HMG Customizations

yes, the hip belt pockets are one of the HMG’s weakest features. I would love a ULA belt on it.

As to length of hikes, I have usedv a 2400 to thru hike twice, so it is enough for longer trips, tho that obviously depends on the gear you are carrying. I have no experience with Boy Scout trips so I have no idea if you need to carry much more.

I used the Windrider and was happy with it.

I have the southwest, and custom changed no hydration in exchange for a zip pocket.  nice feature and covers the top of the frame connection, adding another layer between pokey stuff and your back.  I actually rarely use the pocket since on longer hikes I have maps money id etc in a separate pouch.

Also did no hydration ports since I don’t use internal bladder.

I don’t miss the mesh from other packs, the outside pocket being solid is a plus — to me.  If my tarp is wet it goes in there alone and dries (or not) later.  90% of the time i keep often used stuff like filter, outter clothing, and poncho ready to go if rain comes.  If the mesh is sturdy it wouldn’tmatter but I can’t help you there

The hipbelt pockets are small, but hold snacks or a small camera well, and only ones I found that work one handed every time. Typically have a folded map and small compass in one and snacks in the other, chap stick, stupid smalls that I use without skipping a step.  Headlamp in the evening.  They are not unusable just because they don’t hold 3L each like other pockets.

Anyone know if HMG will still make their packs in woven dyneema?

Is there info on the website somewhere on custom mods, or do we just dream up what we want and then contact HMG?

I called and asked about these mods, and they’ve done them before.  They will also remove the hydration pouch and opening, or change the hip belt pockets to gear loops.  They’ll do any or all of these for a set price.

They may do other miss you can think of.  I asked about extending the netting up on the back pocket and they said no.

No idea about woven Dyneema.

The removable hipbelt sounds appealing. Swapping out for a ULA belt is a good idea. I wonder if the removable belt changes the suspension at all?

Exactly my question.  The ULA attachment method is clearly well rested, but does it work just as well with HMG.  Hopefully someone with that mod will reply

I got the ski side panels in Dyneema on my Porter 3400, with loops, and while the loops look a little excessive, and it was somewhat costly, the system works well, and I’m happy with it.