I have the 55 L version of this pack, and just completed a long hike (over 70 miles) in the hills of Western Pennsylvania USA with it it. I have done several other long hikes with it. Tony, your review is fair. I have added shoulder pads purchased from ZPacks, which helps greatly with comfort. A friend who is a very accomplished hiker told me to move the sternum strap to a lower position as the strap comes too high (for most people) from the factory. This was another big comfort help to me. With these two things said, there are only so many little things you can do. From an aesthetics point of view, there is no pack that looks better, but I find it feels best at 26 lbs. or less. Pack it above 30 lbs. and the comfort diminishes exponentially. The HMG packs are bomb proof, but are in an interesting niche. They are perhaps overbuilt as s truly lightweight pack, but not as comfortable as heavier packs that can carry larger loads more comfortably. As you indicated in your review there is a point of diminishing returns in this regard. Hyperlight packs are very popular with the thru-hiking community here in the US, and for good reason. They are durable and reliable, and they carry well when set up properly. Comfort-wise the pack has limits. As I said Tony, your review is fair and spot on.
Many thanks 😊 the straps need to be wider like on MLD and bonfus then it would be more comfy But as you indicate it's already "heavy" my words not yours for an ultra light pack My look at bonfus pack will interest you... let's hope zpacks do an offer for Christmas
th-cam.com/video/1-LpopK0bPg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=I173AZCEfrLxMCNQ Looks like yours posted i see it this end but if not hopefully this link works to your vid reply . It'll be helpful for others too very interesting on the stays. When you and others watch my framus vid you'll see stays of different shape
@@TonyHobbs Thanks, Tony! Yes. I posted it, then it was not visible, at least to me. I hope the comment about the sternum strap helps. Comfort wise, it was a game-changer for when I moved it lower and carried is less cinched down. Best to you!
I have the SW 4400 (70l). Given the height of that pack, it can become half an emergency bivy system, along with a proper jacket for warmth (like your PhD), rain/wind protection, etc. 👊
I briefly entertained getting a HMG until I’d seen Russel’s critique after long term use of windrider and ended up opting for another. I’d like an arc haul but not willing to pay what Zpacks want for them.
No, chris loves his my issue would be no outer pockets but I understand from him like you they strong check comment by Michael plus his little video. These are strong. It looks like straps narrow
@TonyHobbs the BTS straps are quite thick and wide. I've got 4 of them now!! I'm predominantly a climber, which they're designed for. But I do like my wild camping when my climbing partner, aka my gf, can't make it. BTS packs are also incredibly light. They're biggest pack only weighs 1kg. They're also very weather proof. And they're cheaper than HMG packs 😉
Great review, HMG packs work well if they fit. I love them sized up, with the framestays in 90% of the weight rides on my hips amd I can carry a full kit with glacier gear comfortably.
Great comment thanks for watching and posting comment It does seem to fit some well it fits well just uncomfortable when heavier i wish it had wider shoulder straps would make big difference plus I think the foam backing would be better if reached just above straps.
@TonyHobbs crikey I've to remember now. Got the Yukon Jacket, The Alpine Ultra, the Sigma primaloft, the Ultralight pull on 125 gramms!! And just got the hooded fleece in bright red.
I had the SW 70 about 10 years ago. Overpriced, poorly fitted, thin straps, tiny pockets, weak fabric against abrasion etc etc. It felt like the emperors new clothes. Everyone raved about it but it's really not great. Really sweaty unshaped back. Just no.
Interesting They surely need thicker ie wider shoulder straps I'd say this is improved in strength and pocket But when I first took to Dartmoor loaded with stays in I was shocked how uncomfortable and painful it was Removing them helped .... But those shoulder straps not very comfy unfortunately
@TonyHobbs Yeah, I bought it on many people's recommendations of its amazing comfort. It was shit tbh for the price. Ultra basic flat back and thin straps. There's a hive mentality a bit with the ul scene. Take, for example, the buzz around Melanzana fleeces. Really heavy, like 3x heavier than some equivalents, impossible to get, overpriced and basic ancient technology. Just goes to show some people will go for the hype and ignore the blindingly obvious failings. With this pack you kinda have to try it yourself because it's impossible to tell if something is comfortable without actually seeing for yourself. It does make me wonder what kind of drugs these people are on, though, and where I can get some lol!!!
@rbreiff73 I'm sure some influencers are high lol maybe quasimodo will find it comfy 😅 😄 tbf it's not that bad but do check my bonfus pack vid next week it'll be interesting Flat back light frameless is fine as I love my MLD Exodus as very comfy but this is disappointing for price . I'll use it for sure more. And see. I hope to get a arc haul 70 if zpacks will grant me 10% lol 😆 please boys I'd love to try it and see but a couple quid off would be appreciated 😀
@TonyHobbs I'm currently on my 8th Atompacks bag. They're OK I guess! The LiteAF Curves are incredibly comfortable. I completely recommend you try one of them. Specially with your bottomless vaults of gear funds 😆. Mines the frameless one.
@rbreiff73 he won't discount anything for me lol 😆 what puts me off is shoulder drink pouches seem quite high on shoulders and fixed in place One day maybe 😀
I have the 55 L version of this pack, and just completed a long hike (over 70 miles) in the hills of Western Pennsylvania USA with it it. I have done several other long hikes with it. Tony, your review is fair. I have added shoulder pads purchased from ZPacks, which helps greatly with comfort. A friend who is a very accomplished hiker told me to move the sternum strap to a lower position as the strap comes too high (for most people) from the factory. This was another big comfort help to me. With these two things said, there are only so many little things you can do. From an aesthetics point of view, there is no pack that looks better, but I find it feels best at 26 lbs. or less. Pack it above 30 lbs. and the comfort diminishes exponentially. The HMG packs are bomb proof, but are in an interesting niche. They are perhaps overbuilt as s truly lightweight pack, but not as comfortable as heavier packs that can carry larger loads more comfortably. As you indicated in your review there is a point of diminishing returns in this regard. Hyperlight packs are very popular with the thru-hiking community here in the US, and for good reason. They are durable and reliable, and they carry well when set up properly. Comfort-wise the pack has limits. As I said Tony, your review is fair and spot on.
Many thanks 😊 the straps need to be wider like on MLD and bonfus then it would be more comfy
But as you indicate it's already "heavy" my words not yours for an ultra light pack
My look at bonfus pack will interest you... let's hope zpacks do an offer for Christmas
@ th-cam.com/video/1-LpopK0bPg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=erwDxExrR9ngvA_F
th-cam.com/video/1-LpopK0bPg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=I173AZCEfrLxMCNQ
Looks like yours posted i see it this end but if not hopefully this link works to your vid reply . It'll be helpful for others too very interesting on the stays.
When you and others watch my framus vid you'll see stays of different shape
@@TonyHobbs Thanks, Tony! Yes. I posted it, then it was not visible, at least to me. I hope the comment about the sternum strap helps. Comfort wise, it was a game-changer for when I moved it lower and carried is less cinched down. Best to you!
I have the SW 4400 (70l). Given the height of that pack, it can become half an emergency bivy system, along with a proper jacket for warmth (like your PhD), rain/wind protection, etc. 👊
Very thorough review Tony.
Brilliant 👍
Great to hear 😊
I briefly entertained getting a HMG until I’d seen Russel’s critique after long term use of windrider and ended up opting for another. I’d like an arc haul but not willing to pay what Zpacks want for them.
Cyber Monday they giving 10% off so I might get arc then and ship to a friend there
Hi Tony. I use Built to Send packs. U tried them yet? Made in England. Absolutely bombproof. No upper carrying weight
No, chris loves his my issue would be no outer pockets but I understand from him like you they strong check comment by Michael plus his little video. These are strong. It looks like straps narrow
@TonyHobbs the BTS straps are quite thick and wide. I've got 4 of them now!! I'm predominantly a climber, which they're designed for. But I do like my wild camping when my climbing partner, aka my gf, can't make it. BTS packs are also incredibly light. They're biggest pack only weighs 1kg. They're also very weather proof. And they're cheaper than HMG packs 😉
Great review, HMG packs work well if they fit. I love them sized up, with the framestays in 90% of the weight rides on my hips amd I can carry a full kit with glacier gear comfortably.
Great comment thanks for watching and posting comment
It does seem to fit some well it fits well just uncomfortable when heavier i wish it had wider shoulder straps would make big difference plus I think the foam backing would be better if reached just above straps.
Hi Tony you won't think its so clever when uve ripped that strap off and left a whole in the pack even from pulling it tight when closing the pack 😅
Yeah handle with care lol
theres only one bad point for this pack... velcro at the top of the pack... why oh why, stupid. great vlog brother
Yes it's completely not needed at all many thanks
I like it for light full loads lol
Looking good for sure ❤
Which PHD down jacket is that? I've been looking at them but not too much stuff online.
Alpine ultra k
I do have a vid on it
Ive lost a bit of weight since then lol
If you can't find it shout
I have 5 PHD jackets including the one Tony is wearing. They make superb jackets
May I ask which five as I've about that or more 😆 it's a video idea to do vid on my collection over the years
@TonyHobbs crikey I've to remember now. Got the Yukon Jacket, The Alpine Ultra, the Sigma primaloft, the Ultralight pull on 125 gramms!! And just got the hooded fleece in bright red.
@@TonyHobbs thanks! Was able to find it 👍
I had the SW 70 about 10 years ago. Overpriced, poorly fitted, thin straps, tiny pockets, weak fabric against abrasion etc etc. It felt like the emperors new clothes. Everyone raved about it but it's really not great. Really sweaty unshaped back. Just no.
Interesting
They surely need thicker ie wider shoulder straps
I'd say this is improved in strength and pocket
But when I first took to Dartmoor loaded with stays in I was shocked how uncomfortable and painful it was
Removing them helped ....
But those shoulder straps not very comfy unfortunately
@TonyHobbs Yeah, I bought it on many people's recommendations of its amazing comfort. It was shit tbh for the price. Ultra basic flat back and thin straps. There's a hive mentality a bit with the ul scene. Take, for example, the buzz around Melanzana fleeces. Really heavy, like 3x heavier than some equivalents, impossible to get, overpriced and basic ancient technology. Just goes to show some people will go for the hype and ignore the blindingly obvious failings. With this pack you kinda have to try it yourself because it's impossible to tell if something is comfortable without actually seeing for yourself. It does make me wonder what kind of drugs these people are on, though, and where I can get some lol!!!
@rbreiff73 I'm sure some influencers are high lol maybe quasimodo will find it comfy 😅 😄 tbf it's not that bad but do check my bonfus pack vid next week it'll be interesting
Flat back light frameless is fine as I love my MLD Exodus as very comfy but this is disappointing for price . I'll use it for sure more. And see. I hope to get a arc haul 70 if zpacks will grant me 10% lol 😆 please boys I'd love to try it and see but a couple quid off would be appreciated 😀
@TonyHobbs I'm currently on my 8th Atompacks bag. They're OK I guess! The LiteAF Curves are incredibly comfortable. I completely recommend you try one of them. Specially with your bottomless vaults of gear funds 😆.
Mines the frameless one.
@rbreiff73 he won't discount anything for me lol 😆 what puts me off is shoulder drink pouches seem quite high on shoulders and fixed in place
One day maybe 😀