Hi all, i've been eyeing these two packs recently as they are both similar in volume and pocket configuration. I do have a few questions that I was hoping users could give me some feedback on.

1) I know the Mariposa shoulder straps are going to be wide...but how wide are they on a size medium (inches)? I have pretty broad shoulders, but i'm still pretty thin, so I'm unsure if they'll work for me (37" chest)

2) Anyone find the lack of compression on the upper half of the SMD starlite to be an issue?

3) Assuming that one gets the optional stays for their SMD starlite, which pack will carry better for 25-30lb loads? The Mariposa or the Starlite?

4) Does GG customize at all? I think in the end, what i really want is GG gorilla fabric, but with the mariposa/starlite volume.

5) And if either pack didn't work for you, why didn't it?

Thanks, you guys are the best

Edited by Konrad1013 on 10/01/2010 14:15:58 MDT.

I can only speak for the Starlite. It works for a lot of folk, but not for me.
My issue was the shoulder straps. They come from a single point on the back panel, only an inch apart. They dug into my neck and top of shoulders no matter how i set the height. I much prefer shoulder straps that are well spaced apart.

1) My issue with the GG straps isn't really the fact that they're so wide, but that they're wide and extremely close-set at the top end on the pack. I measured the gorilla straps and they were literally like 1.5-1.75" apart (inside edge to edge), where they connected to the upper back panel. This is the real culprit in regard to the neck and shoulder pain that can cause, IMHO.

2) I didn't find that to be in issue with the Starlite if there was actually enough volume to fill the thing, but seriously, this pack is HUGE, I really don't see how the Mariposa Plus can really be as big.

3) Hard to say, it's really an issue of fit, the torso of the GG Gorilla (not exactly the MPP but same frame I think), was way better for me than the Starlite, but my friend that I passed it along to loves it and it fits him perfectly, he says he can barely feel it up to 30lbs.

4) I don't think so, but I'm not certain?


5) The straps are the major gripe with GG packs for me, otherwise I absolutely love them. If you buy a GG and want me to replace the straps for you, let me know and I'll help you with that. The Starlite, while I haven't compared it with a mariposa plus, seems gigantic to me. The pack body is huge, but coupled with the pockets its massive, I could never fill it. Also, the strap /torso adjustment connection, while very novel, caused me alot of pain in the back of my neck, that being said, the Starlite I had was an older one in the blue dyneema, so I'm not sure if it's the same. I also had a problem with weights over 30lbs causing the grosgrain that the straps connected to to get destroyed.


I think the stays in the GG packs are better, it's one piece, and it's got good rigidity, I kept having to rebend the ones in the starlite, and they were just too long for my torso, which is 20".

I loved the idea of the Starlite, and I'm a big fan of SMD's gear, but it never worked for me.

Call Gossamer Gear and see if they ever starting making the narrower straps. They had talked about doing that for women, and people who didn't like wide straps. Mine don't bother me, but I'm more like a 44" chest. You can also put the soft, pipe insulation in the GG straps, which makes them thicker, but narrower. I bought a used Mariposa, and the material was close to the Gorilla, and a lot tougher than my sil version.

Can't speak for the Starlite.

+1 on the pipe insulation instead of the flat foam provided. It's much more comfortable on the shoulders and chest, in addition to making the straps a bit narrower.

If you can wait, the rumor is that GG is coming out with a Mariposia Plus sized Gorrilla called the Ape. You might email and ask about production time, and if this is still on the drawing boards.

I tried a Starlite and a Mariposia Plus and the Mariposia Plus was the clear winner for me. The Starlite just didn't fit me well. I found the way the shoulder straps fit so narrow in the back awkward, and I am not a widebody at 6' 160lbs. The Starlite is a nice looking pack though and has some nice features that the Mariposia Plus doesnt like a zippered security pocket inside for keys and id. The Starlite is also a LOT bigger than the Mariposia Plus even though they seem similarly sized from the website.

You could always try them both and return the one you don't choose.

I recently purchased a GG pack in a medium. I was concerned about the wide straps but, after several trips now I find them to be very comfortable. The width helps spread out the load (I have rather boney shoulders).

I purchased a starlite this last winter, and have used it now for this season, about 11 days so far. I originally went with it because I wanted a pack that could go 10 days with NO resupply. After having it for the summer here's my thoughts.
First, ITS HUGE! I have to admit, this thing is one big sack! But, its unassuming, meaning that even though I have not filled it up, it still carries well. I like loose shoulder straps, and rarely use the sternum strap. I travel off trail prob 75% of the time, and this pack is a winner with regards to balance. I'm 6' and 180, typical large size shirts etc, and haven't had the issues with the straps in my back etc. I really like the outside mesh pockets, I can reach my water bottle without taking off my pack, and I have two hip belt pockets that are also accessible. I bought the stays, but haven't been using them as most of my loads have only been about 15lbs. I also use a GG thinlight pad in the back panel. Works awesome! When the top half of the pack is empty, (I usually don't stuff my tent, and that helps with some volume) I do cinch up the outside shock cord, and I roll the top smartly. Isn't that hard, and it keeps things tidy. I really love the pack, and can't wait to see the new Swift design. I can see myself getting one as a smaller pack for the short trips. I used the pack once with the stays, a heavier load, and its a big help. This pack can haul some weight. It has good transfer with the stays, lifters, and hip belt.