GG Mariposa Plus vs. SMD Starlite Pack

[jessearl]

I've been looking at both of these packs and was hoping to hear from others who have used them. They both seem pretty similar in overall volume, pocket configuration, price, weight and suspension systems with each having removable stays and a pad pocket.

But, while the Starlite seems to have a close suspension system to the MP, it isn't exact. It seems like it can be customized a little more with the addition of load lifter straps and it has those great pockets on the hip belts.

But the Mariposa Plus is slightly cheaper and it included a small pad for the back, while the Starlite doesn't. And you can customize the bungee straps on the MP.

[bigcranky]

I have the Starlite '05. I've tried on, but never used, the Mariposa. The load lifters actually work if you get the stays. The pad pocket is excellent, fits a 3/4 Z-rest or any standard size 20-inch wide Thermarest. The pack is large enough for my winter load in NC, but compresses down pretty well for summer. Love it.

[earlylight]

I used my Starlite all last year. Before that I had a Golite Trek, which is no longer made. I love the Starlite. It is light and easy to custom fit for many torso styles. Here's a detailed review I wrote recently about it. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions after reading it.

http://sectionhiker.com/2008/02/01/starlite_ultralight_backpack/

Cheers!

[Rickosovitch]

I got a Starlite recently. I've had the SMD Essence for a while and it is a wonderfully comfortable and accessible pack for loads up to 25 lbs. I have taken the Starlite on three shakedown, overnighter trips so far and it carries 35 lbs. with similar ease. The load leveller (some call them load lifter) straps really help pull the pack in snug to your back where the carrying is the easiest. And the pockets on the hip belt give you ready access to Gorp, insect repellant, monocular, compass, whatever things you may want to be able to grab without having to stop and remove your pack. The workmanship is top notch. I do find the roll top a little odd, but this pack is going to allow me to hike for ten days without having to stop to resupply. I'd recommend getting the optional stays. They really enhance the pack's ability to shift weight to your hips. I'm looking forward to many happy years of winter hiking and longer distance hiking with the Starlite; and to using my Essence for shorter hikes and warm weather hikes when I'll be carrying less clothing, less weight.

[steve43]

i've never used the starlite, but i have a mariposa i bought in 2006. i haven't had any problems with it and i enjoy using it. i think it works well for the AT considering you can resupply relatively often. my only complaint with it is GG recommends that you don't sit on it which is something i've always done with my other packs, and old habits die hard.

fifo

[jessearl]

I bought a Starlite pack a couple of weeks ago from a classified ad I found using Google. I got it for $137 shipped, with the stays and optional belt pockets included.

I've used it only on a day hike so far and find it comfortable.

When it arrived, I was disappointed to find that one of the load lifter straps where it connects to the pack was missing some threads and is now only affixed about 3/4 of the way. Anybody know SMD's policy on fixing something like this?

The pack is in overall great shape with no other rips or tears. I will probably keeps the stays in permanently as I'm trying to keep my pack lightweight, but not ULW. My pack when I went for my day hike was loaded with three days of food, gear and a gallon of water between my Platypus and Nalgene bottle.

I haven't found a great place for the Platypus to go. Throwing it inside the pack worked for my day hike, but I have concerns that it will shift position during a full day of hiking.

I'll be using it during a 3 day hike in May look forward to trying it out fully.

[quasarr]

looks like I'm too late, but I'll put in my 2 cents anyway :)

I really like the outside pad pocket on the Mariposa Plus. The pad is easy to pull out quickly. If you're taking a break, it's great to have a little seat to keep out the cold! also around camp, the pad is nice and small to carry around. way less bulky than trying to sit on a bigger sleeping pad.

[ronmoak]

When it arrived, I was disappointed to find that one of the load lifter straps where it connects to the pack was missing some threads and is now only affixed about 3/4 of the way. Anybody know SMD's policy on fixing something like this?

We can fix the problem. If you decided to send it in for repairs, please remove the stays to allow the pack to compress better. This will make shipping easier and cheaper. Also include a note indicating what needs to be done along with your return name and address.


The pack is in overall great shape with no other rips or tears. I will probably keeps the stays in permanently as I'm trying to keep my pack lightweight, but not ULW. My pack when I went for my day hike was loaded with three days of food, gear and a gallon of water between my Platypus and Nalgene bottle.

I know many packs have blatter pockets located along the back of the pack. We've chosen not to include one to save weight and cost. Plus, I've found that they don't work well for me as they make it much more difficult to take the bladder in and out when the pack is full. I generally recommend keeping the bladder at the top of the pack and wrapped in a fleese jacket. This way the bladder is easily accessable and the jacket will help keep the water cold.

Of course you want to make sure the bladder is in good condition and won't rupture.

Ron

[jessearl]

We can fix the problem. If you decided to send it in for repairs, please remove the stays to allow the pack to compress better. This will make shipping easier and cheaper. Also include a note indicating what needs to be done along with your return name and address.



Ron, thanks for that. I'll be sending it in. I appreciate it.

[OBOZ]

Just used my new Starlite and I LOVE IT! I deliberately put 30lbs of weight in for an overnighter and it worked fantastic. One thing that worked great was to use a shopping bag with handles (not flimsy grocery bag) to hold and place my 3 liter playpus in the pack. The platy never slid around and this made it easy to pull platy out of pack, refill and place back in pack. It also helps if you are paranoid of any leakage, it'll just go in the bag. Thanks Ron, between the Lunar Duo and my Starlite I am a happy man! :)

[kytrailman]

Just got to try out my new SMD essence and it is killer. I am sure that the starlyte is just as well made.