Editor's Note: Backpacking Light is including new products from small online businesses in our Outdoor Retailer coverage. Most can't afford a booth at OR, but their new products are just as important to our readers as those from the big companies.
Technically, Gossamer Gear has already introduced the Gorilla pack, but supplies have been limited, until now. The Gorilla pack has a removable frame, so it can be used either frameless or internal frame. It's sized for ultralight backpacking at 2800 cubic inches and is both durable and light. With the Gorilla, Gossamer Gear is introducing their new curved tubular aluminum frame (3.4 ounces), which can be retrofitted to the Mariposa Plus pack. Another nice feature is its removable hipbelt and sternum strap. The Gorilla pack is available in three sizes, and three hipbelt sizes are also available.
The Gossamer Gear Gorilla is a durable pack for ultralight backpacking (or day hiking). It has a removable aluminum frame, weighs just 23.2 ounces (size M), and costs $165.
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Overall, the Gorilla shows the outcome of a lot of evolution in ultralight backpacks. Earlier packs were constructed of much lighter fabrics and mesh and had a limited lifespan as a result. Pack manufacturers have found that going to heavier fabrics and mesh do not add that much to a pack's weight, but they add a huge increment of durability and longevity. The Gorilla is a very refined pack, showing the outcome of this evolution. This could easily become my favorite backpack; look for an upcoming review in Backpacking Light.
Specifications and Features
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Manufacturer |
Gossamer Gear (www.gossamergear.com) |
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Product |
Gorilla Backpack |
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Style |
Removable stays allows use as a frameless or internal frame pack |
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Capacity |
2800 ci total, including pockets and extension collar |
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Weight |
23.2 oz (size M) |
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Sizes |
S,M,L |
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Materials |
210d PU-coated nylon ripstop body; power stretch nylon pockets 3D mesh shoulder straps, pad sleeve, and hipbelt, anatomically curved aluminum stay unit |
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Features |
Large mesh front pocket, two mesh side pockets, extension collar, drawcord and rolltop closure with top compression strap, two side compression straps, sleeping pad serves as padded backpanel, removable sternum strap with whistle, removable hipbelt, three hipbelt sizes available, removable foam inserts for shoulder straps and hip belts, hydration bladder pocket with dual drinking tube ports, haul loop, ice axe loop |
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MSRP |
US$165 |
Reader Comments
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Forum Index » Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2009 » Gossamer Gear Gorilla Backpack (Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2009)
(montclair) - M
Locale: Metro NY
>>I thought about getting one, but as a hammocker I don't use pads.<<
Not even a "sit pad"?
I'm a hammocker and carry an ULA P-1 with a piece of blue foam as a frame sheet. It doubles as a sit pad and "stand pad" under my hammock.
It would be nice, however, to have it on the outside, like the GG packs, for easy accessibility on short breaks.