Back in 2014, I received a a Gossamer Gear Type II Utility pack to test out.
Truthfully, it was one of my favorite day packs of all time – just the right size, just durable enough, and simple to use.
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However, after years of hard use across the Colorado Plateau, it was time to retire it. Stitching gave out, the fabric wore thin, and the sun did its damage. Joan had an identical one, and hers met the same fate.
I forget what Joan replaced hers with, but I opted for the Six Moon Designs Wy’east (originally the Daybreaker). It served well – sturdy and a bit overbuilt for simple day hikes, but good for the occasional ski tour and my brief SAR stint with the county. Still, it always felt like more pack than I needed.
From Joan: Cam Honan and Kate with a few of the many daypacks we’ve accumulated over time.
However, Joan and I still talked fondly over the Gossamer Gear day packs we each used for many years. When I was in Austin recently, I gladly took advantage of the offer of free to gear to get us both the Loris 25 daypack that reminds me so much of the Type II pack we both enjoyed.
I feel we’ve used the pack enough where we can give some practical field use thoughts.
The Boring Details
The Loris 25 is built from durable Robic fabric—perfect for our mixed terrain rambles on the Plateau.
Specs (courtesy of Gossamer Gear):
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Average Weight
Pack Body: 17.1 oz / 485 g
SitLight Pad: 2.4 oz / 68 g
Total: 19.5 oz / 553 g -
Dimensions
Height: 18.1″ (to extension collar only)
Width: 10.8″
Depth: 6.5″ -
Capacity
Main Pack Body: 25L - Price – $135
Unlike Joan, I also pair it with an optional hip belt with pockets that cost $21.
What we like
Functionally, the Loris doesn’t stray far from the 2014 model we loved. A few updates and improvements stood out:
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Vertical zipper on the brain – A small change from the older horizontal design, but Joan finds it sturdier and less prone to stress.
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Stretchier front pocket – Easier to stash and grab gear, though possibly less durable.
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Optional hip belt – Joan appreciates this optional feature. Joan feels hip belts on light packs rarely fit women well, so she prefers going without.
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Removeable sit pad – Practical for trail breaks and a particualr favorite of Joan’s.
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Improved shoulder straps – More supportive and comfortable, likely with a slight weight penalty.
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Shoulder strap pockets – Handy for storing small items like an inReach.
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Color options – Joan is glad to ditch the “drab gray” look.
Biggest praise? It feels and functions like the old Type II. That’s a good thing. Joan even said, smiling, “At least I don’t have to use a gray pack anymore!”
What We Don’t Like
Not everything’s an upgrade:
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Two-buckle front closure – We both miss the simplicity of a single buckle. Two buckles are too futzy in the field especially with gloves or mittens. Modifying it isn’t simple, unfortunately.
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No drawstring closure – The current buckle system on the main compartment feels awkward and finicky. Joan flat-out refuses to use it.
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Zipper inside the main compartment – We feel it is limited utility for a daypack meant for simplicity and in the Utah red rock environment, it’s a likely failure point over time.
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Water bottle pockets – They feel smaller, better suited to SmartWater-style bottles. Our preferred sports-drink style bottles don’t fit as well. As with our previous packs, Joan plans to “Utah-ize” them with DIY modifications.
Who may like the Loris?
The Loris 25 is ideal for hikers who want a simple, functional, and tough daypack without unnecessary extras.
If you:
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Hike in rugged terrain and want something that can handle scrapes and brush
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Appreciate lightweight gear but don’t obsess over every gram especially for day hikes
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Value a removable sit pad, efficient pocket layout, and optional hip belt
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Prefer a clean pack design over more futzy designs common to more mainstream manufacturers.
…then this pack is worth a look.
It’s especially great for folks who day hike often, lean minimalist, and want a well-built pack that feels familiar if you’ve used Gossamer Gear before.
If you’re carrying climbing gear, SAR kits, performing trail work, or ski touring gear regularly? Might be a bit small or minimal. But for hikes across the Plateau or elsewhere, it’s a solid and worthy choice
Overall?
Despite a few nits-to-pick, we really like the Goosamer Gear Loris 25. It’s smaller and more nimble than the Six Moon Designs pack, perfectly sized for our day hikes, and a worthy successor to a piece of gear we used (and abused) for years.
While we’re not thrilled about the internal zipper, lack of a draw string, or the two-buckle closure, the overall design works well for our needs. The Loris 25 earned a permanent place in our gear quiver.
From Joan. I always carry this inexpensive sun hoody in my camp duffle. Useful two or three times a year.
Other options?
The Loris 25 may not be the go-to pack for everyone, depending on your needs or preferences.
Here are a few alternatives worth considering:
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- Six Moon Designs Wy’east – At $180, it’s pricier than the $135 Loris but it includes a hip belt (a $21 add-on for the Loris). It’s more robust overall and better suited for technical use like SAR, trail work, ski tours, or carrying bulkier and heavier gear in general.
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- REI Flash 22 – At just $60, it’s a budget-friendly alternative. While it lacks some of the refinements of the Loris, it’s a solid and well-regarded pack used by many.
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- Book bag/Old School Day pack- For years, I used a simple book bag. They’re often durable, if heavy, and you probably already have one lying around or can find one cheap at a thrift store. Amazon also offers a range of low-cost daypacks of varying quality.
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Me, back in 2003. Using Nike Air Pegs, polypro worn under shorts, and my trusty daypack I used the pack from 1999 until 2012! Brand name? Unknown.
Disclosure: Gossamer Gear provided the packs for us. None of our funds were used to purchase it.