Hyperlite Mountain Gear Inc.

Sorry, typo in my post with the 46". The Echo II is claimed at 7' x 52" (front) x 40" (back) as you state, but that does work out to 26.8 sq ft as was my conclusion.

Floor Area = (52"+40")/2 x 84" (assumes a quadrilateral and not curved edges)
Floor Area = 3864 sq inches

Convert that to sq ft (divide by 12*12 or 144) and you get 26.83.

Google Sketchup comes up with 26.87 which still doesn't jive with the specd 24. Regardless, it's smaller than a Seedhouse SL 2 which is already tight for 2 people. I'd want 30 min.

IMO, the problem with those Big Agnes tents (Fly Creek 2 & Seedhouse 2) isn't the amount of floor area but rather the lack of headroom. The sidewalls slope inward heavily. In the Fly Creek 2 you can't even have 2 people sitting up at the same time.

With that said, the Echo II doesn't look like it has a ton of headroom for 2 either.

Our bad, still working out kinks in these first two months. Thank you all for bringing it to our attention.

The actual dimensions are 7' long and 51" wide at front and 45" wide at rear.

This is 4.25' at the front and 3.75' at the rear. Therefore, the actual and adjusted area of the insert is 28 sq/ft.

I went ahead and ordered an Echo I last night. I figured it'd be nice to have a solo shelter for those trips when my wife isn't along. When I woke up this morning at 10am I already had an email saying it had shipped out…impressive stuff. It should be here when I return from my 9 day trip beginning in a couple days.

I was deciding between the Echo I ($490), the Zpacks Hexamid Duo w a sewn in floor ($530) and the MLD Cuben Grace Solo Tarp/Serenity Inner combo ($390). The Echo I tarp + inner (17oz) isn't much heavier than the MLD Grace/Serenity Combo (14oz) and it's significantly bigger inside, plus you have the option to add the Echo beak for foul weather so that seemed like an easy decision. I also don't like silnylon floors.

The Hexamid Duo was a strong contender at 13.2oz or 14.5oz with the door. That's 3.8oz (without door/beak) to 5.5oz lighter (with door/beak) than the Echo 1 and it looks quite a bit bigger too. It was a tough call but I decided for the Echo I mainly because of it's versatility. I like how I can use it as just a 6oz tarp in nice weather. It also appears to offer better protection against stormy weather and condensation, which is more important to me than a bit of extra space. The Echo I is also $40 cheaper which is always nice. Getting it right away was a big plus too since there isn't that much time left in the hiking season.

MIKE: Do you know the height of the Echo I insert at the foot end?

The beak was a nice touch.

In the end, what sold me was the integration between the components more than anything else. I haven't done it a lot yet, but I like sleeping under a tarp, but I also like having a more sheltered space when the weather gets nasty.

I sure do. The Echo I Insert at the foot end measures in at 22" and the Echo II foot end measures in at 25"

Thanks.

It looks like Will Rietveld is working on a BPL review of the Echo II.

From HMG's Facebook:

EDIT: I guess this is old news. BPL mentioned they were doing a review a month ago in the pre-ORSM coverage:

"Backpacking Light will publish a review of the Echo Shelter Systems later this year."

I had no idea – thanks for posting this Dan.

I'm taking mine to Mt. Rainier this weekend, and will be sharing it with another person. And hopefully I'll have my computers set up at home tonight, so with a bit of luck I'll be able to post some pics from Blanca Lake tonight, and from tomorrow's trip early next week.

I was going to say that being a photographer, your posts have been rather devoid of photos thus far.

I know, and it's been a frustrating couple of weeks partly for that reason. I packed up my computers and my router while renovating my house, so I've been shooting but not downloading and sharing images for a while. So tonight I'm going to be putting the computers back together so that I can start doing that again.

Here's a view of the Echo II pitched:

http://whitecranephotography.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Wilderness/Blanca-Lake/Camp/993658107_Wzy6L-M.jpg

My hoped-for backpack this weekend might end up being a day hike :(

There's still hope though.

Thanks for posting the pic. Looks good.

It looks like the pitch on that TT Scarp 2 could use a little fine tuning.

ordered some stuff sack to try the quality.

That must be HangEmHigh2000's Scarp;)

Hi Weiyi,

Your stuff sacks went out this morning. Enjoy.

Rakesh,

Nice job pitching the Echo shelter. Looks super tight

My name is Colin (aka Left Field) and I started out on the Appalachian Trail much like every first time Hiker. That is to say: A 60LB pack replete with the essentials: 3 books, -10 degree sleeping bag, my Marine Corps K-Bar(for bear and panther fights.), extra boots, six pairs of socks, cotton t-shirts, a metal first-aid box. etc. etc. Needless to say It took me quite a while to realize how misguided and confused I was, as I avoided outfitters and gear whiners like the plague. I stubbornly made it all the way to Harpers Ferry Virginia with my original ill-advised pack and hiking accoutrements, but having met "Bama" in the Shenedoahs, I was promised to be outfitted properly for the second half of the trek. I called Mike St.Pierre and told him that I had been Hiking with" Bama" and "Little b" and was interested in purchasing a pack. A week later I was fully equipped with not only a pack, but the Echo shelter as well. It changed my entire hiking experience( sounds infomercially I know, but its the Godd@#% truth). I was a first time thru-hiker and I kept up with "Bama", on his 90-day mission, from pennsylvania all the way to Hanover NH. Meaning I went from a 15 mile a day average to a 25 + daily average. As a former Grunt in the Marine Corps I was reminded of an expression that was used over and over when it came to our gear and general combat readiness: "High Speed, Low Drag." That is what I believ HMG has created; A product that is indeed "Hi-speed, Lo-drag" I can't tell you how nice it was to be able to hike in the rain sans the droopy diaper rain cover, with full confidence that my essentials within the bag were staying dry. It also made a huge difference having a shelter that was so malleable. That is to say I could pitch it anywhere and because of the adjustable stake lines finding a soft peice of ground was just a matter of loosening or tightening the adjustable cords. I have met people out on the trail who said that I wasn't getting the full trail experince hiking with light gear and doing big miles. I couldn't disagree more: Since getting outfitted by HMG the trail became a new place for me. I went from being a lumbering elephant to a graceful gazelle( god that description even makes me sick) It's true though: I even felt compelled to call Mike at HMG before entering the 100 mile wilderness, just to let him know how happy I was with my gear. Now my excitement with my gear could be a result of having had such a poor set up at the beggining of the trail, but I like to think that the gear is that good, and that my contentment is merited. Anyway Just wanted to drop a post and say that HMG has done right by me, and my gear will be accompanying me on my next hike, which will most likely be sooner than later. If anybody wants to rip on me for being to excited about the gear go ahead. But know this: we may run into eachother out there and the woods have gotten to me a little. Peace.
Left Field

Thanks!

I'm still not completely certain about how the beak is attaching to the tarp, it seems a bit off to me — also I still lose some tension in the tarp when I attach the beak, and I'm not sure why. I will say also that I haven't done a lot of experimenting.

Anyway… space-wise, it's ok for two; there's enough space side by side. It does feel like it has more space than a Seedhouse SL2 (which was my first backpacking tent), but I suspect that it's due to the fact that the Echo's walls aren't as steep, plus the first foot or so of the walls are vertical.

Either way, the combination of weight and versatility means that it's likely to be my primary backpacking shelter, at least outside of winter conditions.

Rakesh,

I you would like to send me some pictures of how you are setting this up I might be better able to guide you in the right direction. When attaching the beak you should not be loosing tension on the tarp. With the combination of line and reinforcements you can pull the tarp extremely tight which is the last thing I do when setting up. I go around an make sure everything is as tight as possible. I have found if I take the extra minute to insure everything is as tight as possible before I go to bed It saves me from having to get up if and when the weather turn ugly. If this has only been your second time setting it up I would suggest trying it a few more times and sending some pictures or a little video if you like. Let me know how I can help.

BTW, in the picture you posted the beak looked great.

HMG’s Windrider backpack review

My name is Shay Blackley, otherwise known by my trail name, Wander. I am an avid long distance hiker and have accumulated over 6000 trail miles in four different countries. I was the first person to complete the Appalachian Trail southbound in 2009. I have been backpacking for years and spend the majority of the year sleeping and living outdoors rather than under a fixed roof. Over the years I have moved towards lightening my gear, making long distance hiking more enjoyable and efficient.

I was excited for the opportunity to test Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s new backpack on my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike. I used the Windrider for the last 1500 miles of the 2700 mile trail.

First impression:
My initial reaction was why the heck was this pack made from such a heavy cuben when other companies packs were made with fabric that was half the weight. Sure this pack only weighs 24 oz. but there are packs that only weigh 10 oz. Yes, it did have removable plastic stays inside to act as a frame and give more structure and was waterproof, but was it still necessary to have such heavy duty materials?

I was suprised by how large the backpack seemed to me, and looked much larger then what a 40L backpack should look like. Unlike most bags out there, the roll-top closure gave the illusion that your small thru-hiking backpack can fit as much as an expedition backpack .

Material:
Often people say they love the lightness of the cuben but hate purchasing a “disposable” pack. I would not classify the Windrider as a disposable pack. I’ve hiked with people that had lighter-weight cuben packs from other companies that had problems with the fabric shredding and having their gear get soaked from sweat that penetrated through the back panel. After 1500 miles, the Windrider never had any problems with the cuben deteriorating. The fabric had no signs of deterioration and was still completely waterproof.

Cuben initially has a strange feel to it before it has been used for about the first week or two. It has the feel of heavy cardboard paper which might turn people away if this was their first cuben piece of gear.

The mesh used on the pack’s back pouches are larger than most other lightweight packs, for a good reason. Where other packs meshing gets ripped and you find that you lost your water bottle cause your little hole just got a little too big, this mesh holds strong. Even after forging though massive stretches of blown down trees and overgrown sections, the meshing remained fully intact without any signs of wear or tear.

I found that the mesh side pockets were a bit tight for my liking. I use 20 oz. bottles and found that anything larger than those were a trick to get in and out during the first few weeks of a hike. As the mesh stretched overtime, I was easily able to fit two 20 oz bottles in a single pocket.

The waterproof pockets proved to be the perfect size for my camera. I was very comfortable keeping it in the pocket during hard rainstorms.

Size and Comfort:
The size of the pack was perfect for a long distance thru-hike. When I carried a small load of only 3 to 4 days, I was still able to fit my full length foam pad inside. For the longer stretches, it was completely realistic to fit 12 days of food into the backpack. The roll top made compression of the pack a breeze when you were a day from a resupply, and also acted as an extension collar when you leaving town with one too many Snickers bars.
Even on the longer carries, the backpack was one of the most comfortable packs I have carried that didn’t have a full frame. I carried 30lbs in the Whindrider and was happy that it wasn’t pulling off my back like most other frameless packs once given a heavier load.

One thing that I think is often overlooked on backpacks is the sternum strap. I can confidently state that the Windrider has the best one of any pack I’ve ever owned including fully-framed expedition backpacks This is due to the elastic band that actually manages to stretch fully unlike other brands straps that barely give any elasticity before maxing.

Overall:
I got this pack thinking, “Yes this is a light weight pack, but why does it use heavier material then is necessary?” The answer is because Hyperlite Mountain Gear actually cares about making bomber gear that lasts more than one Thru-Hike. Other cuben packs have a limited lifespan, but the Windrider has risen above the others and will survive even the most brutal trail over and over again. My favorite element of the Windrider is the fact that it is a waterproof backpack. No stress about that sudden, unexpected storm that develops. I just sit back and smile knowing my gear will stay dry during a downpour, while my hiking partners scramble to waterproof their sleeping bags.

Man,
I haven't heard so much positive product endorsement from first time posters since the AB2000 abdominal excercise machine.

"Man,
I haven't heard so much positive product endorsement from first time posters since the AB2000 abdominal excercise machine."

+1

If these guys were given the packs then they should say so and not simply post advertisments masquerading as reviews. And reviews would in any case be in the reviews section.

If the gear is any good then it doesn't need the heavy-handed viral marketing.

Second paragraph says – "I was excited for the opportunity to test Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s new backpack on my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike."….So, seems like he did say that he was given one to use.

This gear is new and expensive guys, so it will take a while for the average user like you or I to chime in with a review. Just think of these as a commercial.

Ryan