GOSSAMER GEAR GORILLA 50 ULTRALIGHT BACKPACK | Unboxing, First Impressions, and Full Pack Review

[@casapinka9715]

I had no idea about the umbrella attachment there. Off to order an umbrella now. Great review!

[@IntenseAngler]

Excellent review my brother! That definitely looks like an awesome and very versatile pack. I love how you took it out in the field for a few trips to give it some real world testing before posting your review and opinion... much respect. Two thumbs for sure man. Happy Trails!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thank you so much John - glad to hear from you! It definitely is a great pack, and was fun to review for sure. Hope you are doing well man. Happy Trails!

[@rya7642]

7:06 Where did you put the weight? Did someone drop the weight? We might have lost it 😞

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Haha I was like.. what are you talking about 😂 I definitely lost the weight! Never getting it back either.

[@codymcgee6999]

Thanks for the video. I'm looking at buying an ultralight pack soon and this one is definitely a contender.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hey thanks for checking it out Cody! It’s definitely a great pack. Let me know if you have any questions about it.

[@codymcgee6999]

@@DannyJSchaefer hey Danny. Still looking closely at the gorilla 50. Outdoor gear lab agrees w you and states that this pack is extremely comfortable to carry. Upon looking closely at some pictures I did come up with a couple questions. Does the top section sag or hang away from your back up top. The way the top folds over looks like if it was loaded full it could pull away from my back. Also, will a smartwater bottle fall out of the angled side pockets? And does this pack have load lifters?? Thank you and I look forward to supporting your channel. See you on the trail.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hey Cody! I’m on the back end of a 48 hr shift and will be getting off work tomorrow morning. I’ll take a better look at the pack and I’ll more accurately be able to answer your questions when I get home. Id be happy to send you some pictures of it as well if you’d want to shoot me an email @[e-mail]. Thanks for the support man.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

So I'm home here with the pack right in front of me, and stuffed it full of blankets/other items to completely fill it up. What I've noticed throughout the trips that I took the pack on, and from testing it out now is that if it's packed to the max then the "hood" or top section of the pack won't quite stretch over your items and cover them. That's the only way I could get it to "hang away" and not close/seal properly, so if you don't overfill it you would be fine. You'll also be just fine with a smart water bottle not falling out. It doesn't have your typical load lifters on the shoulder straps.. but it does have some straps up high that are more than likely just used for securing items like trekking poles etc.. but they could potentially be used for that. Again, feel free to shoot me an email if you'd like and I could send pictures of the pack or answer more questions etc.. If you decide to go for this pack I'd definitely appreciate the support of clicking on one of the affiliate links for the Gorilla 50 in the description box. Happy trails man. -Danny

[@codymcgee6999]

@@DannyJSchaefer Have you tried putting a bear canister in it? I have a bv450 that I use when required. Thanks for the help.

[@ZZ_90]

Great review man! Up in the air between this pack or the Southwest 40, by Hyperlite, for our JMT trip in August. Looking to keep the pack around 20-25 pounds max. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated my man!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thanks man, I appreciate it! I can't speak necessarily for the Southwest 40, but I do have the HMG Junction 55 to compare it against. Since they're basically the same pack except for their outer pocket fabrics I think I can give you a solid recommendation. Hands down, I'd go with the HMG. For me, it's all about the fabric. The Southwest 40 is made of dyneema (highly water resistant), and the Gorilla 50 uses nylon (not so much). A couple of summers ago I took my Junction out in the Idaho White Clouds for its first trip, and we got caught in a massive rainstorm and all of the gear on the inside of the pack remained dry. I've yet to find a pack that fits as well as the HMG, and that's as bomb proof. The Gorilla 50 is still a favorite of mine, but I find that I don't quite reach for it anymore. It's a super comfortable pack, though! If you're a fan of pack covers or internal storage sacks to keep moisture off your gear than you may be just fine with the Gorilla 50.. But my recommendation is again, hands down the HMG pack. I think I may be ordering up a Porter 70 or 85 this year for some of my bigger trips coming up! Does this help? Let me know if you have any more questions!

[@ZZ_90]

@@DannyJSchaefer wow dude! Thank you so much for the in-depth review and response! I will have to add that one to the list as far as choices go and do some research! My biggest thing is, I don’t want to be overpacked, or have too much weight that is not needed. I’m guessing the weight of the HMG 55 isn’t that bad? I have also looked at the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60, but feel that might be a bit much for what we are doing. You might have me sold on the HMG 55 for the fact that it is bombproof alone. Thanks again for the timely response, brother! I really do appreciate it!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

@@ZZ_90 Hey man, you bet! I don't think you'd go wrong with any of the packs you listed.. Just my own thoughts there. The HMG 55L Packs are just the right size for what I tend to do. However keep in mind that I film all of my hikes (so I carry camera equipment, drone, battery packs etc..) and usually take my dog along so I tend to carry more than the average person I feel like. You may be just fine with the 40L, but if memory serves me right the 55L only weighs a hair more and could potentially give you more room to play with on other trips down the road. You'll have to let me know what you decide! I'm pretty jealous of your JMT trip and no doubt that'll be awesome. Also, I wanted to throw in some affiliate links here if you were interested in helping support my channel? 100% don't feel obligated, but I have links for both GG and HMG that'll take you to their sites, and if you choose to purchase a pack from either company then they'll send me a small commission which goes right back into this channel for my own gear etc.. Hyperlite Mountain Gear: bit.ly/3IODjMg Gossamer Gear: gossamergear.com/?rfsn=6198843.3ca6af

[@slezakfan2]

Great video :) I was wondering if there is a sleeve for the water bladder?

[@DannyJSchaefer]

And great question!! I just double checked, and unfortunately there is not an internal sleeve for a water bladder in the pack. With these Ultralight packs I’ll sometimes place a water bladder in one of the external side pockets (where a typical water bottle would go) and then stretch the hose around so the bite valve sits in its normal place, and that works pretty well. The big pockets seem to insulate pretty well also. Thanks so much for watching the video, and let me know if you have any more questions!

[@Carcharius12]

Great review! If you still have the Junction any chance you could do a side-by-side comparison video at some point? Both are my top two on my list of potential packs and I’d love to hear how they stack up in comfort, carrying capacity, durability etc.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Hey man thanks a lot! I do have the Junction, and think that would make for an excellent video. They’re both great packs. Feel free to check my ‘about’ section out and shoot me an email and I’d be happy to give you some more info if you’re trying to choose between the two. It looks like I gained a new subscriber around the time you commented, and if that was you (it doesn’t always tell me who) then thank you!

[@Earthpet711]

Where is that hike? It's beautiful!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Which one in the video? There’s a couple different places I hiked at in this video. Thanks for watching!!

[@Earthpet711]

@@DannyJSchaefer wherever those mountain views are.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

@@Earthpet711 but which part of the video? There’s multiple locations I mean.

[@Earthpet711]

@@DannyJSchaefer Between 7:00 and 7:35.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Awesome thanks. That’s the Maple Pass Loop in the North Cascades of Washington State. Here’s the link to that full hike if interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXqmnmyZnJZkfpI

[@texmexia49]

Wish it had load lifters.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Yeah that would be nice. Seems like a lot of packs these days are doing away with them. I don’t understand why. ?

[@texmexia49]

@@DannyJSchaefer I understand not having them for smaller capacity packs, but a 50 liter just needs them imho. Frustrating for me, because I don’t need a 60 liter which I would have to buy to get that feature.

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Outstanding video - excellent info

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thank you so much Dave! I really appreciate it! Cheers!

[@christianb8228]

Was this in the Canadian Rockies?

[@DannyJSchaefer]

No it wasn’t. It was filmed mostly here in North Idaho and Washington State in the North Cascades! Would love to have you as a subscriber if interested.. and let me know if you have anymore questions!

[@e.a.1593]

Toll präsentiert, danke.

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@MongoWongo777]

It is always a good day when I see a new Danny Schaefer video in my KZbin feed!!! That looks like a great pack for sure, especially when you compare the capabilities vs. the weight. That is crazy light compared to some of the gear I have. Most of my stuff is tactical nylon, 1,000 Denier. I have one pack that is 8 pounds empty and that does not include my packs that have internal / external frames. 😊 Your background yard shot looked AWESOME! Sweet piece of property for sure!!! Love the fact there is an internal frame for rigidity. What about breathe ability? Some of my frame less packs rest on my back and after a while, my shirt will get soaked. Who makes the zippers? Are those YKK? The buckles look solid. Are those FastTech buckles? I like the integrated whistle, but I would probably opt for a Fox 40 with a break away neck strap, but redundancy is always a good thing IMO. Love the trail footage!!! I can see that island at the far end of the lake from your WA trip. Love the Steven’s Lake footage as well 😊. Clever way to integrate a sitting pad for sure. At that price point, they should probably include the 2 waterproof liners or at least 1. Wow, the ability to integrate a hiking umbrella. That is pretty neat for sure. That is the first time I have ever seen that option. It would be very interesting how well that works on a 5-mile hike. It feels like Gossamer could stitch the rings a bit higher and include a strap a bit higher and that would secure the hiking poles a bit better and increase retention and mitigate the poles from coming undone. BTW: Did you see the new DJI Mavic 3? It is a bit spendy, but wow, pretty cool! As always, love the vids!!! Looking forward to the next!!! You and Tess be safe and stay well!!!

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thanks my friend! Always thrilled to see that I have a comment from you! It is crazy lite! And the pack itself is very well constructed. I hear you on having some heavy packs.. my old 'hand-me-down' Osprey Aether 70 L is not ultralight at all! That's the one I was using on all my trips before the 2021 season. Thanks man! The property is pretty sweet.. and I'm trying to find a good place to film videos like this, as well as make a little "KZbin Studio" in a spare bedroom where I can sit down and actually talk to the camera in a controlled environment.. I had to stop this video so many times because of passing cars and airplanes haha. Speaking of the property.. I'm going to shoot you an email :) As far as the zippers and buckles go.. I have no idea.. my knowledge for zippers and buckles kind of stops after I... zip and buckle things lol. The whistle thing is cool! My other Hyperlite Junction pack also has an integrated whistle, and I could see them coming in handy in emergency situations. Thanks for the trail footage comment.. I really tried to keep in mind talking about this pack on those trips, but more times than not it just slipped my mind and I would just keep walking. Yeah I agree with the pack liners.. I've always been on garbage bag kind of guy because I know I have those lying around I agree with the trekking pole attachment.. I didn't know if I was crazy or what.. but I couldn't find an amazing way to secure them. The Mavic 3! Yes that drone looks insane.. and I want one 100%.. Maybe if I win the lottery aha. The price is steeeeeep! Might stick with the old one for another year or so.. My next big investment for the channel is going to be a much nicer camera. The GoPro suffices, but I feel like the quality is lacking to a point that is currently what I'm saving for. So far the Sony a7iii or the Sony a1 are on the radar.. but again, $$$.. Someday! Thanks for watching man! Hope you and your mom are doing well!

[@MongoWongo777]

@@DannyJSchaefer Oh wow, can't wait to hear more about the property! Hehehehehe, your buckle and zipper knowledge :) Completely understood re: your next upgrade. I am a bit of a shutterbug myself. It is one of my many hobbies that cost me an arm and a leg. Thankfully, I recently gave up collecting Faberge Eggs ...LOL!!! We are doing great!!! Thanks for asking!!!

[@dirk4926]

Looks like a nice pack and the price is not crazy either

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Yeah! $240 for a high quality UL pack these days isn't bad at all. Thank you for watching it Dirk!

[@hamode_]

مبدع كالعاده 🖤❤️

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thank you so much!

[@christianb8228]

Cool stuff

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thanks for checking out the video man!

[@crestonpets6714]

Thank you for sharing your amazing video. Stay connected with us. Have a great day 🎉🥰👍

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thanks so much for checking it out and for commenting! Cheers!

[@Desihairstylebarber]

Nice video

[@DannyJSchaefer]

Thanks so much!