Any thoughts on the HMG 4400 Southwest

Hi pat,
While I don't have the SW I do have a wind rider 4400. I add a couple pictures here to try and help out. I also should mention this is a size large. The first picture is looking at the bottom with a BV450, I know it's the the 500 but I don't have one. Anyway, the circumference at the bottom of the bag is narrower than at the top so I bet a 500 would fit on its side easily. Other shots are random attempt at dimensions of my pack. I don't know if they'll help or not. It's also last season's model so there will be a few things different about a new one than mine but this one works so well for me. I really like the hip belt pockets on this model. One zipper pull and easy one handed operation. As to the top heavy load; well if you fill it up there is a ton of space at the top which would explain why they can be top heavy I guess. I end up being the pack animal for my family's adventures while my wife carry what I can't in her Elemental horizons kalais. I hope this has somewhat answered a few of your questions.

The fact that the stay is only 21 inches worries me . . . I'm worried it will be quite uncormfortable at that size. Do you know how long your torso is? Thanks for the pics they are helpful. I have a bv450 as well so ill try to do a rough estimation.

Torso, my wife tells me my torso length is 20". So the large fits me great. I tried a medium porter once but found it too small. I hope you find something that works for you.

:)

I wish I could try one out in person I may have to go with a more traditional pack. . Thanks for your help. Anyone with a long torso that has an hmg 4400 pack feel free to chime in.

Patrick,
Have you considered a Circuit or a Catalyst? The XL torso size states 24" and you will have the opportunity to shift the belt up or down somewhat to fine tune placement on your hips.

James,
Since you have both the HMG and the Kalais in the house, how does the Kalais do – fit and load carry and overall comort wise?

I view them as two different packs for different purposes. They are both comfortable, carry their respective load well, and are pretty :)

The Kalais has more bells and whistles. Ie, load lifters, more cinch points, a more adjustable his belt and 3d mesh back panel.

The hmg doesn't have those things but does it need them? No.

I do like to fiddle with things so the kalais is nice for that. You can make microscopic tweeks to the pack while you hike. But both packs are comfortable, carry loads well on my hips, are well constructed, and serve different purposes. Different horses for different courses my dad would say.

:)

I have a few hundred miles on my 4400 SW (purchased in early 2013). It is currently the only pack I own. I use it for day hikes and week-long backpacks. The compression system works well and I find it quite versatile (you can re-route the straps multiple ways, even secure the top drybag style). A large portion of the pack's volume lies near the top.

I've only had it loaded up to 38 or so lbs (mostly food and water). It carried well enough at that weight. I suspect 40-45 lbs would be the most I would want to carry in the pack – anything more and I'd look at packs with more padding or something like the Paradox Unaweep.

I wear a size Medium, so can't help with the long torso question.

I have a catalyst in large size, it fits real well but i want a pack with real volume in the main pocket. My mesh pocket is torn trying to avoid relying on one for gear. Im also looking for a pack that can hold 50lbs not sure the 4400 is really for me.

On vacation right now but have 4400 porter, 23" torso and the bear canister and have carried 60 plus pounds many miles in this pack. Love it. Will take some pics when I get back home.