Gossamer Mariposa Backpack

Gossamer Mariposa Backpack- Large $225

I bought the Mariposa about 4 months ago and have used it on at least 4 day hikes with usually 20-28 pounds in it. My intent was to use it for my up coming thru hike, but I've decided to go with a ULA circuit instead. I thought I'd give a review about why I won't be using it to assist others considering this pack.

To cut to the chase--I have broad shoulders (6-04" 210 lbs), and the Mariposa's should straps are just too narrow. I bought both a large and X-large backpacks (I sent the X-large back) to compare. The X-large is taller, but the shoulder straps are not any wider. The straps, which are now angled a slight amount (older models apparently were sewn strait across the top), were still too close together, and too flat (no outward angle).

The things I really liked about the pack are: the weight (29 oz for large), top closure, the aluminum stay has an awesome shape that really fit my lumbar area, the padding on the shoulder straps and hip belt is excellent, and lastly, the 7 pockets are great.

If I were king and wanted to make improvements to the pack, I'd have two outer pockets on both sides of the pack instead of the one long pocket on one side, and I'd make the top of the shoulder straps a little (1"-2") farther apart and/or angle them more (esp on large and x-large packs).

Side note--I measure the distance between my ULA circuit backpack should straps and they are actually closer together than those on the Mariposa (by about 1/4 inch). Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the Mariposa's straps are sewn almost strait across the top with very little outward angle. The ULA's, on the other hand, are angled a considerable amount.

So, the two variables that need to be considered is the spacing between the top of the shoulder straps, and the angle at which they're sewn to the pack body.

Hope this wasn't too confusing, but there you go...

Hoka one one Stinson

No pictures of the shoes, but I thought I'd give a quick review.

I switched from heavy hiking boots to trail runners about 3 years ago, and haven't looked back. I've hiked in every weather/condition, and my feet are still happy.

I've hiked in Salomon 3D GTX, New Balance 910 (non gortex), Brooks Cascadia, Merrell Moad ventilators (low and mid high), Merrell Grassbow, and some others that I've forgotten.

Then....I tried on a pair of Hoka One One Stinsons. My first thought was, "hell, I'm just going to blow out an ankle on these!" Second thought was, "wait a second, that's a pretty soft, springy ride." My feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back seemed to notice all that cushioning. I pondered if something would go wrong in a pair of shoes that are the complete opposite of a sturdy, very little under-foot padded pair of boots. Lack of support? I bought a pair. Actually, I left REI with no shoes, went home, and bought a pair of 2014 Stinsons from Sierra Trading Post for $100.

After inserting a pair of superfeet (orange), I went on an 8 mile hike up Mt Si (east of Seattle). I couldn't believe the ride. Small to medium rocks and roots (up to about 1") were absorbed by the shoes and my feet felt great. Coming down the hill was equally impressive. The larger, cushioned heel/sole really absorbs the heel strike while going down hill.

Ok, all good. Not quite. There is a little learning curve with the increased sole height. After 3 hikes under foot, I can say that I'm confident that the Hokas will improve my walking comfort during my through hike of the PCT.

To better describe the differences between "regular" trail runners and Hokas, as far as sole height is concerned, I'd have to say the Hokas require about 5-10% more attention at watching large rocks and roots. I'm not sure that is the best way to describe the "rolling" possibility, but you get the idea. There is a little concern about the increased height, but once you get used to it, it's not a big deal.

The trade-off in foot and joint comfort make it worth the switch. There is about a 70-80 percent comfort improvement when compared to regular trail runners.

The Hokas are one piece of my gear that I will be giving periodic updates during my hike.