Mariposa and Gorilla hip belts, pack volume, recs

I was skeptical of the GGear velcro hipbelt attachment, but it works well. There's a little bit of sag in the belt/stay/fabric interface, but it's only really evident up near 40 pounds and above. My only reservation with the Mariposa is that it's fairly deep/fat and doesn't compress especially well. For some folks its an issue, for some not.

I think the 38 liter rating for the main compartment of the Gorilla is fairly conservative. It's not a huge pack by any means, but I think 45 is a better number insofar as comparing it to other stuff is concerned.

If you're concerned about weight bearing, the VC 60 is not the way to go. For most people it will have worse weight transfer than the Gorilla or Mariposa, not better. The Blaze would be the way to go in that case.

I have no experience with the Mariposa, but plenty with the GG Gorilla.

GG specs it out as 38 L main compartment. I disagree. With the (shortish) expandable collar full, the main compartment would not close reliably if filled with more than 35 L. A nice weekend pack, up to 4 days/3 nights max.

This is precisely why I sold it – its volume did not meet my needs.

As to weight carried, the Gorilla is unpleasant above 25 pounds, and outright uncomfortable @ 28 lbs. Under 25 lbs, however, the load transfer to hips is very good, and the belt does its job well.

The Mariposa, being rated higher in volume and load-bearing capability, is a closer match to the OP's needs.

For loads in this range I have found my nirvana with my Elemental Horizons' Kalais – it's a keeper.