Porter 40

This is the perfect size for a couple of days in the Backcountry.

It is easy to carry on your back and is durable without being scratched even when rowing. Since I do alpine climbing, I chose the durable DCF150 black. It looks cool and I like it.

One of the downsides to this pack is that you will eventually add much more items to it which defeats the purpose of an ultralight. Also I had difficulty finding a comfortable fit for the shoulder straps. Without a real shoulder harness your weight cannot help bit sit a little heavy on the shoulders. I would use this pack for and out and back for a very short loop trip. Some of the more difficult terrains I would suggest a pack with a shoulder harness where the weight pushes pack on the front of the chest.

This is my 3rd HMG pack. Needed one in this exact size, which is perfect for a big day or a long overnight alpine mission in the North Cascades. Works great for multiday backpacking. I use a larger porter for longer and heavier mountaineering trips. Durable, simple, lightweight, comfortable, keeps my contents dry without liner or cover (lots of rainy days here in PNW). Love the hip pockets. Comfortable to me up to 25 lbs, but I'm usually carrying less weight for this porter size. I have chronic back pain and have tried numerous packs over the years- the HMG design works for my ergonomics and keeps my back happy. This pack design has been a revelation for my back comfort. The newest state of the art packs from the big suppliers now look overly complicated, heavy, and, well, silly. I get asked questions all the time about HMG packs I'm using, especially on the trail and from other mountaineers- people are aware of HMG and are very curious but skeptical, and I've narrowed down my response to that they are the most effective, comfortable, and efficient packs I've ever owned as long as my kit and skills are dialed in. Again, this is my third HMG pack, I have a large and very memorable amount of hard miles on them all, and they are holding up incredibly well. I don't buy gear I don't need or don't use, I'm not rich, I venture into extreme terrain, and I have zero regrets investing in any of my HMG gear.

Ok, there are two reasons why I would recommend this pack: customer service and waterproof ability. After reviewing as many of the ultralight backpacks out on the market today as I was able, I decided on the 2400 Porter HMG because of what I perceived to be quality and durability. Some of the UL packs out there from other companies were lighter but appeared at least to me to look as if someone sewed them in their garage. The HMG looked like a legitimate product. I ordered it originally in May for my upcoming trip to Colorado in July. But because of the global shortage in materials and over demand for the packs it did not appear as if it would arrive in time. After contacting Tyson about my dilemma he shipped out to me free of charge a loaner pack so I would at least have something for my trip. Fortunately for me my actual pack shipped to my house two days prior to leaving and I was thrilled.

The second reason I highly recommend HMG is the fact that the pact is made out of dyneema. On my second to last day out in the Collegiate peaks I was caught in a massive thunderstorm. As everything soaked out in minutes I watched in admiration as my pack shed the water and knew with confidence that my down products inside were dry. HMG will tell you their packs aren’t waterproof, only water resistant, but (wink wink) they pretty much are if they can withstand a Colorado afternoon thunder shower.