For those who've examined or used one, tell me about the "Hydration bladder shelf" in the Murmur? I've recently started using a 3L PlatyZip with sawyer filter and mouthpiece as a hydration system. Typically carry 1-2 liters of water at a time, depending on availability.

Have you used this shelf to carry a bladder? I take it there is no attachment point and the bladder sits on top of the shelf to keep it separate from the rest of your gear. Any issues you've found with this arrangement or mods you've made?

Steve,
The "shelf" is just a strip of silnylon about 2" wide at the bottom of the pack which in theory would keep the bottom of a hydration bladder from slipping forward. A hydration bladder, in my opinion, takes up too much room in this pack so when I use my 2 liter zip top platy, I tuck it behind the sitlite pad in the pad sleeve. With a full load of gear, I consider this arrangement to be uncomfortable & use water bottles in the side pockets instead. There is no clip to hold the top of a hydration bladder. I only use a hydration bladder with this pack when day hiking & only then, in the manner described above.

Thanks James! Exactly what I wanted to know.

I put my 2L Platy in the outside right pocket and thread the hose over my right shoulder - the upper "compression straps" are used to hold the Platy upright. You can see what I mean in my avatar.

Kevin,
That's a great idea! How do you counterbalance what could be as much as 4 lbs of weight or do you even find that to be necessary?

I just use two smart bottles with the Murmur, easy to reach, simple is waaaaay good. I use a bladder with the G4, works better there, 1.4l bladder is virtually invisible.
Sometime two bottles to the left, tent on the right pocket on Murmur, leaves lots of room in the main volume.
DT

Edited by Dtriano on 02/24/2011 21:25:19 MST.

I don't usually carry more than 1 liter with me, but even when I have had more I haven't noticed that the pack is unbalanced. Some of it might be that I'm right-handed so carrying a little extra weight on that shoulder isn't noticed.

It works well and, if you've ever had a bladder of any kind leak in your pack, you'd really appreciate having it on the outside. It's also, obviously, much easier to fill.

I have used a 2L platy and pack it on the very top close to my back in between the closed pack liner and top roll closure. this keeps the weight higher and centered, gives gravity assist hoser drinking, and carries great for me.
this is for the older silnylon murmur. i haven't tried the latest model yet. hope that helps!