The Gossamer Gear Gorilla earned high scores for both load-carrying comfort and ease of use. Its weight-to-volume ratio is compelling, especially considering the robust feature set, including tons of pockets and straps, all of which are useful. The very latest revision of the Gorilla features a redesigned frame system, with the notable addition of very effective load lifters, something that was sorely missing from the previous version.
Hands-down, the Gorilla is exceptionally comfortable. The shoulder straps, hip belt, and back padding did a great job transferring load weight off my shoulders and onto my hips. The Gorilla now features a pair of load lifters, a feature previously only available on the larger-volume Mariposa, and one I'm happy to see on the revamped Gorilla. I also found the beefy shoulder straps adequately distributed a good portion of the load across my shoulders.
The internal upside-down U-frame worked better than single stays, keeping the bag from expanding and pressing uncomfortably into my back. It also gave the pack horizontal and vertical stiffness where I needed it. The only downside to the internal frame is that it sometimes squeaks while hiking, which was annoying once I noticed it. The recommended load limit is 30 pounds, and all of my tests, both in the lab and out in the field, proved that this is more than reasonable for the Gorilla's advertised volume of 50 liters. With the hip belt and back padding removed, I could still comfortably carry a load of less than 15 pounds.
As the back panel padding is simply inserted into mesh pockets, I could swap it out for my closed-cell sleeping pad to add padding and save some weight. I love this design because I can quickly take out my pad to lounge during lunch. Whenever I wore the Gorilla with the standard back pad, I used the pad anytime I had to kneel down on the ground, like when setting up my tent. That extra bit of comfort during chores always made winding down a little easier at the end of a long day.
Some of the standout features of the Gorilla are also the easiest to use. The generous exterior pockets had me dreaming up trips where I could put all of my essentials for the day in them and never have to open up the main pack body — such luxury!
The excellently designed load-bearing system's upside-down U-frame, the replaceable or customizable back padding, and the comfy hip belt were easy to dial in a custom fit, and gave me confidence that, if needed, I could carry my kit to the ends of the earth. Compression straps and a huge center pocket allowed me to easily scale the volume of the Gorilla up or down. The hip pockets provide a home for maps, snacks, and put my camera within easy reach.
The throwback knapsack-style top flap may be the most polarizing feature of this pack: you're either going to love it or question why Gossamer Gear didn't opt for a roll-top like so many of its competitors. However, I soon found myself feeling relieved that every time I opened the pack, I didn't have to unroll the top, grab the gear I was searching for, then re-roll up the top. It's safe to say that the top flap on the Gorilla has grown on me.
The Gossamer Gear Gorilla weighs 32 ounces (907 grams), and I measured the total volume well over its advertised 50 liters, if you consider what you can carry in the exterior pockets.
I used ping pong balls to measure the internal volume of the main pack body. With the top flap securely closed, I measured the main compartment at approximately 45 liters. I was happily surprised by this number, especially considering that I didn't overstuff the pack at all. I also measured the approximate volumes of the other pockets using Smartwater bottles and Clif Bars to get a general sense of what you can fit in them. The center pocket can fit roughly five Smartwater bottles, and each of the two side pockets fits three bottles. Each of the two hip belt pockets can fit six Clif Bars. The top flap has a small zippered pocket, but anything you pack into it will take away from the capacity of the main compartment.
By comparing the measured weight of the Gorilla (with all its components intact) to its advertised total volume, I calculated its weight-to-volume ratio at 0.64 ounces per liter. This is ever so slightly above average among the ultralight backpacks I tested. Despite some of the heavier features that make this pack so comfortable, the Gorilla keeps weight low by using flyweight 70D and 100D recycled Robic nylon. These fabrics aren't as durable as some of the newer composite materials of other packs, but it does help make the price point of this pack very attractive.
However, there is some concession of durability for the weight and cost savings of these fabrics. While the 70D and 100D Robic nylon certainly keeps the numbers low, I found more scuffs and small tears on the pack body than on other products that use more futuristic — and far more expensive — composite materials like Challenge Ultra. This is not the pack I'd instinctively grab for trips that involve a ton of off-trail travel around sharp rock (like a canyoneering adventure), but it's perfect for long trails like the AT and PCT.
The Gorilla is easy to adjust to different body shapes and sizes. Its shoulder straps are well-padded and fit most of my friends who have tried out this pack. The new load lifters helped hug the gear to my back when my pack was fully loaded. You can also swap out the hip belt, and Gossamer Gear offers a variety of sizes to accommodate a range of body types.
The Gorilla's included panel is thin and easily conforms to the shape of my back and gear configuration. Since the back panel is removable, it's easy to swap out for padding that better fits your body or your packing style. (Gossamer Gear even offers an aftermarket pad for improved air circulation.) Depending on how you like to pack, the Gorilla's aluminum U-frame can also be removed, allowing further customization of its fit and final shape.
As a 50-liter pack, the Gorilla is perhaps less ideal for casual day hikes. On the other hand, if those short hikes require specialized gear — like climbing equipment or snow paraphernalia — this extra space may be precisely what you need. The top knapsack flat is also an advantage, as it holds onto bulkier accessories well. I took advantage of the Gorilla's flap in early season conditions to hold onto my mini snowshoes to cross spotty snowfields. Side cinch straps help compress the pack to secure smaller loads.
The Gorilla truly is one of the best and most adaptable ultralight packs I've tested. It has an excellent feature set, and its durable aluminum frame greatly improves carrying comfort. With a fairly reasonable price tag for such a specialized piece of gear, it's also a great value for just about any ultralight hiker.
