By Will Rietveld
I recently had the opportunity to test the new Gossamer Gear
Kumo Superlight backpack. The Kumo is a smaller volume frameless backpack
suitable for ultralight backpacking. Although it has a different name, the Kumo
is exactly the same basic design, dimensions, and volume as their Murmur
Hyperlight backpack. The difference is the Kumo is more ruggedly built and has
more features, and consequently can comfortably carry heavier loads and is more
durable.
The Kumo at work on a recent backpacking trip. Its available
in two sizes (Medium and Large), weighs 14.3 ounces (size Medium), has 2200
cubic inches of volume, and costs $165.
Description
Since the Kumo is the same size (dimensions and volume) as
the Murmur, the choice boils down to extra durability and features (Kumo)
versus minimum weight and features (Murmur). The specific differences are as
follows (Kumo versus Murmur):
- Shoulder straps have more padding (almost twice as thick)
- Fabric is all 140 denier Dyneema (except the backpanel and bottom)
- Pack bottom, lower front pocket, and upper shoulder strap fabric is 210 denier ripstop
- The hipbelt is wider (1.5” versus 0.75”)
- Internal hydration sleeve
- The top cover has a zippered pocket
- Stronger and longer ice axe loop and haul loop
- Wider sternum strap (0.75” versus 0.5”)
- Recommended maximum carry weight is 25 pounds (versus 15 pounds)
- Cost is $165 versus $140
- The Kumo weighs 5.2 ounces more than the Murmur, based on Gossamer Gear data for size Medium
This should help clarify the differences between the two
packs, but it will be a difficult purchase decision because both packs have a
lot of appeal. The following photo gallery highlights the features of the Kumo.
Frontpanel. The
Kumo has a large mesh front pocket with an angled top for easier entry. The
mesh is lightweight but quite durable, and the lower part of the pocket is made
of durable 210 denier double ripstop mylon. The pack comes with a lightweight
elastic cord compression/attachment system (not shown)
Backpanel. The
backpanel has Gossamer Gear’s traditional sleeping pad sleeve that allows a
closed cell foam sleeping pad to be inserted for backpanel padding, and used as
a sit pad during rest stops. A SitLight pad (shown) is included.
Side. The sides
of the Kumo are all Dyneema Gridstop versus silnylon on the Murmur. Both packs
have Dyneema side pockets. A water bottle in a side pocket is reachable and
replacable with the pack on.
Top. The new
“Over the Top” closure system has a zippered pocket, which is a handy place for
a map or guidebook. It’s held down by two cordlock buckles.
Shoulder Straps.
By my measurement, the shoulder straps are 3.25 inches wide and 0.25 inches
thick, with the padding sewn in – no more socks in the shoulder straps for
padding.
Front Pocket. The
front pocket is made of a lightweight yet durable mesh. The lower part of the
pocket is 210 denier ripstop nylon.
Hipbelt. The
hipbelt on the Kumo is a substantial 1.5 inches wide and is removable. Two
hipbelt lengths are included.
Field Testing
I carried the Kumo on seven trips with loads ranging from
13.5 to 25.5 pounds, which represents typical ultralight backpacking loads for
trips ranging from 2 to 8 days. As expected, the Kumo is most comfortable with
lighter loads, but it handled heavier loads surprisingly well. For carrying a
25.5 pound load I tightened the hipbelt snugly over the top of my hips and
found the Kumo transferred weight to my hips quite well. With the sternum strap
disconnected, the pack stuck to my back. Nevertheless, 25 pounds should be
considered a maximum weight for this pack, and it should be the occasional
heavier load rather than a common occurrence. Normally a framed pack or one
with removable stays (like the Gossamer Gear Gorilla) should be used for loads
over 20 pounds.
Assessment
Whether you choose the Kumo or the Murmur depends on how
much weight you carry and what you value most. The Kumo’s stronger
construction, extra durability, and extra features are functional for the most
part.
- Most importantly, the Kumo’s wider hipbelt and thicker shoulder straps allows it to carry heavier loads more comfortably than the Murmur.
- The mesh in the front pocket and pad sleeve is durable and stretchy, just the right balance of lightweight and durability.
- The zippered pocket on the top flap is very handy for storing a map or small clothing items.
- The internal hydration sleeve is useful as a sleeping pad sleeve (I prefer to put a hydration flask in a side pocket for easier access and easier monitoring of the fluid level.
- I really like Gossamer Gear’s new Over the Top cover. It easily adjusts to pack volume and helps a lot to shed rain.
Pack
Compression. Instead of using the included bungee system for pack
compression I opted for a zig-zag drawcord and cordlock system.
All of Gossamer Gear’s backpacks have an external bungie
system for pack compression, i.e. to reduce pack volume for smaller loads, and
also to attach items to the outside of the pack (like a jacket). It’s handy for
the latter, and it does effectively reduce pack volume if you compress the pack
before loading it. However, my personal preference is for three lightweight
webbing compression straps on each side of the pack for simple and effective pack
volume adjustment. A bungie system should be an accessory for attaching things
to the outside of the pack, rather than relying on it for pack compression. I
don’t consider the Kumo’s bungie compression system to be a major flaw because
it can easily be replaced with a drawcord compression as shown in the photos
above.
An option I would like to see in the Kumo is Gossamer Gear’s
removable stay. It only adds 3.4 ounces, and users of this pack are more likely
to use it when carrying loads in the 20-25 pound range. Actually, from pack
testing I have done, I found that its beneficial to use the stay for loads over
15 pounds. It helps to maintain the pack torso length, contours the backpanel
to the user’s back, and helps to transfer weight to the hips.
Overall, for hikers who want a frameless backpack with more
durability and features, the Kumo is right on target; it’s a perfect balance
and still keeps weight down to 14 ounces.
If you want a smaller volume pack for ultralight
backpacking, and carry heavier loads (more than 20 pounds) fairly often, the
Kumo is a good choice. It’s built to last.
