Gossamer Gear Mariposa™ Plus Ultralight Backpack View Larger Image

Product Description

The Mariposa™ Plus continues the ultralight backpacking revolution with the same incredible array of important features at a weight of just over a pound! This is the same great pack as the original but constructed of ripstop nylon for added durability while keeping the weight penalty to about 3 ounces. We've also made the side pockets bigger and beefed up the interior stay pockets to make them more sturdy. For those of you who prefer a more "stealth" color scheme it comes in a light Sage.

The only changes for 2008 is to the upper right external pocket and the addition of 1" to the torso size of the Small. This pocket has been shortened so as not to extend into and interfere with the bottom bottle pocket. The pocket will still hold maps, permits and various other small items but it now allows better clearance for the use of bottles in the lower pocket. The extra inch that we added to the Small will allow it to fit more people, as it was a little too small for most women evidenced by great feedback from our customers.

We feel that the 3 different pack sizes together with the 3 removable hip belt sizes gives the customer the ability to customize his or her pack in order to achieve the best fit. We have often heard from women that our packs are too large for them so we've resized the packs and now have a true "Small" pack size. This pack will also fit younger hikers allowing kids to "see the light"! This system also provides thru-hikers the ability to utilize two different size hip belts on those months-long, weight-shedding long distance hikes. A hiker could start out with a larger hip belt and then mail the smaller one to a mail drop up ahead on the trail when they feel they will have lost enough weight to justify the smaller belt. No more field sewing of the hip belt with floss to make it fit better!

The Mariposa™ Plus continues building on the popular features of the stalwart G4™ backpack, effectively incorporating the "dual use" technique of ultralight backpacking. Your sleeping pad (NightLight™, Z-Lite™/Z-Rest™, Thermarest® 3/4 length, or other 20"-wide pad) becomes part of the pack frame by inserting into the back of the pack. This way it can be extracted during rest stops to sit/lay on without unpacking your pack. The shoulder straps and hip belt are designed to accept unused articles of clothing as padding. Foam inserts are included if you don't want to use sleeping socks, gloves, etc as your padding. Both side mesh pockets are deep enough to swallow a 3-liter Platypus®.

The Mariposa™ Plus utilizes hollow, aluminum-tipped, carbon fiber pack stays for real load transfer (removable for lighter loads), a unique asymmetric side pocket design (right hand pocket is accessible while wearing the pack), a dual function removable and adjustable sternum strap/emergency whistle and a hydration bladder pocket with ports on each side. Cushy wicking fabric on the shoulder straps and hip belt prevent slipping and the 3-dimensional weave aids in faster drying times. Multiple pockets help you organize your load. Tons of strategically placed lashing loops enable you to easily adapt the pockets to carry longer items by lashing them to the sides. The unique "Y" top lash strap allows for a more stable 3-point connection to secure items such as rolled sleeping pads or bear canisters with still only one buckle to operate. The sturdy shock cord compression lacing allows you to reduce the pack volume so it still carries the load tightly for shorter trips. Many of the features are removable, so you don't need to carry the weight if you don't require that feature for a particular trip. You can configure the basic pack, with sternum strap and carbon fiber stays, for a little over one pound.

You'll love the attention to detail such as the angle on the bottom right pocket to make it more accessible, the use of "V" lash loops to spread the loads over a wider area and for ease of use, and the lining of the shoulder strap and hip belt with silnylon against the wicking fabric, for easier insertion of socks, etc, and to help prevent those socks from getting soggy from sweat.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The shock cord does not come pre-installed in the loops, but we have included the shock cord with two cord locks for the customer to place where they need it most. This gives the customer the option of cutting the cord into two pieces and using it on the sides of the pack to compress the depth of the pack.

For more detailed instructions on use, download the User Manual. See Warranty for important information.

Not sure which pack is right for you? Make it easy with our handy comparison chart!

Recommended Uses

General lightweight backpacking with total loads of 30 lbs. (14 kg.) or less

 

Additional Photos

NightLight™ Torso pad in the back provides structure and easy access for rest stops

Close-up of the 3D wicking mesh on the underside of the shoulder straps

Sleeping sock being inserted as shoulder strap padding

Unique "Y" top lash strap (black) makes it easier to lash on larger items, with still only one buckle to fasten. (note: orange stripe is painted on the bear canister)

Removable, adjustable sternum strap with integrated whistle buckle

A more functional small map/permit/sundries pocket (right side) which doesn't interfere with the bottle pocket below it

Larger top opening of left side pocket for easier access to the bottom (left side)

Side mesh pocket is accessible without taking off pack (right side)

Imporoved hydration port and new hydration tube keeper elastic

New removable hip belt

Removable hip belt close-up

Shock cord threaded down front of pack

Shock cord threaded on the side of the pack