Take less. Do more. This simple idea is why Gossamer Gear has been making cool stuff for over 20 years. They’ve totally changed how backpackers hit the trails. Based in Austin, Texas, this company is all about ultralight backpacking and is super popular with serious hikers because they’re careful about design and make things really well.
How It Started: From Boy Scouts to Backpacking Champs
Every outdoor company has a story, and Gossamer Gear’s is pretty great. Back in the ’90s, Glen Van Peski’s son, Brian, joined the Boy Scouts. They went to a store and got these huge backpacks and a stove, all the stuff they said we needed for a week in the Sierra. Like a lot of parents, Glen just went with it.
But Glen was an engineer, so he started wondering why backpacking had to be so heavy. What started as a trip with his son turned into a mission to shake up ultralight backpacking. It wasn’t just about making lighter packs, it was about thinking hard about what backpackers really need.
After 20 years of making lightweight gear in garages, Gossamer Gear moved into a real headquarters in Austin, Texas, in 2019. This showed how much the ultralight idea had caught on in the backpacking scene.
What Makes Gossamer Gear Special: The Art of Going Light
Smart Design
Gossamer Gear makes packs that are just right, with the right space, strong build, and light weight. They use special fabrics that are super thin but tough, and light zippers that can take a beating. They aren’t cutting corners, they’re just making smart choices to save weight and still be able to last.
Gossamer Gear always puts comfort first. They know that the lightest pack is no good if it hurts your back. That’s why hikers love their gear – it works well day after day.
Cool Materials
Gossamer Gear is great because of the fabrics they pick. They find materials that are strong and light. This means their packs can handle long trips in the wild.
Awesome Products
The Mariposa 60: The Best
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 is still the best. This pack is light, comfy, and well-made. It has everything you need but nothing extra.
The Mariposa 60 is comfy, has cool features, and is light but strong. It’s been tested on trails like the PCT and CDT, so it can handle anything.
Features:
- 60 liters of space
- Super comfy
- Strong
- Adjustable
The Gorilla 50: Super Useful
The Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 is great for backpackers who want a comfy, light pack. It can carry about 25-30 pounds, so it’s great for short or long trips.
The Gorilla 50 is for hikers who want to save weight but still have enough room. It has a 32-liter main area and 18 liters of pockets.
The Skala 38: Simple and Sweet
The Gossamer Gear Skala 38 is comfy, adjustable, and simple for hikers who know what they need. It has a lot of storage and is comfy to carry.
This pack is super simple, perfect for experienced hikers who only bring the basics.
Who Should Use Gossamer Gear?
Long-Distance Hikers
Gossamer Gear is great for backpackers who want light, strong gear and hikers who want packs with lots of room. The company has a good name on trails like the PCT and Appalachian Trail.
Weekend Hikers
If you like simple, smart designs, you’ll like how Gossamer Gear gets rid of extra stuff and makes the important things better. These packs are for hikers who know what they want.
Weight Savers
If you like to cut tags off your gear to save weight, Gossamer Gear is a good place to start. They already make packs that are light.
More Than Just Backpacks
Gossamer Gear also makes shelters to keep you safe from the weather and save weight. They think about everything you need for a light trip.
The Aero Jet is a new travel bag from Gossamer Gear that’s great for weekend trips. This shows how light ideas can make all kinds of trips better, not just backpacking.
What the Brand Believes
Gossamer Gear knows that the gear you don’t bring is just as important as what you do bring. It’s about making smart choices so you can hike faster, farther, and feel better.
They get that hiking can be hard but also fun. Gossamer Gear makes gear that makes hiking better.
Worth the Cost
Gossamer Gear makes gear that will last for years. It might cost a bit more, but it’s worth it. These aren’t cheap packs, they’re made to be your friend on long trips.
The company sells directly to you, so you get good gear without the high prices of stores.
The Future of Ultralight
Gossamer Gear is always making new stuff and finding new ways to make gear lighter.
More people are hiking long trails, so Gossamer Gear is ready to help. They know what they’re doing and make gear that hikers can depend on.
In Conclusion: Less Is More
Gossamer Gear is about more than just light gear, it’s about being smart about hiking. They make gear that helps you do more. Whether you’re planning a long hike or a weekend trip, Gossamer Gear can help you have more fun.
Gossamer Gear is all about simple, smart gear. They’ve shown that less can really help you do more.
Ready to change your backpacking trips? Check out Gossamer Gear at gossamergear.com!
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Want to try Gossamer Gear? See their packs at gossamergear.com/collections/backpacks and find the perfect one for your next trip.
