New brain on GG Gorilla......anyone try out??

[saltysack]

A few weeks back Gossamer gear sent me a new Gorilla as I ripped the rear mesh pretty badly on my original. They said they would repair but decided to replace with a new one....just recently I opened it up and noticed the pack was a new design.....a few changes Inc a removable brain with a drawcord synch to close main pack body, lil whistle built into sternum strap, more padding on shoulder straps and stiffer reinforced waist belt....I've never owned a pack with a brain so trying to decide if I'd have a use or not??? I guess it's useful for colder weather use as could put gloves, beenie, buff etc inside and should stay drier than back mesh pouch...anyone else try out new Gorilla yet?

[-Rush-]

Brains are handy, but I've never missed it on my ULA Circuit. I also prefer a flap to cover the opening (like on Osprey Atmos) when the brain is removed. I didn't see that on this pack. The older Gorilla and the Mariposa had the flap/pocket cover which was lighter, but also more difficult to stuff with gear. This Gorilla with the brain comes in at 2.06lbs, whole the older model is 1.63lbs. For a 40L pack, I'd prefer the older model.

[Rmcpeak]

I have a Gorilla -- 2014?? model without removable brain, just the small pocket brain. I have about 600 miles on my pack. It's the damned best pack I've ever had. I love everything about it!

But I'd love it even more if the brain were removable so that I could strip the pack down even further when I go SUL in the summer...

BTW: I can stuff a lot into that "little pocket" in the lid on mine. Diddy bag, first aid, wallet, keys, headlamp, etc.... It's bigger than it looks.

[saltysack]

I had the earlier model they sent me this to replace the old one i ripped. Gossamer gear has great support! I'm not sure if I like this one better or not....with the brain it seems it larger than 40l...in this pic it's loaded for a COLD winter hike with a 45 & 20 quilt along with all food and gear for a 3-4 day hike. I agree about having the opening not covered with brain removed.


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[Rmcpeak]

I sorta wish I would have got the Kumo, because I almost never use capacity of the Gorilla. I can't imagine any need for the Mariposa, but that's just me, even for a thru hike. I'm hemming/hawing about getting their daypack for SUL fastpacking in the summer.

[saltysack]

I sorta wish I would have got the Kumo, because I almost never use capacity of the Gorilla. I can't imagine any need for the Mariposa, but that's just me, even for a thru hike. I'm hemming/hawing about getting their daypack for SUL fastpacking in the summer.

Agree....only plus I can see with new design is possibly sandwiching a bear can under brain as it has lots of xtra straps at all 4 corners....


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[saltysack]

I have a Gorilla -- 2014?? model without removable brain, just the small pocket brain. I have about 600 miles on my pack. It's the damned best pack I've ever had. I love everything about it!

But I'd love it even more if the brain were removable so that I could strip the pack down even further when I go SUL in the summer...

BTW: I can stuff a lot into that "little pocket" in the lid on mine. Diddy bag, first aid, wallet, keys, headlamp, etc.... It's bigger than it looks.

Yep I liked old style lid...only time I didn't was when trying to load gear back inside like quilt etc..the lid would flip closed if had stuff in top pocket...


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