Osprey Mutant 38 vs HyperLite Prism

I would love to hear anyone's experiences comparing both of these packs.  I have had 2 osprey mutants and really like them but saving 1.75lbs is very attractive for an upcoming goal I have.

I am interested in fit, comfort and climbability.  

Thanks

I haven't owned a mutant, but I have both the HMG ice pack and prism, so not exactly what you asked for but I prefer my ice pack over the prism. I'd say go for the prism if you really want a pack brain or the crampon pouch, otherwise the ice pack is a better value and carries a bit better too. I think most converts to the roll top prefer it after a while and I find it to be way better than the cinch top on the prism, and the ice tool carry is less finnicky too. The little pockets on the side of the prism are almost impossible to use if you have a full load in the pack. Unfortunately it seems HMG is manufacturing out of Mexico now and doesn't offer custom options anymore, or even let you choose which pocket/gear loop hip belts when you buy (I like pockets for ski touring), and is still asking almost 400 bucks for the prism. Upsides to either is durability (my ice pack is going on 6 years old and still has some life left in it) and of course weight savings. Also it may not seem like much but the ice pack has one small zippered interior pocket and its super handy whereas the prism is a tube with no organization, that little pocket is real nice for wallet/keys/headlamp,etc. Also my last bit of unsolicited advice is I would personally not shell out for an HMG until they offer full custom options again, which in email they expressed they would like to be doing, but seeing as they shifted production due to "labor shortages," who knows when that'll happen.

I used a Mutant 38 (older green one) for a long time and really liked it, found it climbed well next to my back and had generally good features aside from the axe attachments. But then I got an HMG Ice Pack. 

While the Mutant was a great pack, I felt like it had a weight limit lower than its capacity. Loaded for a summer overnight alpine climb in the Sierra, the stiff qualities of the back panel and straps weren't comfortable and kind of sucked. The Hyperlite was a game-changer. When I got the Ice Pack I loaded them both up with 30lbs of ropes and it was no contest. Even ridiculously overloaded with overnight gear, bear canister and a rope, the HMG is comfortable and feels like a hug. 

I'm still a little annoyed and getting used to the lack of load lifters (common to all HMG packs, the Prism being the sort of exception if using the lid). It can also get hot in warmer temps since there's no air flow against your back. This doesn't bother me much as I occasionally loosen the shoulder straps to dry off my back. However some people don't like this style of pack for that reason.

Evan's post above is great. Also check out Max Neale's website for amazing feedback on Hyperlite packs in general. He's right that Cilogear packs climb better, but Hyperlite are more comfortable. (Arcteryx FL45 worth a look, too) Sometimes I wish I got the Prism but those points sound right on. HMG are expensive packs but the durability probably makes the cost of ownership not so bad. Note the Prism uses the burlier fabrics including the 150 and some full Dyneema panels (bottom?). This is likely why it's more expensive than the ice pack. Or spring for the $500 full dyneema version and you'll have an heirloom to pass on to future generations.

If you’re willing to pay the HMG price, I’d suggest an Apocalypse Equipment. Custom is same price as standard. I looked at and tried a lot of packs, always thought I needed a lid but this Apocalypse is the best pack I’ve ever had.
https://www.apocalypse-equipment.com/

Justin P wrote:

I used a Mutant 38 (older green one) for a long time and really liked it, found it climbed well next to my back and had generally good features aside from the axe attachments. But then I got an HMG Ice Pack. 

While the Mutant was a great pack, I felt like it had a weight limit lower than its capacity. Loaded for a summer overnight alpine climb in the Sierra, the stiff qualities of the back panel and straps weren't comfortable and kind of sucked. The Hyperlite was a game-changer. When I got the Ice Pack I loaded them both up with 30lbs of ropes and it was no contest. Even ridiculously overloaded with overnight gear, bear canister and a rope, the HMG is comfortable and feels like a hug. 

I'm still a little annoyed and getting used to the lack of load lifters (common to all HMG packs, the Prism being the sort of exception if using the lid). It can also get hot in warmer temps since there's no air flow against your back. This doesn't bother me much as I occasionally loosen the shoulder straps to dry off my back. However some people don't like this style of pack for that reason.

Evan's post above is great. Also check out Max Neale's website for amazing feedback on Hyperlite packs in general. He's right that Cilogear packs climb better, but Hyperlite are more comfortable. (Arcteryx FL45 worth a look, too) Sometimes I wish I got the Prism but those points sound right on. HMG are expensive packs but the durability probably makes the cost of ownership not so bad. Note the Prism uses the burlier fabrics including the 150 and some full Dyneema panels (bottom?). This is likely why it's more expensive than the ice pack. Or spring for the $500 full dyneema version and you'll have an heirloom to pass on to future generations.

I had a cilogear pack 10 years ago,  the worst value for the dollar pack I have ever owned and honestly one of the worse packs period.  My BD speed 40 was just as good, lasted twice as long and cost less then 1/2 as much; I have had two of those.  After the cilogear pack I promised myself no more boutique packs.  But for the objective I have in mind this summer loosing nearly two pounds in the pack weight is making me rethink my promise.  We are hoping to keep the pack weights down to about 30 lbs for a 3 day trip.

I0 years ago I also had a BD roll-top pack with a fixed brain and hated it.  Perhaps I could put up with a modern pure roll top but I strongly prefer a detachable brain which can float up if necessary carry more gear.  Maybe that BD pack was worse than the cilogear but at least it was cheap and I don't feel ripped off.

I also want an actual padded hip belt with gear loops, not just a hip strap made of 1 inch webbing.

I don't care at all about zippered access or internal storage mechanisms; in fact I prefer not having them.  A pocket in the brain for keys, wallet, headlamp, and snacks is good enough for me.  

I really like my mutant.  I currently have green mutant 38 which is nearly worn out. I had the 1st gen mutant too and it was ok until the frame pad deformed from carrying too much weight.

Want I want is mutant 38 made out of dyneema.  If Osprey made it I would just buy it and be done.  It looks like the HMG prism is the closest pack on the market to a dyneema mutant.

I also bought a tarptent aeon li tent a couple years ago because it was well liked and reviewed.  The 1st bit of bad weather and it failed completely.  My wife was snug, dry and warm  in a $150 paria tent. I was wet, awake and cold with a broken tent.  I replaced the tarptent with an hilleberg anan, it weighs a little more but at least I am dry and warm.  I am pretty damn wary of boutique equipment manufactures after being bitten a couple of times. 

Apparently I messed up my conversion from grams to lbs.  The weight difference is really only 0.9-1.0 lbs. depending on the size the Osprey Mutant (large, small).

HMG return policy is very poor too.  30 days to return if you have only try it on in your home, case-by-case if you actually take it out and climb with it and don't like it.

Given my previous experience with boutique manufacturers, I think the answer is stay with the Osprey Mutant unless someone like REI with a real return policy happens to sell it.

I’ve climbed extensively in both the HMG Dyneema Ice Pack and original Ice Pack, and the Dyneema makes an enormous difference in durability.

But take a look at the Mountain Equipment Tupilak series. They are excellent. My Tupilak 37 weighs 825g/29.1oz compared to my similarly sized Dyneema Ice Pack at 1035g/36.5oz

climber pat wrote:

Apparently I messed up my conversion from grams to lbs.  The weight difference is really only 0.9-1.0 lbs. depending on the size the Osprey Mutant (large, small).

HMG return policy is very poor too.  30 days to return if you have only try it on in your home, case-by-case if you actually take it out and climb with it and don't like it.

Given my previous experience with boutique manufacturers, I think the answer is stay with the Osprey Mutant unless someone like REI with a real return policy happens to sell it.

Right call IMO. That weight is trivial. You know you like the Mutant. It's cheaper. 

I lived in/loved Maine and would have paid HMG $50 for a dyneema handkerchief until recently. But now they're charging boutique prices for foreign production and you don't get the usual perks of a larger company with a warehouse full of cheap foreign goods (eg Ospreys warranty). Pass. 

Had both, sold the prism. If the prism had load lifter straps then perhaps I would have kept it, but without those I found it didn't carry as well as the mutant. Check out the Mountain Hardwear Alpine Light 35, pretty comparable to the mutant, has the straps I like and the weight savings, but without the HMG price. It also has a removable hip belt and built in hip belt pockets if you think that might be beneficial to you. 

Second the Mountain Equipment recommendation, provided it fits your back. I was able to try both the Tupilak and the mutant at REI, and was surprised at how much more comfortable the Tupilak carried weight while being lighter, with better mobility and headroom. I've since taken it up a few (moderate) multi pitch climbs, as well as cragging and a long hard scramble in Joshua Tree, all with great results. 

Did I mention REI carried it?