I am currently looking at getting a Gossamer Gear Murmur Hyperlight Pack. I have two concerns.

1. Is the pad holder mesh large enough for a ¾ Z-lite pad, or a Suluk46 44in x 19in x 0.5in Plastazote Frame Sheet?

2. How accurate is the stated 1700cu in of volume? The current pack I’m using has 1694cu in of usable volume after I put my pad inside (and I use every inch of it). If there posted volume is accurate that would give me an extra 6 cu in. If this number is exaggerated at all it would not work and would be a waste of money.

What’s your experience? Is there anything I should know about this pack?

Edited by notu on 05/04/2010 10:49:06 MDT.

I love this pack. My only concern is the durability of the fabric, and for that reason I haven't used it in situations where it could get scraped or on trips where it might be overloaded.

I think it definitely fita a great niche, but I'm too fearful of the supposed spinnaker durability problems to overly test it.

Logan

I've heard the straps are wide. I don't know if that means that they are far apart from each other or that the straps them selves are wide. I'm pretty skinny, 6" 0" @ 155lbs. What's your build, if you don't mind me asking, and how well does it fit you in the shoulders.

Justin,

I love my Murmur - the straps themselves are wide - probably about 2.5". I found the foam inserts included to be uncomfortable and replaced them with bubblewrap rolled up in each strap - very comfortable.

I'm a big guy (around 260) with broad shoulders and probably look somewhat ridiculous carrying such a small pack, but it's easy to carry and holds everything I need for a weekend quite well. You can see it in my avatar.

I keep my 2 liter Platy hoser in a side pocket and my tarp and raingear in the back mesh pocket. I did add the GG Large Hipbelt pockets (GG modified them for me to fit the 1/2" hipbelt on the Murmur. That's where I keep my camera, some snacks, first aid kit, and other essentials.

Oh yeah - I use the GG Nightlight Torso pad in the pad holder...

Edited by KBabione on 05/04/2010 19:25:12 MDT.

Hey Justin - I've only had my Murmer out on one trip but I really enjoyed it (other than the foam in the shoulder straps as Kevin mentioned). I'm about your size - 5'11 and 160 lbs and didn't think the shoulder straps were spaced widely just that the provided foam was a bit wide for my shoulders.

I had plenty of room for an overnighter (baseweight around 7-8 lbs for that weekend) and would guess that the estimated volume is accurate. The back pocket is quite large and provides good extra room. Also, since this trip was with my wife I carried almost all the food for 2 people for the weekend and it carried great.

I've tried the GG Nightlite torso pad and it fit well. I would guess you could fit a 3/4 zlite pad but I haven't tried it. I'm sure if you give GG a call they would be able to tell you if it would fit since they have pads of similar size. Sorry I'm not more help here.

For a full-featured pack with this weight and capacity at the price its available I think its solid pack and a great value.

I like the look of this pack, particularly the very snazzy colour...

But would a GG sitlite pad be enough in the back, or would the larger nightlite make it somewhat stiffer?

the murmur is one of my favorite packs. to me, i dont see this pack as just an overnight pack. i will use this for week long trips with a 5lb base weight and it feels great! i use a z-rest for the back support and it is super comfortable. i have had no problems with the shoulder straps and i prefer the width. the only thing that irritates me is the velcro closure. if its cold and im wearing gloves and need to get in my pack, i feel like bruno in the velcro suit. haha. the spinnaker fabric has held up for me very well. im pretty sure the new models are made with silnylon. i would love to see this pack be made out of cuben!!!

one of the best SUL packs on the market!
peace
.maestro.

im a skinny dude too with a 37" chest and the shoulder straps are comfy. this is the only pack that i can load to 10 or 12 lbs and enjoy not using the waist belt. however, i ditched the stock foam padding and used it as a template to make new ccf padding out of thinner, 1/4" foam.

i carry loads up to 15 lbs with no issues. i do however use this pack sparingly due to the fabric not getting along very well with catsclaw and granite.
im looking at a Gorilla or Prophet for my next UL "toy"

Edited by mikeinfhaz on 05/05/2010 11:07:53 MDT.

I have a possible dumb question. Do you have the z-rest in the pad holder or inside the pack?

I don't like/trust velco for outdoor usage. I think I'm going to alter the closure system. Is there any reason I should not?

i put my pad in the pad holder. i love this feature! if im taking a break on the trail i can just slide my pad out. cant do that if your using your pad as rolled support inside.

why is it you dont like velcro?

EDIT...im sure you can talk to the guys at GG and get something customized with the closure.

Edited by themaestro on 05/05/2010 11:49:39 MDT.

Velcro has a tendency to fail when it is cold, wet, gets dirty, or has any load barring on it. Also it starts to lose its ability to hold the older it gets. I’m not completely against it but I would rather not have it on my pack.

Not all Velcro is created equal. What is the quality of the Velcro on the Murmur?

The sitlight works great in the pad pocket if you don't carry a torso length pad. As far as the velcro, it's appears to be of pretty good quality and I've never had a problems with it not sticking.

Ryan

there is a channel sewn in top to accept a drawcord/cordlock.
i find that the velcro is of decent quality, but the pack is often too small for UL but Bulky loads. I added a drawstring and it allows the extension collar to be availed BUT.. a over-the-top containment like the "y" webbing found on other GG packs would be ideal

Thank you everybody. I get paid on Friday so I think I’ll order one. All I have to do after that is wait for the pack and the 30º EnLightened EQ Epiphany Quilt I ordered to show up (it should be here in a week). And I will be ready to hall ass.

hope you enjoy the enlightened quilt!!! im in the process of getting one myself. you will enjoy pairing your murmur with a z-rest. most comfortable support ive used.
peace
.maestro.