Gear Review: Mariposa 60 Backpack By Gossamer Gear

One of the most beloved ultralight backpacks on the market, Gossamer Gear's Mariposa 60 Backpack is everything ultralight should be. It's comfortable, well designed and can handle gnarly adventures. Check out our review to find out why we are obsessed with this pack!

Gear Review: Mariposa 60 Backpack By Gossamer Gear
Ultralight with lots of space and a super comfortable fit, the Mariposa 60 Backpack by Gossamer Gear might just be the perfect backpack for your epic adventures!

The Mariposa 60 by Gossamer Gear is an ultralight, ultra-functional backpack with a phenomenal reputation. For backpackers looking to cut weight without sacrificing comfort and organization, this is a solid 60 liter pack. Its innovative frame is a game changer, and its stretch pockets allow for ample room for gear.

It's hard to believe a backpack full of great features, fit options and dialed in comfort can also be ultralight! Keep scrolling to learn all about the Mariposa 60 Backpack by Gossamer Gear and what we think about it after three big backpacking trips!

a backpacker wears the Mariposa 60 Backpack By Gossamer Gear while hiking up slick rock
The Mariposa 60 Backpack by Gossamer Gear has a great, comfortable fit that moves with your body, making it a great choice for all the various terrains of the Southwest.

Quick Rundown of the Mariposa 60 Backpack By Gossamer Gear

  • Available in small, medium and large
  • Weight: 2.13 pounds for a medium with a straight hip belt
  • Volume: 60 liters
  • Durable recycled Robic fabric
  • Trekking pole attachments and ice axe loop
  • Hydration tube router and headphone port
  • Comfortable, removable PVT frame which can also make a nice seat
  • S-curve harness and load lifters

My Experience with the Mariposa 60 Backpack By Gossamer Gear

The immediate reaction to putting on the loaded up Mariposa 60 Backpack by Gossamer Gear was holy smokes this is comfortable. And after a few miles on trail, the thoughts of how is this so comfortable continued. Simply put, this is one of the most comfortable backpacks I've ever used. The shoulder straps, cushy back pad and PVT hip belt make for trail magic.

Part of what makes this backpack so extremely comfortable is that the stretch pockets are huge and so stretchy that you can truly disperse the weight of your gear in a way that is balanced and well distributed, with nothing hitting weird spots along your back. The Mariposa 60 is designed really well.

an infographic showing the design of the Mariposa 60 Backpack By Gossamer Gear
The Mariposa 60 Backpack has a lot of thoughtful design features that make a huge impact on the versatility of this pack.

This backpack is hydration bladder compatible and has a nice hydration port and tube router. If you're more of a water bottle person, the side pockets can hold two huge Nalgenes each. Speaking of side pockets, a packed two person ultralight tent can fit into one of the side pockets. They are huge and so stretchy. Ideal.

60 liters is a great size for pretty much every backpacking trip. Of course it's big if you truly are are ultralighter, but for most of us, 60 liters is perfection.

The top lid of the Mariposa 60 is minimal as heck, with just a tiny zip pocket. I much prefer this style to the more tradition backpacks with a huge top containing multiple pockets. The Mariposa 60 offers a nice, streamlined design. It does not have lots of pockets for the sake of more pockets. Instead, every pocket has a very obvious purpose and can be used well.

a hiker stuffs an ultralight tent into the side pocket of the Mariposa 60 Backpack By Gossamer Gear
The stretchy side pockets on the Mariposa 60 Backpack are spacious and incredibly well designed. They can easily hold a few water bottles, or an ultralight tent.

The front of the Mariposa 60 has trekking pole attachment webbings that are lightweight but feel durable. These are a nice feature for backpacking through varied terrain. Same with the ice axe loop. That helps to make this backpack something to be used year-round.

After a few trips with this backpack, it's really easy to understand why folks love it so much. It's hard to find flaws with it!

Overall, this is a kickass backpack. And after a lot of testing, I can say it's one of the best backpacks I've ever used. And I've used a ton of backpacks over many years of gear reviewing and adventuring. Be sure to check out the Mariposa 60 from Gossamer Gear. It's great!


Mariposa 60 Backpack By Gossamer Gear - Pros and Cons

Mariposa 60 Backpack By Gossamer Gear: Pros and Cons

The Mariposa 60 Backpack By Gossamer Gear is an ultralight pack that's perfect for any backpacking trip you can dream up! Check out the pros and cons below:

Pros Cons
Ultralight at 34.2 ounces Expensive
Durable build and materials
Excellent use of space and pockets
Inredibly comfortable
The frame is also a comfy seat

Click here to learn more and purchase the Mariposa 60 Backpack by Gossamer Gear for your next adventure!


My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.