items: items 1: content: I had reservations about this pack, surely it wouldn't carry as well as the more traditional packs that I have used? Those shoulder straps look thin, surely they can't be very comfortable? Would I even like a pack that doesn't have very many pockets to stow a million things?
I was very well pleased when I got this pack, transferred my gear over, did several test hikes, and all of my reservations turned out to be false.
I really appreciate the simplicity of this pack, and somehow it is amazingly comfortable even with a 34lb loadout. The mesh pockets stretch and do hold a surprising amount of things. I would like for the mesh main pocket to be a bit taller, but it is sufficient and works well.
I am very glad that I gave this pack a try, it really is excellent and worth even bit of hype, and every penny that it costs
marketplace: garagegrowngear
source: garage grown gear
sourceLogo: https://i.flash.tech/a/rs:fill:300:400:0/g:sm/plain/s3://flash-creatives/images/merchants/garage grown gear
starRating: 5
title: Reservations turned false, pack is amazing
type: REVIEWS
items 2: content: sometimes when i pack it just right i swear it feels as if i’m carrying only a feather- like some sort of weird voodoo magic. if i pack it slightly off it pulls on my shoulders and gives me a little crock in my neck after 10 miles. the white dyneema is fantastic- it’s so tough and it’s now become my favorite pack to actually pack- the white let’s you see everything in your pack easily- it’s so roomy it feels double the size of comparable ultra light packs. it’s so durable it inspires confidence. i bought myself a used southwest in a 40 liter and i loved it so much i got my husband the 4400 southwest and then my son the 3400 windrider. i have already decided to steal it on occasion. the mesh is perfect for drying things out while hiking. i like getting stuff done while i’m on trail- onemanband it’s a very simple pack with well padded shoulder straps and a wide comfy hip belt. ann in all i’d love to see all my packs made with the white dyneema- i even use it after labor day….
marketplace: garagegrowngear
source: garage grown gear
sourceLogo: https://i.flash.tech/a/rs:fill:300:400:0/g:sm/plain/s3://flash-creatives/images/merchants/garage grown gear
starRating: 5
title: White Dyneema is fantastic, pack is roomy
type: REVIEWS
items 3: content: I started backpacking in 1975 when I was thirteen years old. I've seen many different styles of equipment come and go. My first thought when I opened the box from HMG and pulled out the Windrider was about my first backpack. I some my parents still have it, all 6-7 lbs of it, tucked away in a closet at their home. It was a behemoth of an old school canvas pack mounted on a huge aluminum frame.To think I hiked my first fifty mile stretch of the AT with a loaded pack pushing 35-40 lbs when I myself only weighed a little over a hundred pounds amazes me to this day, and makes me smile a bit too. I'm sure pics from that period show me as a scrawny little kid dwarfed by a massive pack with a big smile on his faceI loved hiking back then, more than anything, but how ... MoreI started backpacking in 1975 when I was thirteen years old. I've seen many different styles of equipment come and go. My first thought when I opened the box from HMG and pulled out the Windrider was about my first backpack. I some my parents still have it, all 6-7 lbs of it, tucked away in a closet at their home. It was a behemoth of an old school canvas pack mounted on a huge aluminum frame.To think I hiked my first fifty mile stretch of the AT with a loaded pack pushing 35-40 lbs when I myself only weighed a little over a hundred pounds amazes me to this day, and makes me smile a bit too. I'm sure pics from that period show me as a scrawny little kid dwarfed by a massive pack with a big smile on his faceI loved hiking back then, more than anything, but how much more would I have loved it if I had started with a pack that was under two pounds? It still makes me shake my head and laugh realizing how many miles I did using that original rig.This new Windrider is a just about as perfect pack for me as I can imagine. The simplicity, the craftsmanship, quality materials and lastly, the feather weight, are worth every penny. It fits like a dream when loaded. Today my pack for that same fifty mile trek hovers around 15-18lbs. The advances in equipment sure has made it easier on my body, and this old body needs all the help it can get. LOL.Since I've gotten back into backpacking I have poured over internet articles, equipment reviews, youtube videos etc and eventually came to the conclusion that a HMG pack was the way to go. I do not regret that decision one bit. I followed up the Windrider pack purchase by getting a couple of large pods and a pillow stuff sack. The modular aspect everything working together and organizing the pack for a comfortable ride is sublime.It's a great piece of equipment made with love and lots of pride right here in the USA. I have intentionally minimized my purchases from the large retail stores and focused on cottage industry shops to complete my new lightweight gear setup. It just feels right knowing I am getting some of the best equipment made with the highest craftsmanship by people who love being in the outdoors as much as I do.Supporting HMG and other cottage industries is helping our economy get back to it's cottage industry roots and that's a good thing.Keep up the great work HMG! I'll be back for more. Less
marketplace: google
source: google
sourceLogo: https://i.flash.tech/a/rs:fill:300:400:0/g:sm/plain/s3://flash-creatives/images/merchants/google
starRating: 5
title: Compares favorably to old heavy packs
type: REVIEWS
items 4: content: I've had a number of packs in the last 10 years and 5,000 miles, including several ULA, Granite Gear, Osprey and Gregory, among others, and have finally found everything my soul has been yearning for in the HMG Windrider. No other pack provides the comfort, capacity, protection, quality of service and 'tight' cylindrical packing profile that HMG offers.I recently upgraded to a newly badged Windrider 3400 after selling my older 2400, both in black. On an aside, do yourself a favor and upgrade to the black- you'll thank me. The 2400 was absolutely PERFECT, and though my baseweight is as low as I'm comfortable at about 13lbs in the dead of winter, I decided to upgrade to the 3400 for those resupplies when I pack out fresh produce, a 2lb bag of cereal, 6 cheeseburgers ... MoreI've had a number of packs in the last 10 years and 5,000 miles, including several ULA, Granite Gear, Osprey and Gregory, among others, and have finally found everything my soul has been yearning for in the HMG Windrider. No other pack provides the comfort, capacity, protection, quality of service and 'tight' cylindrical packing profile that HMG offers.I recently upgraded to a newly badged Windrider 3400 after selling my older 2400, both in black. On an aside, do yourself a favor and upgrade to the black- you'll thank me. The 2400 was absolutely PERFECT, and though my baseweight is as low as I'm comfortable at about 13lbs in the dead of winter, I decided to upgrade to the 3400 for those resupplies when I pack out fresh produce, a 2lb bag of cereal, 6 cheeseburgers and a six pack.The new pack carries and fits just as well, and carries the 35lbs I've tested it with like a DREAM- better than both my Circuit and Catalyst carried 20lbs. The good news- I'll never have it loaded with more than 25. Though the hipbelt is thin compared to many others, and I'm a skinny guy, it functions better than any I've seen (including Gregory) in successfully and comfortably transferring weight to your illiac crest, hugging it perfectly. HMG have perfected this concept, making their packs carry more comfortably than the majority of the 'competition'. While some raise concern about not having load lifters, if the pack is properly designed, carrying the weight close to your body, you don't need them!Ask me about how much I love my HMG Windrider- I'd love to tell you alllllllll about it! Less
marketplace: google
source: google
sourceLogo: https://i.flash.tech/a/rs:fill:300:400:0/g:sm/plain/s3://flash-creatives/images/merchants/google
starRating: 5
title: Perfect pack, comfortable and lightweight
type: REVIEWS
items 5: content: Took my new 3400 Windrider on a short backpack outing with my 12 year old and it handled the extra load of daddy being the trip mule. Weight transfer to the hips was great and after a few kilometers fiddling with the straps to get it just right, I barely noticed I was wearing the pack. I love the simplicity of the strap and pouch system. I found it relatively easy to get water out of the mesh pockets and get the bottles back into their pockets after taking a drink while walking. I just found as long as you loosened the strap holding the bottle in place before pulling it out, it went back in with ease. The belt pouches were just the right size for my phone and knife on one side and a pouch of almonds and lip gloss on the other. A well constructed and well designed ... MoreTook my new 3400 Windrider on a short backpack outing with my 12 year old and it handled the extra load of daddy being the trip mule. Weight transfer to the hips was great and after a few kilometers fiddling with the straps to get it just right, I barely noticed I was wearing the pack. I love the simplicity of the strap and pouch system. I found it relatively easy to get water out of the mesh pockets and get the bottles back into their pockets after taking a drink while walking. I just found as long as you loosened the strap holding the bottle in place before pulling it out, it went back in with ease. The belt pouches were just the right size for my phone and knife on one side and a pouch of almonds and lip gloss on the other. A well constructed and well designed pack all around. Less
marketplace: google
source: google
sourceLogo: https://i.flash.tech/a/rs:fill:300:400:0/g:sm/plain/s3://flash-creatives/images/merchants/google
starRating: 5
title: Great weight transfer, simple strap system
type: REVIEWS
items 6: content: I looked everywhere for a light durable pack. I had met a fellow in 2011 who had made his own pack from cuben fiber so I knew what it was and decided to try this one out. It was smaller than my current pack but that way I would reduce my load. I received one as a Christmas present and I was a little skeptical but also intrigued. I finally got to try it out a few weeks ago on a 7 day 78 mile hike in NY and Ct on the AT. I am impressed, I really like it. It handled my 38lb load very well and and after few attempts I got it adjusted. I will definitely use this as my go to pack. I still have to work on loading it as I have my tent on the bottom and I have to dig it out each night. So you know I am a 68 year old hker.Very durable and I do like the out side pockets well ... MoreI looked everywhere for a light durable pack. I had met a fellow in 2011 who had made his own pack from cuben fiber so I knew what it was and decided to try this one out. It was smaller than my current pack but that way I would reduce my load. I received one as a Christmas present and I was a little skeptical but also intrigued. I finally got to try it out a few weeks ago on a 7 day 78 mile hike in NY and Ct on the AT. I am impressed, I really like it. It handled my 38lb load very well and and after few attempts I got it adjusted. I will definitely use this as my go to pack. I still have to work on loading it as I have my tent on the bottom and I have to dig it out each night. So you know I am a 68 year old hker.Very durable and I do like the out side pockets well designed. The compression system is nicely designed and easy to use. We did not have any rain so I can't attest to the weather proofing.Small issue, I wish that there was a small clip on the inside pockt so I attached my keys anda small bag I use for my monet and credit cards,Keep up the good work Less
marketplace: google
source: google
sourceLogo: https://i.flash.tech/a/rs:fill:300:400:0/g:sm/plain/s3://flash-creatives/images/merchants/google
starRating: 5
title: Lightweight, durable, handles heavy loads well
type: REVIEWS
items 7: content: I bought my HMG Windrider in the Spring of 2015 after trying out many other UL packs. Including Osprey Exos, ULA, Gossamer Gear, Six Moon Designs, Z Zpacks, and Granite Gear. The "Windrider" is by far the most comfortable pack I've owned. I compared it to all the packs above with 20-25 lbs and immediately loved the fit and it's simple but highly functional features. My pack has been down the John Muir Trail, and is currently over 400 miles into the PCT for 2016. My blog (http://chancingit.com) Other hikers have commented on how small my pack looks, but yet I still carry everything I need with a low base weight. Maxed out I can carry around 35 lbs. For long water carries, but it feels like you're wearing nothing in the 20-25 lb. range.
marketplace: google
source: google
sourceLogo: https://i.flash.tech/a/rs:fill:300:400:0/g:sm/plain/s3://flash-creatives/images/merchants/google
starRating: 5
title: Most comfortable pack, highly functional features
type: REVIEWS
items 8: content: I love this thing! For how minimalist it is, it is very comfortable and the perfect size for the trips I take. I've done 20+ mile days in the mountains of Montana loaded with around 30lbs and have no complaints. The hip pockets are perfect for a few snacks and the mesh pouches on the outside are great for a few quick access essentials and drying out clothes while hiking. Definitely recommend!
marketplace: google
source: google
sourceLogo: https://i.flash.tech/a/rs:fill:300:400:0/g:sm/plain/s3://flash-creatives/images/merchants/google
starRating: 5
title: Minimalist, comfortable, perfect size for trips
type: REVIEWS
items 9: content: I am in love with this pack. I have tried a variety of packs for my ultralight backpacking, but this is the first one that fit me like a glove. I cannot get over how comfortable this pack is. I end up using it for my day hikes as well since its so comfy.I had HMG add the internal zippered pouch for a small fee, and I'm sure glad I did, it helps keep my 10 essentials at the top of my pack.The quality is absolutely top-notch and I'm tempted to purchase a second one just in case something ever happened to my first one.The material is great. It's starting to yellow a bit, and it gets stained easily, but it's super tough, super light, and carries its weight extremely well. There are a few design tweaks that I would make if I were in charge of the pack. I'd make the ... MoreI am in love with this pack. I have tried a variety of packs for my ultralight backpacking, but this is the first one that fit me like a glove. I cannot get over how comfortable this pack is. I end up using it for my day hikes as well since its so comfy.I had HMG add the internal zippered pouch for a small fee, and I'm sure glad I did, it helps keep my 10 essentials at the top of my pack.The quality is absolutely top-notch and I'm tempted to purchase a second one just in case something ever happened to my first one.The material is great. It's starting to yellow a bit, and it gets stained easily, but it's super tough, super light, and carries its weight extremely well. There are a few design tweaks that I would make if I were in charge of the pack. I'd make the compression straps go under the netting, and I'd replace the netting with something stretchier, that conformed to whatever was inside the pockets. Those are very minor complaints though, I'm thrilled with this pack. Less
marketplace: google
source: google
sourceLogo: https://i.flash.tech/a/rs:fill:300:400:0/g:sm/plain/s3://flash-creatives/images/merchants/google
starRating: 5
title: Love this pack, top-notch quality and material
type: REVIEWS
items 10: content: My new 3400 Windrider is a big improvement, perhaps the biggest in the more than 70 years I have been hiking /camping/ climbing - the reduction in weight compared to many other packs I have owned got me started in reducing the weight of every piece og gear I use regularly - clothing, ice axe, boots, ropes... at age 77 it is now critical for me to go hyperlite to just keep going and going and going. Great gear from HMG. Highly recommend, with no reservations.
marketplace: google
source: google
sourceLogo: https://i.flash.tech/a/rs:fill:300:400:0/g:sm/plain/s3://flash-creatives/images/merchants/google
starRating: 5
title: Big improvement, critical to keep hiking
type: REVIEWS
items 11: content: I carried one of these on my recent hike of the 2,800 mile continental divide trail. The pack held up extremely well, carried great, and swallowed tons of food and water when necessary. My longest stretch without resupply was ~165 miles through the Wind River Range and I was surprised how comfortably the pack carried 6 days of food.As mentioned by a previous reviewer, it also cinches down to an impressively small size when carrying smaller loads.For these reasons I think this was the perfect pack for such the trail. Furthermore, the customer service offered by HMG is top notch. You can rest assured that if anything goes wrong with your pack they will go far out of their way to help you.I highly recommend this pack and company.
marketplace: google
source: google
sourceLogo: https://i.flash.tech/a/rs:fill:300:400:0/g:sm/plain/s3://flash-creatives/images/merchants/google
starRating: 5
title: Held up extremely well on CDT
type: REVIEWS
items 12: content: A well thought out pack. I was impressed by how this pack" s minimalist design is able to provide some much organization. I took this pack out on the John Muir Trail and immediately felt the lightness of the pack. It found me eager to cover the miles and I stayed comfortable wearing it throughout the trip. I feel confident the pack will take the rugged demands and go where I need it to.
marketplace: google
source: google
sourceLogo: https://i.flash.tech/a/rs:fill:300:400:0/g:sm/plain/s3://flash-creatives/images/merchants/google
starRating: 5
title: Well thought out, minimalist design provides organization
type: REVIEWS
items 13: content: I love my Windrider. The pack is comfortable, durable, and lightweight. The mesh is surprisingly durable and convenient. On top of loving my pack, Hyperlite went above and beyond in making sure my order arrived in time for my planned weekend excursion.
marketplace: google
source: google
sourceLogo: https://i.flash.tech/a/rs:fill:300:400:0/g:sm/plain/s3://flash-creatives/images/merchants/google
starRating: 5
title: Comfortable, durable, lightweight, convenient mesh
type: REVIEWS
items 14: content: A lot of ultralight gear has tradeoffs, but this pack does not. We were through-hiking in Yosemite and it was handy to have it expand to hold all the bear canisters. Then for Half Dome we dropped the canisters and used it as a day pack. Incredibly flexible, comfortable, and also waterproof! The big mesh pockets are handy and easy. Really, best product I've purchased in years!!
marketplace: google
source: google
sourceLogo: https://i.flash.tech/a/rs:fill:300:400:0/g:sm/plain/s3://flash-creatives/images/merchants/google
starRating: 5
title: Flexible, comfortable, waterproof, best product purchased
type: REVIEWS
items 15: content: After spending hours researching the right ultralight pack for me, I finally settled on the 3400 windrider. It's been 2 weeks since I received the pack, and I've already taken it out on some trips. I'm so happy with it! I looked at pretty much every cottage industry pack, as well as big name brands like Osprey, and I'm confident there isn't a better pack out there. Worth the price, and I will be buying from Hyperlite again.
marketplace: google
source: google
sourceLogo: https://i.flash.tech/a/rs:fill:300:400:0/g:sm/plain/s3://flash-creatives/images/merchants/google
starRating: 5
title: Perfect balance of lightness and support
type: REVIEWS
items 16: content: I was trying on all sorts of packs from Osprey Exos 58 to ULD circuit Gossamer Gear but couldn't get over how comfortable this pack is. I've upgraded my gear to lighter weight. My old pack Gregory Baltoro 75L weighed with my old gear avg 35lbs, My new pack 15 lbs, my back my feet and my knee are all happy now. Thank you Hyperlite Mtn Gear you designed a winner.
marketplace: google
source: google
sourceLogo: https://i.flash.tech/a/rs:fill:300:400:0/g:sm/plain/s3://flash-creatives/images/merchants/google
starRating: 5
title: Comfortable, lighter gear makes hiking easier
type: REVIEWS
