HMG Porter Review

We like Porter be we want pocketses.

Quality review indeed.

I recently parted with my Ohm 2.0 and moved to a straight forward alpine inspired pack with no pockets, using simple dual compression on the sides with x4 4-way lash points- I had no problem sorting gear or usability issues, and in fact have come to really appreciate the simplicity of a narrow pocketless ruck and solid compression . Outside mesh pockets are practical, but they can also be "catch alls" for extraneous stuff that may not necessarily need to be out with you. I appreciate the clean lines and overall aesthetic of a solid alpine pack like the Porter/Expedition. Now the glaring white hybrid cuben/nylon? Not so much, but perhaps that's an acquired taste.

Yeah, my Porter is a bit dirty now.

With respect to mesh pockets, I would agree. A trekking mate recently used his Granite Gear Crown on the WCT with me. My Porter got a bit dirty. Both his side pockets were torn sufficiently to be useless. One hole in the front pocket as well.

I rigged side pockets to mine and because of the lashing points, I set them up angled for easy access. I also tested out a prototype HMG front pocket that was absolutely brilliant. The volume was fully usable without impeding on the volume of the main bag.

Porter accessories on the way.

I actually am not a fan of lots of pockets also, which is why I purchased a porter. But I would like maybe one simple pocket to stuff maybe a windshirt and water bottle.
Right now I have some bungie cord I got off my ULA pack to lash a water bottle to the shoulder strap, But I've never been a fan of that location.

Here is the front pocket I was using:

Looks like your backpack has a backpack.

7 days out. That is a cuben sack with a TT Notch in it. I would say the pocket adds 10-12 total litres.

I like that others are starting to share some of their feedback on the Porter. I'll add my $0.02…

I've used the pack for three or four quick 1 or 2-night trips over the winter/spring just to try it out and see how everthing works. I plan to take it on a longer trip or two this year as my schedule allows.

The pack carries a one or two night winter season load very comfortably, easily transferring the weight to my hips. I look forward to seeing how it handles a larger, multi-day load.

The padded wings on the hip belt are comfortable and "lock in" around my waist/hips well altough the wings are on the verge of being a little small for me (at 34" waist). I'd like the wings to wrap a little farther around my waist.

The material is very tough. I've completed a couple of bush-whacking trips and a mild canyoneering trip with the pack and it's held up well to the rock scraping and scratching from the brush. The bottom of the pack is a little scuffed and fuzzy and the blinding white of the material is a bit dirty, but otherwise the pack looks fine.

I haven't tested the waterproofness of the fabric yet other than a couple of brief dunks in a creek when losing my footing. No water in the pack from those accidental partial submersions.

I'm watching the stitching carefully… there's a couple of spots on the pack where it looks like the stitching is pulling apart slightly. Nothing serious… yet… but I'm keeping an eye on it. The main spot is where the top side compression strap meets the seam that runs up the side of the pack where the side and back panels come together.

Haven't found a use for the internal mesh pocket yet. I consider cutting it out to save my fractions of an ounce but fear I'll someday miss it. On future iterations, I'd suggest HMG make it modular so it can be added/removed as desired.

Modularity of the design is awesome with all of the daisy chains everywhere. Over my assorted trips, I've rigged up combinations of shockcord bungees to hold equipment on the front of the pack where a kangaroo pocket would normally go, wand pockets on the sides for bottles, etc., hip belt pockets, little bungee loops for trekking poles or an ice axe, a chest harness for a camera, shoulder strap-mounted water bottles, etc. I'm having fun trying out all the different options, mixing and matching as needed. I'm looking forward to HMG's own line of accessory items and hope they develop ways for these accessories to be added on or removed easily and quickly. Some of my own attachments are a bit of a pain to attach or detach.

Overall, I'm pleased with the pack and can't wait to get out for some longer trips with it.