Maximum reasonable carry weight for GG Mariposa?

[Graeme Finley]

I currently own GG G5 and G6 packs and like them a lot. I’m considering an ’07 PCT thru hike and am weighing my pack options. I’m looking at the Mariposa as a possibility, but unsure of the realistic carrying capacity of the pack. My base weight without pack will be in the region of 10-11lbs, but with water and food added (especially during some sections of the desert) I’m thinking I may end up having to carry 40lbs for some short durations.

Can the Mariposa really carry this load? The other option I’m looking at is a custom McHale pack. Obviously heavier and very expensive, but likely to be much more comfortable with larger pack weights. It just seems a little overkill given that for 90% of the length of the trail I’m unlikely to be carrying much more than 20lbs. Any suggestions?

[paul johnson]

If you decide that the Mariposa is not up to the task and the McHale also is not appropriate, then look at the Six Moon Designs Starlite.

SMD Starlite

Here are BPL reviews of the Mariposa and the Starlite

[larry savage]

Having had an ultra light pack let go on me I would contact Gossamer for their reaction, having said that, Mchale makes awfully nice packs and since cost does not seem a factor I would lean that way.
Which ever way you go remember all this super ultra light gear is still a pain to carry in your arms…

[Grant Sible]

Howdy Graeme,
Sorry I didn’t get in here sooner on this, just saw it. We are about to go into production on a “Mariposa PLus” which is essentially a Mariposa made with ripstop nylon. We’re doing this for thru-hikers, bushwackers, etc. While we don’t reccomend carrying 40lbs in any of our packs consistently the Plus should have no problem with your occaisonal overloads in the desert.

[Douglas Meredith]

Cool. Any estimate on the weight?

Doug

[Grant Sible]

Don’t hold me to it Douglas but should be about 21 oz. I should have the final prototype in my hands later this week and I’ll know more then.

[Douglas Meredith]

That sounds like a reasonable weight. The only thing that stopped me from buying this pack was concerns about duarability.

What is the expected availability?

Doug

[Grant Sible]

Doug we should have them in about 4-5 weeks.

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