Gear Review: Gossamer Gear Mariposa 2025

I’ve been using the Gossamer Gear Mariposa as my go-to long-distance and heavy-hauler backpack for the past 12 years. Over that time, I’ve had three different versions of the pack, and this summer, I carried the 2025 Mariposa on a 4-week trip on The Colorado Trail. My 2014 Mariposa accompanied me on the Pacific Crest Trail, while the 2016 version logged many miles across Montana, the Arizona Trail, and throughout the Intermountain West.

Joan on the PCT in 2014.

Why a new one?

My 2016 pack has been through a lot — countless long trails plus some rough packrafting trips. I patched holes in the pockets, but the elastic had given out completely, and the hipbelt had worn thin beyond repair.

The well-worn 2016 model in the Utah desert.

When Paul offered to get me the new 2025 model (the 2025 Mariposa has a 60L capacity, weighs 36.7 oz / 1040 g, and retails for $315 – PM) , I was cautiously excited. I really wanted functional pockets again, but I was also wary of changes that might “improve” the pack in ways I wouldn’t like.

I’m the kind of person who dreads updates to gear. If I find a shoe I like, I’ll order ten pairs when I hear a new version is coming out. Packs last longer, so I didn’t have a spare waiting. Fortunately, Gossamer Gear got most of the latest Mariposa right, keeping the features I depend on.

Why the Mariposa Works for Me

The Mariposa is my long-trip pack of choice for three main reasons:

• Weight-carrying ability. It rides well even when I’m hauling a lot of water, a bear canister, or my packraft. That’s essential where I live in southeast Utah, where long water carries are routine.

Packrafting with the 2016 Mariposa.

• The sit pad. Having a removable sit pad in the back panel makes rest breaks much more comfortable. I like to sit or lie down, take off my shoes, stretch my legs, and eat a snack. On long hikes, rest really matters, and the pad also adds insulation under my air mattress at night.

Chilling with a sit pad.

• Pocket organization. The tall side pocket is perfect for my tent, while the outer top pockets hold rain gear for quick stashing and retrieval. This setup makes it easy to isolate wet gear — a lifesaver in conditions where I’m putting on and taking off rain layers multiple times a day.

Using the Mariposa in the SE Appalachians.

Another thing I value: I don’t want to think about my pack while hiking. I prefer most of the weight to be on my hips, allowing me to make small adjustments throughout the day. I want my belongings to fit easily, whether I’m leaving town heavy with food or heading home with an almost-empty pack. And yes, I want room for a few slices of pizza or an entire bag of chips.

The 2025 model in the San Juans.

What Didn’t Work in the 2025 Version

• Taller frame. The new frame is noticeably higher than my earlier Mariposas. It hit my head while scrambling, and it didn’t fit as well in my tent. I often use my pack as part of my sleep system, propping up my head or feet. But the taller frame made it awkward. I ended up having to sleep with it standing vertically, which wasn’t ideal.

On the Colorado Trail in 2025.

• Hipbelt issues. With lighter loads, the hipbelt was fine, but on a few 15-mile water carries, I developed a sore spot on my right hip. I tried the curved hipbelt, but it didn’t work for me under heavier loads. I’ll be switching back to the regular belt to see if that helps.

• Closure buckles. The new fold-over closure buckles were my least favorite change. They were finicky, especially in the mornings when I was wearing gloves. I often had to re-latch them several times. I suspect they save a bit of weight, but I’ll be replacing them with standard buckles.

2025 model.

Final Thoughts

Of the three versions I’ve owned, the 2014 Mariposa was my favorite –  the buckles were perfect, and it lasted the longest. That said, I’m glad Gossamer Gear is still producing the Mariposa. Despite some drawbacks, the core design remains one of the best options for long-distance backpacking.

If you need a pack that carries heavy loads comfortably, keeps your rain gear accessible, and allows you to take civilized sit-down breaks, the Mariposa remains a top choice.

Disclosure – Gossamer Gear provided the pack for our use.