Barry, The NightLite custom I was refering to is a replacement for the sitlite pad shipped with the Murmurs. It doesn’t roll, it slips in the pad keepers like the SitLite and serves all the same purposes.
I take an older full length Nunatak Luna pad (http://www.nunatakusa.com/site07/accessories/lunapad.htm) or obsolete ~6′ NightLite pad, mesh the bumps, and, cut with an electric carving knife at 10″. (The first section requires a bit of waste off the top. Then I tape them together with duct tape to create a 51-52″ long torso pad that folds up, fan-fold. It ‘just’ fits in the pad keeper where the sitlite used to go, though the first couple times you will swear it is too much. It softens with age and looses a bit of depth. The fifth layer leaves the bumps out or against your back for some limited ventilation.
It also acts as a stiff, cushioned frame for loads up to 30 pounds, comfortably. I forget I am carrying it on hiking trips because I only put 20-25 pounds in it. It WILL handle more, but everyone gets upset when I say how much more. (I have tested it on my 6&7mi hikes around the park with 43# but was getting worried that the seams might not hold with more than that. The old 2012 model was reinforced to take those loads, but it isn’t really comfortable since the 3/4″ belt starts cutting into my hips. On a 15-20mi hike, my hips would get really sore, I think. I was going to mod it by adding a 1-1/4″ belt, bet never got around to it.) Anyway, it was far more comfortable with the custom pad than the Gorilla which was way to big for my needs. I “loaned” the Gorilla to a DAV and never asked for it back.
A quick warning about size. This is only applicable using small packs, but, get the smallest gear you can find. I use a grease pot, but my tarp just fills it (rolled up and spiraled into the pot.) A small computerized Impulse for a light. Two 500ml water bottles and three stuff sacks (rock sack/ditty bag, small eVent compression bag, and a 13L food/bear waterproof bag.)
The compression bag fits my sleeping cloths/base layers, down jacket, quilt and socks.) My ditty bag holds odds and ends(light, spare batteries, bear line & clip, tea lite, stove, etc.) The “dry” bag holds my food along with toilet paper, toothpaste, any smellables.) The lid is flat, my spoon is fairly flat, and stakes are flat so they just slip behind the bags. I usually have plenty of room (fuel, windscreen, a few drink mixes, go in my other side pocket.)
Sometimes I will put a rain jacket in the front pouch. Sometimes a pair of 3oz sandals. Sometimes a spare sweater and a NeoAir, usually a 2L platypus. Sometimes a fishing rod and reel and a box of worms in spring (flies/bubble later on.) And, of course, my maps in a baggie. I usually copy my map masters for each trip, and, just burn them as I go. I usually drop the Steripen in my pants pocket, especially if it is cold (the batteries work better when they are warm.) Sometimes I slip an old SvenSaw diagonally across my back with my lid/stakes.
I have been doing some variation on this theme for over 10 years and can highly recommend it. For a week or two, it works well. You could actually add another smaller food bag if you needed it (7L maybe.) Or maybe a fully enclosed solo tent. I have plenty of room, but depending on your gear choices, you may not. Small usually means light, but not always.
Anyway, most people resist getting down to 5-6 pound base weights thinking they will sacrifice comfort. ‘T’ain’t true. I have everything I need, wet or dry, to stay comfortable down to about 32F. Down to 25F is not that bad. So, it is NOT a winter kit.
