You don’t need to be a thru-hiker to appreciate the benefits of an ultra-light backpack. Two decades back, my younger body more easily shrugged off the aches and pains that came with carrying a massive pack filled with decidedly not light items. For a few years, I often carried a full-size bottle of Tapatio hot sauce and hardcover books into the backcountry. Once, after forgetting half of my backpacking gear at home, I somehow jammed a full-size, two-burner Coleman camp stove and kitchen cook pot into my massive pack for a trek around the 7 Devils. Eventually the ultra-light wisdom of a thru-hiking friend with the trail name of Hike On started rubbing off on me. I began shedding pounds and then ounces from my gear, to the delight of my feet, joints and back.
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is my latest attempt at lightening my load. At just under 34 ounces, it still seems surprisingly tough enough for Hells Canyon bushwhacks with its durable Robic nylon construction. With a 60-liter capacity and seven thoughtful pockets, there’s more than enough space to keep all of the essentials organized. The pack also features an S-curve harness, load lifters and a PVT Frame+Belt system—an aluminum frame and pivoting hipbelt—that keeps the pack moving naturally as you hike. Attachments for trekking poles and an ice axe make it thru-hiker ready and a lightweight dream of a pack for weekend warriors. MSRP: $315. Gossamergear.com
