Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus Modifications
Gossamer Gear Mariposa Plus Modifications
Reviewed by Jason Klass
on
November 30, 2008
Rating:
Reviewed by Jason Klass
on
November 30, 2008
Rating:
7 comments
I've experimented with different pack stays as I didn't like the way the carbon fibre rods pulled the sack away from the top of my back. I've tried aluminium rods (shaped to my back) and nylon rods.
http://blogpackinglight.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/gg-mariposa-plus/
I think the nylon rods are the best and a definite improvment on the carbon and aluminium ones. I've been in contact with Gossamer Gear and they are trying them out. The GG aluminium yoke is unlikely to appear as they can't find a manufacturer.
http://blogpackinglight.wordpress.com/2008/12/02/winners-and-losers/
Wait, I'm confused. You say the nylon are better than the aluminum but the new GG prototypes are aluminum (I have the prototype version now). Am I missing something?
GG have been playing about with aluminium ones but can't find a manufacturer. I got fed up waiting so I made my own. At the same time as ordering the aluminium stays, I ordered some nylon rod. I tried the aluminium ones in the summer and they were an improvment on the carbon fibre ones, but tended to twist. I used the nylon ones in Novmeber and to my surprise found them to be better. Because they flex, they seem to allow the pack to move more naturally. Other manufacturers such as Osprey have used similar materials for frame stays. I contacted Grant at GG and he is now trying a pair out. They cost next to nothing and are worth trying. Hope that explains the sequence of events!
Yes, thanks for explaining. Are the nylon ones straight or curved?
They are straight, but are flexible. Vertically they are quite rigid but horizontally they flex, if that makes sense. Although I bent the aluminium stays into a lazy "S" shape and they fit the curvature of my back better, they have no flex and therefore the pack feels quite rigid (although comfortable) on my back. They nylon ones flex as I walk and I find are more comfortable. This is similar to the old style Osprey Aether 60 that I have, which is also fabulously comfortable.
Great idea Jason (and thank your wife for me). I've been using the compression cord on the back of the Mariposa Plus but it's been getting in the way. This configuration makes a lot more sense.
Just noticed this, but it appears that GG has changed the tabs on the sides of the Mariposa plus such that you can't thread the shock cord on the sides as you have done. They second set of tabs are now placed midway down on the top mesh side pocket
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