing
• Can slide down the strap unless anchored to a loop or D-ring
• Velcro can snag mesh and threads on some straps
• Water-resistant, not waterproof

Who Should Buy This

This pocket suits hikers who take a lot of photos, navigate by phone, or want snacks and a lip balm in reach all day. It’s especially useful on packs with no good shoulder strap storage, which includes most frameless ultralight packs. Those who already have large, structured shoulder pockets on their pack, or who dislike anything hanging on their chest, can skip it. Hikers who want a phone fully protected from rain should pair it with a waterproof sleeve.

Verdict

The Shoulder Strap Pocket is a simple, durable piece of kit that fixes a real trail annoyance for under two ounces. Its universal attachment system is the best in this class. Anchor it to a loop and accept the bulk, and it will stay in use for thousands of miles.