New Gossamer Gear Murmur

[Dave Triano]

Just got in my new Gossamer Gear Murmur, a few changes from last year, the mesh used on the main pocket and the pad holder are 'powermesh', a much finer, flexible mesh that hugs the outer surface of the pack. Also, the main pocket on mine is 1" taller than last year's (14" vs. 13"), and GG included a 9' length of shock cord with three mini-locks (something that wasn't included with my 2010 Murmer) as they do with their larger packs. The locations of the loops for shock cord are the same as before, but with the shock cord included I laced it up as shown in the front view, and I even ran it up to the haul loop, it might be possible this way to achieve some vertical compression (if you have a tall load, the top of the pack wouldn't act like a 'Dr. Suess hat'). As stated, the pad holder now loads from the top, has a short length of velcro to close it. In the picture of the packs from the back I left the pad out of the 2010 pack, loaded it into the 2011 model for clarity.

[Nathan V]

I'd be interested in a couple pics, I was just looking at it today on their website, but their pictures are of the previous model.

Thanks, Nathan.

[Petri Kiviniemi]

I would like to see what changes they have made…

[Dale South]

Just received mine today also. First thing I noticed was the full length mesh pad holder. Pad inserts from the top and has a velcro closure. Should make it a little cooler on the back during hot weather.

[Dave Triano]

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[Dave Triano]

pix added to initial post

[Petri Kiviniemi]

Dave,
"the pad holder now loads from the top"
Can you explain this more, how it works?
Which one is better?

And weight?

[Dave Triano]

In the 2010 Murmur, the area in the 'front' (the side that goes against your back) of the pack has a mesh area, split horizontally around 1/3 of the way up, that allows you to insert a 'sit pad' or folded, short GG Nightlight pad. The user inserts the top side, then inserts the bottom side. When inserted, this gives the pack a bit more structure.
In the 2011 Murmur, this mesh area is not split horizontally anymore, it simply opens at the top edge so that the pad is inserted from that end completely.
My opinion is that the new method results in a slightly stiffer structure. I use mine only with a one-layer sit pad, and the sleep pad rolled into the pack body, with gear packed inside of the resulting 'tube'.
Weight of the pack itself is quoted on GG website as 8.1oz., my 2010 Murmur weighs an even 8 oz. and my new 2011 Murmur weighs 7.8oz.

-Dave

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