DCF is plenty durable BUT only at a denier where it doesn't make any sense to use this expensive material over Gridstop, VX, Liteskin and especially EcoPak or Ultra. Most people I have met on my thru hikes somewhat regretted getting one considering the price point and the performance/weight of the pack itself. A minimal framed pack like Atom+, KS Ultralight or ULA carries typical UL loads while being lighter, cheaper, customizable and usually more comfortable. At heavier loads, a ULA / Durston Kakwa / Seek Outside will perform much better and is again, much cheaper. The load lifters serve a purpose and I have met several thru hikers who added them to their HMG packs themselves or wished for them. They look cool. That's about all they have going for them in my opinion. Oh and I think REI sells them. This is not to negate your experience. I am glad the pack worked for you. I can't help but wonder if yours was already made in Mexico where they moved production to, pocketing the savings. So the quality might have changed for the worse. Thank you for the video!

I've had several zpacks backpacks over the years and they've worked well for me. But, I've always liked the look and style of the HMG packs.

Finally a review I really liked!

I have had the same pack and have used it for years. I’ve been very satisfied with it in terms of comfort and durability. I like your review and I agree with it

Excellent and concise review, very much appreciate your format. I definitely was curious about the lack of load lifters when pack is loaded high above your shoulders, but most reviewers seem to not have any issues and still say it is a very comfortable carry.

Excellent video - your comments are very practical and helpful. Thank you!

Great review! Nice little details about the pack in use. Like the ability to actually dry things in the mesh pocket. I always hang socks and things to dry on a strap in my current backpack and it is working well.

what a great video! Thanks for your opinion and info ... you really know your stuff

Thanks! Great review!! Just brought my junction out for the first time

I have the Southwest. The solid front pocket does not seem to stretch as much as the mesh pocket on the Junction. Other than that, the exact same experience. I did add some shoulder pads from Zpacks for a little more comfort when carrying over 35 pounds. I was initially a little concerned about the thin padding on the hip belt but it has worked well.

Hi from Whitefish. Nice review. I have been looking at HMG, GG, Zpacks and ULA for a smaller pack for 2-3 night trips (use my 11 year old ULA Catalyst for everything right now) . The 3400 is likely a bit large but good insight on HMG packs. The ULA harness really works well for me so am somewhat partial to that brand but the GG Gorilla looks appealing. I put a trash compactor bag or Nylofume insert inside the Catalyst. never had a problem with moisture penetration and adds very little weight. Like you, I use a dry bag for my Enigma.

Interesting to hear your take on the thought of HMG packs and their " waterproofness ". I actually superglued shut the portal for where one runs the hose from a water bladder through the pack wall and I wonder if others have done so - or even thought of doing so. ( Of course , I have no desire to carry a water bladder INSIDE the pack - that seems to me to be asking for trouble ! ) . Always enjoy your videos . Take care .

Kalispell, Montana my Operation Mangers moved back there and we took me to his property last summer and it was so beautiful. I wish I was over there but I'm stuck in the concrete jungle in Seattle. I'm original from Alaska. Nice review though I just bought the 2400 southwest and still thinking if I should return for thr 3400 but it is from rei I can always return within a year

thanks!

I have the Z-packs 70Liter which so far, with little experience with both, I find more comfortable than the HMG 3400 SouthWest I have. I am one who really likes that load lifters, but in my mind I have a different use for load lifters. They simply let the pack rest closer or further, for a better balance when one changes inclination. I very much like the Zpacks ability to move the anchor point of the straps. I can tailor it perfectly to my spine length. I have both the 3400 and 4400 Southwest packs, both in the dark material, but have hardly used the 4400. The thing is huge! But it is rated to a 60 pounds rating if I remember right, though all the straps and padding is the same as the 3400, so I imagine that that rating must be from marketing fantasy land, do you think? And now I aways (im)patiently the arrival of the Durston Kakwa 55 liter. It's not that I have a lot of money to blow, but I want to speed up the process of finding out what works for me. It took me about four years to perfectly tune in my bicycle touring setup, and I'm hoping that having all this stuff in the garage will let me test it back to back and shortcut the dialing in process. Nobody has yet said that ultra-light is ultra-cheap. Your videos help tremendously of course, so thanks for taking the time.

Nice review, I feel 25 ish max pounds is the sweet spot for my arc haul too.

My experince with UL packs with some sort of back support led me to buy Fjallraven Keb 52 pack. It is twice the weight of HMG but my got I have never owned a better fitting pack! 12kg is nothing for it for a winter trip!

yup! good packs. my 3400 windrider (old logo) made the length of the AT and a couple sections of the CDT before i replaced it with the 2400 windrider...i have also used the Southwest 4400 but have sold all except my old 3400....lately i have been using a Seek Outside Unaweep 4800 or just an old us army pack...its all good! Great job on the review my friend...I hate doing reviews myself, which would explain the poor quality of my attempts at doing so!...LOL...see you on the next one...woods

If I start thinking about changing out my pack this one would get serious consideration. But my ULA Catalyst really fits me well and will probably be sticking with it for a while.

3:58 No HMG pack is remotely waterproof. If you believe so, you have not been out for a long time in heavy rain and rough weather. Since you have been able to keep your bag (mostly) dry on the inside, you must have a production model that is different from the ones produced in recent years. Have a look inside your pack. Do you see any taped seams on the bottom section? There are none on new packs. Neither taped is the exposed area on top where shoulder straps connect. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/iamahpdql6-md58.html

Nice. What do you think of the straps of the pack? particulary the side straps. and how do you use them? i find the side straps a bit finnicy

Great video👍

Isn t it anoying that the white color turn fast into dirty color? What can we do against it? It is misfortunately the only deal breaker at the moment

Thanks for the highly detailed review. I noticed your mention of using the steri pen. None of the other you tube hiking channels seem to endorse this product. Which always struck me as odd since there are viruses out in the wild and none of the tube type filters address this. Can you share any of the problems or concerns with using it? I'm thinking of returning to backpacking after many years away from it. Even though I'll never thru hike, the UL, or semi-UL gear.... has me thinking it'll make 2 to 4 day trips a better experience - for someone in their mid 60s getting a fresh start?

Hey thanks for the review. I’m looking at this and the arc blast and had a really specific question I can’t find an answer on. Do either this HM junction or the Zpacks arc blast make a squeaking noise when you walk? Especially up or down hill when the weight transfers to the frame. My osprey atmos ag makes this unbearable squeak that I’ve also seen from the zpack arc hauler. It’s something to do with the frame being under high tension and either bowing or rubbing against the foam. I’d really appreciate your insight, thank you.

Hey Dan, are you getting excited about the upcoming hiking season ? Do you have any trips planned yet ? Going to the Bob Marshall again ? Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness ?