Long Term Report: Gossamer Gear Mariposa Ultralight Backpack
Date: May 21th, 2005 Manufacturer Information Name: Gossamer Gear Website: http://www.gossamergear.com	Product Information Manufacturer: Gossamer Gear Model: Mariposa Ultralight Backpack Year of Manufacture: 2004 Color: Blue & Black Size: Medium Volume: 4,200 c.i. (68.8 l) 2,900 c.i. (48 l) main body 800 c.i. (13 l) extension collar 500 c.i. (8 l) pockets) MSRP: $129.95(US) Listed Weight: 14.8 oz - 17.4 oz (420 g - 494 g) depending on accessories   Measured Individual Component Weights Description Weight Main Pack Body (Sternum Strap & Compression Lacing)  15.7oz (445 g) Foam Shoulder Pads (2)  0.4 oz (11 g) Foam Waist Pads (2)  0.4 oz (11 g) Carbon stays (2)  0.8 oz (23 g)

Long Term Test Results

I've grown to appreciate this pack as spring has arrived.  The volume is huge at 4,200 cu.in. (68 l), and even with 32 lbs (14 kg) it is comfortable.  My previous ultra light pack was 3,400 cu.in. (56 l), seemed I was always maxing it out, the waist belt bit into my waist, and it just wasn’t as comfortable.  I’m going to be hard pressed to fill the Mariposa's pack volume, and one reason is because of the sleeping pad being carried outside the pack as part of the integrated pack frame.

Not to speak poorly of the pack, but to highlight the need to pack it correctly, I bring up the following.  I tested a size medium, but in some respects a size large might have fit my 20 in (51 cm) torso better.  However, given that the waist belt and sternum straps are already overly large, I would expect these components to be even larger on the next pack size up.  The shoulder straps wrap over my shoulders and down my back more than I would prefer.  This allows the pack to fall away from my back unless I keep the shoulder straps fairly snug, thus putting more weight onto my shoulders.  All my other packs have shoulder lifts (an adjustable strap attached to the upper front of the shoulder strap to a location above where the shoulder strap attaches to the pack), thus pulling the top portion of the pack tight against my body.  This falling away of the pack was especially noticeable when I strapped a pair of light snowshoes onto the rear of the pack.  I have since been more observant of my packing style to compensate for the pack.  I generally keep my weightiest items close to or above my shoulders, but I found that by moving them down a little lower remedied the falling away feeling of the pack.

As per the photo above, I’m utilizing a green Therm-a-rest® Z-Lite™ as part of the integrated pack frame.  I had to cut the Z-Lite down to six sections or 40 in. (100 cm) to allow it to fit comfortably in the pack’s integrated frame pockets.  The original 3/4 length, eight section, Z-Lite was just too bulky for the pack and set the center of gravity too far back.  For the curious, a six section Z-Lite is 1.5 in ( 3.8 cm) thick.  The great thing about the Z-Lite is that the corrugated/dimpled construction facilitates ventilation between my back and pack; something my inflatable Therm-a-rest did not provide.  Gossamer Gear also sells their proprietary Torso Length NightLight sleeping pad that is just slightly thicker then the six section Z-Lite, and also nests nicely in the Mariposa pack.

Mariposa ships with twin carbon stays that slide into stay pockets on the pack’s back.  I have found no use for these, because the sleeping pad is sufficient to provide a ridged/supported pack.  If using the stays, they would be directly against my back if I didn’t distance them with a sleeping pad.  This means that a sleeping pad or padding is required when utilizing the carbon stays.  Another reason I may not need the stays is that I stuff/load the backpack tight and utilize vertical columns such as tent, and smaller stuff sacks to produce a firm vertical pack load.  Solid packing technique and a Z-Lite have provided ample vertical rigidity for me.

It only took me a couple of cool nights to realize how much insulation my other packs provide under my feet while sleeping.  Since the Mariposa has no integrated padding or frame, there is virtually no insulating qualities when placed under my sleeping bag.  On the flip side, the pack makes for a decent pillow when placed inside a stuff sack.

As I noted in my previous reports, the waist belt was initially too large and I utilized Gossamer Gear’s thru-hiker modification as per their web site and my Initial Report.  That was fine for the cooler months, but I’ve had to rip out my original stitching and shorten the belt even more as temperatures have risen.  With warmer temperatures came lighter clothing, and switching from a winter weight Therm-a-rest to a Z-Lite contributed to the need for an even shorter waist belt.

As I've mentioned in the field report, the accessory pockets are generously built.  This is especially true of the lower right pocket, where it is large enough to allow me to retrieve and replace a water bottle while hiking.  My other packs have accessory pockets that look generous enough until the pack is tightly stuffed, at which point a one liter bottle is hard to remove.

Also mentioned in my field report, are the 12 lashing points on the pack.  Seldom do I use these webbing loops, but when required they are convenient.  I have other ultralight packs that do not have amble lashing points and there have been several instances where I have innovated straps to lash on a piece of gear.

The pack has a total of 12 tie points, 3 on each side next to the back and 3 on each side next to the front of the pack.  These are very handy for securing items such as the snowshoes mentioned previously.  Additionally I have used them to cinch/compress the pack when using it as a day pack.

After six months of use, I’m satisfied with the pack’s durability.  There were several times when it hung up on brush, but came through without damage.  I do have a concern about the mesh material covering the integrated pack frame/sleeping pad pockets wearing out prematurely.  I see no evidence of this thus far, but it is intuitive that the lower section of the mesh panel bearing the weight of the pack on my lower back/lumbar could eventually wear through.  I would feel more comfortable if this was a heavier weight material.  I have no data to support this concern, just observation.

In conclusion, testing this pack over the last six months has established it as my primary three season pack, and it has plenty of competition from years worth of gear collection.  I would likely not use this pack for loads over 35 lb (16 kg), as I suspect the minimal hip padding and light back support would be bothersome over distance.

Summary

Pros:

• Lightweight

• Large volume

• Comfortable

• 12 external tie off/lashing points

Cons:

• Sternum strap too long

• Waist belt too long

Tester Information & Background

Name: Andy Rad

Gender: Male

Age: 47

Height: 6 ft (1.83 m)

Weight: 165 lb (75 kg)

Email: aisrad@cableone.net

I started backpacking 21 years ago, most were short three-day trips, but are now generally five-day.  By backpacking, I’m referring to summer, winter camping, and fall hunting.  About half my trips are light weight solo and the other half with my family.  I use to own a llama, thus allowing me to continue backpacking with my small children.  In recent years I’ve substituted a collie for the llama. When I’m not with the family I tend to take less-traveled trails or bushwhack the hard mountainous terrain in and around Idaho.  The majority of my trips are in central Idaho, with a few into northern Idaho, eastern Idaho, and eastern Oregon.