[pct-l] Gossamer Gear G4 vs. newer Mariposa packs

[Paul Mitchell]

In 03 I hiked with a G4 and never had any complaints.  Granted, it's the
only time I've ever hiked and the only pack I've hiked with, so no frame of
reference really, but I liked it.

I picked up the new mariposa pack and although I haven't taken it out with a
full load to test it out, I've tried it on and I'm not sure it's the pack
for me.  Curious if anybody has a perspective on these few details:

A) This is my main concern: With no frame but the sleeping pad, I would pack
the G4 in such a way that the foam pad would conform nicely to the shape of
my back.  I liked the full contact against my entire back, the slight
pressure against my lower back seems to keep it happy.  The new pack design
has the two stays which keep the foam pad completely rigid so it doesn't
conform to the shape of my back.  I find even after just trying the pack on
and making adjustments my lower back is already tense.  Anybody have any
perspective on a rigid straight backed pack verses pad only setups?

B) the shoulder straps are really wide and close together and I find they
cut into the sides of my neck.

I wasn't expecting to not like anything about this pack, but it's hard for
me to imagine these two things getting better with more weight and time, so
now I'm wondering if I should patch up my G4.

Anyway, just curious if anybody has any insights to share.

Cheers,
Paul