Backpack Advice – former HMG Southwest User

SWD Long Haul 50 is a good option.  If you make it out of Xpac it would be waterproof (minus the seams – plan on taping or seam sealing them).

I think the shoulder straps and hipbelt is better than the HMG – the hipbelt pockets certainly are.

They have a wait list so order early.

McHale makes a great pack, but you won’t get down to the 2lb Range with him, maybe 3lbs.

The SWD long haul is a nice customizable pack. However, once you switch to more durable fabrics (eg vx21) – which you should for a thru – it will weigh about the same as your hmg.

I have the SWD Long Haul 50. It’s a good pack, but I might be selling it (don’t ask yet, I’m not done comparing it). I got a Zpacks Arc Haul and prefer it. It’s lighter and while it doesn’t eliminate back sweat, it does reduce it with the arc.

The SWD material feels more durable and once you add hip pockets, etc. to the Arc Haul, the SWD is a good bit less expensive.

Both are highly water resistant, but do not rely on a pack to be waterproof. Protect your sleeping bag and clothes in something waterproof.

Both are good choices.

I’ve been using an 20-25 ounce Zpacks Arc Blast since 2014.

Due to its strong & flexible “external frame”, it does a marvelous job of transferring weight to the hips.

In my opinion, its better at transferring load than many “name brand” internal frame packs, and certainly better than any frameless pack on the market, that’s for sure.

I think it would be worth trying out the Katabatic Gear Onni in Liteskin. I find it more comfortable than my old HMG SW pack. Weight is about the same. Since the Onni is a non-custom pack, you can buy it, try it on, and return it if you don’t like it.

At 2 lbs. 11 oz. my Osprey EXOS 58 does a great job of hauling up to 45 lbs. in relative comfort.

It is called an “internal” frame but it really is more and external frame within the back mesh trampoline. Sometimes, for longer trips, I use light side pockets to up its capacity to 60 liters.

I mention the EXOS 58 here even though it may be 8 oz. heavier only because it is the most comfortable UL pack I’ve carried. I did cut off the left side “pole carrier” B/C IMHO it is a useless as t!ts on a boar.