The latest restock has been updated with a UHMWPE Stretch Mesh front pocket.
In the pursuit of lightness, every detail matters. That’s why you can now hike with our infamously light Murmur, now even lighter at 7.9 ounces, in the cutting-edge waterproof ALUULA Graflyte V52 fabric. Unlike traditional laminates, ALUULA is made from a 100% polyethylene fused at the molecular level—no adhesives, coatings, fraying or delamination.
The Murmur ships with a 3/8" Torso Pad included.
(Currently unavailable for international customers)
Fully-taped seams for waterproof connection points
Stripped down to just the essentials
The lightest era of the Murmur.
1 / of3
Product Details
Gear Notes
In the pursuit of lightness, every detail matters. That’s why you can now hike with our infamously light Murmur, now even lighter at 7.9 ounces, in the cutting-edge waterproof ALUULA Graflyte V52 fabric. Unlike traditional laminates, ALUULA is made from a 100% polyethylene fused at the molecular level—no adhesives, coatings, fraying or delamination.
The design is simple, functional, and field-proven by our ambassadors. Even our founder, Glen Van Peski has made the switch! A front stretch mesh overflow pocket handles layers, snacks, or a damp Whisper Shelter. Enjoy familiar features like cinch-top bottle pockets, lace-up cord side compression, and a roll-top closure. Everything you need and nothing you don’t—“take less. do more.”
Sizing Guide
The Murmur 36 is available in one size and while this pack performs for a wide range of body sizes, it best fits a torso between 19" - 21".
Torso length: Start at the C7 vertebra at the base of your neck. The best way to find this is to bend your neck and feel the first bump along the base of your neck. This bump is where you will want to start your measurement.
Next, you'll want to find the midpoint between your iliac crest. To find your iliac crest, cup your hipbones on both sides and find the center point on your spine. This midpoint is where your thumbs should be pointing.
Finally, you'll need help measuring from the C7 vertebra to your iliac crest. From there, you'll have your torso measurement.
Features
Roll-top closure with side connection points
Front stretch mesh overflow pocket
Integrated water bottle pockets with cinch closure
Lace-up side cord compression
Multiple gear and tool attachment points
Quick attach belt loops for a FastBelt or Blackbelt
Full interior taping for waterproof seams
Compatible with the removable ⅜ Torso Pad or Sitlight Pad 19”
The Murmur ships with a 3/8" Torso Pad included.
Trail-tested airmesh shoulder straps and ultralight hardware
The Murmur 36 is crazy light and feels surprisingly sturdy, so Gossamer absolutely nailed weight and construction. Where it falls short is functionality—mainly because it misses easy chances for optional modularity. I’m not saying it needs a Y-strap or thicker shoulder pads by default, but adding a few small reinforcement points or fabric tabs would let hikers swap in a top strap or thicker pads if they’re willing to trade a little weight for comfort and versatility. The pack does get this right with the ability to add a waist belt and side tie-down cords.
My biggest concern is usable volume: it feels small for a 36L pack, and when packed for a 4-day trip it “balloons” and makes the thin straps pinch, even with a sub-10 lb base weight. (Pictured: packed with gear for a winter hike in the NH Whites.) There’s also a small design flaw: the lower trekking-pole retention cord isn’t anchored to the pack—just held by a tiny knot behind a fabric flap—and it has popped out on me more than once with poles attached. Overall, it’s a great choice if you’re optimizing for grams, but less great if comfort and features matter. 3.5 stars.
I agree with Justin. I would like to see the Murmur in 30L because 36L is overkill for my 5 lb summer base weight. I transition to Hikelite 19 for summer hiking, but when the days get shorter and temperatures drop I need more room as I the sun gets higher and I shed layers.
I have had my Murmur for nearly 10 years, and it is my go to pack for cooler temps and for multi day trips.
I've been using the Murmur for around 5 years. It is always in my rotation of packs. Last year and a half or so I used it almost exclusively. This says a lot since I have over a dozen UL farmless packs. I modified mine by trimming the straps and it is a scant 7.5oz.
I've gone out on up to 4-day trips with room to spare. My favorite feature is the external pad sleeve. It is so convenient and I always miss it when I use my packs without this feature.
If I had to choose a downside it would probably be that that 36L is a bit too large for my summer kit. If they offered a ~30L I would call it perfect. Some may have concerns regarding durability but 30D perfectly fine if you understand its limitations (don't sit on your pack, bushwack, or don't throw it around, silly!)
I hope Gossamer Gear keeps this pack in the lineup as it is one of my favorite packs. If GG leadership ever read these reviews....pssst.... maybe offer a smaller version for us gram weenies with sub 5lb summer kits ;)
No other company had a product like this, and it is amazing that they have kept it around! Thanks GG!
I really like the pack - it was super light and the pack fit well. I added the hip belt for more carry options. I also added a water bottle pocket on the shoulder strap because that’s the way I carry water. I wish they added a cord lock on the pockets though. There’s a draw string but no cord lock
This was my gateway item to GG! I adore it when the hike lends itself to 5kg base weight.
It checks the few boxes I require from a pack design: removable waistbelt, large-ass mesh panel, versatility.
I am adding a piece of spacer mesh to adjunct the lack of strap padding.
Fantastic! I use this pack for all my long distance hiking as well as international travel. I save big bucks by stowing it under the airline seat and not being charged carryon baggage fees.
You do need to provide the Nightlight pad support again. It is crucial to my sleep system and for relaxing at the airport. Thanks!!
Positive: Good weight, it’s light.
Negative: Sore shoulders when wearing a shirt and while cycling. It fits better with a slightly thicker jacket, as it won’t hurt the shoulders as much.
Exactly what I wanted
Finished a 1 night 25 mile loop in Emigrant Wilderness over the weekend with this backpack. Fulled loaded the pack was 12lbs, and I think it handled it well! I prefer thin backpack straps, so these are perfect for me. The hip belt pockets, although small, were a nice addition. I was able to stuff them with little items I wanted close at hand and a headlamp. The padded foam sit pad is nice but I felt I didn't need it for this trip, and I was right, it was super comfortable without it. I did feel like the pack would wiggle a bit going downhill, it's quite possible I didn't have the pack packed right or compressed enough. However, maybe minimal load lifters would help the issue. All and all, I knew exactly how I'd use the pack and it didn't disappoint!
Love this backpack!
I was not expecting a great carry with such thin straps. Boy - was I mistaken!. I love the way it carries. Feels like I am not carrying a backpack with 21lbs. I think the thin straps and thin fabric do not apply any pressure to your shoulders and the backpack moves with your body as opposed to a stiffer fabric/thick shoulder straps fighting your movements. I feel fresher and less fatigued after my training hikes. I feel it carries as comfortably or more comfortably than my Prophet/Burn/Nero. I have read some reviews where people have carried this backpack for couple of thousand miles without falling apart. So, if durability holds, I think I have found my favorite backpack. I don't mind babying the pack. I plan to take this on the AZT next spring. Please don't stop making this backpack. It is one of a kind!
Light, comfortable, fragile, and light
I used this pack for a 7-day speed hike of the John Muir Trail. With 30 mile days, 15 hours a day of hiking, my pack had to be light. The Murmur was plenty light. It’s also really comfortable. I found the hip belt and the shoulder straps very comfortable…even while wearing for 15 hours/day.
My only qualm is that it is very fragile. I ripped a hole in my first murmur during a training hike. Bought another one for the JMT. And got another hole in it on the trail. That 30D is just so thin…but that’s what it takes to be light.
If you absolutely need the lightest bag and are willing to sacrifice durability, this is your pack.
Perfection
The pack is perfect for my situation. My typical hikes are around 2-5 days, depending on if there is a long holiday weekend, and usually under 90 miles total for a 5-day hike. My goal is not to set speed records but to enjoy the views. Short weekend hike? Ditch the waist straps. You don't need to be a seasoned pro to enjoy this pack, but you must have your essentials dialed in. Great for the person who knows precisely what they pack and wants to pack as ultralight as possible.
My typical pack out: Usually a bivy (Borah cuben bug bivey) with a tarp, Viero UL with xtherm mattress (stored behind the seat pad), and an alcohol or esbit stove set up.
Murmur 36 Hyperlight Review
Super-ultralight backpack serves its exact purpose. It is a minimalist pack with a really good volume to weight ratio. Overall the construction and design are fantastic.
Super light
I just got this bag, and have only used it twice, but when it arrived, it was so light that I didn't know it was a backpack! I'm a super ultra-lighter, and find that the bag is too big. It carries everything I use, and I have plenty of room left over. It's so light though, that I like it, and the extra room is good to have for colder weather clothes or more food. It will be good to have when going with people or when guiding a group. The shoulder straps with no padding don't really bother me, and neither does the hip belt. Doing a longer hike in a few days to test it more thoroughly. The stitching shouldn't be a problem because I go so light. I think I'm retiring the Gorilla for guiding and will use this bag instead. So far, great!
OK pack
This is my 3rd GG pack. 3 trips so far. Weight is 8.2oz stripped. It does NOT come w/ the pictured ice axe loop, but a wonky removeable bungee for the same purpose.
Pros: Super light and reasonable price
Cons:
1) Water bottle access while hiking (skinny disposable 1L bottles) is difficult (diagonal cut is not enough). Also when the inside pack is full side pockets are partially filled out and you really have to jam the bottle to get it in or out. Less frequent access results.
2) Hip belt (fast belt) is nearly worthless. The zippers do not slide easily and the pockets are too small for a regular sized smart phone.
3) Shoulder straps functionally have no padding.
4) Roll top is a pain to access. The Gorilla and Kumo both have little clips to allow you to quickly close off the mouth of the pack about half way. Roll the top every time (while your friends wait) to make sure your stuff doesn't fall out.
5) You can have any color you want as long as it is GG's standard gray. Let's be honest; it is not a fun color.
Thoughts
Comfortable at about 17lbs and down. (5' 10" 155lbs male)
Ditch belt; combine w/ a fanny pack for quick-grab storage options; same weight as the waist belt.
The Robic fabric is THIN. It is water resistant; why not tape the seams?
I plan to continue using it on 2 and 3 day trips for now; Gorilla for longer ones.
I miss the Kumo's additional clever features and usability (used on many-a-trip). Subjectively I cannot tell that it is heavier when on my back.
Best Bang for your buck UL pack.
I've been working on getting my base weight down to the minimum for the past 6 years. I'm a serial backpacker here in Minnesota. 90% of my hiking is on the Superior Hiking Trail. I've thru hiked it and average 200-300 miles a year via weekend trips. My summer BPW ranges from ~3-5lbs. This pack is one of my go-to packs. Though it is not my lightest pack It is the best in class for cost and weight. My trimmed Murmur is 7.3oz. Noice! I've never had durability issues but I also know how to treat UL/SUL gear and the total pack wight is rarely over 10lbs. My main issue is during most trips in the summer it has far too much volume. I'd like to see a ~28L version. *wink wink GG!* :)
Cheers!
Lighter pack: https://www.lighterpack.com/r/cd5sg
Super-ultralight, minimalist backpack
It went very good for my second week long backpacking trip. I was able to hold just over 20 pounds and be around ten pounds for my base weight. I was able to take TONS less stuff this time and this pack has the perfect size, weight, and design. The front pocket I use for holding my rain gear for easy access. The side pockets were had to reach back to but the hold stuff well. The shoulder straps were comfortable as well as the hip straps (I only needed to puts my thick socks under them once). I really liked the back pockets where I stuffed my sleeping pad and I worked okay as a back pad. I just love the one compartment with the roll top without any extras this is truly a super ultralight minimalist backack...for backpacking.
I was comfortable when I slept (barring the usual bump in my back) and even though I had the lightest (by far) overall pack weight in my group, I slept the warmest and the driest.
It is the most satisfying thing to take all the stuff out of your pack and realize you do not have much! Such freedom!
I wish you all Happy trails!
Great light weight large capacity pack.
I received my Murmur 36 in July of 2021, and I used it yhroughout the summer and fall while hiking the NH 4,000 footers. Except for a small tear, the pack has worked out very well for long hikes, 15 - 18 miles, and high peaks when I need to carry extra clothing. It is light, comfortable and easy to carry. But for shorter hikes, my pack base weight hovers just under 7 pounds, and this pack is way too big. I'd like to see a 24 liter version.
Solid pack for smaller people
the murmur is cool, and has plenty of room for all my gear but the straps are too close together and squeeze my neck and upper back. the pack was a gift so i am unable to return it. :( would recommend for people with narrow shoulders.
Super light pack
So far I used it for day trips. It is super light. Size is well enough for day or even multiple day trips if you are minimalistic, however, I would be concerned about weight - with food and water you can go over the limit.
Anyway I recommend it for ultralight freaks. Huge outside pockets are great - you can fit a lot of stuff there.
A Fantastic Pack for its intended use and market
I live in the Southeast. In the summer my base weight comes in under four to five pounds including food on a weekend trip. In the winter I get up in the 5-6 pound range. I don't like to carry more than a liter of water at any time in this pack nor do I typically have to. If you have a relatively slim build and you can keep your pack weight around or under 10lbs with food and water you will love this pack. If you need to push 15-20lbs go with a different pack that will help distribute and support the weight. It took me almost 20 years to get my gear to a place where a pack like this made sense. This pack is for those who have an extremely dialed in ultra-ultra light system and who feel comfortable in their typically hiking terrain and climate. Even then this may not be the pack for you. After a year of use and over 300 miles I have a few patched spots and Ive backpacked ALOT. Rarely do I see someone with a base pack as light as mine and personally I feel great after a long day hiking. This pack is part of my overall system that allows me to accomplish my hiking goals and get to places most people will never see or experience. I would buy this pack again.
Pack is really slick looking, and it's really light but man, those seams...
I bought this for my UL kit, and it really helped cut down on a lot of excess weight.
The only major issue I have with this pack is like someone else said, and that's the stitching. I haven't even had the chance to take my pack out once yet since I bought it last summer--the lockdowns and all that--but just having my bag packed with 8lbs of gear, the handle came unsewn, along with about 2/3 of the top edge of the bag.
Awfully concerning, considering I've only picked up the bag here and there when I'm getting in the closet, or adding some gear. I really hated that I had to do it, and on such a new bag, but I had to painstakingly re-stitching the top edge of the bag with some dyneema braided multifilament line, re-stitching the handle, repairing the stitching to the shoulder straps.
I know the line won't break now, but I'm worried about some of the other stitch points. Obviously part of this pack is the light weight, but It seems like they should be using something other than standard thread and no special reinforcing mechanism (limited taping, heat welding, folding--uhmwpe, aramids for threads and/or a reinforcing strip for the stitching--whatever)
Depending on the weight gain, this bag would be a thousand times better if it was actually sealed against water on the seams. Maybe you could even get clever starting with a tube of fabric instead of a square sheet to reduce the design to the minimum number of open stitches in the first place.
Great Pack
Amazing pack. More than fits my UL gear. Handles the wear and tear on the trail well. My weight is about 15 pounds with a liter of water and food. This pack never felt uncomfortable on the trail, even after 15 miles. I would highly recommend anything GG has on his sight.
Murmur Needs Shoulder Strap Mesh Pockets
Love the pack and how streamlined it is. It would be the perfect pack if it had shoulder strap mesh pockets like the Kumo has. I'd also prefer that the hip belt was permanently attached, but that's just nitpicking.
Too Many Compromises
I hate the "If you're not sure if it’s the right pack for you, it probably isn’t" marketing. I'm a UL backpacker with a comfortably sub-10 lb base weight. The shoulder, hip, and back systems are all fine with the Murmur. I was testing it vs my well-loved Kumo, and the Kumo wins. The Kumo's shoulder pockets are great for a phone/camera, filter, knife, map and other miscellany. The Murmur eliminates that, so everything needs to go into the hip pockets, but those are bad for rigid objects (phone, filter, knife, map) as they either press into the point of your hip or get bent and crumpled. The zipper at the top of the Kumo is also gone, which is good for what needs to be found (first aid, headlight, permits, etc). So the Murmur has everything in the main compartment, which means a full pack-off and rummaging, or in the mesh stash section, where I have damp gear airing out, trowel & sanitizer, etc. Not "everything I might possibly need all day". The side pockets are too small for double Smart Water bottles ... 2 L of H20 WOULD unbalance the bag, but there's no good spot for trail snacks.
I also found that the unpadded shoulder straps are fine, but they're the worst when the Murmur is most needed ... at the start when the load is heaviest. When the straps aren't a compromise is later in the trip when you're not carrying much and wouldn't mind the extra grams for the Kumo. I love that the Murmur exists, and I'd love the lighter, more waterproof material cut to the Kumo template.
Good pack, bad stitching
First pack I received had a stitching defect. Got sent a new one, and although it isn't defective, it has equally weak stitching. If it does end up lasting, this is a great pack. It is certainly light. They should have used thinner straps for the side compression. also, a top strap would be nice.
Gossamer Gear Murmur Review
The backpack’s function serves its exact purpose. It is a minimalist backpack with a really good volume to weight ratio. My only suggestion for those looking into buying this pack, is to be sure that a minimalist hip belt and no back support are worth the benefits of going ultralight.
Overall the construction and design are fantastic.
Top of my gear list
Love this new pack! It is the perfect size for me. Holds my whole backpacking setup and rides like a feather. The toploading roll top makes it simple and keeps my gear dry in the rain. The best pack I have had.
Great pack! High quality! Great experience
I love that GG over many years, has always provided an amazing experience, consistently. This pack is evident of that fact - they pay great attention to detail. Excellent pack, made well, carries well and love the features!
Murmur 36
Finally got to try this bag on two overnights, one round Mt. St. Helens and one around Mt. Hood. Loaded to 10 to 12 lbs I had no trapezius soreness after a 20+ mi day. At 15 lbs, I noted a little soreness, but only on my rest day after the hike. The hip belt does take some of the load at 15 lbs. I load my tent and sleeping bag loose to add structure to the bag which helps load the belt. But, the less I carry the better I enjoy my trips.
Great UL Pack
I was surprised by the comfort of the Murmur. I recently did a section hike with a 7 pound base weight and 12 pounds all in with one liter of water. I have no doubt it would be comfortable up to 16 pounds which would give me 5 days food in summer with no resupply. Of course I was careful with the pack but I don’t expect bombproof in a 9 ounce pack. I recommend the Murmur for UL hiking. I had plenty of volume and lots of comfort even without using the hip belt.
I have loved this pack or a version of it for at least 6 years now.
I would like to preface this with the fact that I am 6' and weight around 325lbs. I say this because I am not a small man, and this pack doesn't fit me right at all, but seeing as I don't put a lot of weight in it works just as intended even if it looks ridiculous on me. I also tend to be tough on gear and or tools my friends and family like to say if "it can't be broken" just give it to Woody he'll break it in no time. This is my main pack in the summer and shoulder seasons mostly in the white mountains now. But my first hike was for 5 days in the Shenandoahs my pack full of food and water and half a 3 person tent which maxed out at 30lbs. I would not suggest doing this with this pack. I would also suggest not trying to use this as a winter pack like I did once I figured I was staying in a hut so no split tent. What I now carry with me is max 3 days of food (96ish oz), 1/8" pad +puffy or 20° underquilt (15.3oz or 14.38oz), 4l water [(135.25oz) I am an inverse camel don't judge me], raincoat+pack cover (13oz), Tarp (7oz), and hammock w/suspension (23.3oz). Which puts me at a full weight of 18.5ish lb. I don't think it would be a problem for me to push this pack to 5 days which would put me around 23lbs, but I usually only have long weekends and I live in Delaware so I don't do it that way. My only gripe is that the shoulder straps are no where near wide enough apart for me. Not that there is an abundance of room to move them but there is a solid 1/2" on each side.
Murmur 36 hyperlight Backpack
This backpack is Awesome! I live in the PNW and this thing keeps everything dry in my pack without any pack liner! This is one of the most comfortable backpacks i every worn. I was a little worried about how the shoulder straps have no padding but it rides on your shoulders like no other! Its perfect size and with 10-15 lbs in it you barely notice its there! The costumer service at Gossamer Gear is truly AMAZING!
Hasn’t done me dirty.
I’ve found the pack really comfortable and has great support. Fits all the stuff I need. My issue that’s it’s slightly hard to reach the side pockets.
13 lbs feels good - 15 might be pushing it
I have yet to take this pack out. I bought it early so I wouldn't have to worry about it being sold out later.
I have loaded it though and think 13 lbs feels good. 15 lbs would prob be pushing it, but I could endure for a few miles if I absolutely needed to carry more water.
I bought this pack for a few 2 day round the mountain hikes (Hood, St. Helens, and Adams) in good weather and I'm certain it will work well for that! I'll be gambling and leaving the rain gear at home and just eating dry food (no stove) leaving me with a base weight of 8 lbs. That leaves 5 lbs (8 maybe on St. Helens where I'll need to carry more water).
It sure seems like a removable simple frame could distribute a few pounds to the hips and make this bag more versatile. But as is, this is a fastpacking bag unless your gear is absolutely dialed!
Things I would change -
* Add an optional removable simple frame
* make the hydration bag port so I can put my bladder behind the sit pad and keep it out of the main pack compartment.
