Hyperlite Backpack

The hyperlights do not have load lifters, even on their load hauler Porter 4400 and 5400, which has always perplexed me. If you get an HMG, note thier hipbelt pockets are pretty bad, but they will make a hipbelt without pockets so you can add aftermarket ones, which it the route I would go.

Or just get a backpack that might have those features…….

IMHO HMG packs are over hyped – having owned and used a HMG Porter 4400. Did not work for me but many swear by HMG packs. YMMV.

But you already knew that….

It took me a while with several different packs to understand that comfort and fit of a pack trumps the weight of the pack itself (below say 3-4 lbs). My typical trips are 5-10 days with a significant starting food weight.

I also think that hybrid cuben is overhyped. It’s not that it’s a terrible fabric but overpriced and I don’t see it having advantages over X-Pac. I wouldn’t not buy a pack due to the fabric, but I wouldn’t buy one because of the fabric either.

Thanks for the feedback.   I had a bad experience with the zpack ArcZip because it just didn’t fit my torso length (sold it on this website) but I did love the fabric because of it being waterproof therefore no pack cover required.  I do agree that having a light weight pack does not really mean much if the pack doesn’t fit properly.  No load lifters is a concern to me.  Guess I could order the pack and try it out, send it back if it doesn’t work out.

By the way did you mean z-pac instead of x-pac in your post above?

HMG packs are great assuming you get a torso length appropriate for you (obviating the load lifter issue) and that you keep the load under 30 pounds. It’s too tempting to stuff a 4400 full, so that’s a silly pack in my opinion. The 2400 works well for 2-3 day trips, and the 3400 for 3-5 day trips. The suspension isn’t suited for more than that. I do 4-day-long trips with my 2400 and like the carry, but I keep the total pack weight under 25 pounds.

X-PAC is a light weight, waterproof fabric used by Superior Wilderness Designs and Zimmerbuilt (among others) for their packs.
Cheers

It took me a while with several different packs to understand that comfort and fit of a pack trumps the weight of the pack itself (below say 3-4 lbs).

Yep, and my HMG Windrider 2400 is the best-fitting pack I’ve owned since ~1980, even with a starting weight of 33+ pounds for an 8-day trip.

So put me in the “swear by HMG packs” group. I also really like most of the design and the fabric, and I’ve worked around most of the design flaws.

No pack is perfect, some are great for an individual, and be prepared to make mods.

— Rex

The Hanchor Marl is a very similar design to the Windrider 3400, except it’s lower priced, built of XPac (more durable) and does have load lifters. IMO, it’s a better pack:

https://intocascadia.com/2017/05/06/review-hanchor-marl-42l-pack/

I’m with Rex – fit is everything and HMG larges fit me like they were tailor made.

I have HMG packs in all 3 common sizes (don’t have a 5400) and use them almost exclusively. I originally thought the absence of load lifters would be an issue; don’t even think about it anymore – one less strap to mess with. I’m currently of the opinion that load lifters may be a way to make a pack that doesn’t fit you right a little more comfortable.

All my other packs have become closet queens or given away (ranging from my beloved Terraplane to the MLD Exodus).

I did just snag an essentially new Arc’teryx Bora AR 63 at a REI garage sale (for $200) so maybe my opinion could change (again) about load lifters.

Thanks for all of the very informative feedback.  Think I’ll proceed with giving the HMG a try.  Also just purchased an Osprey Exos.  Got it because it was on 50% off sale.  I will hang onto that one even if the HMG works out.  Going back to do Southern Maine and New Hampshire in the fall.  Trying to complete my AT section hiking.

Nancy…  I just picked up a Superior 35L Dyneema pack from Superior Wilderness Design (I don’t work for them or have any affiliation with them).  This pack is awesome.  They have loads of options.  Oh…and ‘Yes’ they do come with load lifters as an option, which are a must in my world.  What I really like about the Superior 35L is the optional ‘Dual Adjust Hip Belt Buckle’.  I always get chaffing on my bony hip bones.  This ‘Dual Adjust Hip Belt Buckle’ lets me adjust the hip belt to ride more comfortably….love it.  I also got an optional tall pocket like on the Gossamer Gear Mariposa.  I like to store my tent there.  Plus an optional roll top zipper and roll top side compression straps.

The pack probably has only 50 miles on it so far…..it’s new.  So far it’s been a joy to have.  I’m looking forward to the snow going away and getting in some big miles with it.

Since I got an HMG Porter, the pack is a solved issue for me. I have carried up to 40lb, the fabric is great in that it does not soak water and the dirt and sand do not stick, and the external attachments allow me to fit all packrafting gear. None other packs I have tried are close.

Thanks for all the feedback.  A 35L pack would be too small for my backpacking trips. I need a 50-55L pack.  Do they make a larger dyneema pack?

Is the HMG pack hot on your back?  It has no mesh to keep your back cool.

Yes…..Superior Wilderness Design does make a 50L called the Long Haul.

https://www.swdbackpacks.com/backpacks

Yes…I find this style of pack to be warm on the back.

I added load lifters to my HMG Porter 4400 by using quick-attack ladderlocks and quick attach triglides. Load lifters attach to the shoulder straps and the Y-yoke. So it only works when the pack is loaded up pretty good and fully expanded.  I’ll see if i can upload a picture. It really helps with comfort. That said, I went ahead and bought a Seek Outside Divide 4500 to replace the Porter. It is many times more comfortable than the HMG, more durable (xpac) and more adjustable. Also the external frame allows it to sit on the bow of my packraft in a more stable fashion. It isn’t as tippy as the barrel shaped HMG. Oh, and it weighs 6 ounces more than the HMG, worth it though. Check out the Seek Outside Gila. Probably in Grey. Very comparable to the HMG you are talking about.