Hey! I've climbed Tallac with my custom HMG Dyneema Porter 2400 and also use it for regular 2-3 day backpacking trips - love it especially for day backcountry split-boarding. Good review - I agree with everything you've noted and appreciate the ski strap attachment you figured out. I typically max mine out at 25lbs and agree on the suspension comments - I have several Mystery Ranch packs including their 2500 military style and they carry a lot more weight with a lot more comfort. The trade off is that the empty packs are 7 to 8lbs... Cheers from Incline :)
Good points. Yeah check out the straps. The ones I have are made by Voile and are pretty handy. I just wish there was an easier way to secure the excess tail when they are tight. I'm glad to hear your experience is similar to mine as far as the suspension and comfortable weight carry limit. I had a Mystery Ranch pack with their external frame system many years ago and agree that it could haul anything. I think a nice happy medium between what HMG has and what Mystery Ranch does is the Kuiu carbon fiber frame. If you would combine a light version of the Kuiu frame and the HMG woven dyneema it could be an epic pack.
Do you know if HMG has updated the design of the suspension for their packs by now? Im interested in all its qualities except for the discomfort on suspension on higher volumes. I like to pack heavy...
As far as I know they have not made any changes to their design. There are several similar packs out there by Mountain Hardware, Arc’teryx and others that have similar features but a more robust suspension.
Regarding the carbon fiber support system for the backpack, it’s a great idea but that’s probably gonna boost the price of the pack to $700-ish and maybe $800. Not many peeps are willing to fork out that kind of money on a backpack. Can’t have everything best of the best while making it affordable.
Kyle, I want to make my own super light weight 8x8 tarp. Can you recommend the type of sill nylon I should use to make it as light as possible. Planned for regular Algonquin canoeing/ backpacking.
Check out my video on how to make a tarp and I go over where to purchase fabric... ua-cam.com/video/3vy-63ThwEU/v-deo.html SilNylon in the 1.0 to 2.0 per square yard weight is what you would want if you want a light weight tarp.
Yes! I picked up the AR 35 on sale a couple of months ago and have used it on a couple of day trips. I like it quite a bit. It fixes a lot of problems that I had with the HMG pack. Has a real frame sheet that works, longer side straps, zip top compartment for small stuff. I do not really like the bungie attachment area for crampons and have thought about making a pouch that fits on the daisy chains instead. But overall I like it. Once I get some more use I will post a review video.
lately i barely get out for short day hikes tbh, but as a former rei employee, the gear nerd in me absolutely loved this Kyle. thanks for the review 👍
Hey! I've climbed Tallac with my custom HMG Dyneema Porter 2400 and also use it for regular 2-3 day backpacking trips - love it especially for day backcountry split-boarding. Good review - I agree with everything you've noted and appreciate the ski strap attachment you figured out. I typically max mine out at 25lbs and agree on the suspension comments - I have several Mystery Ranch packs including their 2500 military style and they carry a lot more weight with a lot more comfort. The trade off is that the empty packs are 7 to 8lbs... Cheers from Incline :)
Good points. Yeah check out the straps. The ones I have are made by Voile and are pretty handy. I just wish there was an easier way to secure the excess tail when they are tight. I'm glad to hear your experience is similar to mine as far as the suspension and comfortable weight carry limit. I had a Mystery Ranch pack with their external frame system many years ago and agree that it could haul anything. I think a nice happy medium between what HMG has and what Mystery Ranch does is the Kuiu carbon fiber frame. If you would combine a light version of the Kuiu frame and the HMG woven dyneema it could be an epic pack.
Nice review thank you
Good review.
got the HMG Dyneema 2400 ice pack (like new used condition) for $290 (tax and shipping fee included),, hopefully, it will work as well as I expect
Do you know if HMG has updated the design of the suspension for their packs by now? Im interested in all its qualities except for the discomfort on suspension on higher volumes. I like to pack heavy...
As far as I know they have not made any changes to their design. There are several similar packs out there by Mountain Hardware, Arc’teryx and others that have similar features but a more robust suspension.
The 4400 and 5400 packs also have a framesheet.
Regarding the carbon fiber support system for the backpack, it’s a great idea but that’s probably gonna boost the price of the pack to $700-ish and maybe $800. Not many peeps are willing to fork out that kind of money on a backpack. Can’t have everything best of the best while making it affordable.
A good and honest review from you as always. Keep up your good work. My regards to your wife!
Kyle, I want to make my own super light weight 8x8 tarp. Can you recommend the type of sill nylon I should use to make it as light as possible. Planned for regular Algonquin canoeing/ backpacking.
Check out my video on how to make a tarp and I go over where to purchase fabric...
ua-cam.com/video/3vy-63ThwEU/v-deo.html
SilNylon in the 1.0 to 2.0 per square yard weight is what you would want if you want a light weight tarp.
Any thoughts or experience with the arcteryx alpha AR 20/35 packs?
Yes! I picked up the AR 35 on sale a couple of months ago and have used it on a couple of day trips. I like it quite a bit. It fixes a lot of problems that I had with the HMG pack. Has a real frame sheet that works, longer side straps, zip top compartment for small stuff. I do not really like the bungie attachment area for crampons and have thought about making a pouch that fits on the daisy chains instead. But overall I like it. Once I get some more use I will post a review video.
♥