GVP G5 or Mariposa

My two cents: go with the G5.

I’ve logged hundreds of miles with a G5, and also a few hundreds of miles with a G6 (carrying 12-14lb starting weight). I was given a Mariposa as a gift by a very kind and generous participant to these Forums, but have only taken it on some long day hikes to become a little familar with it. All three are very nice packs, IMHO.

Both of the packs you mentioned probably have much more volume than you really need. I’m assuming you are using a tarp or poncho-tarp as your primary shelter and are carrying a highly compressible down bag (versus a synth. sleeping bag). Maybe in winter with a colder weather bag, you might need the G5. The G6 is a tight squeeze for me in winter unless it’s a very short 1 or 2 day max excursion – then I supplement the G6 (see below).

Compression is not the G5’s strong suit. Even the Mariposa (which does have over the top Y-compression strap, and bungee on the front) is not the best at compression compared to some heavier packs from other manufacturers, but is better than the G5. I don’t have much experience with the Mariposa though.

Better yet, have you considered the smaller G6?

If the volume of your gear is small enough the G6 should handle the load. Even with food and water, the most you’d be carrying at the very begining is 17lb (4d*2lb per day + 2L water). If you are carrying less food, let’s say 1.5lb per day, then you’re right at the 15lb upper limit of the G6 for a 4d trek – even carrying 2L of water. Of course, your water weight goes up and down and food weight just goes down. The pack will feel better by the end of the first day.

If you want to lighten up the G6 a bit for a 4d and/or need a bit more volume, you could always wear a small to medium sized fanny/lumbar pack. Sometimes I do this primarily to keep some gear and energy bars handy so there is no need to stop and rummage through the pack (or the outer pocket – which, in my case can’t hold too much more since my poncho and windshirt are in there and also one small stuff sack.).

If I’m not using a bladder, I bungee AR-style two 16oz Platys to each shoulder strap (one per strap) making use of the webbing loop that attaches the shoulder strap adjustment buckle to the shoulder strap. I can also place a 1L Platy in my fanny pack. and still have room for some bug dope or bug headnet, repackaged AquaMira, lip balm, and in colder weather a 1oz balaclava and possumdown gloves, and baggies for wearing over the gloves in cold rain, and a couple of energy bars. Usually, I wear this fanny pack 180 degrees around from its fanny/lumbar position, i.e. in front of my lower abdomen. It needs to be small enough so it doesn’t interfere with vision down to the feet or stepping up, and to keep my body close to rock faces when necessary.

On a bit more even terrain (rare in my neck of the woods), I will rotate the fanny pack to it’s lumbar position and rest the G6 on it. Often it will stay for quite a while until it is jostled off by body movement on uneven terrain.

I know that the fanny pack is more weight (Dancing Light Gear has a 1.75oz silnylon fanny pack), but for me sometimes the added convenience of not having to stop to fetch frequently needed gear is worth it.

Just some ideas to consider. YMMV. HYOH.

Thanks I think I will take a look at the G6.

I have used the G4,G5,and Mariposa on the PCT. I really prefer the Mariposa for stability (carbon fiber rods). I always have had a problem with my sleeping pad coming out of the back pockets of the G4 and G5, but no problems with the Marposa. The added width of the shoulder straps makes it more comfotable with full loads, and IMHO, it’s worth the extra weight.

I’d go with the G5. I have the G5 and G6, and with a 5lb base weight (same as mine) I don’t know that you’d need the volume the Maripose gives you – it might just be too big. The G5 is a great pack for a 10-20lb total pack weight, which seems about right if you’re looking for a pack that can cover a week long trip. I’ve never had any problems with my sleeping pad (a GG Nightlite torso length) coming out of the pad pocket.

I talked with Glenn VanPeski at ADZPCTKO. He says that they have enlarged the pad pockets in the G6 over earlier models to prevent pad from popping out. Mriposa might be more volume than you need, but it’s more stable for larger food/water weights.

I agree with Ken. I own a Mariposa and it has handled well on weekend trips.

However, I was wondering how it would handle a longer hike such as on the JMT or PCT?

I am especially curious as to how a Mariposa handles a bear canister?

Mariposa.

1) Read of an older couple who were using two Mariposa’s on a cross-continental (USA) trek. So, it seems that they should hold up if you’re not doing serious off-trail where pack abrasion is an issue.

2) Check the GG website = bear canister can be placed vertically inside and is depicted under the Y-strap, but one Forum respondent mentioned that it won’t stay put there.

I used a Mariposa on a 9 day hike of the JMT unresupplied last summer. It carried a bear canister vertically internally without a problem. I also had a tarptent and WM ultra-lite bag.

I have since purchased a ULA Relay for 3 day-ish trips because the Mariposa is pretty big for a weekend.

I have been extremely happy with both packs for their respective uses.

Hey Jonathan do you think you could post a review of the ULA Relay pack and post some pictures of the pack full (and with you wearing it too). Thanks.

Anon,

I actually did post a brief review of the Relay pack. Let me know if you can’t find it — I’m the second review.

I’m traveling right now but I will try to post a couple pics either this weekend or early next week.

If you have any specific questions I’d be happy to answer them.

I am looking into doing the JMT with a Mariposa. I am curious to learn more abour your gear list ( eg. bear canister model etc.) for this 9 day unsupplied trip and any highlights you experienced along the way.

You do have me thinking about the Relay for weekend trips….

Hi Paul,

Here is my gear list (as best as I can remember) – I went with one other person. Since he had a heavier pack I carried most of our redundant equipment. (The one exception was a water filter which he insisted on.) If you have any questions on more specifics I’d be happy to answer.

Worn:
Smart wool lightweight long sleeve T
Ex-officio nylon pants
Smart wool socks – very thin and short (can’t remember the model)
Asics trail running shoes

Carried:
GG Mariposa
Tarptent – Squall II
Golite umbrella
Western Mountaineering Ultralite
Marmot chinook windshirt
Hat
gloves
extra pair of socks
sleeping socks
Poly-Pro shirt and pants – just used these for sleeping
Garcia bear canister – took some work to get all the food to fit
2 – 1 liter water bottles
Coleman Exponent F1 ultra-light
Ti pot
Med kit
headlamp
ditty kit – TP, chapstick, sunblock, etc …
camera

Can someone shoot me dimensions of their mariposa. It never appeared to be that big in photo and I would like to compare it to my home made pack.