Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Backpack Review

[@cometsmom8943]

Can't wait to see your Spain hike. It always a pleasure watching your videos.

[@luboyanev]

Thanks for sharing, one thing that would have been interesting to hear is how it compares to your other packs (the arc haul and the osprey)

[@laur-unstagenameactuallyca1587]

Aw glad you have a review of this pack! I had my mind set on it for a while but for some reason I never realized you'd made a review on it. Makes me happy to see that it's that good coming from a trusted source 🤗

[@michellevalenzuela9135]

Just got mine today!

[@hikerJohn]

Goose and Turkey Roasting Bags work well for keeping clothes and sleeping bags dry. Either Reynolds or True Liberty brand bags. They are odor resistant as well being made of a type of nylon. I did consider the Mariposa but got the Arc Haul to save weight.

[@cindywilson4328]

Looking forward to your Camino trip. I just got back from the Frances route in June. Please do a review comparing the Zpack and this pack.

[@Rose-co3cp]

I had my Mariposa pack since last year and I love it. Great padding and I like the wide hip belt and the pockets. I find it very durable. I just switched to a hammock. I put my minitarp that is wrapped in a snakeskin and put it in the long sleeve. I use the mesh/front pocket to hold my rain gear and camp shoes. If you want an easier access to your phone, I suggest buying the Shoulder Strap Pocket that Gossamer sells

[@NerdsRuleThisWorld]

Did you like the gossamer gear backpack more than the zpacks backpack?

[@adventurepath]

Fancy Mae..where is Fancy Mae the hiking dawg? We need more Fancy Mae fix . 🤗😎🐕

[@Doa616]

I started using a osprey levity 45 and I like it ,, it’s really light and feel great on my back ,,, it does need a learning curve to pack but I’ve felt really comfortable and been able to hike fast

[@hikerliz]

I have used the Mariposa for about 4 years. I use the tall pocket for my tent I have the Six Moon Design Luner Solo and it fits perfectly

[@jonhighsmith803]

I got to watch KZbin on TV the other night and what did I request? of course homemade Wanderlust! I've enjoyed you on my smartphone for months now, but wow you put National Geographic to shame Dixie. so informative, so inspirational and such a down-to-earth lovely young woman. oh and now my mom and sister are fans to. congratulations on your success, you're Triple Crown and I'm sure a great future!

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Jon Highsmith Wow, thank you so much!!

[@kristanlalley9246]

😎 You were awesome before, and you're now ultra cool after supporting Second Chance! Two good humans working to light up the world just a bit. Thank you Dixie!

[@twilightdancer9000]

Thanks for sharing 🌻

[@vincevoyna4504]

Thanks Dixie! We asked and we have received! :) I am looking at Zpacks Arc Haul Zip and GG Mariposa. I will look at both and compare the fit. Just curious - if you HAD TO choose, which one would you pick - Arc Haul or Mariposa? (perhaps a comp vid? like you made for HMG Windrider 3400 and Arc Haul?) Thanks. BTW , about that Windrider vs Arc Haul review , sounds like HMG customer service sucked, and you didn't want to say it? Well, I (and I guess others as well?) am more interested in your opinion - biased, obnoxious or glorious, offensive or not -- unapologetic. Good, bad, nasty - you name it - I want it :) In general, I don't care so much for general specs - can read them anywhere, on a website, etc.. I care more about YOUR perspective and YOUR opinion. I'd say don't be shy criticizing gear or customer service! (I am trying to get you in trouble LOL) . You put out some great content. Keep up the good work :) Peace. Nice you try to build out hiker community.

[@stephenh7336]

No. 1 thing I love...you are 100% Honest... No 1 thing I hate...you get biased reviews and views because you're breathtakingly gorgeous...

[@WorldBrilliant]

Thanks for the video! Did you notice the fabric of the pack retain water and get heavy when it rained?

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Mine does not...the material is one of the harder fabrics to soak out. I am unsure if it actually will. I do not think so. Oull the trigger...just buy it.

[@bowolfyboazy8899]

Can we tag act old later, the wander women, joyful rambler and all the other ladies hiking how do you overcome any fears (especially camping alone at night) on the trail. Are there any things to be alert to? Any advice to future thru female hikers I have the Gossamer Gorilla and love it.

[@chrislady6020]

It's worth it Dixie you need your hips then your legs go

[@Y2J3469]

It was ostensibly a good review; however, it’s hard to give credence to a girl that won’t carry the extra unnoticeable gram and wear deodorant on the trail.

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Dixie, thank you for the great review of a fine quality product. You always do a super job on your reviews. Another big thank you for assisting Second Chance on his PCT trek. Always take good care of yourself. The very best to you, your Mom and Fancy. 🤗

[@borealphoto]

I folded the sitpad and stuffed it in the bottom sleeve for a lumbar pad and a breezier back.

[@ambowler33]

This is a great idea. I'll have to remember it for hot days. Thank you!!

[@jno5]

Are you going to do a review on Fancy’s pack.....?

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

FreeToWheel Yep!

[@NancyandMako]

Thanks again Dixie for an amazing video! So you think this pack would be better to take on the AT with my dog instead of the Gossemer 36 pack?

[@Phor0phor]

Dixie!! Guess who is about to start the Oregon Coast Trail? Thank you so very much for all of your advice. Your insights have been priceless to me during this planning process.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

PhorOh Phor CONGRATS! I hope you have an awesome time 😃

[@Phor0phor]

Thank you!! I know i'll have a blast.. I'll have find your facebook group and share my pics with you guys ✌️💜

[@firstname4337]

"Guess who is about to start the Oregon Coast Trail?" who ?

[@hikesperry8339]

I've been using this pack for 4 years and love it. I carry a 2 man tent and a bear vault and have never had a space problem. The 2 hip belt pockets are surprisingly roomy. I wash it 2 or 3 times a season and it still looks good. Not new, but good.

[@montana1951]

I haven't commented in some time: so I just want to say Ur the best & I love the creative way U photograph nature. It was fun watching U, Ur mom & Fancy Mae. I'm still a fan & still watching...wayne

[@shorty7764]

Enjoy your videos. Thanks for supporting Second Chance!

[@stevecook413]

Are you sure contracter bags aren't a sponsor?

[@nobison6185]

My back feels cooler if I just remove the sit pad and carry it on top. Also for lighter loads I remove the stay and fold my air pad to fit into the hydration sleeve to act a a "frame". This pack is very versatile.

[@thecaublelife4039]

I am so glad that you had a positive experience with the Mariposa! I carried the Mariposa pack on the AT and wanted to love it so much, and it was fine - except my load lifters broke! The right one went first, and luckily it happened right around trail days and the people at Osprey fixed it. Then around the Whites, my left one broke and I finished out the trail with it broken! Ah! Still searching for the perfect pack even after a thru-hike under my belt haha

[@frank-to7lu]

Your description of the new pack is interspersed with items you still carry and how to carry them. As the pre-eminent Triple Crowner of our era, it's a good bet that much of what you carry we would find useful too.

[@JackHumphrey]

Think I've made up my mind finally. All thanks to Dixie!

[@mystuff1405]

When a company does not support an expert hiker like Dixie it is a good reason not to get their gear because they are so greedy. Hear that manufactures? Dixie may not care but i do.

[@dianal.1279]

Thank you for the review! I'm looking forward to your videos when you're in Europe! All the best to the whole family!

[@snowymatrix]

Love this pack! I've had it 4 months and done 2 trips and 400 miles and still looks like new! I bought the phone strap shoulder pocket that GG sell and it fits my massive S9 plus - thanks Dixie! :-)

[@deanm5734]

Hi Jessica. I sure you wish you would expand more on the differences between the Arc Haul and the Mariposa. You mentioned that you wanted better weight handling than the Arc Haul, but did not expand on that. What do you consider the maximum comfortable weight capacity of the Arc Haul? What happens (comfort wise) when you exceed that weight?

[@Thomas-wn7cl]

Will you review ULA packs?

[@MrVoltz]

I don't know if I can trust this video. You say that there are no pressure points and at the same time you show a clip with your back with two red points. Then you say that the pockets fit everything including a phone perfectly and show a clip where the phone doesn't fit.

[@MarkusSenior]

Thanks for this great review Dixie. I will be testing Gossamer Gear's Silverback 55 on a Sierra Nevada (Mineral King) trip in a few days. Curious how it will hold up, especially as I was also contemplating going with the Mariposa first…. But then went with the Silverback for durability and also the added carry capacity for my camera gear… Let’s see how it will work out. Looking forward to your Camino videos. My brother did one route last year and loved it.

[@JazzFlop212]

How did it go?

[@MarkusSenior]

@@JazzFlop212 I really like the Silverback 55 and I might take it with me on the PCT this year… Gossamer Gear is currently redesigning that model and it is not available via their website. Looks like you are planning a hike yourself ;-) Cheers from LA.

[@JazzFlop212]

@@MarkusSenior Oh ok nice! I’m considering ULA Circuit or Catalyst or GG Mariposa. Hope to see you out there!! NOBO March 9th ATX🛸

[@wizzy54]

Hi! I saw you have the M pack and M hipbelt - can you provide your measurements? I'm 5'8", 134 lbs, about 27" waist. I thought I need a S belt, but maybe I need M?

[@Xavis0]

I've used a M Mariposa with a S hipbelt since 2017. I'm 5'7" 158lbs, 35" waist (just measured with a fabric measure). The buckles are about halfway through their total length, so there seems to be a lot of room for adjustment. I am a male, and so fitment might be a little different on a female, but I wouldn't think it'd be too different.

[@QuietMowing]

GG packs are looking good these days! -Nice review! 🌲🌲🌲👍🌲🌲🌲

[@markseay4930]

"Double Decker" pockets were standard equipment on old school external frame packs.

[@djsomers100]

Just let go of my REI Expedition framed pack... going to a scout troop. Loved the two pockets on each side.

[@HomemadeWanderlust]

Nice!

[@djsomers100]

@@HomemadeWanderlust I do have a new ZPacks ArcHaul to replace it!

[@markseay4930]

The outside pockets allow me to keep my sanity instead of endlessly digging for small items.

[@w8stral]

And we all loved them and miss them dearly.

[@rainbowhiker]

Last year I watched 2 pct-ers who used this pack and had threads give loose on a couple of straps. The company treated them well though and tried to fix things in some way.

[@douglamont2886]

Your reviews are great. You give a honest review base on your own actual experiences. However, if you personal dislike something, you also include other people's comments for a complete unbiased point of view. You're doing a great job keep it up. Thank you very much.

[@chemistryflavored]

I have a GG tent and love it. It’s no Zpacks in terms of weight, but it was similar in design and was much cheaper!

[@tomnoyb8301]

Gotta try the LiteAF Curve, Dixie? The curve is revolutionary, because it curves to match your back. Imagine the difference between straight stays vs curved stays (in packs that use stays, e.g. HMG 3400, etc.)? But even packs with stays are cut straight. LiteAF is cut to the curve and thus requires no stays. The pack naturally conforms to the shape of your back and is sooo comfortable. Been hiking fifty-years and never had anything like it. In five years, most packs will "curve." Such an obvious advance, yet nobody else thought of it?

[@IamMotionMedia]

carried heavier weight well? 19lbs is not heavy at all, You should test this this with at least 33-44lbs

[@ryanlee8790]

You seems like a smaller waist size, but said you ordered the medium hip belt. Did you ever feel like you wished you would have gotten the small?

[@chaseadventures]

Still a great and useful video thanks!

[@samwilliamsish]

Keep hiking please..my kidneys shut down on me and cant hike..I live tru you videos to get my hiking fix..thank you

[@quamb]

man the ounce and pound measurements drive me insane not being from USA (you know, the rest of the world).

[@E_Clampus_Vitus]

I’m from USA. Seriously don’t understand why we cling to such nonsense. Metric makes sense!!

[@Motorep146]

I saw 3 people with these packs during my TMB hike last month. They all seemed to be happy with the way they carried but they seemed to be hauling way more then I was. I only spotted one ZPacks Arc Haul and my wife and I were the only ones rocking ULA packs. Everybody else seemed to be using Osprey, Gregory, or Dueter packs which is to be expected I guess. My ULA Photon was just the right size for doing a hut to hut style hike and would be my choice on the Camino as well.

[@titanpreparedness]

Awesome review dixie. Its awesome that they could get a pack that big that lightweight

[@sammywrenn9147]

You're voice!!!.... Awesome!!!.... Inspiration!!..You could sale, or sell anything on Earth!!

[@Karen-dq8nw]

Have you used this pack with a bear canister?

[@timothyjohnson5145]

Hi Dixie In your experience, whats a more comfortable pack, the Zpacks Arc or the Mariposa? Happy Hiking!

[@paperhanger29]

Really enjoy your content! I'm about to pull the trigger between the Arc Haul and Mariposa? Side by side which did you prefer and why?

[@OliverHikes]

It looks like you wear your pack low. Is the pack too big or is that wear its most comfortable?

[@ericfricke4512]

Fancy in the makeshift poncho was so cute.

[@mary.peacefulhikesn.j.3350]

Great review! As for a pack having four side pockets, Zpacks has this option. I have the Scout (I have a small back) and needed more space so I added the optional upper pockets and I don't know how I lived without them!!! I put my Sawyer Kit in one side and my stove/pot in the other for easy access of midday coffee on the trail. ~mary

[@E_Clampus_Vitus]

I have had bad customer service with Zpacks. They starred out as a small company but now they have big company problems.There are too many other manufacturers of high quality gear that are still small enough that they actually care about their customers.

[@DrewBoswell]

My Mariposa has held up well since I got it in 2016. It's tougher than it looks at first. Like you, I find the pad makes my back sweat from lack of airflow. The only thing I'd change is to make the hip belt pockets larger, but that's about it. The pack is so well designed with useful features that it makes me happy to wear it. That one tall pocket I consider my wet stuff place. My tarp goes in it, along with my rain gear and pack cover. If I'm carrying an umbrella, it's in there too. That way if it starts raining, I only have to look in one place for whatever I need to deal with the precip. One other possible negative of the Mariposa is that it's so roomy you might be tempted to over pack it. Don't, because once you get much over 28 pounds in it, the ride is not as comfortable. But that scenario is easy to avoid with experience. Anyone considering a 60L pack would do well to try the Mariposa.

[@ApeMan]

I love my Mariposa 60! I'm not a thru hiker other than something like the John Muir Trail but this pack allows me to do big miles and off trail scrambles. I have managed to tear some small holes in the bottom climbing around granite off trail so I've had to add reinforce that but this is my go to pack for summer hiking.

[@kentgwyn3230]

How has fancy readjusted to home life? she appeared to come in to her own on the trail. i wonder if she will become a runner.

[@michaelb2279]

Just noticed the Invisalign for the first time. Looking good! I get mine next week and can't wait! How was it having them on trail?

[@emmanuelled.meunier9819]

She had braces ;)

[@strawberrywineohmy2798]

It’s braces .

[@unacamper9123]

Good production with the attention to lighting on your face......

[@girlgonefishing6563]

I love my Mariposa, the long sleeve has a hole in the bottom to let water drip off from a tarp/tent! Thanks Dixie for the review.

[@davidgentry7746]

How well do you think a zpacks duplex will fit in the side pocket?

[@bawattsyl]

How tall is the big pocket on the one side? It's really annoying they don't list this info on their site.. if anyone has the pack and can tell me in inches how tall that pocket is on the one side, I appreciate it very much;)

[@pinkymcghee157]

I love my mariposa! The big side pocket fits the zpacks duplex perfectly, and it’s almost the most comfortable pack I’ve tried. The granite gear crown is the most comfortable to me, buuuut I kept losing things from the outside pockets so that’s a no go for me.

[@melissafrederick9362]

Glad to hear you liked the Mariposa. I switched to the Mariposa from an Osprey Ariel and have been super happy. I have the upgraded back pad and it does help with the ventilation. The more I use the pack, the more I really love the outside pockets. I keep my shelter and a 1L Smart Water bottle fitted with a tube in the tall pocket then keep a 20 oz bottle with BCAA powder or other electrolyte replacement in one of the short pockets. The zipper pocket on the top is super handy as well.

[@hikerJohn]

Mariposa is a 60L, Zpack is 62L and they both have the same weight carrying rating so I dont see that much difference. The Mariposa does actually LOOK larger but does it carry more volume?

[@deanm5734]

While the overall capacity is pretty similar, the main compartment on the Arc Haul is much bigger than the Mariposa. The Mariposa makes up for the small main compartment by adding all of those pockets on the outside.

[@nowakezoneforever6021]

Four hours... 6k views. How cool is that?!!

[@thescrambler6684]

Which one did you like better?

[@raymondwaynenash8489]

1:51 that cannot be real that looks awesome

[@lisaphikes]

If you had to pick one for yourself- Zpacks Arc Haul or Gossamer Gear Mariposa? Thank you for the videos!!

[@jonhighsmith803]

question Dixie, I am looking at Sawyers and up in the air between the squeeze and micro. micro is smaller, lighter, and cheaper- the only negative I've heard is a bad plastic taste. have you had any experience with these? Thanks

[@trailheart1863]

Sawyer squeeze all the way. , I have that and a platypus gravity 2 liter filter kit and don’t notice any “plasticy” taste by either. Love how easy it is to fill a platypus large mouth water bag. Can’t vouch for the sawyer mini taste or reliability.

[@jonhighsmith803]

Trail Heart thanks most prefer squeeze but people who have tried micro say equally good but a couple complaints of that Dreadful plastic taste, it's a little more than half the cost so I'll probably try it.

[@robertrockwell7581]

Dixie you are a wonderful women.. thank you so much for surprising Second Chance just when he needed it. that was just too cool. i have watched you since the A.T. videos and that is why because you are caring toward others. God bless you and your family. and give fancy a hug from me.

[@Steve-md4vk]

Yes a very kind and thoughtful thing to do.

[@NancyandMako]

Just watched your video again I just got this pack for my thruhike this spring on the AT. I am taking my Standard Poodle along some of the trail and needed some additional space. I have used G4-20 for the past year and absolutely love it!!!! Excited to try out my Mariposa pack!! Again thx so much for your amazing videos!!!!

[@ajmig7492]

Hey Jessica.... I have the ZPacks ARC HAUL and really do not like the shoulder straps, they cause me a lot of pain. Do you think the GG Mariposa 60 is better in that area? Thank you.... Old Man Hiking Club, Charlotte NC

[@AmericanDrainWorks]

all these companies should be paying you... you should be sponsored. Your are amazing. Thank you for your information.

[@bob-ny6kn]

@Homemade Wanderlust - Dixie - You do not seem like a sweater in all the videos that I have watched (just AT). I am a sweater (yes, I know the joke, but srsly). Any "cool/air" system to keep my back dry fails for me. My back sweat soaks my bag (whole bag - sides, front, back, brain, bottom, all three straps!). The mesh buffer just collapses if I pack anything more than down pillows or marshmallows (base weight minus water and sweat is 30-lbs). My next try will be to tie a few cross-wise pieces of plumbing insulation (the stuff that goes around 1/2-inch copper pipe) at hips and shoulders to create a space for air to move, and an escape route for sweat, to avoid soaking my Gregory 65… so far, nothing keeps my kit dry. Thank you for your hiking videos and for reviewing the gear you tried. You help a lot of people (me, too).

[@barryfisher4082]

Dixie, did you measure the length of your back, per GG's website? I'm curious as to how many inches it was. I just bought the pack and I measure right in the overlap area between lg and med. The large leaves the bottom of the pack down to my butt, and the medium puts the bottom just above and sitting on the coccyx similar to where yours seems to fit. I can adjust both to get the belt to fit, but I think I'm going with the medium as the lrg. seems to hang really low. Did you have any difficult determining your size? I'm a guy about 5'8". Did you have any sizing issues? Thanks. Love your journeys.

[@bagdropboy]

Absolutely love your videos! Found your channel about a week ago and I can't get enough. Thank you so much for the content and information. You inspired me to design this shirt: www.amazon.com/dp/B07WX61NFH

[@juliegordon6718]

How does the back of the pack do with the Barreling affect? I looks like it pressed out pretty far when you did a close up? I had a problem with the ULA packs pressing into a slipped disc and I’m wondering if the Mariposa is going to do the same thing. I’m also looking at the Arc Haul also which will keep the pack away from my spine. Traditional packs aren’t working so I’m having to go cottage.

[@danbendel7957]

Thanks for another great review! Does the zpacks duplex fit in the Mariposa side pocket?

[@HikingwithGus]

Hey Dixie! Thanks for the review and for all the videos you do! You have been an inspiration for this old guy to get back out there and pound dirt. I watched all your CDT videos as they came out. Looking forward to more. Hiking with dogs is a blast! Fancy is a character! Loved her sliding down the snow and her doing "Zoomies". I can't imagine hiking without my Cattle Dog Gus. He keeps me company and there is never a dull moment with him. Thanks again for all you time making these vids! More hiking with Fancy would be great!

[@richardmagale8405]

Dixie, which store do you recommend...REI or Field and stream...or both? By the way...i love being a trail angel. I've always loved helping others! Hike on!

[@stevekulbacki5238]

Would you recommend the Mariposa for the AT?

[@lt2246]

Does anyone have a comparison between the Mariposa 60 vs the Granite Gear Blaze 60?

[@aar5pj]

Looking forward to your future video (?) of your travel to Michigan's "Pictured Rocks" area.

[@oncosurgdoc]

Dixie; have you explored how you would carry a bear canister on the outside of this pack?

[@LevinsThe]

Hi! Thanks for the review! I'm exactly in between sizes. I'm 175cm/72kg, so what size should I pick M or L?

[@yvette2754]

Hello Dixie, thank you so much for this review!! I have maybe a strange question but I hope you can help me about choosing the right hip belt size for the Mariposa. You say you have the size medium hip belt, but can I ask you your hip size measurement? I want to purchase the Mariposa and I am in between hip belt sizes Small and Medium. I have sent an e-mail to Grossamer Gear and they suggested to order both belts (medium and small) and send one back, but I live in The Netherlands, so this is a little difficult. If I look at your review about the medium hip belt I see you have some space left, so if i know your measurement I can compare it with my own measurement.... I hope you can help me. Thank you.

[@acentialreiki]

Omg I did it I just pulled the trigger and bought my very own Mariposa 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@bowolfyboazy8899]

Can we tag act old later, the wander women, joyful rambler and all the other ladies hiking how do you overcome any fears (especially camping alone at night) on the trail. Are there any things to be alert to? Any advice to future thru female hikers I have the Gossamer Gorilla and love it.

[@tarheelhiker7463]

There is a difference in the size of pockets on the small hip belt vs the medium hip belt. I had to exchange my hip belt in order to get the larger pockets and luckily I was able to use the medium size without any problems. The small hip belt pockets were really tiny! (at least I thought so). I do love my pack!

[@lt2246]

Thanks for the review. I wonder if any of your subscribers have a comparison between the Gossamer gear Mariposa and the Granite Gear Blaze 60?

[@bowolfyboazy8899]

Can we tag act old later, the wander women, joyful rambler and all the other ladies hiking how do you overcome any fears (especially camping alone at night) on the trail. Are there any things to be alert to? Any advice to future thru female hikers I have the Gossamer Gorilla and love it.

[@LiboltAdventures]

I love how you have the timestamp break downs in the description. Thanks. Good video. P.s. Love the dog.

[@charleskeenom9481]

Thank you Dixie very much information there. Dixie how do I get your email address I would love to have it to ask some questions

[@jonknotts4343]

Great video, I’m currently between this pack and the Arc Haul trying to figure out which one to buy. I understand you have the liners inside, but with all the external pockets is there a rain cover available? I do most my backpacking in the south, and it rains a good bit lol.