Best review I have found regarding this pack. Really appreciated you loading it out as well to see how it all works. The spot for the Z-seat is great too…
I appreciate that Bryan and am glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for watching.I've always been a water bottle guy so the hydration sleeve working for the sit pad was a nice added benefit.
That Southwest is amazing 🤩 I bought the 4400,I thought I would need the extra space for winter camping, but it’s way too big, the 2400 would be enough, HMG doesn’t count the big front pocket in their measurements, and that thing is huge 🤘🏔🤘
MACIEK HIKE, It's the pack that never runs out of space for gear! I've since switched to smaller packs for most of the year, but I still use my Southwest for the winter season. It's been solid.
Awesome review really got up close to the pack which was cool to see ... I ordered mine with the rei 20% off sale can’t wait to transfer my gear over to this pack and try it out!!
I'm also thinking of going with this pack. I was looking at the Windrider 3400 with the mesh pockets. I do the majority of my hiking at the A.T. and as you know it rains a lot. Did you find a problem with rain water collecting in your front pocket? Thanks!
Thanks for the question and for watching Rassie. The Southwest has been a solid pack and I have been pretty happy with it. Had the Junction been out when I purchased the Southwest, I might have picked that one. I haven't had any trouble with water building up in the outer pocket because there is a drain hole at the bottom of the pocket to help remove water in heavy downpours. Yes, there is no shortage of wet weather and humidity on the AT. If things are wet and in that pocket it can take a little longer to dry though. That dry time would be reduced greatly with a mesh pocket like the ones on the Windrider or Junction. On the other hand, I have used the pack during a lot of off-trail hiking and it's since become more a designated winter pack for me now. The added durability of the solid pocket vs the mesh has boosted my confidence in harsh areas and added just a little extra wind/cold protection in the winter. I could see the mesh pocket being a little more vulnerable in those scenarios.
Hi Mat, how is the temperature of pack with its black color faring with food inside? I can't decide between white and black due to the colors and how heat would affect it. Thanks for the review though!
Hi Emie, I haven't had too much trouble with my food inside of the pack on hot days. A Snickers bar or some easy-to-melt items may soften a little throughout the day. The fact I use a white trash compactor bag as a liner and keep most of my food surrounded by the rest of my gear most likely contributes to the lack of melting. It's been a solid pack that I continue to enjoy (see my recent trip: ua-cam.com/video/zePtTWR3uKM/v-deo.html). A big deciding factor for me was the difference in material thickness between the white and black packs. The additional durability of the DCH150 vs the DCH50 during off-trail hiking has given me peace of mind.
Great review thank you for an updated review on this! I have a few questions I would be hiking similar areas in Maine and New Hampshire through dense woods. Do you think this pack could stand up to a lifetime of use? Also my trips typically will last a few nights. Would you recommend the 2400 or 3400? Thanks!
MassBassBros, Thanks for watching. The black pack (DCF 150) is burly and should tolerate a lot of abuse. I haven't had any major issues with mine. The white pack (DCF 50) is still durable, but won't hold up to as much as the one made of DCF 150. A lifetime of use may be different for all of us, but these packs can certainly handle 2,000+ miles for most. Depending on the other gear you are planning on bringing and the time of year would be things I would consider when choosing one of the two sizes. The 2400 would require a more refined kit and discipline. The 3400 you can get away with a little more. If it helps, the 3400 can roll down to the size of the 2400. It's a small weight difference and would allow you to be covered in varying conditions and trips.
Thanks for the great review! Do you know the measurements for the width and length of the pack at it's maximum compression? I'm interested in whether it could be brought as carry on or not, if it is very lightly loaded. Thanks again!
Thanks for watching MedLund. I can't provide honest feedback if it would work as a carry on or not. I haven't used it in that way yet. It might be a close call as a carryon depending on your carrier. It's around 10.5" width and close to 30" when rolled up and close to its max. That's excluding anything in the outer pockets. With the internal frame being removable, it could help but care will be required in not overpacking. Good luck and safe travels!
What is your back measurement and what size pack did you go with? Depending on how I’m measured I’m touching 19 to 19.5 and they say to size up if on the line(I might be a smidge under) No one ever mentions their sizing and fit afterwards in these videos, I just opened the same pack in large this morning and it seems flawless! Great through video.
Jason, my torso is 18" and I went with the Medium which fits and feels comfortable for me. Fit will be personal, but a good guideline to use is that you'll want to aim for being as close to the middle as possible for the torso recommendation with a pack. Since you're close to the max of the torso length of the pack you're looking at you might want to size up. Maxing the straps out with a smaller pack might not help with weight distribution. Ultimately it will be up to you of course though and you might find throwing everything I just said out the window if the smaller pack fits better. It's all about comfort. Hope this helps. Yes, the pack is solid.
Very nice setup what would be interested to know size of your dry bags you use looking to buy this pack and carry similar items but don’t have dry bags yet hard to tell in video...such as sleeping bag bag size, food bag and the other ones if not to much trouble. Thank you
Thanks Aaron! It's been a great setup and has worked well for the trips I've used it on. Quick note, I'm always refining my gear list as I like to purchase and test out new products that peak my interest so that I can offer honest feedback to the viewer and see if that item is something I might want to use more on other trips. I'm never not learning and always looking for that "perfect" gear list. The only dry bag I use is one for my clothes (which I just started using). Everything else (and everything in this video is in a stuff sack to help reduce carrying solid bricks around in my pack and optimizing the space. Here's the size of the stuff sacks in this specific video: Trash Compactor Bag Pack Liner: 18 gal Sleep System: 8.5 L Food Bag: 10.7 L (almost never filled completely) Clothing: 6 L (but I mostly use a 5 L bag) Electronics: 1 L Ditty Bag (First Aid, Hygiene, etc): 2.5 L Hammock System: Packed Loosely (I use a 4.5 L double ended stuff sack for most hammocks). Rainfly is always stored like in this video or in user pocket. For tents the largest I've used has been a 8 L stuff sack. Trash Bag: 1 or 2 L ziplock bag Everything else just gets stuffed into the pockets with a focus on organization too. If considering this pack, you might want to look into Hyperlite Pods too. I don't have personal experience with them, but I've heard great things about them. Hope this helps!
horsedog713, Good eye! It is. I've been very happy with the tent and it's becoming one of my go-to's on many trips. I actually do have a video I put together recently showing the tent a bit more. If you'd like to check it out: ua-cam.com/video/2s-yodk4a0I/v-deo.html
Hi Mat. What do you do with wrappers from candy bars and energy bars while on the trail? I've carried a small Ziploc bag in one of the waist belt pockets and I stuff them in there. My concern is any residue or odor from a candy bar getting on the inside of the pocket and attracting rodents while the pack is resting on the ground at night. I do try to hang the pack from a peg or broken branch on a tree when I can or from a nail when I'm in a shelter. But back to the question, are you concerned about snack residue in your waste belt pockets? Thanks.
Hi Jeff Depending on my trip location I'll use a small OPSAK made for snacks or a freezer bag if that's all I have at the time (something is better than nothing). After snacking, I'll leave my wrappers in a designated trash bag I carry with me on all trips which is stored inside of a large OPSAK and URSACK or bear canister. In bear country I'll keep anything with a smell away from my tent or hammock. I rarely stay in shelters, but if I do I'll do the same. If bear boxes are provided, I'll use them. If bears aren't a big concern for me I'll still store all smellables away from my tent or hammock, but will keep my pack in my tent or hanging near my hammock. I've never had a problem. Over time, sweat and salt from the body can build up on a pack and lead to some mini bears attempt at chewing the fabric. To prevent this I'll wash my pack at home occasionally throughout the year with mild soap and water, then rinse it thoroughly and let it air dry. Not only does it help avoid unwanted visitors, but it keeps an important piece of gear well cared for and also reduces that possible overbearing stench that comes with many miles of travel.
@@matjobin Thanks for the replies to my questions and hope you enjoyed the holiday today. Forgive me if you've answered this in previous videos, but do you cook food in the same camp area you sleep? Even if it's just heating up dehydrated meals with boiling water, it still produces an aroma. People do this all the time at shelters and eat together around the picnic table and yet, "guidance" says that you're supposed to eat a hundred or more feet (that triangle deal) or even a mile from where you're going to sleep. What are your thoughts on this?
@@jeffstone28 No problem. Thank you, I hope you enjoyed yours too. I don't cook near my shelter in effort to avoid any scents from lingering around, even if I'm just boiling water. I personally don't cook much at camp, even on thru-hikes. In most cases, I like to prep food at home with a dehydrator and store it in a ziploc freezer bag. I then will store that in a HMG Repack or leave it as is and rehydrate my food. I try my best to follow the Bearmuda Triangle setup (though sometimes it can be difficult to be exactly 200 ft from camp, kitchen and bag hang). I'll at least make sure my shelter isn't set up in the path of wind that could send cook smells to it. Nothing is ever a 100% guarantee, but a little effort can go a long way.
@@matjobin Some guidance even suggests cooking and eating a mile before arriving at camp. That's difficult because, after a day of hiking, you want to arrive at camp and set up your stuff and then eat usually. The 200 ft rule seems sufficient. What I noticed at shelters on the AT is that the through-hikers set up their tents/hammocks away from the shelter but come over to the shelter picnic table to cook, eat and socialize. It's the people staying in the shelter who are thus next to all the food scents 😊!
@@jeffstone28 In most cases, I don't think that's necessary. Proper storage and the 200 ft rule should be enough to help in prevention. Many do and yes they can end up being more likely to receive a visit from smaller wildlife at night due to those scents. Shelters have saved my butt a few times and in the Smokies are required stay with AT hikers if space is available, but I prefer my tent or hammock otherwise.
Raymond I like both of them and don't find one better than the other. In fact it led me to this custom built pack which is Dyneema also: ua-cam.com/video/zBgLeEPey_k/v-deo.html Honestly both packs have been great and continue to be. For many solo trips I may use the Atom or the new pack I am using now which I provided a link to because I find I prefer a slim profile pack and no hip belt.. If I am leading groups or out on a winter trip, both which will require me to carry more, I'd take the Hyperlite pack over the Atom or my new pack. It all depends on the trip location, time of year, trip type and trip objectives. Both are solid, well built and should last thousands of miles of use. Hope this helps. Thanks for your interest. Stay safe and well where you are too.
Hey Mat. I enjoyed your review on this product. I just have a quick question, about how many days of food can you store in this bag on your personal experience?. Would you recommend this bag for 8-10 day backpacking?
Hi Klyd. Thank you! I've been able to carry 7 days worth of food in this pack without any trouble and room to spare. There are a lot of varying factors involved (e.g. location, time of year, objective) so I can't recommend this pack for a trip of that length without knowing the answer to all of those factors. One thing I would consider to help though would be a dialed in and lightweight gear list. Certain nutrition plans could help too with a reduced space needed for food. If it is found that more space might be needed, the Southwest 4400 or a similar pack could always be an option. That said, I have been very happy with this pack and I still continue to use it to this day on trips.
Hello@@matjobin thanks for answering. I would consider utilizing your suggestion to creating a nutrition plan (and see what works best) for the length of my trip as I am certain it would help me carry the lightest weight possible without compromising sufficient food. Again thanks for answering, it helps me a lot on deciding which pack size I should get.
G M, Thanks for watching. My gear list will change with many trips as I aim to carry only what will help me achieve my goals and objectives. It can also change when I purchase new pieces of gear and eagerly want to test it out. After research, familiarity with hiking the AT (and the area) and weather forecast my gear list for the trip is: Carried: HMG Southwest 3400 Trash Compactor Bag Therm-A-Rest Z-Seat Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 REI Co-Op Hammock Underquilt Sea To Summit Aeros Down Pillow Ursack Major Toaks 550 ml Titanium Pot BRS 3000T Stove MSR ISO/PRO Fuel 4oz Melanzana Fleece Hoodie Darn Tough Mid Cushion Hiking Socks Darn Tough Cycling Socks Patagonia Lightweight Cap Baselayer S/S Adidas Dri-Clime Boxers OR Helium II Rain Pants First Aid Kit Gear Repair Kit (incl DCF tape) Emergency Kit Hygiene Kit Anker Powercore 10000 Charging Cords For Phone and Suunto Watch REI Co-Op Flash Air Hammock System Patagonia Houdini Jacket Swiss Army Classic SD Body Glide Lip Balm SPF 30 Sunblock 1L Smartwater Bottle Bambu Organics Long Handled Bamboo Spoon Aqua Mira Drops 20fl oz Cycling Sport Bottle REI Snow Stake for Trowel REI Co-Op Hammock Tarp Stakes NATGEO AT Maps Suunto M3 Compass Sea To Summit Mosquito Headnet Sawyer Picaridin Bug Lotion Black Diamond Ion Headlamp Joby Tripod Hammer Fizz Snacks Spot Gen 3 Black Diamond Carbon Z Poles On Me: Patagonia Strider Pro 5” Shorts Darn Tough Cycling Socks Altra Lone Peak 4.0 Altra Trail Gaiters Patagonia Lightweight Cap Baselayer S/S Shirt Buff Headwear Suunto Watch Patagonia Trucker Hat Native Hardtop Sunglasses Hope this helps. Enjoy the pack!
B Potter I wouldn't have with this pack but only because I purchased it with an intent to use it on winter trips too so the extra space has helped. The fact I have been able to compress it down to 40 L helps on 3-season trips. If planning a thru-hike or 3-season trips only (and depending on factors like location), I could see the 2400 being a good pack size as long as the hiker is comfortable with that and has their gear list dialed in. I still use this pack for group trips, winter trips and trips where more may be needed and love it. I've gone smaller for other trips though and purchased a 35L custom DCF pack from SWD packs which you can check out at the link in this comment if you'd like. I took some things I liked with the HMG pack and applied it to my customizations. Both packs work well for specific trips and factors. The pack: ua-cam.com/video/zBgLeEPey_k/v-deo.html
Good review man. The close ups of the pack are helpful as was the loadout walk-through. Are you still happy with the pack? How many miles have you put on it?
Athos Thank you. I am still happy with the pack. It’s a workhorse and handles everything in stride. Still no signs of wear. I’m testing a custom pack I purchased this year which draws some influence from the Southwest, but I still use it on group trips, winter trips and trips with longer water carries or resupply stretches. I have close to 2,000 miles on it so far.
@@billybastar4022 Thanks! I agree, it's a great pack! I actually ended up just selling my Atom. It was solid and comfortable. Never gave me any trouble and worked well with a sub 10 lb base weight. I sold it because I purchased a custom made Superior 35 from SWD Packs which has my favorite features from the Atom, this Hyperlite pack and the Nero. You can see that pack here: ua-cam.com/video/zBgLeEPey_k/v-deo.html
Dude 20-something minutes on a pack I know everybody wants to know about it I much rather you see see you out there camping fishing having a good time enjoy yourself don't worry about what everybody wants I love you videos
Came by to say kudos on the Z seat tip!
Best review I have found regarding this pack. Really appreciated you loading it out as well to see how it all works. The spot for the Z-seat is great too…
I appreciate that Bryan and am glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for watching.I've always been a water bottle guy so the hydration sleeve working for the sit pad was a nice added benefit.
That Southwest is amazing 🤩 I bought the 4400,I thought I would need the extra space for winter camping, but it’s way too big, the 2400 would be enough, HMG doesn’t count the big front pocket in their measurements, and that thing is huge 🤘🏔🤘
MACIEK HIKE, It's the pack that never runs out of space for gear! I've since switched to smaller packs for most of the year, but I still use my Southwest for the winter season. It's been solid.
Great review! I can't wait for mine to arrive in the mail! :)
Thanks Tyler! Sweet! Enjoy the pack!
Awesome review really got up close to the pack which was cool to see ... I ordered mine with the rei 20% off sale can’t wait to transfer my gear over to this pack and try it out!!
Happy that my video helped Ben. That's a great deal for the pack. Enjoy!
Love the review man! Thank you so much, this helped a lot.
Happy to help Walter! Thanks for watching.
Liked and subbed. 👍🏼
Thanks dougieranger. I appreciate the follow.
I'm also thinking of going with this pack. I was looking at the Windrider 3400 with the mesh pockets. I do the majority of my hiking at the A.T. and as you know it rains a lot. Did you find a problem with rain water collecting in your front pocket? Thanks!
Thanks for the question and for watching Rassie. The Southwest has been a solid pack and I have been pretty happy with it. Had the Junction been out when I purchased the Southwest, I might have picked that one. I haven't had any trouble with water building up in the outer pocket because there is a drain hole at the bottom of the pocket to help remove water in heavy downpours. Yes, there is no shortage of wet weather and humidity on the AT. If things are wet and in that pocket it can take a little longer to dry though. That dry time would be reduced greatly with a mesh pocket like the ones on the Windrider or Junction. On the other hand, I have used the pack during a lot of off-trail hiking and it's since become more a designated winter pack for me now. The added durability of the solid pocket vs the mesh has boosted my confidence in harsh areas and added just a little extra wind/cold protection in the winter. I could see the mesh pocket being a little more vulnerable in those scenarios.
Hi Mat, how is the temperature of pack with its black color faring with food inside? I can't decide between white and black due to the colors and how heat would affect it. Thanks for the review though!
Hi Emie, I haven't had too much trouble with my food inside of the pack on hot days. A Snickers bar or some easy-to-melt items may soften a little throughout the day. The fact I use a white trash compactor bag as a liner and keep most of my food surrounded by the rest of my gear most likely contributes to the lack of melting. It's been a solid pack that I continue to enjoy (see my recent trip: ua-cam.com/video/zePtTWR3uKM/v-deo.html). A big deciding factor for me was the difference in material thickness between the white and black packs. The additional durability of the DCH150 vs the DCH50 during off-trail hiking has given me peace of mind.
@@matjobin Ok, thank you very much! You've just convinced me to get the black color :D
Excellent review and a great pack my friend!...subbed...atvb...woods
MTwoodsrunner Thanks! Yes, it's been a solid pack and I've been happy with it. Thanks for watching and the sub. I appreciate it.
Great review thank you for an updated review on this! I have a few questions I would be hiking similar areas in Maine and New Hampshire through dense woods. Do you think this pack could stand up to a lifetime of use? Also my trips typically will last a few nights. Would you recommend the 2400 or 3400? Thanks!
MassBassBros, Thanks for watching. The black pack (DCF 150) is burly and should tolerate a lot of abuse. I haven't had any major issues with mine. The white pack (DCF 50) is still durable, but won't hold up to as much as the one made of DCF 150. A lifetime of use may be different for all of us, but these packs can certainly handle 2,000+ miles for most. Depending on the other gear you are planning on bringing and the time of year would be things I would consider when choosing one of the two sizes. The 2400 would require a more refined kit and discipline. The 3400 you can get away with a little more. If it helps, the 3400 can roll down to the size of the 2400. It's a small weight difference and would allow you to be covered in varying conditions and trips.
Thanks for the great review! Do you know the measurements for the width and length of the pack at it's maximum compression? I'm interested in whether it could be brought as carry on or not, if it is very lightly loaded. Thanks again!
Thanks for watching MedLund. I can't provide honest feedback if it would work as a carry on or not. I haven't used it in that way yet. It might be a close call as a carryon depending on your carrier. It's around 10.5" width and close to 30" when rolled up and close to its max. That's excluding anything in the outer pockets. With the internal frame being removable, it could help but care will be required in not overpacking. Good luck and safe travels!
What is your back measurement and what size pack did you go with? Depending on how I’m measured I’m touching 19 to 19.5 and they say to size up if on the line(I might be a smidge under) No one ever mentions their sizing and fit afterwards in these videos, I just opened the same pack in large this morning and it seems flawless! Great through video.
Jason, my torso is 18" and I went with the Medium which fits and feels comfortable for me. Fit will be personal, but a good guideline to use is that you'll want to aim for being as close to the middle as possible for the torso recommendation with a pack. Since you're close to the max of the torso length of the pack you're looking at you might want to size up. Maxing the straps out with a smaller pack might not help with weight distribution. Ultimately it will be up to you of course though and you might find throwing everything I just said out the window if the smaller pack fits better. It's all about comfort. Hope this helps. Yes, the pack is solid.
Very nice setup what would be interested to know size of your dry bags you use looking to buy this pack and carry similar items but don’t have dry bags yet hard to tell in video...such as sleeping bag bag size, food bag and the other ones if not to much trouble. Thank you
Thanks Aaron! It's been a great setup and has worked well for the trips I've used it on. Quick note, I'm always refining my gear list as I like to purchase and test out new products that peak my interest so that I can offer honest feedback to the viewer and see if that item is something I might want to use more on other trips. I'm never not learning and always looking for that "perfect" gear list. The only dry bag I use is one for my clothes (which I just started using). Everything else (and everything in this video is in a stuff sack to help reduce carrying solid bricks around in my pack and optimizing the space. Here's the size of the stuff sacks in this specific video:
Trash Compactor Bag Pack Liner: 18 gal
Sleep System: 8.5 L
Food Bag: 10.7 L (almost never filled completely)
Clothing: 6 L (but I mostly use a 5 L bag)
Electronics: 1 L
Ditty Bag (First Aid, Hygiene, etc): 2.5 L
Hammock System: Packed Loosely (I use a 4.5 L double ended stuff sack for most hammocks). Rainfly is always stored like in this video or in user pocket. For tents the largest I've used has been a 8 L stuff sack.
Trash Bag: 1 or 2 L ziplock bag
Everything else just gets stuffed into the pockets with a focus on organization too.
If considering this pack, you might want to look into Hyperlite Pods too. I don't have personal experience with them, but I've heard great things about them. Hope this helps!
Wow thank you so much for such a detailed explanation I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. Definitely helps thank you.
No problem Aaron. Enjoy the pack!
Is that a Dirigo2 tent your using? Please do a review on that as well!
horsedog713, Good eye! It is. I've been very happy with the tent and it's becoming one of my go-to's on many trips. I actually do have a video I put together recently showing the tent a bit more. If you'd like to check it out: ua-cam.com/video/2s-yodk4a0I/v-deo.html
Hi Mat. What do you do with wrappers from candy bars and energy bars while on the trail? I've carried a small Ziploc bag in one of the waist belt pockets and I stuff them in there. My concern is any residue or odor from a candy bar getting on the inside of the pocket and attracting rodents while the pack is resting on the ground at night. I do try to hang the pack from a peg or broken branch on a tree when I can or from a nail when I'm in a shelter. But back to the question, are you concerned about snack residue in your waste belt pockets? Thanks.
Hi Jeff Depending on my trip location I'll use a small OPSAK made for snacks or a freezer bag if that's all I have at the time (something is better than nothing). After snacking, I'll leave my wrappers in a designated trash bag I carry with me on all trips which is stored inside of a large OPSAK and URSACK or bear canister. In bear country I'll keep anything with a smell away from my tent or hammock. I rarely stay in shelters, but if I do I'll do the same. If bear boxes are provided, I'll use them. If bears aren't a big concern for me I'll still store all smellables away from my tent or hammock, but will keep my pack in my tent or hanging near my hammock. I've never had a problem. Over time, sweat and salt from the body can build up on a pack and lead to some mini bears attempt at chewing the fabric. To prevent this I'll wash my pack at home occasionally throughout the year with mild soap and water, then rinse it thoroughly and let it air dry. Not only does it help avoid unwanted visitors, but it keeps an important piece of gear well cared for and also reduces that possible overbearing stench that comes with many miles of travel.
@@matjobin Thanks for the replies to my questions and hope you enjoyed the holiday today. Forgive me if you've answered this in previous videos, but do you cook food in the same camp area you sleep? Even if it's just heating up dehydrated meals with boiling water, it still produces an aroma. People do this all the time at shelters and eat together around the picnic table and yet, "guidance" says that you're supposed to eat a hundred or more feet (that triangle deal) or even a mile from where you're going to sleep. What are your thoughts on this?
@@jeffstone28 No problem. Thank you, I hope you enjoyed yours too. I don't cook near my shelter in effort to avoid any scents from lingering around, even if I'm just boiling water. I personally don't cook much at camp, even on thru-hikes. In most cases, I like to prep food at home with a dehydrator and store it in a ziploc freezer bag. I then will store that in a HMG Repack or leave it as is and rehydrate my food. I try my best to follow the Bearmuda Triangle setup (though sometimes it can be difficult to be exactly 200 ft from camp, kitchen and bag hang). I'll at least make sure my shelter isn't set up in the path of wind that could send cook smells to it. Nothing is ever a 100% guarantee, but a little effort can go a long way.
@@matjobin Some guidance even suggests cooking and eating a mile before arriving at camp. That's difficult because, after a day of hiking, you want to arrive at camp and set up your stuff and then eat usually. The 200 ft rule seems sufficient. What I noticed at shelters on the AT is that the through-hikers set up their tents/hammocks away from the shelter but come over to the shelter picnic table to cook, eat and socialize. It's the people staying in the shelter who are thus next to all the food scents 😊!
@@jeffstone28 In most cases, I don't think that's necessary. Proper storage and the 200 ft rule should be enough to help in prevention. Many do and yes they can end up being more likely to receive a visit from smaller wildlife at night due to those scents. Shelters have saved my butt a few times and in the Smokies are required stay with AT hikers if space is available, but I prefer my tent or hammock otherwise.
Hello Mat,
Wich pack you find better ? The HMG Soutwest or the Atom 40? Both dyneema.
Keep save there.
ATB Raymond
Raymond I like both of them and don't find one better than the other. In fact it led me to this custom built pack which is Dyneema also: ua-cam.com/video/zBgLeEPey_k/v-deo.html
Honestly both packs have been great and continue to be. For many solo trips I may use the Atom or the new pack I am using now which I provided a link to because I find I prefer a slim profile pack and no hip belt.. If I am leading groups or out on a winter trip, both which will require me to carry more, I'd take the Hyperlite pack over the Atom or my new pack. It all depends on the trip location, time of year, trip type and trip objectives.
Both are solid, well built and should last thousands of miles of use. Hope this helps. Thanks for your interest. Stay safe and well where you are too.
Hey Mat. I enjoyed your review on this product. I just have a quick question, about how many days of food can you store in this bag on your personal experience?. Would you recommend this bag for 8-10 day backpacking?
Hi Klyd. Thank you! I've been able to carry 7 days worth of food in this pack without any trouble and room to spare. There are a lot of varying factors involved (e.g. location, time of year, objective) so I can't recommend this pack for a trip of that length without knowing the answer to all of those factors. One thing I would consider to help though would be a dialed in and lightweight gear list. Certain nutrition plans could help too with a reduced space needed for food. If it is found that more space might be needed, the Southwest 4400 or a similar pack could always be an option. That said, I have been very happy with this pack and I still continue to use it to this day on trips.
Hello@@matjobin thanks for answering. I would consider utilizing your suggestion to creating a nutrition plan (and see what works best) for the length of my trip as I am certain it would help me carry the lightest weight possible without compromising sufficient food. Again thanks for answering, it helps me a lot on deciding which pack size I should get.
@@klydagayan2264 Happy to help! Have a great trip!
Will water drain out the back pocket
BAMA it will. There's a drain port at the bottom of the pocket.
Like this video
Very interesting
Thanks for posting
I have the white version of this pack
Is there a gear list for this video?
G M, Thanks for watching. My gear list will change with many trips as I aim to carry only what will help me achieve my goals and objectives. It can also change when I purchase new pieces of gear and eagerly want to test it out. After research, familiarity with hiking the AT (and the area) and weather forecast my gear list for the trip is:
Carried:
HMG Southwest 3400
Trash Compactor Bag
Therm-A-Rest Z-Seat
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20
REI Co-Op Hammock Underquilt
Sea To Summit Aeros Down Pillow
Ursack Major
Toaks 550 ml Titanium Pot
BRS 3000T Stove
MSR ISO/PRO Fuel 4oz
Melanzana Fleece Hoodie
Darn Tough Mid Cushion Hiking Socks
Darn Tough Cycling Socks
Patagonia Lightweight Cap Baselayer S/S
Adidas Dri-Clime Boxers
OR Helium II Rain Pants
First Aid Kit
Gear Repair Kit (incl DCF tape)
Emergency Kit
Hygiene Kit
Anker Powercore 10000
Charging Cords For Phone and Suunto Watch
REI Co-Op Flash Air Hammock System
Patagonia Houdini Jacket
Swiss Army Classic SD
Body Glide
Lip Balm
SPF 30 Sunblock
1L Smartwater Bottle
Bambu Organics Long Handled Bamboo Spoon
Aqua Mira Drops
20fl oz Cycling Sport Bottle
REI Snow Stake for Trowel
REI Co-Op Hammock Tarp Stakes
NATGEO AT Maps
Suunto M3 Compass
Sea To Summit Mosquito Headnet
Sawyer Picaridin Bug Lotion
Black Diamond Ion Headlamp
Joby Tripod
Hammer Fizz
Snacks
Spot Gen 3
Black Diamond Carbon Z Poles
On Me:
Patagonia Strider Pro 5” Shorts
Darn Tough Cycling Socks
Altra Lone Peak 4.0
Altra Trail Gaiters
Patagonia Lightweight Cap Baselayer S/S Shirt
Buff Headwear
Suunto Watch
Patagonia Trucker Hat
Native Hardtop Sunglasses
Hope this helps. Enjoy the pack!
would you have considered sizing down to the SW2400? ... looks like I have about the same amount of gear as you
B Potter I wouldn't have with this pack but only because I purchased it with an intent to use it on winter trips too so the extra space has helped. The fact I have been able to compress it down to 40 L helps on 3-season trips. If planning a thru-hike or 3-season trips only (and depending on factors like location), I could see the 2400 being a good pack size as long as the hiker is comfortable with that and has their gear list dialed in. I still use this pack for group trips, winter trips and trips where more may be needed and love it. I've gone smaller for other trips though and purchased a 35L custom DCF pack from SWD packs which you can check out at the link in this comment if you'd like. I took some things I liked with the HMG pack and applied it to my customizations. Both packs work well for specific trips and factors.
The pack: ua-cam.com/video/zBgLeEPey_k/v-deo.html
Good review man. The close ups of the pack are helpful as was the loadout walk-through. Are you still happy with the pack? How many miles have you put on it?
Athos Thank you. I am still happy with the pack. It’s a workhorse and handles everything in stride. Still no signs of wear. I’m testing a custom pack I purchased this year which draws some influence from the Southwest, but I still use it on group trips, winter trips and trips with longer water carries or resupply stretches. I have close to 2,000 miles on it so far.
Great review video. I love this pack. So how do you like your “custom” Atom?
@@billybastar4022 Thanks! I agree, it's a great pack! I actually ended up just selling my Atom. It was solid and comfortable. Never gave me any trouble and worked well with a sub 10 lb base weight. I sold it because I purchased a custom made Superior 35 from SWD Packs which has my favorite features from the Atom, this Hyperlite pack and the Nero. You can see that pack here: ua-cam.com/video/zBgLeEPey_k/v-deo.html
Dude 20-something minutes on a pack I know everybody wants to know about it I much rather you see see you out there camping fishing having a good time enjoy yourself don't worry about what everybody wants I love you videos