Hyperlite Mountain Gear

I bought a Dyneema Summit pack on the first day they became available. I love the fabric, and it is tough as hell (I also have an ordinary cuben Porter pack that developed a hole through friction, rubbing on a bumpy bus seat), and super waterproof, though it sure stains easily from grass. I’ve long thought that the pocket ought to be offered as a permanent option, so you either buy the pack new with a sewn-on pocket, or without. The sewn-on pocket should preserve the vertical tunnel between pocket and pack, which is useful to slide a folded seat pad or occasionally skiis, so it is only sewn on at the sides. That would also mean the with-model would be a little lighter than the current combination. But that saving in weight could usefully be taken up by a (likely also optional at purchase) Y strap as on the the bigger HMG packs, to sometimes secure stuff on top (parka or jacket or rolled-up pad; I jury rig at present but it’s awkward). The shoulder straps are slightly too wide apart at the top. Also, I’d like to see a model midway between the summit and the 2400 line in capacity, though maybe that’s not needed.

Can you send it back for a refund?

Just an opinion from the peanut gallery, but the photo seems fairly self-explanatory, and most things described as “stuff pockets” are not designed to have a closure, usually just elastic cord with gravity doing the bulk of the job.  :^/

I bet Chris Zimmer of Zimmerbuilt could make you a pocket that has all the features you want. He’s done a bunch of detachable water bottle pockets for people with HMG Porter packs. I’ve never seen his products in person, but a lot of people on BPL have posted impressive work he’s done.

If you go the custom route, maybe use slik-clips for the attachment? Seems like they’d be much easier to put on. Slik-clips are super strong when closed, but a little fragile when open, so you’d have to be careful when removing the pocket. I have a pack with removable pockets attached with slik-clips, and I broke two the first day, but now that I know to be gentle with them when open, I’ve had no more problems. Get the slik-clips that open on both sides, as opposed to the sewn-in ones, so that they are easier to replace  if they do break (I had to saw my broken sewn-in ones off).

I like HMGs construction quality and overall packbag design, however I have found their suspension systems to be lacking for the higher loads they advertise (looking at you Porter 4400), but more applicable here, the poor design of their accessories.  Their hipbelt pockets are Terrible and there water bottle holders (for the Porter) are pretty bad as well.  The detachable front pocket is a good idea but agree that perhaps it could be implemented better.