Another HMG Windrider strap modification
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Removing bits and pieces of my 2012 Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider pack (now the Windrider 2400) seems to be a hobby.
The diagonal straps across the sides of the pack have always bugged me. I don’t like the way they look, you can’t hang stuff from them without sliding down, and they don’t hold tall stuff up that well. “Before” photos from the 2017 Windrider 2400, but the design hasn’t changed:
I’d already removed the straps across the side pockets (dumb!) and the straps that hold the fold top down (clip top buckles together).
I penciled out a bunch of ideas to replace the diagonal straps with something more functional, all involving adding attachment points.
Then I realized the solution was staring right at me – run a new strap across the back, using the existing ladder locks on the sides, and the sewn-in loop on the back, at the base of the over-the-top Y-straps. That loop normally holds a velcro strap to retain an ice axe. Dug around in my pile of extra stuff, found the right sized webbing, sewed “keeper” tabs on both ends, and voila!
Above photo shows the strap running through the back loop.
Above photo shows the connection to the side ladder lock.
Above photo shows the strap securely holding a tent and umbrella in the other side pocket.
The new strap also makes hanging socks, packtowels, and similar off the pack much easier.
Worked great on a recent five day trip. Easy to cinch down and loosen, makes a great clothesline. Now I can cut off those dang diagonal straps!
Almost seems like HMG lined up the ladder lock angles and the back loop to make this modification easy. Too bad it took me nearly five years to see it.
To cut a few more grams, substitute 2 mm line, cut off the ladder locks, run the line through the loops that remain, and tie off one end with a slip knot. I probably won’t bother.
— Rex
[Edit] PS – it also compresses the upper pack much better – not that I care, I think compression is highly overrated. YMMV.
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