Gossamer Gear Day Packs

New for fall 2015 are two fantastic Gossamer Gear day packs! Both packs are made with 100 Denier Robic ripstop nylon for the main body and have new air mesh harness. The material of these packs are made to be more durable than the 50 Denier ripstop nylon previously used on many Gossamer Gear packs.

Up first is the Type 2 Utility Backpack

The Type 2 is 1400 cubic inches (23L) and the ultimate multifunctional pack.

MSRP $99.0015.65 oz (444 g.) complete

.80 oz (23 g.) removable foam pad
3.40 oz (95 g.) removable belt
11.50 oz (326 g.) pack only

Here’s a closer look at what the Type 2 has to offer:

The Robic fabric on the body of the pack has a slick feel to it. It’s tough and is made to shed water. Definitely a perfect combination for those in wetter conditions like we see in New Hampshire. Anyone up for some UL bushwhacking?

There is a Daisy Chain and an Ice Axe Loop. This will extend my pack us into winter when I know I won’t need to store snowshoes as I can carry an ice axe and use the Daisy Chain strap my crampons to the outside of the pack.

There are two integrated hydration hose ports so you can run your hose right by the shoulder straps
Breathable shoulder harness with sternum and rib strap
Removable hip belt with two large pockets (weighs 3.40 oz)
Velcro back pocket can hold a laptop for commuters. Note- there is not padding

Top lid features a large zippered pocket and a draw cord to secure your gear.

Closer look at the hip belt

The two large mesh side pockets are the perfect size for water bottles.The mesh has been redesigned to be stretchy and tough.

The Rukus is a whopping 2400 cubic inches (39.32L) and can swallow a lot of gear. If Mary Poppins was into UL hiking, she’d get this pack.

Up close with the Rukus:

MSRP: $65.00
11.8 oz (335 g.) complete
2400 c.i. (39.32 L)

The Rukus is a minimalist pack without a ton of features. It’s simple and has a large volume capacity for such a lightweight pack. The main body has an 1800 Cubic Inch capacity. slant top mesh big back pocket for easy access. There is an additional 600 c.i. (9.83 l.) of volume between the slanted and side pockets.

Air-mesh fabric on new unisex shoulder straps for less friction, more cushion and more comfort

Removable exterior foam back pad- 80 oz (23 g.)

Close up of the Air-mesh fabric and Daisy Chain

Internal zipper pocket for small essentials.

Both packs are great for day trips, but can you really use them on a multiday adventure? I packed what I would typically bring on a two day, one night trip in the White Mountains during the summer to see if I could fit it all in.

I included the following items:

32 degree Sleeping bag (in stuff sack)
Sleeping pad
Hammock and tarp
Additional clothing (long underwear, down jacket, rain jacket, extra socks)
Ditty bag (first aid items, headlamp, batteries, toiletries, etc.)
Food: Snacks for 2 days, breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Cookpot and MSR Pocket Rocket Stove
4 oz fuel canister
2 liters water (bottles or bladder)

I was very surprised with how it all fit. With the Type 2 everything fit perfectly. There was no additional room so I would have to alter my gear to possibly squeeze another day in (just camping with a tarp, going stoveless, etc.)