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 ‘sizing’ tab. We've also created a handy article for tips on sizing a pack. We try and make our size charts as accurate as possible, but understand that everyone’s anatomy is slightly different.

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. Read more on our Shipping page.

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. You can see your time estimates before ordering.  

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

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.

The Mariposa, Gorilla, and Silverback all have enough volume to fit a bear canister.
All bear canisters fit vertically in the Mariposa, Gorilla, and Silverback.
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.

We have not determined an R Value or temperature rating for the closed cell foam of our ultralight sleeping pads due to its variable density. Many of our customers use them for winter camping in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. Going out in bad weather? Learn how to prepare for hiking in the rain!  

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 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 Hip Belt

All repairs are handled by our third party repair vendor. You can contact support@gossamergear.com for more instructions.

Our Mariposas and Gorillas all now come with an updated medium hipbelt installed and included in the price!

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.

Soak your pack 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).

The LT5 handles are EVA molded foam.

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.  

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.

Glen Van Peski founded Gossamer Gear in 1998 in an effort to create lightweight hiking gear for use with his oldest son, Brian, in Boy Scouts. In 2005 the company expanded and moved to Austin, and Grant Sible took over the helm as president. Glen continues to be heavily involved in new product development and overall direction of the company. Read more about us!