Thanks, Chris for another great review! As mentioned before, I have both the Southwest 4400 and Windrider 4400 I love the HMG packs. I’ve gone through over 30 different backpacks over the years from daypacks to expedition packs: I believe the HMG packs fit me the best AND carry my 9 day bear canister for Yosemite by far the most comfortably. I’m glad you like the 3400! Btw, a trick I found for the pack: put a Gossamer Gear thin pad IN the water reservoir sleeve: it makes the carrying super comfortable, adds minimal weight and at the end of the day can be used for a knee pad when setting up your Solplex! Thanks!
drbryanbikes I do the exact same thing, I removed that sleeve and slip it in right after I put my quilt in the bottom, and yes, it does make the back of the pack pretty comfy. It especially nice when I’m packed with multiple days of food and nothing pokes me in the back
I was having water leak into my HMG SW3400 as well. And I “WAS” strapping the roll-top lid the same way you are. I noticed I had rain water pooling at the top and I believe it was seeping in slowly. I now roll the lid and strap it down with the side straps and water seems to shed and roll down the sides. Haven’t had any water leaking into the pack since I made the change. Maybe try that? Good luck and great review!
I just got the Junction 3400 in black yesterday with the Black Friday discount and I'm even more psyched to use it after seeing this video. Fwiw, I'm 5'9" with a 19.5" torso and got the large. I ordered a Zimmerbuilt water bottle pocket which should come Thursday. I usually use a bladder but hope I will have that flexibility to reach back and grab a water bottle as well from the pocket. I can't wait to use my new pack and may do a bit of winter camping soon on a day that's not too cold.
I bought the Junction 3400 in June just after it's release. They were only making white at the time. I have several pods for it and overall love the pack. The Velcro seems a bit much and I have a major problem with the water bottle pocket. I feel it should be tipped at an angle forward. I've had no issues with water or sweat getting inside. This might become an issue but with roughly 200 miles I have not seen it yet
Just bought the junction as well during the sale. Torso is 23" and the tall fits great. It is a definite upgrade from my atmos 65. No way I'm reaching my water bottles but they make and other companies make shoulder straps to hold a smart water bottle. Look forward to my thru hike with it.
my girlfriend just picked up the junction from the same sale I presume haha. If the junction was available when I originally bought mine I probably would have chosen that where I really liked the mesh pocket on my arc haul but either way it worked out haha. Hope the juntion treats you well!
😊great review, just brought a use one,because I used a osprey 65 ,for the Pct, a few years ago, was way too heavy, but I like the hyperlight,hope to use it next year on the Pct
Great review! I used the 3400 Windrider on my 2019 AT thru and it worked very well. I truly wished I had the black color in lieu of the white it’s crazy how dirty it gets. I’m also 21 torso but I used the large and it fit me great, I use a medium with the Zpack Arc Haul Zip. I also agree with your water intrusion issues, I bought the pods and that resolved it .Thank you again!
ChrisGoesOutdoors Yes, I tested them with tissue in a hotel shower before getting rid of my trash compactor bag . They held out all the water only issue is the price ($50.00 each)I kept my sleeping bag and liner in one bag , the other my fleece and puffy ;extra shirt and miscellaneous.I kept my tent and sleep pad in my backpack but not in the pods. It was nice to basically have 4 pieces consolidated in my bag.
Thanks man, it's a really nice and helpfull video, I watched it two times. I was looking for a new backpack for my next expedition, and your video help me in my final choice. I just get the 4400 southwest tonight and it lookes really great. I had to buy it from slovekia, it's not easy to find it in france, at least for this model in black. Next weekend, I will probably do a "test drive", with my packraft, it will be the moment of truce. Anyway, nice work, keep it up. 😎
I love my HMG. I am only buying one pack-buy well and get on with it. It has to do all I need. I am not a gear junkie-this pack is comfortable for me. I use the pods, too.
Love the videos all the time. Social media is pretty lame always cracks me up. I've been up your neck of the woods several times this year. I've been in Plymouth, MA. Originally from Framingham. Keep up the great videos. Great job on the Colorado trail
Just recently got the 2400 southwest in black ,, went from a levity 45 ,, the levity was really comfortable carried weight really good but the functionality was what made me change my mind
Man.... I need to work on my flexibility to be able to reach the water bottles. You made it look so easy. I’m not a fan of the Velcro on the top of the closure either. I am also not ready to hack up the bag and cut off the Velcro, so I “mated” the Velcro with more Velcro . So the OEM Velcro has been made ineffective. For now that is my solution.
Agree w this review. I don’t know why they insist on making the white in 50 dyneema instead of 150 like the black. I think people spending the $$$ would gladly forgive the extra grams for 3x durability and that port on the side is not only annoying but extra labor time they could save it’s very unnecessary. Anyone I see w a bladder carried it on the outside pocket anyway. Make the things as waterproof as possible please! I’ve got a few 3400 they’re amazing overall. Want a 4400 for winter but I’m poor.
Nice review but yes 35 oz. is pretty heavy and I would not call that ultra light. No load lifters are a deal breaker for me. You love it so that’s all that really matters and you carry a pretty heavy back at times. Many people love this pack so it must be good. Take care
A thought on your water intrusion issue, I noticed you clipped the buckles on top after rolling it shut? This might have created a small indentation or pocket that allowed water to pool in the space, if you use the buckles on the sides it does not create the indentation. I played with that theory this weekend hiking in the rain and I did not have any issues. Not saying this was the cause of your problem but give it a whirl... Stay safe!
You mentioned you have the Arc Haul Ultra as well, but what made you switch to the Hyperlite? I am about to start on the CO trail and thinking of upgrading my ultra-lite pack because it gets painful if the weight gets up to 35-40lbs, which I will probably do for the first and last 100 miles of the trail. I have seen (2)youtube reviews which claim the Hyperlite was tougher on their shoulders compared to the Arc Haul ultra. I am sure there are a lot of other benefits over the Arc Haul, but did you notice the Hyperlite comfort not being quite as good as Arc Haul when a week of food plus that camera?
The arc I used was their original grid stop one, not the ultra but I mainly switched as I didn't really think the arc portion of the Zpacks was all that great. The fit is going to differ for everyone and pack to pack. The people who preferred the Arc may have got the wrong size in the HMG, or perhaps the HMG just does not carry well for them. I much prefer the way the HMG carries. While I dont have an issue with the weight on my shoulders in the HMG, the shoulder straps do not breathe at all and regularly cause my shoulders and chest to break out where the straps were. More annoying than painful. I dont recall that happening with the Zpacks. Hope that helps a bit. Unfortunately the only way to really know is to test them out to see whats best for you. For the HMG I would be sure to really measure your torso and following their sizing guide. There is no real adjustability in that regard, where the Arc haul has some wiggle room for torso adjustment... or at least it used to.
Hey Chris, I do a ton of hiking in the Whites as well and wondering if this pack would work as a daypack for those mountains? Is it super bulky when not packed fully and winched down? I hike with my dog so always have extra food and water to carry. Trying to buy one pack instead of two as I do enjoy 2-3 night backpacking trips with the pups as well and the liters on this pack are right for that. Thanks for the review. Denis
Hi Chris. I think this is the best pack review that I've seen. I saw it before but I think more of a scan than a detailed view. I'm now doing shakedowns for my attempt at the PCT 2020 that I'm scheduled to start late March. I've noticed that my Exos 48 hurts my glutes and hips. I tried the SMD minimalist and also the HMG 3400. They both carry very well and are responsive, little sway. Because of your excellent review I don't have the questions that I had before. If there is any difference in your hiking style and mine is that I like organization and pockets to organize. Do you think that this pack has enough molly straps, so to speak, to hook an inreach, hang a water bottle to the strap, that sort of thing. I agree with the sweating part. You're going to sweat and as long as it doesn't sweat thru into the inside, it doesn't matter. Thanks!
ya there are definitely spots you can hook things on on both the straps as well as around the back pocket if you get creative with it and wiith all the additional straps you can probably finagle even more things
Hey Chris, great review. Man, I really want to pull the trigger on this pack especially to have for my Pemi Loop trip soon. I’m just concerned about the lack of load lifters, did you have any issues, can you adjust the load/position of pack on your back at all?
not really adjustable like that but I had no issues. never felt like the pack was pulling away from me either like I have before with other packs that have load lifters
HI, I read a lot of coments saying that is not confortable when the load is over the straps because of the lack of load lifters. What is your take on this?
Id go HMG. Seems much more beefy as far as straps and durability goes. Of course I wouldnt really know without putting it through a thru hike like the Arc Haul but the HMG looks like I didnt even use it after the Colorado Trail
I just bought a used white southwest 3400 on eBay for $247. Excited to use it this winter. Looking to strap the snowshoes to the side compression straps. How do snowshoes carry on top? Thanks for the review.
I found they sit better right above the large external pocket. I would turn the actual claw part outwards of course but they held great. Have had no issues with them moving around at all
My buddy has a 3400. He said that along the seam of the bottom is not seam taped/sealed due to the way it's stitched.. (info from Hyperlite). He got some seam sealer and fixed that. Also he said that the top gets a lot better seal when you buckle it to the side straps. I'm getting the 2400.
I wonder if I could tape it up with Cuben tape myself. Got some extra kicking around. It maybe worth a try. I genuinely dont think the issue was from water coming in through the top in my case. More than likely the seam
its more than likely coming in from the hipbelt area. Probably leaking down the back of the rain coat and into the sewwing. Filling it with water may make for a pretty intriguing video though haha
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors Did you try it? I'd love to hear. I mean, large part why people like these backpacks is because of their (relatively good) waterproofness (hiking in the rain should not be a problem).
im thinking about buying this pack, the only thing im afraid id miss is load lifters. did you find yourself wishing it had those or is it not an issue? Thanks!
I have the same pack and I had moisture in it just from sweat in the summer. I thin it is getting in around the straps and hip belt stitching. Great review.
Negative. I have a Zpacks Nero that suffices. Would I use the 3400 if I didnt have the nero? Absolutely. Pull out the frame stays cuts down like half a pound I believe. If I ever found someone to buy the nero and wanted one pack that could be used for literally all my needs this would be the one
I like the HMG pack better than the zpacks arc haul. Less finicky. Just carries better for me personally even with heavier loads / large water carries. YRMV
Aweome review man i use swd framless 40 and long haul 40 been wanting to get a bigger pack for winter love the hmg but im a large torso and small hip so kinds sucks for me lol
All seemingly good options. Jacob who appears in some of my CT videos used the SWD pack. He seemed to really like it. I don’t have any experience with the liteaf stuff but have literally not heard a bad thing. Thing you’ll be ok no matter which way you choose
Great review. I have the Osprey 58 and I have used it a few times. The straps dig into my shoulders and the load lifters don't lift enough to distribute the weight. How do the shoulder straps compare with the Hyperlite? Its only slightly less weight.
I also owned the Osprey exos 58. The one back around 2016. They have since changed the design a pretty good amount. I prefer the Hyperlite in every way. For me, it carries better, its substantially more water resistant, hip belt feels better, hip pockets larger. I just genuinely think its an all around better pack for my use case. The HMG does not have load lifters at all. I noticed no issue with this whatsoever
I probably had 40-45lbs easily when I started the Colorado trail. Watch my first videos when I went out. I overloaded on food so bad. Literally hiked 10 days until I hit Breckinridge, gave away food along the way and still had some leftover when I arrived.
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors haaaaaa! i did that on the PCT ,overpack the food ,but i had a osprey 65 atoms? sorry spell that wrong ,my plan to hike southbound on the AT and there the 100 miles ,wilderness where there no place to resuppy ,so 4 -6 days food haul ,but was not sure if the hyperlight bag could haul that much food ,plus gear ! but thank you so much for the info it help a lot!
Ya I know that it’s just seeing how it fits you had me curious because we’re built the same and you went with a tall as I should have gone bigger on my last pack had to struggle through 2 12,000 ft passes with a broken strap dam REI lol!
I don't know why they keep the velcro closure... I heard some people covering the velcro with another velcro so that it won't get stuck on your clothes.
Im pretty much same height and same torso size. Tall is my preference. My 2400 and 3400 are both tall. HMG says on their site if you are on the cusp of sizes to size up
@@evacoutdoors5867 I sweat terribly under any pack. Even with the Zpacks Arc Haul I didnt notice a big difference in the amount of sweat on my back compared to this. YRMV
Ya gh5 is pretty solid in that regard but the lens and adapter combo I brought with me (sigma 18-35 and viltrox speed booster) not so much. I think the sigma has some weather sealing but the adapter does not
Not sure if you are US based but REI and Backcountry both sell them. Can also purchase from Hyperlites website. I have links in the description if you want to use them or just hit google for the links
Hey Chris never review thank you. Disappointing about water getting in...question how tall are you and your weight. Trying to gauge what size to get and I know height and weight are not the right way necessarily but just giving me a general idea as we appears to be similar body frames...thank you
Im about 6ft 220lbs. I have a 21" torso length. I would go by torso length though and judge from there. I was right in between large and tall. I sized up as HMG suggested and it worked out for me
Thanks, Chris for another great review! As mentioned before, I have both the Southwest 4400 and Windrider 4400 I love the HMG packs. I’ve gone through over 30 different backpacks over the years from daypacks to expedition packs: I believe the HMG packs fit me the best AND carry my 9 day bear canister for Yosemite by far the most comfortably. I’m glad you like the 3400! Btw, a trick I found for the pack: put a Gossamer Gear thin pad IN the water reservoir sleeve: it makes the carrying super comfortable, adds minimal weight and at the end of the day can be used for a knee pad when setting up your Solplex! Thanks!
drbryanbikes I do the exact same thing, I removed that sleeve and slip it in right after I put my quilt in the bottom, and yes, it does make the back of the pack pretty comfy. It especially nice when I’m packed with multiple days of food and nothing pokes me in the back
The BEST Hyperlite 3400 review. Thanks Chris ! Maybe someday I will be able to afford one.
I was having water leak into my HMG SW3400 as well. And I “WAS” strapping the roll-top lid the same way you are. I noticed I had rain water pooling at the top and I believe it was seeping in slowly. I now roll the lid and strap it down with the side straps and water seems to shed and roll down the sides. Haven’t had any water leaking into the pack since I made the change. Maybe try that? Good luck and great review!
I was just going to ask about that. I would guess being rolled up, up top would have moisture and water pooled up.
How about water getting into the outer pockets, Does it happen? From those pockets theres no way for the water to get out.
Great advice thanks 😂
@@HuaWei-oe7os Yes there is actually. There are small circular holes at the bottom of the pockets to let water out if it does get inside the pockets.
I just got the Junction 3400 in black yesterday with the Black Friday discount and I'm even more psyched to use it after seeing this video. Fwiw, I'm 5'9" with a 19.5" torso and got the large. I ordered a Zimmerbuilt water bottle pocket which should come Thursday. I usually use a bladder but hope I will have that flexibility to reach back and grab a water bottle as well from the pocket. I can't wait to use my new pack and may do a bit of winter camping soon on a day that's not too cold.
I bought the Junction 3400 in June just after it's release. They were only making white at the time. I have several pods for it and overall love the pack. The Velcro seems a bit much and I have a major problem with the water bottle pocket. I feel it should be tipped at an angle forward. I've had no issues with water or sweat getting inside. This might become an issue but with roughly 200 miles I have not seen it yet
Just bought the junction as well during the sale. Torso is 23" and the tall fits great. It is a definite upgrade from my atmos 65. No way I'm reaching my water bottles but they make and other companies make shoulder straps to hold a smart water bottle. Look forward to my thru hike with it.
my girlfriend just picked up the junction from the same sale I presume haha. If the junction was available when I originally bought mine I probably would have chosen that where I really liked the mesh pocket on my arc haul but either way it worked out haha. Hope the juntion treats you well!
I was on the fence with this same exact pack and now I know it’s the one for me. Thanks!
😊great review, just brought a use one,because I used a osprey 65 ,for the Pct, a few years ago, was way too heavy, but I like the hyperlight,hope to use it next year on the Pct
Great review! I used the 3400 Windrider on my 2019 AT thru and it worked very well. I truly wished I had the black color in lieu of the white it’s crazy how dirty it gets. I’m also 21 torso but I used the large and it fit me great, I use a medium with the Zpack Arc Haul Zip.
I also agree with your water intrusion issues, I bought the pods and that resolved it .Thank you again!
I've heard mixed things about the pods. Some people seem to love them and have had good luck with them, others not so much. Yours holding up ok?
ChrisGoesOutdoors Yes, I tested them with tissue in a hotel shower before getting rid of my trash compactor bag . They held out all the water only issue is the price ($50.00 each)I kept my sleeping bag and liner in one bag , the other my fleece and puffy ;extra shirt and miscellaneous.I kept my tent and sleep pad in my backpack but not in the pods. It was nice to basically have 4 pieces consolidated in my bag.
Great information Chris. Thanks for the review and the comparison between HMG, Arc Haul, and Osprey Exos. I really like this pack. ✌️
Thanks man, it's a really nice and helpfull video, I watched it two times. I was looking for a new backpack for my next expedition, and your video help me in my final choice.
I just get the 4400 southwest tonight and it lookes really great. I had to buy it from slovekia, it's not easy to find it in france, at least for this model in black.
Next weekend, I will probably do a "test drive", with my packraft, it will be the moment of truce.
Anyway, nice work, keep it up. 😎
I love my HMG. I am only buying one pack-buy well and get on with it. It has to do all I need. I am not a gear junkie-this pack is comfortable for me. I use the pods, too.
Love the videos all the time. Social media is pretty lame always cracks me up. I've been up your neck of the woods several times this year. I've been in Plymouth, MA. Originally from Framingham. Keep up the great videos. Great job on the Colorado trail
Nice! Nice and snow covered up here now. Appreciate you watching!
Thoroughly enjoy your videos sir
Thanks Christopher! Solid name
1:114 Good to know the 3400 will hold 10 days of food because that was why I was leaning towards the 4400.
Just recently got the 2400 southwest in black ,, went from a levity 45 ,, the levity was really comfortable carried weight really good but the functionality was what made me change my mind
Hope the 2400 treats you well!
Man.... I need to work on my flexibility to be able to reach the water bottles. You made it look so easy. I’m not a fan of the Velcro on the top of the closure either. I am also not ready to hack up the bag and cut off the Velcro, so I “mated” the Velcro with more Velcro . So the OEM Velcro has been made ineffective. For now that is my solution.
velcro to velcro. Simple and effective haha. Ya I've seen some people struggle pretty bad with water bottle reach. Gotta flex them shoulders!
Awesome review video as usual 👍
Thanks!
Agree w this review. I don’t know why they insist on making the white in 50 dyneema instead of 150 like the black. I think people spending the $$$ would gladly forgive the extra grams for 3x durability and that port on the side is not only annoying but extra labor time they could save it’s very unnecessary. Anyone I see w a bladder carried it on the outside pocket anyway. Make the things as waterproof as possible please! I’ve got a few 3400 they’re amazing overall. Want a 4400 for winter but I’m poor.
Nice review but yes 35 oz. is pretty heavy and I would not call that ultra light. No load lifters are a deal breaker for me. You love it so that’s all that really matters and you carry a pretty heavy back at times. Many people love this pack so it must be good. Take care
Just for reference, the 3400 refers to cubic inches and equates to roughly 55-liters.
A thought on your water intrusion issue, I noticed you clipped the buckles on top after rolling it shut? This might have created a small indentation or pocket that allowed water to pool in the space, if you use the buckles on the sides it does not create the indentation. I played with that theory this weekend hiking in the rain and I did not have any issues. Not saying this was the cause of your problem but give it a whirl... Stay safe!
thanks for the insight , much appreciated!
Thanks for watching!
You mentioned you have the Arc Haul Ultra as well, but what made you switch to the Hyperlite? I am about to start on the CO trail and thinking of upgrading my ultra-lite pack because it gets painful if the weight gets up to 35-40lbs, which I will probably do for the first and last 100 miles of the trail. I have seen (2)youtube reviews which claim the Hyperlite was tougher on their shoulders compared to the Arc Haul ultra. I am sure there are a lot of other benefits over the Arc Haul, but did you notice the Hyperlite comfort not being quite as good as Arc Haul when a week of food plus that camera?
The arc I used was their original grid stop one, not the ultra but I mainly switched as I didn't really think the arc portion of the Zpacks was all that great. The fit is going to differ for everyone and pack to pack. The people who preferred the Arc may have got the wrong size in the HMG, or perhaps the HMG just does not carry well for them.
I much prefer the way the HMG carries. While I dont have an issue with the weight on my shoulders in the HMG, the shoulder straps do not breathe at all and regularly cause my shoulders and chest to break out where the straps were. More annoying than painful. I dont recall that happening with the Zpacks.
Hope that helps a bit. Unfortunately the only way to really know is to test them out to see whats best for you. For the HMG I would be sure to really measure your torso and following their sizing guide. There is no real adjustability in that regard, where the Arc haul has some wiggle room for torso adjustment... or at least it used to.
Thanks for the great review, I just picked up the same pack!
Hope it works out well for you Gary!
Thanks, enjoyed your hike....
Appreciated!
Hey Chris, I do a ton of hiking in the Whites as well and wondering if this pack would work as a daypack for those mountains? Is it super bulky when not packed fully and winched down? I hike with my dog so always have extra food and water to carry. Trying to buy one pack instead of two as I do enjoy 2-3 night backpacking trips with the pups as well and the liters on this pack are right for that. Thanks for the review.
Denis
Hi Chris. I think this is the best pack review that I've seen. I saw it before but I think more of a scan than a detailed view. I'm now doing shakedowns for my attempt at the PCT 2020 that I'm scheduled to start late March. I've noticed that my Exos 48 hurts my glutes and hips. I tried the SMD minimalist and also the HMG 3400. They both carry very well and are responsive, little sway. Because of your excellent review I don't have the questions that I had before. If there is any difference in your hiking style and mine is that I like organization and pockets to organize. Do you think that this pack has enough molly straps, so to speak, to hook an inreach, hang a water bottle to the strap, that sort of thing. I agree with the sweating part. You're going to sweat and as long as it doesn't sweat thru into the inside, it doesn't matter. Thanks!
ya there are definitely spots you can hook things on on both the straps as well as around the back pocket if you get creative with it and wiith all the additional straps you can probably finagle even more things
Hey Chris, great review. Man, I really want to pull the trigger on this pack especially to have for my Pemi Loop trip soon. I’m just concerned about the lack of load lifters, did you have any issues, can you adjust the load/position of pack on your back at all?
not really adjustable like that but I had no issues. never felt like the pack was pulling away from me either like I have before with other packs that have load lifters
ChrisGoesOutdoors thanks Chris!
HI, I read a lot of coments saying that is not confortable when the load is over the straps because of the lack of load lifters. What is your take on this?
Nice review Chris ! What would be your prefernece betwwen this HMG and the Zpacks Arc Haul?
Thanks !
Id go HMG. Seems much more beefy as far as straps and durability goes. Of course I wouldnt really know without putting it through a thru hike like the Arc Haul but the HMG looks like I didnt even use it after the Colorado Trail
Just switched to the junction 3400 from the gregorey paragon 58
I just bought a used white southwest 3400 on eBay for $247. Excited to use it this winter. Looking to strap the snowshoes to the side compression straps. How do snowshoes carry on top? Thanks for the review.
I found they sit better right above the large external pocket. I would turn the actual claw part outwards of course but they held great. Have had no issues with them moving around at all
My buddy has a 3400. He said that along the seam of the bottom is not seam taped/sealed due to the way it's stitched.. (info from Hyperlite). He got some seam sealer and fixed that. Also he said that the top gets a lot better seal when you buckle it to the side straps. I'm getting the 2400.
I wonder if I could tape it up with Cuben tape myself. Got some extra kicking around. It maybe worth a try. I genuinely dont think the issue was from water coming in through the top in my case. More than likely the seam
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors couldnt hurt it to try and see if it works
You the real MVP
I don't think it's the port. It sounds more like a stitching problem. Can you fill it with water and see where the water comes out?
its more than likely coming in from the hipbelt area. Probably leaking down the back of the rain coat and into the sewwing. Filling it with water may make for a pretty intriguing video though haha
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors Did you try it? I'd love to hear. I mean, large part why people like these backpacks is because of their (relatively good) waterproofness (hiking in the rain should not be a problem).
im thinking about buying this pack, the only thing im afraid id miss is load lifters. did you find yourself wishing it had those or is it not an issue? Thanks!
Thanks for sharing!
I have the same pack and I had moisture in it just from sweat in the summer. I thin it is getting in around the straps and hip belt stitching. Great review.
Thats my assumption as well. Probably rain dripping down the back between rain coat and pack and seeping in that way
You are using the HMG 3400 as a day pack while hiking the whites?
Negative. I have a Zpacks Nero that suffices. Would I use the 3400 if I didnt have the nero? Absolutely. Pull out the frame stays cuts down like half a pound I believe. If I ever found someone to buy the nero and wanted one pack that could be used for literally all my needs this would be the one
I was looking at the Arc Haul ultra and the 3400 Junction. Which pack carries heavier weight better in your opinion?
I like the HMG pack better than the zpacks arc haul. Less finicky. Just carries better for me personally even with heavier loads / large water carries. YRMV
Aweome review man i use swd framless 40 and long haul 40 been wanting to get a bigger pack for winter love the hmg but im a large torso and small hip so kinds sucks for me lol
Ya thats tough, I wonder if you email them if they will size the belt accordingly
ChrisGoesOutdoors idk it may be worth a try i know there not known to do custom stuff
Thanks for the info. I’m considering the hmg 3400, swd long haul and LiteAF 46L suspension. Any thoughts are welcome.
All seemingly good options. Jacob who appears in some of my CT videos used the SWD pack. He seemed to really like it. I don’t have any experience with the liteaf stuff but have literally not heard a bad thing. Thing you’ll be ok no matter which way you choose
Great review. I have the Osprey 58 and I have used it a few times. The straps dig into my shoulders and the load lifters don't lift enough to distribute the weight. How do the shoulder straps compare with the Hyperlite? Its only slightly less weight.
I also owned the Osprey exos 58. The one back around 2016. They have since changed the design a pretty good amount. I prefer the Hyperlite in every way. For me, it carries better, its substantially more water resistant, hip belt feels better, hip pockets larger. I just genuinely think its an all around better pack for my use case. The HMG does not have load lifters at all. I noticed no issue with this whatsoever
what was the most weight you used with this pack?i' have one ,and i want to used it for the AT next year ,and i have a large food haul
I probably had 40-45lbs easily when I started the Colorado trail. Watch my first videos when I went out. I overloaded on food so bad. Literally hiked 10 days until I hit Breckinridge, gave away food along the way and still had some leftover when I arrived.
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors haaaaaa! i did that on the PCT ,overpack the food ,but i had a osprey 65 atoms? sorry spell that wrong ,my plan to hike southbound on the AT and there the 100 miles ,wilderness where there no place to resuppy ,so 4 -6 days food haul ,but was not sure if the hyperlight bag could haul that much food ,plus gear ! but thank you so much for the info it help a lot!
Great video. A year later do you still like it? On the fence with a Junction. Thanks
like it so much I also bought a 2400 southwest that I stripped down completely for my regular non thru hike / winter usage
Awesome video thank you hey what do you think your max weight was
Probably 40-45ish pounds on some of the more massive food / water carries
Do the outside pockets on the Southwest pack accumulate water during rain? Any information would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hugh no issue with water accumulation at all. They have drainage holes in the bottom of all pockets
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors roger that. Thanks much.
Chris how tall are you?i’m looking at this pack and we look to be about the same size!
6ft tall. I would measure your torso length though to get the best sizing possible
Ya I know that it’s just seeing how it fits you had me curious because we’re built the same and you went with a tall as I should have gone bigger on my last pack had to struggle through 2 12,000 ft passes with a broken strap dam REI lol!
I don't know why they keep the velcro closure... I heard some people covering the velcro with another velcro so that it won't get stuck on your clothes.
thats a pretty solid way to solve it haha. I thought about using a thread ripper to remove the velcro but I just have no desire to actually do it
@@ChrisGoesOutdoors i thread ripped mine off and it's a glorious upgrade
I have this one and love it! Don't like the velcro either, funny you feel the same way, it annoys me too.
It seems to be a complaint from most people that use it. It just seems incredibly sticky haha
Hey Chris I am also 21 inch torso about 185 cm tall. Do you think a tall would be right?
Im pretty much same height and same torso size. Tall is my preference. My 2400 and 3400 are both tall. HMG says on their site if you are on the cusp of sizes to size up
Thanks Chris turns out I am 19 inch so went for the large. Do you get much back sweat with this pack?
@@evacoutdoors5867 I sweat terribly under any pack. Even with the Zpacks Arc Haul I didnt notice a big difference in the amount of sweat on my back compared to this. YRMV
Your camera is pretty resistant to rain.... assuming you have a GH5
Ya gh5 is pretty solid in that regard but the lens and adapter combo I brought with me (sigma 18-35 and viltrox speed booster) not so much. I think the sigma has some weather sealing but the adapter does not
Very detailed, Who sells these? I have to try it on, Do I have to go to Main HQ?
Not sure if you are US based but REI and Backcountry both sell them. Can also purchase from Hyperlites website. I have links in the description if you want to use them or just hit google for the links
Has that big pocket on the front ever filled up with water?
Water can certainly get in but all the pockets have a small drainage hole at the bottom. No issues with it ever pooling on me
Where did those sweet sport caps come from for your Sawyer?
I believe I got them off the sports lifewater bottles
Where can I get the shoulder pouch ??
Just out of curiosity how tall are you?I’m between the large and the tall as well and I’m curious because we are a similar build. 😎
6 ft tall but I would go by torso length. My torso length is 21”inches
ChrisGoesOutdoors I’m 21 inches as well. Thanks for the response I appreciate it.
Saved me from
Buying one. Leaks are a no go for me. Ty sir
He was closing it wrong
Ive been looking at buying this pack but it seems like a really loud pack. How is it?
Didnt notice anything while hiking, maybe slightly loud while packing it but nothing I would consider obnoxious
I was thinking about going with the Tall as I am 6’2”. I should be good right?
I would measure your torso length to be sure
I’m 6’4” and getting the Large, not the tall.
@@barondavis5692 Let me know what ya think, I went with the Durston 40L for now.
Gabriel Carlson I currently have a LiteAF medium 46L frameless but looking to get a framed pack.
nice
Did hyperlite pay you for this review?
No. Everything was purchased by me also using an standard coupon
Hey Chris never review thank you. Disappointing about water getting in...question how tall are you and your weight. Trying to gauge what size to get and I know height and weight are not the right way necessarily but just giving me a general idea as we appears to be similar body frames...thank you
Im about 6ft 220lbs. I have a 21" torso length. I would go by torso length though and judge from there. I was right in between large and tall. I sized up as HMG suggested and it worked out for me
Thanks Chris that is very helpful and a good gauge for me I will still measure my torso but appreciate you getting back to me.