New Gossamer pack

Well I had JUST purchased an older Mariposa a few weeks ago, and yet to use it. Needless to say I feel a little buyer's remorse, as I bought 2 hip belt pockets for it and spent more than the 2012 version is listed at right now. I'm going to contact them about a return… I think it's still within their window? I hope!

I already ordered the new one though. It addresses all the issues I had with the design of the old one.

What issues did you have with the old one?

I wish I could order the new one at that intro price to but sadly, I only fit a large torso.

I guess issues is a bit dramatic, but since I saw the new Gorillas a few months ago, I started realizing that's a much more developed design.

1) The Y-Strap thing was a good idea, but never seemed to work. You'd need a massively loaded pack for the canister to have something solid supporting it underneath, otherwise it would just flop heavily around.

2. The Y-Strap couldn't cinch down tight for most loads… but this is also due to the Mariposa's volume without a canister.

3. The center strap (that the Y clips into), made it annoying to stuff things into that big outside pocket if it was tight across the front of it.

4. I had to buy 2 hip belt pockets… I understand a removable hip-belt, but the pockets should just be standard if you're gonna use one at all. They're like .7 oz and infinitely functional.

5. The new straps seem to have a better cut.

6. I like the lid. Just another layer to keep stuff from falling into the bag. I'm sure that top pocket can't hold much but it's a nice option.

7. This new fabric seems tougher.

8. I just plain like how it looks better. Which I know doesn't mean much, but hey, it's a consideration.

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The only thing I'm thinking now is maybe I should've gotten a Gorilla. I like the 3 external Mariposa pockets though, but MOST of the time I probably don't need the volume. However, I'm doing the JMT soon and think it will be handy. What do you guys think? I use a tent, so I carry slightly more volume than I would if it was a tarp, but it is an extremely compressible tent so it's also not nearly as much as it would be otherwise…

I'm surprised there isn't more interest in this pack. I guess BPL are more Gorilla users?

Yeah, The new pack is much more refined. The old Mariposa was a decent pack, but wayyyy too big for my needs. I rarely need more than 2500ci. (Last week I spent a week with the Murmur.) 4200ci is absolutly huge!!!

Anyway, I agree with all your assesments. I really miss the third pouch. I keep toilet paper, soap, AM drops, a food bar or two, and a filtering bandana over it all…sort'a my ready kit. It doesn't kill me to be without it, but it is nice to have stuff immediatly to hand. (Besides being a good place to stash trail junk I pick up along the way.) The old Miniposa had the third pocket which I use for everything except solo trips. It also has the "Y" strap, but I always just dropped the bear ball in the pack. I know it never really worked as intended. I am glad they switched to the over-the-top system.

The new fabric is a lot more rugged than the older silnylon. I think durability has gone up a lot, even though I've only had it out a couple times..

I agree with most of your points Chris. Like you I had ordered the old Mariposa+ about a few months ago because the things that drew me to it were the extra side pocket and the extra long pocket on the other side. However, when it did come, I didn't realize how huge volume it can hold. I really didn't need all that space and didn't want to carry a bear canister on the inside. So I did return it and went with the new Gorilla instead.

I went with the new 2012 Gorilla since it is about the same size as my A.T thru-hike pack (2011 MLD Burn), and I would never need a larger pack size for 3 season trips. I like the versatility of the size and the increased durability of the material over the Murmur (or I likely would have gone with a Murmur instead). The Compression system is excellent and the shoulder straps are so comfy I don't even need the hip-belt under 15lbs. An excellent upgrade to the an already excellent line of packs. The included pack pockets are also a must have bonus for easy organization with minimal weight penalty.

Well, I'll have to check out the size when I get it! Hopefully I won't have to exchange for the Gorilla. I suppose I could always just rely on the loft of my bag to fill things out a bit.