OHUB Review: Gossamer Mariposa 60 Backpack

Introduction

I’ve been putting the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 through its paces for the past few months, from day hikes to a serious 14-mile trek through Southeast Louisiana’s brutal swamps. Living down here, buying gear online is a gamble since we don’t have local shops to test things out, so I decided to order the Mariposa online, strictly going by some of the latest reviews and forum comments.

As someone who’s cycled through various packs over the years, I took a chance on the updated 2024 Mariposa 60 based on its strong reputation with thru-hikers. At 34.5 ounces with the curved hipbelt, this 60-liter pack looked like an ultralight with functionality.

Build Quality & Materials

The Mariposa is built with 100D and 210D Recycled Robic Ripstop nylon, and after plowing through thorns and rough Louisiana terrain, the fabric has held up great. No tears, no excessive wear, and the material sheds water better than expected. The aluminum frame stay with PVT system feels solid and provides the backbone for the pack’s 60-liter capacity (split between 36L main compartment and 24L external pockets). At 34.5 ounces for the small size with curved hipbelt, it’s impressively light for what you get. All the zippers operate smoothly even after getting dirty and wet, and the stitching looks clean throughout with properly reinforced stress points. After I got home, I sprayed it with Scotch Guard, and that should handle our crazy weather even better. The only weak point I can see is that it’s not fully waterproof, but that’s typical for this weight class.

Rating: 8.5/10

Comfort & Carry

This is where the Mariposa really shines. The Curved PVT Hipbelt was worth the upgrade. The pivot system lets the pack move with you instead of fighting your natural gait. The foam back panel creates a good buffer between you and your gear, so you don’t feel every item pressing into your back. During my 14-mile mission to a hidden pond, carrying about 20 pounds and pushing hard to get there, I only took one break and had zero back pain. The weight transfers to your hips well, making the load feel lighter than it actually is. Even when moving fast through thick terrain, the pack stays balanced and doesn’t bounce around.

Rating: 9/10

The removable foam back panel keeps you comfortable on the trail and doubles as a sit-pad when you reach camp

Organization & Layout

The 60-liter capacity is split between a 36L main compartment and 24L across multiple outside pockets. I liked that the setup has one long side pocket that is perfect for tents and two shorter pockets on the other side for water bottles and smaller gear. There are also zippered pockets and a large front mesh pocket. I was able to pack all my gear, including a small battery lantern, with room to spare. The layout lets you organize by function or frequency of use without needing extra stuff sacks. My only complaint is that the asymmetrical pocket design looks odd at first, but it’s actually really functional once you get used to it.

Rating: 9/10

The zippered side pocket keeps your small gear secure and within easy reach while you’re on the move

Functionality

For backpacking and outdoor use, this pack handled everything I threw at it. The main compartment easily fits a sleeping bag, clothes, and food, while the side pockets keep frequently used items within reach. The removable foam back panel doubles as a sit-pad at camp. The pack works great for day hikes too, though at 60 liters it might be overkill for some people. Another feature I liked was the external pockets that make it easy to grab water or snacks without stopping to dig through the main compartment. Bear canisters also fit well either vertically or horizontally, depending on the model.

Rating: 9/10

Looks & Discretion

The Mariposa has a clean, functional look that doesn’t scream tactical or overly technical. I got the green version, which blends well in outdoor settings. The design is more about function than fashion, but it’s not ugly by any means. The asymmetrical pocket layout gives it a unique appearance that some people love and others think looks weird. Limited color options (green and gray) keep it fairly low-key. It’s clearly a serious backpacking pack, so it won’t blend in urban settings, but that’s not what it’s designed for.

Rating: 9/10

The Mariposa 60 carried everything I needed for the day, including a lantern. The pack performed flawlessly, getting me to the pond

Value & Final Thoughts

At $315, it’s not cheap, but for a fully featured, framed ultralight pack under 35 ounces, the price is fair compared to similar options. When you consider that many comparable packs are either heavier or more expensive, the Mariposa 60 hits a good sweet spot. The 2024 updates with the new frame system justify the cost, and the comfort improvements make it worth the investment for serious hikers. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a pack that bridges ultralight and comfort, especially if you’re buying online and need something with a proven track record.

Rating: 8/10

Overall Rating

This is a well-built, comfortable pack that proves ultralight doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable. Its smart organization and excellent weight distribution make it ideal for serious backpacking.

Overall Rating: 9/10

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award-winning outdoor journalist who resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly outdoor column for the Slidell Independent Newspaper. He also writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Commission’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He is the former host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Show and is on the board of the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association. Keith contributes to numerous publications both online and in print and prides himself on promoting South Louisiana’s unique fishery. To contact Keith email: keithlusherjr@gmail.com