Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Report Card. 5 years of ROUGH Terrain. Would I buy another one?

[@LifeIsBetterByTheBrook]

Thank you for making this video! I have been looking at the Mariposa 60 for a while now. I hadn't made up my mind yet, but after watching your vid, I'm getting one.

[@HowestheHike]

You are so welcome! Of course it's been a super pack for me, but I'm not sure it works for everybody so make sure you check the return policy :-) but little things like load lifters and stuff on an ultralight pack are just such a bonus.

[@tangenttrails]

Now that’s a pack with a lotta miles! Well done!

[@HowestheHike]

Thanks! I didn't treat it with kid gloves that's for sure!! But I think it's time for a new one :-)

[@tangenttrails]

@@HowestheHikeI agree.

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Such stunning views! You’ve really captured the essence of these places. Thanks for sharing such an amazing content! 👍

[@HowestheHike]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the views and I hope to continue to share these amazing places! 👍

[@wanderworm]

I’m in the market for a new pack, having just tried the Kakwa 55 and it doesn’t fit me so I’ll be returning it. Hopefully Gossamer Gear makes a women’s fit. On a side note, I’m wondering if you’ve ever hiked the Lake Superior Coastal Trail in Lake Superior Provincial Park? I did it in September and it was stunningly beautiful and rugged. I met two men from Michigan who’d done the WCT but said the LSCT is more wild.

[@HowestheHike]

thanks for the comment! While I don't think they make a specific fit for women, I would suggest trying it - after checking out their return policy - to see if it works for you. I have seen a lot of female hikers using this pack on the trail so I think it's worth a try! And thank you so much for the tip on the trail. I would absolutely love to do that! There was a point in time. I was looking at Algonkin Park in Ontario, but that's mostly inland. So this, in the same general, geographical vicinity on the continent, might be an excellent choice! I appreciate the heads up on it :-)

[@stephenevans7547]

What's the heaviest load you've carried? and the heaviest you can carry comfortably?

[@HowestheHike]

I think I've had this backpack just over 40 pounds a couple of times. And it wasn't uncomfortable even at that weight. I did find it uncomfortable a couple of times when I didn't readjust my backpack loading on these longer trips. Typically I put my sleeping bag and pad at the bottom and then the heaviest stuff goes on top of that - usually food. But as my food load lightens, my back up clothing tends to be heavier so I need to adjust how I pack it. Not the backpack's fault, the user! This backpack really really does lift above its weight!

[@NatureBoundNomads]

Hey brother, parked right behind you😊

[@HowestheHike]

It was great to meet you! Safe travels :-)

[@gcruishank9663]

44lbs is pretty impressive for that much hiking. I just did a 2k 1 nighter with a 48lb pack with my Exo K4 systems which weighs about 5.5lbs. I'm 5'9", 180lbs. You?

[@HowestheHike]

I'm just over 6 feet. Not sure of my weight - it came down a lot over the summer ha ha ha! I could even be lighter if I didn't have all the batteries and the solar panel I carry for the KZbin channel. So for you, why that much weight in the pack?

[@gcruishank9663]

@@HowestheHike Let’s see, down bag 3.5lb, Zenbivy pad, Durston X-Mid Pro 2+ w/poles, extra clothes 3lbs, Luxe Polatouche tarp 1.4lb, Helinox Zero Highback chair, Rumple Fire blanket 1.1lb, Silky Gomboy 300, Bearvailt 450 (yes too big but thought I could be staying for 3 nights, going to get the 425) first aid kit, 20K power bank, GoPro 12 (selfie stick/tripod, 1 extra battery) Flextail MaxPump 3, Platypus Qickdraw filter & Cnoc 2L bag, MSR pocket rocket deluxe, Toaks 750ml pot, Evernew pot and pan, 250 ISO butane, poop kit, headlamp & spare battery, leather gloves, waterproof gloves, small odds and ends. Pretty much it.

[@HowestheHike]

That's a pretty good load out! And some good gear as well :-)

[@gcruishank9663]

@ Thanks! I have to start cooling it on the camping purchases, driving my wife crazy. The Durston was my biggest recent purchase but SO WORTH IT! Amazing tent at 19oz.

[@HowestheHike]

Ha ha ha! Oh, I hear you. I have a whole shed back in New Brunswick full of backpacking gear accumulated over the years. We're always looking for the next best thing right? I will say Dan's stuff is fantastic. He's one of us, he's been out there in the trenches on the trails and still volunteers to fix the GDT up near his home in British Columbia. So anything he thinks is good, I'm very very inclined to think he's completely correct. Good purchase!