Hey RoadRunner. Thanks for the video! Yes, I have heard of Dyneema shrinkage. The laminate mylar film shrinks and releases tension from the Dyneema fibers. Regarding ice axe loop you can just get a little shock cord and tie a loop to the bottom and top of the front pocket. Should be a breeze. Just make sure the pointy stuff doesn't rub against the pack because Dyneema isn't very abrasion resistant. Hope the pack will work great for you Happy trails -spinewalker
I got the Hyperlite 40 liter Porter to which I added a 10 liter mesh pocket and a water bottle holder. I love the simplicity of the pack and the exceptional roominess, not to mention the light weight. Plus I have the option of removing the attachments and trimming down to a smaller profile. Thanks for the video.
I have the Junction, but I really like the features of the Unbound, especially the lack of velcro. I have a Outdoor Vitals Hoodie and the Junction's velcro is pucking it apart bit by bit.
The new pack looks tapered so it would need to be taller to have the same volume inside. Also having the binding on the outside is a fantastic idea because seam taping would be a breeze without all the extra volume of fabric. I could definitely see it being more water resistant!
great vid, love the channel. Few things, the unbound is more narrow in circumference then the windrider , so to be the same volume it is taller. Also the unbound doesnt have the ice axe loop becuase they want to give you the option if you want it or not, so instead they add a molly loop where you can add a ice axe loop to it is you choose. You can see in my vid of my 2023 gear load out, i have ice axe loop and it works great. Overall i prefer the unbound with all the extra options.
I like reviews like this where it is a comparison and this vs that rather then just showing 1 item. Thanks for the vid. Good job. If you ever swap/exchange/yeet other gear for another version to try please do the same.
Thanks for the video. I recently picked up the southwest from HMG. I had foot surgery a month ago but hope to get the pack out on trail soon. I'll be taking the southwest on the AT in March.
The advanage of the mesh pockets on the Windrider is that on the AT the items in the pockets will drain and dry faster with the mesh than with the solid material on the Unbound. If you are hiking in a dryer region such as the PCT or AZT, the mesh won't be as much of an advantage.
Your 'daisy chain' Molly loops .. are there to put the little line loop connections IF you want to carry an ice axe (as an example) .. it's lighter weight if you don't need the extra hanging loops
Great review. My concern with the Unbound would be loosing things out of the front pocket, from the bottom and the pocket underneath. Can’t wait to see how it rides over a longer hike. Thanks and happy trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️
I've put 700 miles on the unbound 40 pack and haven't lost anything yet out the pocket you mention. I prefer it over my southwest 3400 pack. I keep my rain jacket, poop kit, emergency kit, and electronics kit in it, but I do use diddy bags for all those. I"m 6'1" 205 and the large is perfect for me. It rides good and the hip belt stays tighter on me than the 3400 hip belt does, but I think that's due to the pull forward rather than pull backward design of the belt. I love the pack thus far. I've been a HMG fan since they came out about 12 years ago i suppose it's been now
Not a mess of a review at all! 🙂 I recently got a Deuter pack, and really the only reason I picked that one was because it felt the most comfortable out of the ones I tried. I haven't used it yet though, I hope it proves to be a good choice.
I bought the southwest, which is the same as the windrunner cept the sides are solid instead of mesh. It's the absolute perfect backpack for me. I can't imagine changing a single thing.
@@jamesking4225 Zpacks packs are horrible quality. So many packs of other hikers broke on during the 2022 thru hike. From frame to belts. I love their tents though.
Have the unbound 55L and love it. Particularly the street h dyneema v the mesh. The extra thick stretch dyneema is on the bottom of the pack as well. Rides very nice but need to keep it around 25lbs all in even though rated for 40lbs. Nice to have option for more space at top if you want to load up on food
I used a ULA Ohm 2.0 for my successful thru-hike last year. I retired it and bought a Southwest 3400 last fall when HMG was running a sale. It will be my pack for the PCT.
My only issue I have with HL is they charge like they are hand made in Maine and it’s my understanding they are made in Mexico. There are a lot of USA made options out there, Zpacks, LiteAF, Waymark etc. Waymark packs have most all the options you are missing for much less money. They are not water proof though, they are not seemed sealed.
I totally understand that. As you said, some packs miss out on the features HMG presents. Zpacks backpacks were horrible on my thru hike. So many hikers had their frames and hip belts break. Such bad quality even though made in the US. I like LiteAF and have a Fanny pack, but by the time you’ve added all the same features HMG has naturally to a LiteAF, the pack is about $500.
@@hikingdancer I have had not issues with my Blast. That said I am looking at a Waymark pack, mostly because I hike with my dog and I carry all of her stuff. Waymark packs are very similar to your HL, similar weight and I have heard nothing but positive things. They are on sale until the 12 4 and they are about half the price at this time. I think the lighter the pack gets the less durable, they get. I am going with a heavier Waymark pack because of long water carries on the Colorado trail and my dogs stuff, especially the dog food. To be honest I have heard bad things about most packs. I am very careful with my gear. Take care and enjoy the PCT, I hope to get there too over the next few years. One more thing I would add is you really have to be honest with your pack load. You can expect a 18 oz pack to carry like a 2.5 pound pack. When I am alone my pack weight is super light and pretty much any pack would work. My base weight is about 8 pounds.
Thank you so much for your nice review, may I know when roll down the top what is the height for this backpack, because I want to get one UL pack for carry on luggage, thank you.
Respectfully, your two (2) underlying issues with the WindRider model isn’t fair or accurate. Firstly, the WindRider model you have is dated and is an older version and not the current version of the pack. Moreover, if there was an issue with the bottom not being seam taped properly, it would have been redone or replaced had you filed a warranty claim, which you failed and/ or neglected to do. Secondly, the mesh on the side pockets that gets caught in tree branches (and a lot of other things) can be more than adequately remedied by getting either the Junction or SouthWest models (which is the exact same backpack, but with DCF - not mesh side pockets).
I have had the Southwest (in white) since just after it was introduced. Would have liked the Junction in black had it been available at the time. I like the size because I can easily fit a BV500 inside and I have also packed it with two resupplies when flying out to section hike the JMT. The size has been handy with very little weight penalty. In true ultralight fashion, its features are satisfactorily adequate.
The Dyneema mesh looses it's elastic properties after 3000 miles. If you stuff bars in the bottom pocket you start to loose them on trail. Now I have grid material on the back pocket and deleted the bottom pocket.
I won't buy these or similar ones because I am not a fan of the white, dirt and stain magnet fabric. I don't want my pack looking like the Fruit of the Loom undies that I wore for a week lol.
I never realized the bottom of the windrider wasn't seam sealed...ugh! I own a 55 liter windrider and love it, but man that's pretty lame. Why the heck woudln't they do that? The rest of the pack is seam sealed? Oh well. Thanks for sharing this information!
I did right after you mentioned it and mine isn't seam sealed... disappointing! All the other parts of the pack are seam-sealed except for the bottom which is odd to me.@@hikingdancer
@@robertamaral2349wow. I’m so sad to read this. I thought mine was a mistake but I guess not. That is super disappointing… but yeah it ended up making things not water resistant
Yea, I was so shocked when you mentioned it so I had to check mine and yep...no sea seal at the bottom. I have no idea why they wouldn't seam seal the bottom. When I order another pack from them I'll be asking them to seam seal the bottom. Thanks again for making us aware of this, really appreciate it!@@hikingdancer
Thanks for the in-depth review. I tired the ultra light packs such as Hyperlight and ULA. Also tried Osprey, Mystery Ranch and others. Went with the 60L K4 EXO Mountain Gear pack. Solid well made pack with robust buckles and wonderfully comfortable belt and harness. Cheers to what makes you comfortable, happy and safe. Be well. Wishing you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!
hint: Hyperlite stole Palante and Life bottom pocket idea but not the shoulder pockets because they make those too and would put that part of the business out of a job and made straps lighter to compete with weights of cottage companies? not bashing HMG I have the 2400 windrider in white used on the AT, The black version 3400 wind rider (still looks brand new) used on yoyo Arizona trail. Used MLD on the PCT 2016 but now use my custom lifeAf (shout out to Chris ) exclusively after the CT and another sobo on the AZT!
There are so many packs. I love my Windrider so much and I’m excited to try the Unbound for a longer hike. I can’t completely recommend the unbound just yet.
Not worried. Just tryin' to narrow down my choice. Presently I'm leaning toward the Mariposa, simply for high capacity but I've not met anyone using it.@@hikingdancer
Use McNett Liquid Seam Sealer there, from the inside or outside and it works great. It doesn't break down the dyneema and HMG states you can use on seams they aren't able to seal during the process of making the pack
So I have a question, I want to get this pack and I have been reading reviews and watching videos and I was reading somewhere that unless you are really an ultralight hiker or with a base weight no more than 20lbs you should not get this pack as it will be very uncomfortable and that you should get an Osprey kind of pack if your base weight is over 20. I want to know what are your thoughts about this and anybody else reading this please feel free to comment.
Ok, but just to confirm you called the new one the 55L, so you intentionally got a 15L larger pack. I think the old one is a 40L or maybe 34L. @@hikingdancer
Hey RoadRunner. Thanks for the video! Yes, I have heard of Dyneema shrinkage. The laminate mylar film shrinks and releases tension from the Dyneema fibers. Regarding ice axe loop you can just get a little shock cord and tie a loop to the bottom and top of the front pocket. Should be a breeze. Just make sure the pointy stuff doesn't rub against the pack because Dyneema isn't very abrasion resistant.
Hope the pack will work great for you
Happy trails
-spinewalker
For the nerd in you: It's called daisy chains, on the Unbound these are the orange stripes. They are made for carrying things.
Thanks for the info!
Love the white HMG backpacks. Backpacks should all be white 🤍
I got the Hyperlite 40 liter Porter to which I added a 10 liter mesh pocket and a water bottle holder. I love the simplicity of the pack and the exceptional roominess, not to mention the light weight. Plus I have the option of removing the attachments and trimming down to a smaller profile. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for sharing!
I have the Junction, but I really like the features of the Unbound, especially the lack of velcro. I have a Outdoor Vitals Hoodie and the Junction's velcro is pucking it apart bit by bit.
Awe I love the Velcro
The new pack looks tapered so it would need to be taller to have the same volume inside. Also having the binding on the outside is a fantastic idea because seam taping would be a breeze without all the extra volume of fabric. I could definitely see it being more water resistant!
Good pointb
Wouldn’t you want the bottom of the pack to be less water resistant to provide drainage from the rest of the bag?
That is a good point.
great vid, love the channel. Few things, the unbound is more narrow in circumference then the windrider , so to be the same volume it is taller. Also the unbound doesnt have the ice axe loop becuase they want to give you the option if you want it or not, so instead they add a molly loop where you can add a ice axe loop to it is you choose. You can see in my vid of my 2023 gear load out, i have ice axe loop and it works great. Overall i prefer the unbound with all the extra options.
Yeah good points
I like reviews like this where it is a comparison and this vs that rather then just showing 1 item. Thanks for the vid. Good job. If you ever swap/exchange/yeet other gear for another version to try please do the same.
Glad you enjoyed!
Thanks for the video. I recently picked up the southwest from HMG. I had foot surgery a month ago but hope to get the pack out on trail soon. I'll be taking the southwest on the AT in March.
I Hope you’ll love the pack
I have the unbound 40 and I love it! It has every feature I want and no extra features I don’t want.
It’s a great pack
The advanage of the mesh pockets on the Windrider is that on the AT the items in the pockets will drain and dry faster with the mesh than with the solid material on the Unbound. If you are hiking in a dryer region such as the PCT or AZT, the mesh won't be as much of an advantage.
Exactly
Your 'daisy chain' Molly loops .. are there to put the little line loop connections IF you want to carry an ice axe (as an example) .. it's lighter weight if you don't need the extra hanging loops
Nice
Great review. My concern with the Unbound would be loosing things out of the front pocket, from the bottom and the pocket underneath. Can’t wait to see how it rides over a longer hike. Thanks and happy trails.🤘🏻🥾⛰️
Didn’t think of that
I've put 700 miles on the unbound 40 pack and haven't lost anything yet out the pocket you mention. I prefer it over my southwest 3400 pack. I keep my rain jacket, poop kit, emergency kit, and electronics kit in it, but I do use diddy bags for all those. I"m 6'1" 205 and the large is perfect for me. It rides good and the hip belt stays tighter on me than the 3400 hip belt does, but I think that's due to the pull forward rather than pull backward design of the belt. I love the pack thus far. I've been a HMG fan since they came out about 12 years ago i suppose it's been now
Not a mess of a review...it's personal and makes all of us think about our needs
Thank you
Not a mess of a review at all! 🙂 I recently got a Deuter pack, and really the only reason I picked that one was because it felt the most comfortable out of the ones I tried. I haven't used it yet though, I hope it proves to be a good choice.
I Hope so too
I bought the southwest, which is the same as the windrunner cept the sides are solid instead of mesh. It's the absolute perfect backpack for me. I can't imagine changing a single thing.
I love Hyperlite packs
3500 is cubic inches. Love your videos.
Ahhhhh makes sense
@@hikingdancer stubborn refusal to conform with the rest of the world.
Very informative on a comparison perspective.
Glad it was helpful!
hyper lite is basically a duffel bag identifying as a back pack lol
As are all the ultra light packs.
@@hikingdancer not the arc haul
@@jamesking4225 Zpacks packs are horrible quality. So many packs of other hikers broke on during the 2022 thru hike. From frame to belts. I love their tents though.
I’ve heard that but so far mine hasn’t failed me yet
Another great simpsons deep dive from our favorite AT thruist.
Awe yay
Have the unbound 55L and love it. Particularly the street h dyneema v the mesh. The extra thick stretch dyneema is on the bottom of the pack as well. Rides very nice but need to keep it around 25lbs all in even though rated for 40lbs. Nice to have option for more space at top if you want to load up on food
I like the unbound too
I used a ULA Ohm 2.0 for my successful thru-hike last year. I retired it and bought a Southwest 3400 last fall when HMG was running a sale. It will be my pack for the PCT.
Yay for HMG
Thanks for the review. Very helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
First review for me to verify no velcro. That's what I want, no velcro.
Glad I could help
Great review & informative … thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
My only issue I have with HL is they charge like they are hand made in Maine and it’s my understanding they are made in Mexico. There are a lot of USA made options out there, Zpacks, LiteAF, Waymark etc. Waymark packs have most all the options you are missing for much less money. They are not water proof though, they are not seemed sealed.
I totally understand that. As you said, some packs miss out on the features HMG presents. Zpacks backpacks were horrible on my thru hike. So many hikers had their frames and hip belts break. Such bad quality even though made in the US. I like LiteAF and have a Fanny pack, but by the time you’ve added all the same features HMG has naturally to a LiteAF, the pack is about $500.
@@hikingdancer I have had not issues with my Blast. That said I am looking at a Waymark pack, mostly because I hike with my dog and I carry all of her stuff. Waymark packs are very similar to your HL, similar weight and I have heard nothing but positive things. They are on sale until the 12 4 and they are about half the price at this time. I think the lighter the pack gets the less durable, they get. I am going with a heavier Waymark pack because of long water carries on the Colorado trail and my dogs stuff, especially the dog food. To be honest I have heard bad things about most packs. I am very careful with my gear. Take care and enjoy the PCT, I hope to get there too over the next few years. One more thing I would add is you really have to be honest with your pack load. You can expect a 18 oz pack to carry like a 2.5 pound pack. When I am alone my pack weight is super light and pretty much any pack would work. My base weight is about 8 pounds.
Thank you so much for your nice review, may I know when roll down the top what is the height for this backpack, because I want to get one UL pack for carry on luggage, thank you.
Great video and insights. Thank you!
My pleasure!
@@hikingdancer do you hike in the winter at all? Do you have thoughts on mountaineering packs?
@@rootsandpeaksI have not hiked in winter yet but planning to add that to my resume
Respectfully, your two (2) underlying issues with the WindRider model isn’t fair or accurate.
Firstly, the WindRider model you have is dated and is an older version and not the current version of the pack. Moreover, if there was an issue with the bottom not being seam taped properly, it would have been redone or replaced had you filed a warranty claim, which you failed and/ or neglected to do.
Secondly, the mesh on the side pockets that gets caught in tree branches (and a lot of other things) can be more than adequately remedied by getting either the Junction or SouthWest models (which is the exact same backpack, but with DCF - not mesh side pockets).
Respectfully, that’s kind of what I said. You can have a southwest or junction to not have to deal with the pockets.
My Ice Pack was not taped on the bottom either. Kind of a bummer when I realized it on a wet snowy day. Love their packs still.
I have had the Southwest (in white) since just after it was introduced. Would have liked the Junction in black had it been available at the time. I like the size because I can easily fit a BV500 inside and I have also packed it with two resupplies when flying out to section hike the JMT. The size has been handy with very little weight penalty. In true ultralight fashion, its features are satisfactorily adequate.
Yes they are lovely packs
Thanks! Very helpful
Glad it helped!
Hi, which do you prefer- the HMG Unbound or the ULA circuit?? and why? Thanks for your great content. Cheers, Aileen
The unbound … but both are great packs
The Dyneema mesh looses it's elastic properties after 3000 miles. If you stuff bars in the bottom pocket you start to loose them on trail. Now I have grid material on the back pocket and deleted the bottom pocket.
Yeah that’s a good point. It already stretched out when I put my crocks in
Great video, thank you for sharing! Even though these packs are made with dyneema, do you still use a bag liner in your packs? - Jiffy Pop
Yes I do!
I won't buy these or similar ones because I am not a fan of the white, dirt and stain magnet fabric. I don't want my pack looking like the Fruit of the Loom undies that I wore for a week lol.
They are also available in black.
Lol 😂 like Robert said, you can get them in black.
@@hikingdancer That's cool lol
It just makes you pack have character for all the miles you've backpacked and you can do cool ass designs on it like Roadrunner did hers
I never realized the bottom of the windrider wasn't seam sealed...ugh! I own a 55 liter windrider and love it, but man that's pretty lame. Why the heck woudln't they do that? The rest of the pack is seam sealed? Oh well. Thanks for sharing this information!
It wasn’t seam sealed for me but it’s probably supposed to. You should check it
I did right after you mentioned it and mine isn't seam sealed... disappointing! All the other parts of the pack are seam-sealed except for the bottom which is odd to me.@@hikingdancer
@@robertamaral2349wow. I’m so sad to read this. I thought mine was a mistake but I guess not. That is super disappointing… but yeah it ended up making things not water resistant
Yea, I was so shocked when you mentioned it so I had to check mine and yep...no sea seal at the bottom. I have no idea why they wouldn't seam seal the bottom. When I order another pack from them I'll be asking them to seam seal the bottom. Thanks again for making us aware of this, really appreciate it!@@hikingdancer
Cool
What size pack did you get and how tall are you? Excellent review!
I got a small size and I’m 5’7 but I have a small torso compared to my legs
Thanks for the in-depth review. I tired the ultra light packs such as Hyperlight and ULA. Also tried Osprey, Mystery Ranch and others. Went with the 60L K4 EXO Mountain Gear pack. Solid well made pack with robust buckles and wonderfully comfortable belt and harness. Cheers to what makes you comfortable, happy and safe. Be well. Wishing you peace and good fortune. Happy Trails!
Thank you. You too
If you have not used it, you should be able to return it. They are really good about this.
Ah I still like the pack
Super vidéo. Merci 🇧🇪👍
Thank you
hint: Hyperlite stole Palante and Life bottom pocket idea but not the shoulder pockets because they make those too and would put that part of the business out of a job and made straps lighter to compete with weights of cottage companies? not bashing HMG I have the 2400 windrider in white used on the AT, The black version 3400 wind rider (still looks brand new) used on yoyo Arizona trail. Used MLD on the PCT 2016 but now use my custom lifeAf (shout out to Chris ) exclusively after the CT and another sobo on the AZT!
Palante only has packs without frame/support as I understand. That is super disappointing. So I’m kinda glad HMG took the idea.
Great job 👏 love it
Thank you! Cheers!
So, do you recommend something other than the Unbound? I'm leaning strongly towards making it my next pack.
There are so many packs. I love my Windrider so much and I’m excited to try the Unbound for a longer hike. I can’t completely recommend the unbound just yet.
I'm buying for the PCT so wondered if you found solutions for the Unbound issues and what they are?
What issues are you worried about?
Not worried. Just tryin' to narrow down my choice. Presently I'm leaning toward the Mariposa, simply for high capacity but I've not met anyone using it.@@hikingdancer
Not worried. You mentioned some things that arose on your trip.@@hikingdancer
The obvious choice for me is the one that has your fantastic artwork. Have you copywrited it yet (or whatever the legal term may be)?
My artwork? Noooo it’s just a bunch of doodling
Anyone know how to dye these packs FDE color?
HMG doesn’t seam tape the where the shoulder straps meat the bag; any tape gets pulled apart there.
Good point
Use McNett Liquid Seam Sealer there, from the inside or outside and it works great. It doesn't break down the dyneema and HMG states you can use on seams they aren't able to seal during the process of making the pack
So I have a question, I want to get this pack and I have been reading reviews and watching videos and I was reading somewhere that unless you are really an ultralight hiker or with a base weight no more than 20lbs you should not get this pack as it will be very uncomfortable and that you should get an Osprey kind of pack if your base weight is over 20. I want to know what are your thoughts about this and anybody else reading this please feel free to comment.
I think I would agree base weight should not be more than 20 ibs since with food it’ll get into the 30s that way.
What volume do you have of Unbound? Thanks!
Unbound 55
Looks like you dont know what tou were buying.
Are you sure the 3400 is not a 34L, and the new pack is a 55L?
Yes very sure
Ok, but just to confirm you called the new one the 55L, so you intentionally got a 15L larger pack. I think the old one is a 40L or maybe 34L. @@hikingdancer
Either way; great review of both packs and your history with them. And great channel. You have a new fan in me. @@hikingdancer
@@danvann777the 3400 was a 55 liter pack . They renamed it to represent liters versus cubic something.
@@danvann777they also had a 2400 which was about 40 ish liters