Gorilla Shoulder Strap Mod

I'm not sure how these are connected to the pack, as I have never seen one, but I would think the best way would be to just switch out the straps. Instead of cutting out a section, just make new straps.

Before you start cutting away…

Try bubble wrap rolled up to around a 2 1/2" thickness. 2 1/2" diameter X 10" long for each strap should be fine.

I've had a Mariposa Plus for a while, and at first I hated the wide straps. I didn't find anything comfortable (absolutely hated the pipe insulation) until I tried the bubble wrap. With the bubble wrap rolled up to the right thickness, they quickly became the most comfortable shoulder straps I had ever worn. The reason being because the wide straps actually distribute the load better than thinner straps. The key is to find the right type of padding that feels good on your shoulders and keeps the strap off your neck. For me, it was bubble wrap.

Now all my homemade packs I make for myself have these shoulder straps (except the little day pack I made).

Here is another thing I do these days…

My pillow is four 10" x 8" pieces of egg crate foam (the cheap Walmart kind) with a homemade poly/cotton stuff sack. I take 2 of the foam pieces (1 for each shoulder strap), roll them up and put inside the shoulder strap. Feels just as good as the bubble wrap and acts as a multi-use item.

In short, I'd try different things before you give up on them. If you can find something comfortable that keeps them off your neck, you may end up liking the extra width for load distribution.

I have a g4 and a murmur and the straps really work well. The foam pads in mine actually stop before the straps go over my shoulders so it keeps the fabric from rubbing me. I would try a few things before cutting.
1. Trim the flat foam pads to fit you better.
2. A small wrap of grosgrain to pull the straps tighter by your neck.
3. Let off the shoulder straps a little to let the straps flair out some.

I have used the packs without pads but it was a pain to put on because the straps would just roll up into ropes and not sit right.

I ended up just cutting a shape in the padding and was happy with this in the end. The pipe padding thing just didn't work for me. However, I still need to use a collared base layer or shirt with it.

I think GG offers skinnier straps. I'd call Grant and see what he would charge you to retrofit your pack. Probably not much.

I think GG offers skinnier straps. I'd call Grant and see what he would charge you to retrofit your pack. Probably not much.

I do remember someone on BPL having something done by GG.

I'm in the same boat. Just got a Gorilla, love the ride, but shocked that the shoulder straps are not S-shaped to provide more neck room. I'm also surprised at how poorly the hipbelt pockets function. I'm sending those back to GG and taking my pack to a seamstress to have the shoulder straps modified and pockets sewn onto the hipbelt.

Like another poster mentioned, all you need to to is cut the foam padding in the same way as your picture shows. This really made a noticeable difference for me with my Gorilla and Mariposa Plus. The nylon fabric in this area of the shoulder straps will eventually break-in and soften from use, somewhat.

A few months back, I recall a thread where someone replaced the straps on their GG pack with some contoured straps as are found on pretty much every other mfg's packs. As I remember, it turned out really nice, and looked much more comfortable.

Those straps are the only thing that keeps me from giving a GG pack a try (you listening gossamergear?).

To be honest, I am happy w/ the straps on my SMD & ULA packs (I am especially fond of the straps on my Conduit), but have stayed away from Gossamer Gear primarily because of the wide straps.

Perhaps GG will change them. On the other hand there are many happy customers, so GG has a bit of a niche.