Hyperlite Packs for Climbing
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Heya, I'm wondering if anyone here has experience or recommendations for using a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pack as a 'do-it-all' generalist pack. My use case would be everything from casual day hikes, backpacking trips, hauling gear in to basecamp and climbing on-route with, alpine ridge traverses, ski-touring days and overnights, volcanoes mountaineering, etc. Really, as a do it all pack. I realize this is a tall order to meet, but my go-to packs for these things have bit the dust. When pricing out replacing them, it was both very expensive and I am interested in streamlining my gear closet and consumption by hopefully purchasing one pack that can do all of these things somewhat well. The HMG packs seem to fit the bill, primarily the 3400 size (55L). The porter / ice pack would be best for climbing and skiing but I actually have my eyes on the Southwest or Windrider for more versatility. I just wouldn't use the external pockets while doing more technical things like climbing. |
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There is a clip on pocket for the porter. The external pockets on those other models are going to catch on things whether you use them or not. For climbing, I'd want the clean profile of the porter. I have the giant one for packrafting and have the accessory pocket. It is not as nice as three pockets on the other models, but gives you some easy access external storage. |
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I bought a 2400 SW (several years ago, not sure what's changed) for this reason and its "ok." I really find that its best as a hiking pack that can do some climbing rather than a climbing pack that carries well. My main issue with it is actually the dyneema and abrasion vs. rocks. I myself tend not to "baby" my pack (as opposed to my rope) and find that it's wearing much quicker than I expected and much MUCH faster than my arc-teryx FL45. It is 100% my go-to pack for hiking, canoe/kayak activities, and routes primarily on snow (mountaineering could be done though the 2400 doesn't have enough volume to be a true mountaineering pack or hold overnight winter gear). Another possibly minor gripe, it holds a coiled rope like crap (loose and floppy) unless the pack is mostly full and has good shape to it. Holds an ice axe like crap (loose and floppy). The pockets are great for non vertical activities; elastic at the tops still holding strong, pocket volume is good, and the sides do have compression. And drain holes. Re-reading that, that may actually be perfect as a jack of all trades. Again, this is the 2400SW which is...a hiking pack. YMMV. Oh, if you do climb with it, take the 2 metal support beams out. Doesn't detract much from it's hip belt/carrying ability. |
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Arthur W wrote: Thanks, thats good insight into the durability of the fabric. I do realize its not a climbing pack, especially with those pockets on the exterior that would probably snag stuff. How much have you climbed with it to be seeing wear? and do you have the white version? Probably not worth the cost in that case. |
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I didn't "climb" with it until probably the 3rd season I had it (prior to that was mostly hiking). The first season I climbed with it was mostly scrambling/low 5th (which arguably may wear more than vertical climbing) in the Co Rockies and combined it was less that 15k of vert on a few routes and it started to show visible wear (front/side panel). The bottom is holding up ok but the pack rarely sites upright (as few do). I do have the white version (the black didn't exist when I bought it). With all that said, it's really a cost factor. It's so good as a hiking pack that I can't say I don't love having it as an option. If I know I'm going on an adventure and going to be doing dirty, thrashy climbing, it won't be my first choice. For "fast and light" scrambling or routes where you know you'll move easily and "clean" through the terrain it'll work fine. And also if cost isn't an issue then, there ya go. |
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I wonder how much better the black fabric would hold up. Oh well, I think realistically I'd use the pack for climbing 20% of the time and hiking/ski touring and traverses the other 80% of the time. So maybe it could tie me over for a season or two, and then can get a more climbing-specific pack. |
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"Dyneema" is not specific enough. |
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I've got the Prism and I use it for ev-ry-thing. As a BC ski pack it checks all the boxes, but I also use it for a daypack for casual hiking, cragging, moderate alpine climbing and 1-2 night lightweight overnights (Mt. Whitney via Mountaineer's, staying at Iceberg Lk for example). I've made one mod where I can attach a set of straps to the bottom of the pack to carry a sleeping pad or bear barrel horizontally for those light overnight trips. I also have the waist belt with the pouches and got one of the shoulder strap pouches as well. Pluses: Super lightweight, carries 30-35lbs well, can be "overstuffed" pretty easily, the "crampon pocket" is useful as a general dump pouch for a light layer or a 1L bladder-style water bottle (as long as you clip it in!), people always ask about my cool pack, seems reasonably durable (about 1 year solid use), decently weather resistant. Minuses: Doesn't hold a rope well unless it's fully packed...the rope doesn't usually fall off, it just gets sloppy, there is a pretty hard limit on weight...30-35lbs is fine but once you exceed that, it gets uncomfortable quickly, ice tool carry is a bit wonky with some tools...it works but is fussy to get attached solidly, expensive...but I really think you get what you pay for. I've had several 40L packs in the past and this is the only one that's beat my old Marmot Eiger. If you can catch it on sale, I think it's the best pack I've ever owned in its size. |
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M DP wrote: honestly if 80% of the time you'll be hiking and ski touring, it'll last you a while (more than 2 good seasons). |
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I have a 3400 windrider and it a very good pack. It is a little to big to climb with and it has a fixed waist best that would cover things on the harness. It feels a little expensive and not rugged enough to use for your everyday cragging and hauling groceries. If your objectives excludes steep or technical climbing, it might be a good choice. |
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Geoff Burtner wrote: I too am a prism user. Love it, particularly for alpine rock that requires overnights. |