Picture: Ben Steele
Up to date by: Caroline Brammer
Deciding on the correct Gossamer Gear light-weight backpack could be a daunting analysis venture. Earlier than moving into the weeds, slender down the kind of journeys you intend to take. Are you eyeing thru-hiking permits, or desire the occasional weekend overnighter? This may assist inform the correct quantity.
Choices vary from high-volume framed packs to leaner, frameless choices. Let’s get acquainted with our core choices:
- Mariposa 60
- Gorilla 50
- Mirage 40
- G4-20 Ultralight 42
- Skala 38
- Kumo 36
- Murmur 36 Hyperlight
We’ll additionally depart you with some sources on the finish to continue learning about light-weight backpacking and refining your path expertise.
Picture: Thibault Belouis
The Mariposa 60 Backpack is the proper possibility for anybody transitioning to ultralight backpacking. It has a capability of 60 liters and may swallow all of the gear you want, together with a bear canister.
This pack has seven exterior pockets providing a variety of storage options, together with an exterior tent sleeve, a big mesh pocket for moist clothes, and roomy hipbelt pockets for fast entry to a cellphone or snacks.
The Mariposa is made from a sturdy customized Robic material for many who are robust on their gear. This massive quantity pack can be an possibility for winter hikers who’ve extra gear to hold on these sub-zero nights, in addition to household campers when it is advisable carry additional stuff for the children. The Mariposa does greatest with weights below 30 kilos, however can deal with as much as 35 kilos.
- A dimension medium with a medium hipbelt weighs simply 30.5 ounces (below two kilos!)
- Unisex ergonomic shoulder straps and hipbelts with ample padding for optimum consolation
- Middle hydration tube router and inside carabiner attachment level.
- Three sizes: Small, medium, and huge, which accommodate torso lengths of 11.5” to 23.5”
“I used to be somewhat nervous about ditching my greater (heavier) [mainstream] pack for this one. I took the Mariposa out on a couple of overnighters to get a really feel for it and experiment with loading. All of it labored effectively! It held all the things I wanted and group was simple. Then, I took it out for 3 weeks on the John Muir Path… WOW! The heaviest the pack ever was, with seven days of meals and one liter of water, was 30 kilos. Even at this weight, the suspension system stored me snug on the rocks and overpasses. And it solely acquired higher because the pack acquired lighter. I handed many PCTers with Mariposa packs (of all generations) and so they all had nice issues to say about it too.” —John
Picture: Matúš Mokáň
The Gorilla 50 Ultralight Backpack shares most of the similar nice options because the Mariposa, however with some key variations. It is a versatile, mid-size pack ideally suited for 2- to 7-day adventures. A dimension medium has a complete quantity of fifty liters, and the webbing straps mean you can compress the pack whenever you’re not carrying a full load.
Winner of Outside Gear Lab’s Editor’s Selection award for greatest mid-volume mild backpack, the Gorilla’s versatility, sturdiness, and luxury make it the perfect weekend companion you’ll ever have.
- A dimension medium with a medium hipbelt weighs 29.8 ounces
- Unisex ergonomic shoulder straps and hipbelts with ample padding for optimum consolation
- Three pack sizes: Small, medium, and huge, which accommodate torso lengths of 11.5″ to 23.5″
- Fast-release aspect compression buckles to carry your trekking poles or umbrella securely
“I like this pack. It’s mild, snug, holds all the things I want it to, and compresses down once I’m headed into city. I’ve loaded it with climbing gear for an in a single day mountaineering journey in addition to a 4-day trek on the PCT. I’ve additionally used it as a day pack once I wanted bulkier layers. The accessible hipbelt and aspect pockets make my “snackpacking” technique doable (I eat whereas strolling). The detachable body can be good for when I’m carrying various masses. Essentially the most versatile pack I personal.” —Heather
Picture: Will Kirscher
Alchemized with waterproof ALUULA Graflyte V52, this revolutionary fused mono-polymer material has no adhesives, no coatings, and no threat of delamination or fraying. This modern manufacturing methodology delivers a framed pack weighing simply 19.4 ounces, or simply 18.7 ounces when the detachable parts are stripped away. Just like the Murmur, we don’t advocate this pack for ultralight rookies because it requires cautious dealing with and packing.
- Full inside taping for waterproof seams
- Carbon fiber X-frame made with stable 0.125-inch carbon rods that hook up with the hipbelt for optimum load switch
- One dimension with an adjustable torso size and customizable shoulder harness
- EVA foam shoulder harness and waistbelt for snug carry
“The Alchemy Assortment, constructed with Graflyte, represents Gossamer Gear’s dedication to pushing boundaries, in addition to a large step ahead in pack development.” – Gear Patrol
Picture: Greg Mionske
A contemporary nod to a classic traditional, this design is impressed by the unique Gossamer pack. We took what made the unique “G4” so fashionable and roped in a gang of recent materials and supplies to create a minimal do-it-all frameless pack, the G4-20.
- A dimension medium weighs solely 25 ounces
- Extendable roll-top with twin closure choices
- Mounted hipbelt with two zip pockets
- Accessible in titanium gray and tropical mist
“I have been been backpacking for 35 years. I’ve all the time leaned towards ultralight gear, however I’ve by no means had a frameless pack, so I had some skepticism. I used the G4-20 on a 4-day, 3-night journey in Kings Canyon Nationwide Park. With a 32lb. load at the beginning and round 27lb. on the end, it was an ideal match and hugged my physique. I by no means felt pack fatigue, strain factors, or any discomfort your entire journey. I am 6ft., 195lbs., and the massive match me perfectIy.
It takes a couple of days of use earlier than you actually begin to discover and admire Gossamer’s design and a focus to element. As an illustration, the angle of the water bottle pocket is ideal. I may simply attain it whereas mountaineering and put the bottle again with out lacking a stride. The deeper pocket was good for tent poles and the thinlight foam pad from Gossamer. This pack is transformational for me as a result of it modified my desirous about frameless packs. I am a convert. In case you’re below 35lbs. complete pack weight, I’d do it, with out hesitation. Nice job, Gossamer!” —Kerry
Picture: Sean Greene
The Skala combines a tricky but light-weight frameless design with a backpacking traditional: the roll-top foremost compartment. It is also constructed from our extra sturdy Riptide Ripstop and UHMWPE Stretch Mesh to fight rougher trails. Select the Skala for multi-day journeys that contain some Kind II Enjoyable.
- Roll-top closure, fixed on the prime or down the perimeters. Aspect compression straps are detachable
- Detachable Fastbelt
- Refined buckles, smaller compression straps, and Lightrek Bungee attachment
- Exterior stretch mesh pocket and specialized cleat water bottle pocket cinch
“This pack is a workhorse! It’s totally featured, comfortable and greater than sufficient area particularly for a dialed in setup! My solely criticism is that the hip belt pockets are smaller than those on the Kumo, however aside from that this has turn out to be my new favourite pack. It’s just like the G 420 and Kumo had a child with solely all the perfect options from each of these packs!” —Harrison
Picture: Greg Mionske
The Kumo 36 Superlight Pack is the proper pack for day hikers, weekend adventurers, and thru-hikers who crush it within the minimalism division. A frameless pack that makes use of our our detachable Fastbelt, the Kumo can carry as much as 25 lbs with ease.
The rear mesh pocket is slanted to offer entry with out taking the pack off, and options two aspect water bottle pockets and aspect compression webbing for a wide range of storage choices. Pair it with our Air Move Sitlight for somewhat additional assist and elevated air flow when mountaineering in scorching climate. Any hiker who needs extra of an expertise with much less baggage will love the Kumo 36.
- A dimension medium weighs 20.5 ounces
- Twin stretchy shoulder strap pockets for simple entry to your cellphone or snacks
- Twin hydration ports and inside tabs for a hydration bladder
- Now obtainable in small and medium sizes, which accommodate torso lengths of 11.5″ to 19.5″ or extra
“Simply took this pack on a 3-day journey by means of the Smokies on the AT. That is an superior pack! The pack is the proper dimension. I had sufficient room for my gear and meals for 3 days, and had way more room to spare! The shoulder straps are very snug, as is the hipbelt with pockets. The sitlight pad additionally got here in helpful on many events. I discovered the pack completely snug with this pad because the body. I’d advocate this pack to anybody. It is rather snug, moderately sized, light-weight, and has wonderful performance.” —Zach
Picture: Pablo Perez
The Murmur Hyperlight Pack was designed by founder Glen Van Peski for these carrying a base weight of 5 kilos or much less. We have not too long ago up to date The Murmur within the new Aluula Graphlyte V52 material for waterproofness and sturdiness. It now weighs 12.5 ounces with the included hipbelt and sitlight pad. It weighs a mere 7.9 ounces, or 7 ounces with the detachable parts stripped away.
The Murmur doesn’t lack distinguished Gossamer Gear options, together with aspect water bottle pockets, a big mesh pocket for moist clothes, and trekking pole holders. The principle compartment can shut two methods: roll prime for a extra streamlined form, or clip the buckle collectively in a “dry bag” model to make use of the extension collar.
This pack is meant for true ultralight backpackers who carry a 5-pound base weight or much less. For hardcore ultralighters, this pack could also be appropriate for multi-night hikes.
- Features a detachable ⅜ Thinlight Torso Pad
- Frameless design
- Twin hydration ports and inside sleeve for a hydration bladder
- Unisex shoulder straps and waist belt
- One dimension: Suits torso lengths of 16″ to 24″
“I’ve some frameless ultralight backpacks which can be made from cuben fiber, however regardless of being technically robust, they really feel very weak. The Murmur is tremendous mild, however does not really feel in any respect flimsy. It appears good and appears to be extremely robust. My canine took a liking to it at one level and even her massive clumsy paws and claws did not harm it.” —Brian
Present Your Pack the World!
Now that you recognize all the small print on 5 of our hottest light-weight backpacks, it is time to choose your greatest match and hit the path.
Be certain to take a look at a few of our different sources on the Mild Ft weblog for assist sizing your pack, lowering condensation in your tent, and way more:
