HMG Windrider 3400 Review // Best Hiking Pack On The Market?

Рет қаралды 14,150

4 жыл бұрын

Preparing for my first thru-hike consisted of many hours researching every piece of gear I would carry with me to Canada. The big three (backpack, sleep system, and shelter) can be especially daunting. I ended up going with a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 3400. It served me so well, and I thought I would share my thoughts about it after hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.
Even after months of rigorous use, it still has life left to give, as I have taken it on multiple other trips since. In this video I go over the overall features and usability of the backpack, talk about what I like, and what I don't like. Hopefully this helps your journey to pack perfection!

Пікірлер: 27

@madib6789 3 жыл бұрын

So I've officially watched all of your videos and now I don't know what to do with myself... 😄 Great content, so informative, and love your outlook on things! Super inspiring and motivating. Happy hiking!

@calvinthefifth Жыл бұрын

Undoubtedly gangster review my guy

@stephanieborash6301 4 жыл бұрын

Love your content and delivery!

@xGorexGirlx 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Irish for the video. You are a bargain shopper like me! Great deal

@paulborash409 4 жыл бұрын

Bargain shopping all day long! I'm definitely a gear head, but a frugal one.

@brianblanco520 3 жыл бұрын

great review man! thank you for all the real useful info. so many reviews are just corporate shills reviewing for companies. you sir, are the real deal!

@chevkoch 3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate you taking the time to talk about your experience with this pack. Made some mental notes for when I'll be getting a new one; spacious mesh compartment on the outside, plus roll-up top for load-out adjustment seem very handy. Also, interesting to hear that those fancy back mesh panels don't seem to work that many wonders in avoiding being sweaty. Great presentation, cheers.

@paulborash409 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely, thank you!

@trakyboy5128 3 жыл бұрын

Well done young friend !!!! I the mesh cuz it lets things dry out ( keep rotating item while on breaks ) What I don't like is things get wet in the rain lol. But a excellent pack ( u got a SMOKING DEAL !!! )

@benb4364 4 жыл бұрын

Great video

@paulborash409 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@matycee 3 жыл бұрын

hi. thanks for the vid. woulda been helpful to see the pack, fully loaded(even with pillows), in order to see how big/long it rides.

@juliettesandleitner 3 жыл бұрын

Super helpful, thank you for sharing! How far in advance would you suggest looking into gear for the PCT? Hiking it is on my to-do-in-the-next-few-years list given the state of things, but I don't know if I should start looking into deals and whatnot now

@paulborash409 3 жыл бұрын

I don't think you can ever be too early for refining your gear systems. I was searching for gear and developing my own system before I even was interested in the PCT. If hiking and backpacking is something you want to do as a hobby, not just for the PCT, I would start looking now. I have always looked on craigslist, FB marketplace(before I deleted social media), and Ebay for gear. I went through quite a handful of packs, sleeping bags, tents, etc. I would buy it used and discounted, use it, and if I did like it, great; but if it wasn't a fit, I could always flip it for what I had in it, and sometimes even for a profit. Hope this helps!

@DistrictEleven 3 жыл бұрын

Looking back, do you think you needed the space, or could you have gone with the 2400? I imagine the 2400 would have made the Sierras tough, but what about the rest of the hike? Also, why did you decide to pack the bear can inside instead of on top?

@paulborash409 3 жыл бұрын

Looking back, I think I would have been happier with the 2400. When my HMG wears out beyond use, I will most likely replace it with the 2400. What you mentioned would absolutely be the case. 75% of the trail it would have been just fine, NorCal and Oregon being the most ideal as my pack had the lightest loads in those sections because of shorter food carries, and warm weather, resulting in less need for more layers and such. I carried my bear can on the inside of my pack as I had the space to do so. I also knew of a few people whose bear cans fell off the tops of their packs, and had to chase after their cans. Your food you carry in the sierras means everything to you, so losing it was a horrible thought to have! I think the security of it being contained was a big factor for me. Hope this helps!

@StarrDaniel 4 жыл бұрын

Great 👍

@paulborash409 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@mattadamc Жыл бұрын

Hi Irish, Thanks for the great review. I was looking at getting this bag, but was wondering what you thought about going the 2400 instead of 3400. Did you find it was helpful to have more pack space for longer carries across the Sierra's etc?

@jeffstone28 3 жыл бұрын

Can you tell me what size your Windrider 3400 is, and your torso length, ht and wt? The reason I ask is I got a large Junction 3400 and think a medium might have been better. My torso is 19.5 and I'm 5'9", 160. The bottom of the large rests too low on my tail bone when fully loaded and I'd rather it rest more on the small of my back. Thanks.

@TheJosephReyes 3 жыл бұрын

How’s the water resistance? Have you ever noticed any leaks while owning it?

@paulborash409 3 жыл бұрын

That is another feature I love about this pack, is its waterproof build. The only time my gear got wet was when I would glissade on the snow, and the bottom of the pack would slide on the snow. There is a drain hole in the bottom, and that would get snow in it.

@Lucereal16 3 жыл бұрын

When are you going to make another video!?

@DEREKCCCC 3 жыл бұрын

How to pack tent in 2400?

@benjaminkessler6455 4 жыл бұрын

Are there any other great framed UL packs ? I have an Osprey Levity but its to big and has some design flaws : /

@Rudy1150 4 жыл бұрын

Another popular under 2lb pack is a gossamer gear mariposa...

@paulborash409 4 жыл бұрын

The gossamer gear mariposa looks great! I almost got its baby brother, the kumo.. I did have the Pa'lante V2, great pack. It just had too little frame support for me. I also am pretty curious by the new REI flash packs. Lastly, I think the next hiking pack I would like to try is the Waymark thru backpack.