Gear Review: Gossamer Gear Type 2 Utility Pack

Gossamer Gear is a company that specializes in lightweight backpacking gear and has been around since 1998. Their goal is to create innovative lightweight designs that improve the backpacking experience.

As friends of Appalachian Trials, they were kind enough to help me out in my search to find the latest and greatest in lightweight packs by letting me test out the Type 2 Utility Pack.

Gossamer Gear Type 2 Utility Pack

Overview

If you are looking for a lightweight and versatile pack that can take you from peak to valley in a flash, look no further than the Type 2.

Right away, I was impressed with this little bag. Out of the box it was very small and compact. As I undid the straps and peeked inside, I was astounded by the amount of usable space. As a long-distance backpacker, I immediately started daydreaming about how to turn this into my new overnight pack. Step aside, Mary Poppins.

gossamer gear type 2

My first test was the Pinnacle Loop on the AT in PA

Specs

Weight

Gossamer Gear Packs tend to be easily customizable with a few removable features that can vary the weight of the pack. As shown in this article, the pack includes the removable foam pad and hip belt.

  • Pack only – 11.50 oz (326 g)
  • Removable Foam Pad – 80 oz (23 g)
  • Removable Hip Belt – 3.40 oz (95 g)
  • Complete Pack (Including Pad and Belt) – 15.65 oz  (444 g)

The foam pad is so lightweight and discreet that I didn’t even realize it was there at first. Since the material of the pack is so thin, the pad does a great job of giving the pack structure and protecting you from any pointy objects in your pack.

gossamer gear type 2

Pack loaded with a water and emergency chocolate bacon rations

Size 

The total capacity of the pack is 26 liters, which doesn’t sound like a lot until you try and fill it.

In these pictures, I have the pack stuffed with a tent (no poles), sleeping pad, and sleeping bag, but I also needed to add a few other odds and ends just to make it look full. I am very confident that this pack could be used for an ultralight trip. The only thing I would lack space for on a multi-day trip is the enormous amounts of food that I tend to consume.

  • Main Compartment – 23L
  • Outer Pockets Combined – 3L
  • Total Capacity – 26L
  • Total Size – 20 x 10 x 7 inches
gossamer gear type 2

Muscles not included

Design

Gossamer Gear was able to keep the weight down without skimping on the nicer features that a more traditional daypack may not have. Here are a few of my favorites.

Hip Belt

The large padded hip belt is comfortable, customizable, and includes zippered pockets. The large and stretchy pockets fit my iPhone 5, which is a huge plus for me.

gossamer gear type 2

Pockets fit my iPhone 5 with ease

Usable Water Bottle Sleeves

The water bottle pockets are easy to reach and retrieve gear from. Even when the pack is stuffed full, the water bottle pockets are easy to use, which seems to be a chronic issue among other pack manufacturers.

gossamer gear type 2

Stretchy pockets that actually stretch!?

Adjustable Unisex Harness

Both the harness and hip belt are super adjustable. I am 5’8 and my husband is 6-foot, but we were both able to adjust the straps to fit comfortably.

Other important features include:

  • Bladder compartment
  • Drawstring closure
  • Single closure compression strap
  • Rear and lid stash pockets
  • Rib strap
  • Multiple Gear lash points
  • Ice axe loop
gossamer gear type 2

Front lid single closure and compression strap

Summary

This is one of the most thoughtfully designed daypacks that I have come across. In fact, the only downside that I can find is that it is a bit larger than I need for shorter, summer day hikes, and that there aren’t a lot of ways to tighten the load.

The ultralight 26L Type 2 Utility Pack by Gossamer Gear is a versatile pack that can be easily customized and taken on both day hikes and overnight backpacking trips.

If anyone else has used this pack, what’s the longest hike you have taken it on? Let us know in the comments below.

gossamer gear type 2

Plenty of room for dog treats

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Comments 2

  • John Baranowski : Nov 27th

    I’ve been using the type II ever since I won it through section hiker.com. I am thoroughly enjoying it. I can easily carry 3 liters of water in the side pockets, which are stretchy and secure. It’s very comfortable and well organized. It makes it easier to make my day hikes into fast paced training hikes. It is very tempting to see how much gear and food I can fit in it for overnight trips.

    Reply

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