All of our ultralight backpacks hit that candy spot the place capability, sturdiness, and light-weight come collectively. They’re designed with custom-made materials which might be whisper-thin however hardwearing. Every begins with a dedication to a snug carry.
So, then, how on the earth do you select which one to get—particularly when you’re torn between two of our hottest packs: the Gorilla and the Mariposa?
Under, we examine these two fan favorites so you may resolve which specs and options finest suit your wants. We additionally share some ideas on the most effective use situations for every to see how these suit your backpacking type. Our hope is that this Gorilla vs. Mariposa backpack overview will result in completely happy trails forward for you very quickly!
Photograph credit score: @becauseicecreamhasnobones
Gorilla vs. Mariposa: By the Specs
The specs we share on this part are based mostly on the medium-sized 2022 mannequin of every pack. You’ll be able to all the time examine the Gorilla and Mariposa product pages for the most recent and best, together with the specs for various sizes.
Dimensions
As you’ll see beneath, the scale of the Gorilla and Mariposa are pretty comparable, however the Mariposa has a barely better depth.
Gorilla 50:
- Top: 22 in / 55.9 cm to extension collar seam
- Width: 11 in / 27.9 cm
- Depth: 6.5 in / 16.5 cm
- Extension collar provides one other 11.5 in / 29.2 cm of peak
Mariposa 60:
- Top: 22 in / 55.9 cm to the extension collar solely
- Width: 11 in / 27.9 cm
- Depth: 7 in / 18 cm
- Extension collar provides one other 11.5 in / 29.2 cm of peak
Common Weight
Because it’s a barely bigger pack, the Mariposa weighs about 1.1 ounces greater than the Gorilla when all elements, together with the belt and sitlight pad, are thought-about.
Gorilla 50:
- Pack physique: 16.9 oz / 480 g
- Pack body: 3.0 oz / 86 g
- Sitlight pad: 3.0 oz / 84 g
- Medium belt: 7.5 oz / 213 g
- Whole: 30.4 oz / 863 g
Mariposa 60:
- Pack physique: 18.0 oz / 509 g
- Pack body: 3.0 oz / 86 g
- Sitlight pad: 2.9 oz / 84 g
- Whole with no belt: 20.9 oz / 593 g
- Whole with medium belt: 31.5 oz / 892 g
Capability
On the subject of capability, the Mariposa is barely bigger than the Gorilla by 10 liters. It may additionally carry about 5 kilos greater than the Gorilla.
Gorilla 50:
- Whole: 50 L
- Principal pack physique to extension collar seam: 32 L
- Max carry capability: 30 lbs
- For consolation: 25 lbs
Mariposa 60:
- Whole: 60 L
- Principal pack physique to extension collar seam: 36 L
- Unfold throughout 7 exterior pockets: 24 L
- Max carry capability: 35 lbs
- For consolation: 30 lbs
Photograph credit score: @thathikergirl
Gorilla vs. Mariposa: By the Options
The Gorilla and Mariposa boast most of the identical options, together with:
- Belt with added stiffener and keep integration for superior load switch and luxury
- Unisex ergonomic belt form and harness
- Bigger extra purposeful built-in hipbelt pockets
- Lashing loop that doubles as ice axe holder
- SitLight pad and a detachable keep
- Rear mesh pocket nice for drying gear and different gear storage
- Customized air mesh cloth on shoulder straps and hipbelt for much less friction and extra consolation
- Trekking pole {hardware} for storing them outdoors the pack
- Inside hydration sleeve and ingesting tube keeper loops on each shoulder straps
- Over-the-Prime (OTT) closure system that gives a simple safe closure
The important thing variations come all the way down to exterior pockets and compression straps.
The Mariposa has one pack-length exterior pocket on the left aspect of the pack and two water bottle sized pockets on the proper aspect of the pack (one on the backside and one on the high). The Gorilla, however, simply has one water bottle sized pocket on both sides. The Mariposa additionally has a barely bigger exterior mesh pocket on the again of the pack, although this function performs roughly the identical on every pack.
Moreover, the Gorilla has full aspect and high compression, with buckles on the aspect compression. The Mariposa doesn’t have aspect compression straps.
Due to this fact, the Mariposa is nice for in order for you the flexibility to retailer loads of gear outdoors the primary compartment of your pack. The Gorilla is nice when you want a extra condensed, compressed pack.
Lastly, each packs are supplied within the well-known Gossamer Gear grey. The Mariposa can also be supplied in a stunning inexperienced and the Gorilla is obtainable in a vivacious yellow.
So, Gorilla or Mariposa—Which Is Proper for You?
The variations between the Gorilla and Mariposa backpacks are delicate. It’s no marvel they’re each fan favorites and likewise onerous to decide on between. Listed here are some ideas for selecting which is best for you.
The Mariposa is especially good for:
- Winter or shoulder season backpacking the place you would possibly want to hold extra or bulkier gear
- Journey in wilderness areas that require use of a bear canister
- If you would like a pack that gives a bit of extra flexibility by way of load to cowl a variety of various journey sorts and lengths
- When you’re newer to light-weight backpacking and on the lookout for a neater transition out of your earlier heavier, bigger pack
- When you completely love exterior pockets and wish to have the ability to retailer the entire issues inside straightforward arm’s attain
The Gorilla is very good for:
- Flexing your light-weight cred
- Lowering exterior storage and protecting a compact load
- Extra frequent, shorter journeys which might be the bread and butter of weekend warriors
- Hotter climate mountaineering the place you received’t want to hold as a lot gear or as many further layers
- Trying tremendous fly with the yellow choice as a result of it does look fairly nice if we do say so ourselves
However, on the finish of the day, to cite Reddit consumer Adventure_Trevor from a thread on this actual matter, “I doubt you will remorse both choice.”
We all know the selection is tough, however we now have whole religion that you just’ll discover the most effective one for you! And, as all the time, if in case you have further questions, please attain out to our crew at assist@gossamergear.com and we’ll be completely happy that will help you meet your new favourite pack.
Hungry for extra backpacking gear and planning data? Try a few of our different articles on the Gentle Ft weblog:
