Expedition backpack advice needed

note that the seek outside packs may not work as well for folks with narrower shoulders

the gap between the shoulder straps at the apex is ~7″ vs 4-5″ for more common commercial packs

there is a work around but its not ideal

the weight transfer to the hips however is the best ive seen yet

;)

I have a 3900 unaweep selling on gear swap if you are interested, but I don’t think the pack is big enough to ever shove 55 lbs of gear in it.

That’s good to know, thanks for info

I have a HMG Porter 4400 and a Unaweep 4800 (no talon) and the Unaweep is by far the better load hauler (IMO) and would be my choice for 55lbs. The hipbelt and shoulder straps on the Porter are a little wimpy for its intended purpose and for load hauling, I am not sure if you can get a better frame than the Unaweep.

If durability is a major concern I would go with the X42 rather than the X21 if you go the Unaweep route. I have the X21 and though it held up to Alaska Brush fine, I did have a few small holes after having to drag it over some granite in WRR.

I used a Porter 4400 for a five day trip on the Harding Ice Field near Seward, AK.  I carried mountaineering skis, a climbing rope, snow shoes, crampons, and my personal gear plus food, etc with no problems.  I found it to be adequate to the task and not uncomfortable (other than the discomfort of any heavy pack) and the pack fit me quite well for skiing; that said, I use a Paradox Evolution with an X21 pack bag and Talon for hunting and have carried 100 lbs as comfortably as one can carry a load of that magnitude.  I have found that the X21 holds up well to bushwhacking and it is lighter.  You will need to seam seal the pack bag for packrafting and since the Talon does not have a waterproof zipper, it (the Talon) cannot be totally waterproofed.  I dumped my Paradox in the Ayakulik river when I hit a sweeper and there was water inside the pack when I retrieved it.  I have since seam-sealed it with AquaSeal and modified the pack bag so that I can roll it down and strap it on the sides like an HMG pack; that with seam sealing has created a pretty waterproof pack.  I still pack clothes and sleeping bags in CF roll top bags anyway.

I think either one will serve you well for up to 55 lbs.

Hi Brad, think it was your enthusiasm in past posts that led me down this path, good to see your feelings haven’t changed on the matter. Do you think I’d be missing a trick getting the 3900, should I get 4800 in your opinion? With you on the X41, hoping it’ll be life long companion.

Michael that photo is epic, I’m most impressed, top marks!!

We had three rappels at various points at the foot of the glacier coming out – that was fun!  HMG got a kick out of the photo as well when I sent it to them.

Vincent, I also have an X41 pack bag on a Unaweep frame and frankly I think it’s overkill considering the weight gain.  I’ll probably sell the pack bag and go for a lighter one.

The 3900 is pretty skinny (6″ depth at bottom).  It carries well for that reason, but can be harder to pack with bulky items.  The Divide or 4800 Unaweep can carry a broader range of stuff.  I like more space for packrafting so I can put everything including paddles and PFD in the pack.

We have four fabrics to suit everyone.  X21 is pretty good for most.  On the other hand I put four holes in an X51 proto over two days this past weekend.  There’s a place for everything.

Rappels and glaciers, it’s mud and hills over here, maybe the odd angry cow!! And a cup of tea half way.

Which is why I think you can go with the lighter fabric on the pack bag.  I walked the Kerry Way a few years back, so I’m somewhat familiar with the UK.

For packrafting, I would definitely go for the 4800 over the 3900.  HMG Porters obviously work well too as so many people use them, but I thought the Unaweep carried better. Have used mine for a two week backpack/packraft in Brooks Range in 2015, a week long off trail route in WRR last year, and will be using it for a two week backpacking only trip in the Chugach mountains in Alaska this summer.

I’m definitely siding with the unaweep after the advice so far but material wise think I’m gonna go with the X42, planning on taking this bag a lot further than my own bag yard. Doesn’t seem like to heavy a weight penalty to pay for the extra durability.

Gotta say guy’s your advice has really helped, thanks again

Seems like you’re already decided, but I just want boost that: I own the 3900, and have studied and test carried the HMG. IMO, the Seek Outside is so obviously better suited for hauling big loads.

The 3900 size does fine for long trips outside of winter, even carrying special equipment such as packrafts or climbing gear.

Mine is made with the x21, and so far it only abraded and holed on me in situations where x51 would too.

My only issue is not being able to carry a good sized bear canister horizontally.