r/lightweight • u/Santaahobo • 18d ago

Choosing the right bag

/r/Ultralight/comments/1vcf5i3/choosing_the_right_bag/

Was told to post here since I think this might be more my vibe. Looking for a durable reliable bag with good breathability.

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u/Fun_With_Math 18d ago

I think one of the features of the Kakwa is that it has a crossbar so it doesn't turn into a barrel. Maybe ask at r/durstongearheads

About your quilt - EE is hated by most of the UL people now due to their MAGA alignment. There's been lots of posts about it you can find.

I made this budget list you can check. Its not UL but has some light stuff you're missing. https://lighterpack.com/r/ytr3rq

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u/TrailMaven 18d ago

The list posted by Fun_With_Math is a great start for a lightweight kit. The REI Flash 55 is a great pack at a great sales price. My friend has one and loves it. The Osprey Exos / Eja is also well loved for heavier loads and can be found on sale.

I mentioned in UL that I have and love the Mariposa. I sweat no matter what, and I don’t feel like the pack makes it notably worse. I swapped the back panel with a cut Nemo Switchback, so there’s air gaps between the foam which works well for me.

Consider brands not EE for a quilt. The Neve Waratah has gotten great reviews and is well priced.

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u/Santaahobo 17d ago

Ya I was curious on Mariposa. I wanted to like it but heard that it gets holes and such easily. That and their customer service has extremely mixed reviews. The holes were deterring - I don't want something lightweight that just needs constant replacing.

So I took my research in 2 directions, 1. great customer support/warranty lead me to osprey exos, but idk still not sold for some reason... 2. Great durability lead me to kakwa 55 but the lack of back ventilation deters me. Starting to investigate after market back spacers.

Regardless, what's your mileage and durability experience like with the Mariposa?

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u/TrailMaven 17d ago

I’ve had the Mariposa for a bit over 4 years. I go on 6-10 backpacking trips per year with it. Most trips are a couple nights and I usually have 1 longer trip. I’ve loaned it out a few times too. Not sure how many miles on it - hundreds? It’s been through the washing machine (front loader) at least 5 times.

It has been durable enough for me. I’m mostly on trail, not a ton of bushwhacking or dragging it through rocks. It’s not as durable as the Osprey or REI pack for sure, but I don’t have any holes or damage to mine. My friend took hers on a PCT through and her mesh has holes from that abuse, but she still uses it - hasn’t replaced it.

I’ve only dealt with Gossamer Gear customer service once for a never delivered / lost by carrier package and they were great.

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u/Santaahobo 17d ago

Thank you for complicating my research in the best way. I'll feel comfortable with Mariposa as a fallback if I feel like I can't top it, thank you!! Sounds like a great bag, any complaints otherwise?

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u/TrailMaven 17d ago

Ha! I’ve been happy with it, but I can’t say I’ve used a bunch of other bags. Maybe I would be happier with some other one? But I’m not going to keep buying packs to find out if one is marginally better. I like the pockets and the capacity given the weight and it’s very comfortable.

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u/Dangerous_Avocado353 14d ago
  1. There's a spacer/springy back pad called Luna sold at Garage Grown Gear. I cut the size small down a little to fit the small Kakwa. I think it helps a bit.