Gossamer Gear Mirage 40 Ultralight Backpack vs Zpacks Nero Classic 40L
The Gossamer Gear Mirage 40 Ultralight Backpack is 40L and 0.53kg1.2lb; the Zpacks Nero Classic 40L is 40L and 0.33kg0.7lb. The Zpacks Nero Classic 40L is 0.2kg0.4lb lighter. The Zpacks Nero Classic 40L costs $191 less. The Gossamer Gear Mirage 40 Ultralight Backpack fits the carry-on limit of 3 of 36 major airlines and the Zpacks Nero Classic 40L fits 1; under the seat, 0 and 0 of 26.
| Spec | Gossamer Gear Mirage 40 Ultralight Backpack | Zpacks Nero Classic 40L |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $450 | $259Best |
| Volume | 40L | 40L |
| Weight | 0.53kg1.2lb | 0.33kg0.7lbBest |
| Carry-on compliance | 8%Best | 3% |
| Personal-item compliance | 0% | 0% |
| Dimensions | 60×30×16cm23.5×12×6.5in | 63.5×29×15.25cm25×11.5×6in |
| Laptop | no laptop sleeve | no laptop sleeve |
| Compartments | 1 | 1 |
| Bottle pockets | 2 | 2 |
| Opening | Roll-top, Roll top with two side buckle closures | Roll-top, Roll top closure |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
| Torso length | n/a | 46 to 56cm (18 to 22in) |
| Organizer | No | No |
| Shoe compartment | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | Yes |
| Frame sheet | Yes | No |
| Water-resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Rain cover | No | No |
| MOLLE | No | No |
| Hip belt | Yes | Insert sold separately |
| Sternum strap | No | Yes |
| Load lifters | No | No |
| Shoulder strap | No | No |
| Luggage pass-through | No | No |
| Camera compartment | No | No |
| Material | ALUULA Graflyte V52 (100% polyethylene), PFAS free, UHMWPE stretch mesh | Ultra 100X (3.3 oz/sqyd) base and back, optional Ultra TenX (2.9 oz/sqyd) front, stretch mesh pockets, taped seams, PFAS free |
| Last checked | 2026-09 | 2026-09 |
Where their airline fit differs
| Airline | Limit | Gossamer Gear Mirage 40 Ultralight Backpack | Zpacks Nero Classic 40L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier Airlines | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
| Southwest Airlines | Carry-on | Fits | Too big |
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Specs come from each brand's own product page. Fit uses listed dimensions in any orientation. How we score carry-on fit.