FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

You can start here to determine what pack is best for your adventure: Which Backpack is Right for You

Before you purchase a Gossamer Gear pack, it is important to find the correct size backpack for you. This can be done by measuring your torso length as well as your hips. You can see the size parameters for the pack you are interested in purchasing in the ‘backpack sizing’ tab on each product page.

You can always purchase and return an unused item within 30 days for a full refund of the product cost. Once we receive the returned item you will be send an email with your refund information. Your refund is cleared within 1-5 business days depending on your financial institution. Your refund is made directly to the same card the purchase was made from. We do not process exchanges.

You will receive an email from us after an order is made. Please check your spam folder if you do not see an email. You can also log into your Gossamer Gear account to follow the tracking information.  

Yes! You are responsible for all duties and taxes and carrier import fees. We do not ship to freight forwarders/third party logistics.

**Japan is excluded from internationally shipping.

Typically all orders placed before 12PM Central Time Monday-Friday ship same-day. Most orders over $19.99 are sent via USPS or UPS mail. All purchases ship from Austin, Texas 78745. Shipping windows will vary during sale periods.

We sure can! You can chose 2 Day or Overnight Shipping, if you want it guaranteed then pick an expedited carrier over USPS Priority or UPS Ground.

Sorry, but we do not take custom orders or offer any modifications to our backpacks.

Yes, we make unisex backpacks that are awesome for women. Our women's (unisex) approved packs have narrow and curvy shoulder straps to fit most body types. These backpacks were designed by and for women.

Our new PVT packs have straight and curved belt options. These hipbelts are designed to hug a variety of body types for optimum weight transfer. Say hello to less chafing and more comfort.

The Mariposa and Gorilla have enough volume to fit a bear canister.
All bear canisters fit vertically in the Mariposa and Gorilla.
Some smaller ones like the ultralight Bare Boxer and the Bear Vault 450 will fit horizontally in those packs as well as inside our other backpacks.

Our smaller models work well as a kid's backpack! The key to a proper fitting youth pack is a shortened torso design, shoulder straps that cinch tight, and a well fitted hip-belt. We have customers who use many of our small volume daypacks for their kids as overnight backpacks, and the parents carry the bulky outdoor gear. We recommend the Kumo 36 in a small size or the Loris 25 Daypack.

We occasionally have site-wide and item specific sales, and announce all sales through our customer newsletter which you can sign up for at the bottom of our website! You can also check out our Gear Closet for any discounted outdoor gear.  

A Thermarest Z Rest can be put down to 8 sections or 40” and fit our medium and large volume packs wonderfully. Our ultralight sleeping pads also fit in select backpacks.  

Here is a video: How to Swap / Install a PVT Hipbelt

For older model packs: How to Swap Hipbelt

We no longer offer in house repairs however we have arranged discounted repairs with a third-party company called Rugged Thread. You can request a quote from them here: https://www.ruggedthread.com/request-quote/
You can also contact support@gossamergear.com for more instructions.

Previous Model

Our Mariposas and Gorillas all now come with an updated medium hipbelt installed and included in the price no matter what pack size you choose.The process for a small or large belt is to add an additional hipbelt of your preferred size to your order, swap it out at home, and then return the medium belt if you’d like for a full $25 refund.

PVT Model

Our Small Mariposa and Gorilla come with a S/M Curved Belt. Our Medium and Large Mariposa and Gorilla comes with a Medium Straight Belt.The process for another belt is to add an additional hipbelt to your order, swap it out at home, and then return the original belt for a $25 refund.

If your pack or shelter gets grimey you can soak the pack and pad in the tub with some Revivex Odor Eliminator for a few hours and then let it air dry (Detailed instructions will be on the package). A few drops of dish soap would also suffice as a DIY solution.

To replace our hiking pole tips, the best way is to wrap the pole in towel, place in a squeeze vise and then tap the tips off with a hammer and pry bar. You can also carefully try the edge of a utility knife and slice (carve) the tip away without cutting into the carbon and then pull it off. Never twist them off as that will break the carbon. To attach the new tips, use a dab of Superglue or similar Cyanoacrylate adhesive and tap it on the floor or table to seat it. To replace the grips, we take a sharp utility knife and slice down the grip being careful not to hit the carbon fiber. We then peel off the grip and clean off the pole by lightly scraping/sanding off the old adhesive. We then install the new handle by dabbing a very small amount of 'Gorilla Glue' (adhesive) inside the new grip and slide it on with great downward force.

Trekking pole replacement tips are only compatible with our current version of LT5s.

The One and The Two are both single wall shelters. With that comes a drastic reduction of weight, but also a greater need to be mindful about condensation. This is due to the fact that there is no mesh layer separating you from the tent rainfly (where humid air condenses). This article from the LightFeet Blog elaborates on the 2 main factors for condensation, as well as several tips and tricks for alleviating condensation in your Shelter.