Zpacks counts all volume of the inside and outside pockets and HMG has 55 liters internal and they do not count the outside pouches, water bottle holders, hipbelt pockets etc.

Zpacks measures the size of their bags with the volume of the main compartment plus the side and mesh pockets so the arc blast is about 40L for the main compartment. If I remember correctly, with HMG a 55L backpack is a 55L main compartment.

"For you timestamp warriors," made me laugh out loud. Thanks Dan.

I chose the Hyperlight Junction-mesh back pocket and solid side pockets. I love it! Switched from an Osprey so this was a huge switch for me! Hyperlight main body is 55L and the pockets add additional space. Zpack total main body and pockets make 55L.

I'm sticking with my exos because I bought it. My challenge is to wear it out before I wear out. I have zero complaints - I have a 48 for 3 season, and a 58 for winter (or hammocking) . . that breezy frame is worth a few ounces to me.

I love my Windrider 3400. I wanted a white pack, and I just love it. I do not spend a lot-need my pack to be changable. It's light if I just am doing a quick trip-where I live it's a hiker's dream-we can go for short trips to keep stress at bay. This pack will hold my stuff if I have to carry more, or go minimal if I need that. And it's dry. It does not sweat on my back at all.

If you are considering selling your old pack, or any old gear, maybe consider auctioning it off with proceeds going to charity. I think it would be a great way for your followers to own some of the equipment they have watched you use over the last couple years while also being able to give back to worthwhile causes. Just a thought.

Note for people considering this pack: It also comes with a mesh pouch(wind rider model) as well as the “junction” model, which has mesh and then two more durable pouches on the side. Although that only goes up the 3400 size, instead of 4400. Also I THINK the reason why the HMG pack is bigger is because it’s designed to be rolled down more.

Perfect timing on this video. I checked out that pack and considering it for a replacement for my Osprey Atmos 65. Take Care and Keep Exploring The Outdoors.

That’s a huge difference in the 55 liter pack. Really huge!!! I’d say hold onto the Ark Blast. You was cracking me up on that board.

ZPacks counts the storage pockets in the overall capacity...so 55 liters includes the outside pockets and mesh back. Not all manufacturers do that.

I have the Blast and it works great. It's not meant to be used for carrying a bunch of camera gear and assorted none essentials. I carry only what I need which is their Duplex tent, a light WM sleeping bag, Ul pad etc. My pack is light and love it. I go backpacking to hike and I never think about my gear because its dialed in for me. I would never carry a 30 lb. pack again unless I am backcountry skiing. I am surprised you just did not stay with a Osprey or similar pack. They carry heavy loads great and cost much less than any of these high end packs. Enjoy

I have a Zpacks Arc Blast and a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 4400. The Zpacks is much more comfortable on my shoulders and has adjustability the HMG doesn’t have. The HMG is hard on the shoulders over 30 lbs and when loaded with heavy items towards the top of the bag. That said, I find myself having to readjust the load lifters on my Arc Haul a couple times a day while hiking as they creep down. The HMG would be wonderful if it had load lifters. The HMG Southwest has mesh outside pockets that I never have an issue with and ultimately prefer over solid pockets. Mesh allows me to air out wet items on trail and being able to see what is in the pocket easily. I never had any trouble with either packs hip pouches. Trekking pole attachments for either pack is a simple clasp and shock cord on the shoulder straps. I use my packs for section hiking the Appalachian Trail without additional camera gear, only food and sleeping gear. Both of these packs need less than 30 pounds to be comfortable in my opinion and experience. If I had to buy a new UL pack today, I would take a close look at Lite AF or swdbackpacks. Both have load lifters

just deciding between the two myself, sublime timing

Welcome to the dark side HMG Windrider 3400 here 🤙🏼🌲✌🏼

I just use the Nokia of backpacks. The Jansport high schooler. I can fit enough bricks of stuff in there to make a ten year salary In a few weeks.

😅 Time stamp warrior's You crack me up Looks like some great gear👍

HMG3400 is 65L with the outside pockets, the bucket alone is 55L and can hold a boat load of gear, the pack is comfortable and you can open hip belt pockets easily with one hand, you can also reach water bottles on side pockets without taking the pack off, I love mine, cheers

I like the video a lot. He said everything that I needed to know about it.

Waiting for my 3400 junction to come in the mail. Very, very excited!!!

Generally the pour non-compressible balls into the pack until it is completely full. The result is then poured into a “measuring” container and a piston is used to press down on the balls in order to eliminate the voids and then measured. This gives you the cubic inches or liters of the pack.

I have a Zpack Arc Haul and I ended up losing the carbon fiber Frame ripped out the bottom of my backpack also there’s no space inside for what I need for my AT through hike so I switched to a 3400 junction hyper light loving it

The 3400 weighs 2.18 pounds in black. I wouldn’t choose it over say the Osprey Exos 58, which weighs 2.7 pounds, or the Exos 48 which weighs 2.5 pounds. Both Exos packs will carry more comfortably, carrier heavier loads, have more features, and have fantastic ventilation. The slight decrease in weight with the 3400 isn’t worth losing those benefits, in my opinion. On the other hand, the Arc Haul at 1.4 pounds weighs considerably less than all of those packs, so the weight savings is potentially worth the trade-offs. I carried a SW 3400 on one trip and sold it as soon as I got back. The back sweat was unbearable even in 55-60 degree weather.

The HMG 3400 was the first pack I tried and I liked everything about it other than the shoulder straps which were a deal breaker. It felt like they were sewn too closely together and they ended up putting an obnoxious amount of pressure on my trap muscles. Insanely uncomfortable. Glad you like it, though.

I actually had and HMG pack and switched to an arc blast it's all personal preference. Enjoy the pack :)

The beginning was priceless. I knew it would be a good video. ......just ordered the SW 4400

Dan. Nice comparison. Interesting about capacity. I’ve had my Arc Haul 2 years now & about 1,000 miles. JMT, Smokys etc. Unless you are looking to carry more gear ex. Camera gear, switching to Hyperlite may just be a non satisfying lateral move. Thanks for your great content.

I love your videos. thank you. i bought a zpacks scout because of my smaller frame, for my pct thru hike... had problems with the stays snapping. but mostly with the customer service. either you get someone who is awesome or horrible. 1 awesome rep to 3 horrible reps. pct is on the west coast with thousands of people on the trail. zpacks on the east coast (florida) which creates a huge problem when trying to reach someone while on the trail with limited reception. i hiked more than 600 miles with a bad hip belt.. took that many miles just to reach zpacks. the 2-day paid for expedited delivery was a joke. I hiked another 85 miles with the bad hip belt. had to wait 8 days at a hotel and 7 more days off trail to get the items i needed. the time and spent trying to solve my problems... well, i could have bought another backpack for all the money i spent. so, if you have a good recommendation for an ultra light backpack for small frames... I would love it. most women ultra light backpacks are over 3 lbs... definitely not ultra light!

I purchased an Arc Haul last year and I agree with what you said about your Arc Blast - it digs into my shoulders and it’s just not that comfortable. I’ve considered looking at HMG and your video has convinced me to do so.

Mrs Becker must be a Saint, is all I’m thinking 😇 Love your videos, as well as the “off hiking topics” 😊 Keep whirling, Dan!

I use the osprey antigravity. I carrey's very well. You tighten up the hip belt and it spreads the weight all around and up your back.

Time-stamp warrior salute at 0:53

I've always had issues with all my packs getting water bottles out.... Until I got a LiteAF.

Video starts at 1:04 Had to do it LMAO. It REALLY gets started at 19:25 though🤟🇺🇸

I’d agree with you assessments on the HMG pack as I got the 70l version this summer for a mountain trek in Africa later this winter. Being a photographer, my recent experience with backpacks is with camera specific packs- haven’t found a comfortable one of those yet for long distance hiking. Probably because most of them are trying to be one size fits all and after my Southwest pack it’s clear that is not a good idea. True- the Southwest is sweaty on the back but I sweat a lot anyway so I figure that’s just the way it is. Two, I can’t reach water bottles with pack on either and use attachments to cary smart water bottles on the shoulder straps- I’m a thirsty guy and need to have fluid handy for on the go rehydration. Not a hose and bladder fan. Many cottage companies make bottle holders for the shoulder straps. Plus I like moving some weight from the pack to the front and find it rides well that way ( I still cary extra water bottles in a side pocket when needed). Third, I was skeptical about the mesh pockets many companies use and that is one reason I went with the Southwest. But I knew I would need to dry socks and shorts while on the trail so I have a mesh bag or two I will clip on the back (there’s a loop already on the pack) for that. Naturally, HMG came out with a new version right after I bought mine that has solid pockets on the sides and the front pocket is mesh- I would have bought that one if it was available. Fourth, I have found the pack to be very well engineered and made overall. The hip pockets could be a bit larger in my opinion. The water resistant zippers are hard to use one handed and in steady rain water will get in so plan accordingly. Lastly, with a week plus of food and heavy pro camera gear (lenses and batteries, etc are heavy and take up space- a third of my weight is in camera gear including a light tripod) I’ll have 40 pounds or so even with the rest of my stuff being rather light. So I have found the Z packs shoulder cushions to be nice addition and they match the pack to boot.

From my research the ZPacks is 55 total liters they are adding the internal space and all the pockets together to come up with that number. The hyperlite is 55 Liters just in the internal space. I think on the website it says something like the pockets add another 10 liters

I just did the switch from the Arc haul to the Southwest 2400. I loved my Arc Haul but was tired of the problems with the stays.

You want space? Check out the ULA Catalyst in X-Pac material. You could fit your whole house in it-lol!

It would be helpful to show how hiking poles, ice axe, crampons can be attached outside on these minimalist packs. I have yet to see any reviews out there for HMG showing that

Haha! My damn Patagonia day pack squeaks like that on the left. Goddammit! I was up in Lake Nambe area near Santa Fe and thought I was losing my mind hearing that squeak. Good vid.

No rain will get in lol Dan has learned

Yeah, I hear you Dan. I got a Z-Pack "62-liter" Arc Haul last year and have buyer's remorse. 1) There is no way it carries 62 liters. That is a problem for me as I, too, enjoy winter camping. There is not enough room in it for a winter hike. 2) Z-Packs says that you can carry a Bear Vault with it. What Packs does not tell is that the arcing carbon rods cannot work with a Bear Vault. That is a problem on the AT in New England because bears have figured out how to take bags down, even with a PCT hang. And those bears are ripping through any kind of bag. If you like to eat, and the bear box is full, you will want to carry a bear cannister. 3) About those rods - they do not stay in place well. They collapse into an S-shape, thus no arc, which was one of the biggest draws for me to buy it. 4) Ditto on the squeaking. 5) The adjustment straps slip every 10 miles or so. They are just too light and too narrow to hold position. True, I carry up to the weight limit, but still... The worst strap of all is the top strap. I opted for the upgraded v-strap, and it slips instantly with just a two-pound bag strapped by it. It is really only suitable to carry a parka. I have noticed that all of the KZfaqrs that persuaded me to buy a Z-Packs pack no longer use Z-Packs packs. It reminds me of all the same folks telling us the Sawyer Mini was the cat's pajamas, but now trash it on reviews. Hmmmmm... I am not sure how much longer I will put up with the limitations of my Arc Haul. I have already decided to get a Hyperlite Southwest 4400, and I will buy via REI because of the member return policy, just in case. I can tolerate a sweaty back. My wife is not thrilled I am getting another pack so soon, because we are not rich, but I have her okay. Great wife.

I would hang on to the Zpacks until summer. I just went on a four-day snowshoeing trip in northern Michigan. I brought my HMG pack. I sweat all the way through all three layers under the pack and didn't even realize it until I took it off and was suddenly freezing. The rest of me was completely dry, so I was really surprised. I'm not looking forward to this pack in the summer. I use my Arc Blast all summer and was never soaked through with sweat.

I love my Zpacks 62L for so many reasons. Not tempted to switch!

Yep: that camera gear! Neat pack & worth the footage. I have been seeing alot of those Hyperlite Packs lately. Alot of it is the shape of the bag: how it feels & carries.

Did you check out the Deuter backpacks? I put Deuter packs in the Category of Toyotas longevity, durability and something to pass on to children for all of the camera equipment you carry.

I ditched my Arc Blast just recently as well. I now have the Superior Wilderness Designs Rugged Long Haul 50.

you should try the HMG packing pods they go great with it and make organization a breeze

The thing I don’t like about the hyperlite is the lack of load lifters. I would go with bonfus instead. Personally I went with the Durston and love it

I’ve been traveling the world with the black 2400 but my through hiking pack is the white 3400. Both have been holding up extremely well.

That board looks fun!

I've always put a ton of stuff in the back mesh pouch...never a problem for me.

Dan I Love Your Videos And Your Personality Is So Wonderful I Love How You Can Make Jokes And Laugh So Cool God Bless You And Your Camera Man ❤❤

Interesting size comparison! Nice packs...thanks for showing them together!🥶

I need a new pack.... Definitely going frame less but I am not sure which one yet... Thanks for the info!

excellent review and comparison. the "consumer reports" type review that I love to see (and would love to see in lots of other videos). detailed, informative, useful. keep up the great work!

I like my Arc Blast. It’s great for up-to week-long trips. At this point since my base weight is just over 10lbs including my current pack and my base gear is pretty small/compact, for my next pack, I’ll probably get a 35L frameless. That’ll be for those overnight or weekend trips where I just don’t need the volume that my Arc Blast affords. The only reason I’d get a 60L+ pack, which is what that Hyperlight Mtn pack is, is for when I’d need to carry a 40+ lbs load. in that case, I would get a more traditional pack with a substantial support system like an Osprey. Extra large “ultralight” backpacks are a collective oxymoron to me. You’ll be extremely uncomfortable if you took advantage of all that space that pack offers. (speaking from an almost-ultralight perspective)

Totally buying my “son” a whirly board!!

That was great Dan, just great!!! The whole video but especially the beginning.

Water will get in both of them during several days of rain.I have the the arc haul zip and the HL Windrider 3400. I switched to the Hyperlite in Damascus on my 2019 AT thru and I definitely would recommend either the pod system or at least a compactor bag. Both are great bags but certainly not waterproof.

Line each pack with a plastic bag and start filling them with water, one liter at a time.

Should be a good switch good luck with the new pack. I've seen some companies go by the main compartment and others count all the pockets in the total volume.

Nice video with explanation Dan. I'm thinking about shifting the same way towards HMG this year, I have the Zpacks Arc Haul now, been using it for the last 6-7 years, but with camera gear and a tripod, I agree, the weight in the pack once you hit about 25 pounds starts to get uncomfortable. And yes, the squeaking is a bit of nuisance.

I have been trying to decide between these two packs for the past couple of weeks. HMG it is, thanks a lot for this video!

Thanks, still trying to decide between the Zpacks ArcHaul and Hyperlite for my 2021 Thur hike of the AT..

Someone got a new sponser

Na I just enjoy you're views and way you look at stuff! Plus your fun as hell mate! Lol ultra light is kool! It really depends on you're needs, if it medical condition, spine, hip, shoulder injuries, or deeper muscle issues meaning extra lumbar support or padding in areas.. a different look on stuff!! The wants, needs, goals talk.. plus that's a super sweet training board! Keep up the kool work!

Nice Dan i'm Dan to 😎 nicest name ever 👍 i got the ULA OHM camo , loving it ! But youre pack's are supernice 👌

ZPacks arc haul fit weird on my shoulders. I went with LiteAF curve 40. Much more comfortable IMO, but it’s more tuned in for ~10lb baseweight so wouldn’t be good in your situation with the camera gear. The hyperlite packs do look sweet though, and their logo is awesome.

In the past, bags were determined as how many liters they could carry inside the main body, however, now, especially the cottage companies, they count all the side pockets, water bottles pockets, mesh back pocket into their " total liter capacity " However due to many people wanting to know the breakdowns, now most pack companies will give you the general break down in the specs section.. for example the gossamer gear mariposa is a 60liter pack, however, only 36L is available in the main compartment.. the rest of that total is compromised by all the side pockets, back mesh etc..if you were to place your new hyperlite 55L pack next to the mariposa, it would too look bigger and again that's because hyperlite packs have their main volume capacity in the big main body of the pack..but you're definitely right. It can be confusing looking at packs ànd what they advertise as the total liters..

the measurement of the volume by the length of the frame support and the diameter of the opening. So they are both 55 l bottom to the top of the stays. All the extra part of the bag beyond that is surplus in size. But as it is not supported by the frame and you wont put anything substantial of weight in that part. You can have usable volume (supported by the frame vs total maximum volume. ) Different manufacturers use different approach.

sir god damit you are the best...i watch them all.

Great video, so if I am correct zpacks uses all pockets and mesh pocket with the internal volume for a combined 55L. So it seems obvious that with the hyperlite it’s all internal volume is 55L. So I am using the zpacks nero with added hip belt pockets, love my pack but I also struggle with the zippers, it’s a 2 handed operating to get them open. Wish hyperlite came out with something as small as the nero cause I would probably buy it to try it out, instead I’ll probably do the waymark or liteAF. But for now, I’m continually rocking the zpacks and I think you’re on the money about the hyperlite, they make a great product and it seems to be still one of the best companies out there. Keep the videos coming, I love watching the new gear reviews.

I’ve always wanted a HMG 3400 Southwest. Please post more about it! I’ve read reviews about it on Backpacking Light.

Interesting. I have the blue osprey 48 that I love. I just wish that it was a little bigger sometimes. 👍👍👍.

I had a pair of Keen boots that did that squeak thing. From new after a good 600 700km walking it went away. And I guess a few hundred km after that they started leaking.

Respectfully, the stated objective and real life don't match. You state carrying weight is the objective but you just look at volume. The ability of the Zpack pack to carry weight more comfortably is greater. More comfortable, adjustable hip and shoulder straps. Your review would be far greater if you had carried the pack great distances with the weight. It likely would have been a far different review.

Dan would you consider an experiment on these backpacks? Fill then pack packs with water and measure the litres that come out of it :P it will be a cool experiment haha

What does that have to do with backpacking? Everything! It is basically a sport version of the disc version I own that is made to improve balance and strengthen your ankles. Enjoy it!

The ACTUAL content starts at 0:28....when Dan nails a 360 on the whirly board. Pretty dope.

Thank you I am looking between both of these packs and I was leaning more on the ZPack. Did you use the adjustments recommended by ZPack to adjust the weight to your body type? I found a video on how to adjust the bag to your shoulders and waist. Just curious. -- Ivan

I went by 2 other packs before I settled with a HMG southwest 2400 ,,,

Nice new pack! I love my Zpacks Arc Haul, but I've had the same minor issues like you had. That noise from the pack isn't really that bad, but very annoying. It has made me think about a new pack someday.

Living in Florida the Arc is of high value

Zpacks are including the outside mesh pockets in their volume.

5:30 you jinxed it :/ Nice comparison! Oh and that board is awesome for strenghtening your joints.

If you like the HMG over the Zpacks, you should really try the LiteAsFeather Curve models!

Send it my way so i can go ul. Great video stay safe my brother

Some brands count all pockets to the volume. Newer small companies, that produce UL gear are guilty of this, and companies who want to reach a larger clientele are adopting the traditional method of calling a packs volume the main compartments volume.

I was looking very seriously at the arc haul just around Christmas. When zpacks was having their supposed deals. But when I started to research the pack and got some opinions from other users. I did not get very favorable reviews. Some said that there was even a quality control issue with some packs. Dan one question for you. How comfortable is the hyperlight at weight(say thirtyish pounds)? It looks like you would need to give special attention when packing your gear into the main compartment.

Regarding volume: I know that Zpacks counts the front mesh pockets and the side pockets into the volume, maybe hyprelite doesn´t

I have seen people perfering the Zpacks Arc Haul over the HMG packs for comfort and back hip belt comfort, arc back frame, load balancers, adusting options etc. Trying to figure out what I want to take, I see that the Zpacs Arc Haul is a better comparision than the blast to the HMG. Trying to figure out what i want to go with

I've always found back ventilation on packs to be overrated. I embrace the sweat, and find it more comfortable to have the load as close to my body as possible.

Love it, Dan! Don't ever stop being "real" and just being yourself like in the intro. :D Feel like we could be long, lost best buds.

What I see in the difference in liters is that the ZPacks is 55L until you roll it down. From the side by side you’ve shown it looks like HMG is 55L when rolled down.

Fair points, but I went with the Crown x60 (drop.com) and stripped it down (lose brain, extra straps, etc) and came in at ~1009 grams or 36oz. It cost me $100, lists for $120. Carried it 50 miles through Yosemite this year loaded at 33lbs to start (19lb base with bear can), no problem. At the weight you are talking about, I'd save some money and go with the Crown for the price.

Zpacks website specs state that the 55l includes the water bottle pockets and the mesh pocket. Main body is only 42 liters. HMG website states main body is 55l and back pocket is an additional 9.8l. Here is a vid from REI showing how to measure per the international standard, which only measure fully enclosable pockets, so pockets like the side and back pockets that stay open are not measured, so those become "extra" liters: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mrenfdGQyKulpIk.html

Video starts at 10:06

I'm really digging all of the positive stuff I've been hearing/seeing about the the HMG SW packs ... some tough choices out there! Anyone else notice that the reflection of Dan's hat brim on his sunglasses makes it look like he's got sad anime eyes? Just me? I'll see myself out ...