long-lived , waterproof , and comfy , the ultralight , Cuben FiberHyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest3400weighs just 2 pound , but sacrifices zero performance . It ’s paw down the best backpacking grip you’re able to grease one’s palms .
https://gizmodo.com/help-chris-see-the-world-1614649279
What It ’s Supposed to Do ? This is an ultralight backpack designed for venturer who are look to knock off weight without sacrificing feature and durability . At 55L , it has hatful of capacity for longer trip with fewer resupplies ( such as thePacific Crest Trail ) and can book a full - size bear can vertically . The Southwest differentiates from HMG ’s flagship camp , the Windrider , by using a solid fabric for the external pouch ( the Windrider uses enmesh instead . ) This slight change make it well suitable for backpacking in the American southwestward , because it ’s less likely to snag on the ever present chaparral .
The HMG Southwest utilizes a roll top aim with side compression strap .
How It ’s say To Do It ? The heavy contributor to the Southwest ’s light weight and enduringness is its manipulation of the infinite - age materialCuben Fiber . It ’s 15 times stronger than steel , is hard and light than Kevlar , and does n’t lose it ’ technical integrity when fold up or crinkled . Cuben Fiber is also 100 percent waterproof , mean gearing does n’t wet out or absorb water weight . HMG ’s mob use a rip - full point Cuben / Polyester hybrid material that offer smashing scratch resistance than Cuben Fiber alone , while remaining illumination . so as to furnish bread and butter , the pack uses two removable , intragroup aluminum stays .
https://gizmodo.com/how-the-lightest-strongest-outdoors-fabric-is-designed-1601176186
The Southwest has a rolltop closure , yttrium - strap top compression ( which can be used for securing a sleeping pad or a jacket , ) and zippered , piddle - resistant hip belt ammunition pouches . By using jackanapes , but hard materials and a simplified pattern the Southwest cope to weigh in at exactly two pound — half the weight unit of some similar - mental ability pack . recommend carry range for the 3400 is 20 - 40 lbs .
Hip belt pockets can be opened with one hand and are large enough to hold a few meal bars each .
How Does It Perform ? The first matter that I noticed about this camp is how indestructible the Cuben Fiber mat up . I had see several photos of the face pack online before view it in person , and it does n’t appear that stout in exposure ( probably due to my lack of experience with Cuben Fiber ) . However , the material feel substantially compact , and like it could take some abuse . My initial in - somebody printing were hold true once I sustain it out on the track .
https://gizmodo.com/adventure-high-sierra-trail-1601601205
I tested the inner circle while out on a couple of different trips in the Sierra Nevada , the latter of which was an 80 - mile long variation of the High Sierra Trail . Even when loaded with close to 40 pound starting out ( a hebdomad ’s worth of food , camera gear , and backpacking gearing ) the camp was fabulously comfy .
As with any face pack , set is key , so ensure to decent appraise your torso and size the pack consequently .
The cylindrical shape of the Southwest makes it comfortable to wad . The rolltop has a sturdy velcro seal , folds over , and clip in on the side of meat , reserve for a very secure closure . The more packs that I use , the more I ’m learning to bed rolltops . Rolltops are easier to spread and close than ring with a top chapeau ; they are more streamlined too .
Side pockets on the Southwest are prominent enough to hold a couple of 1.5L tall water bottle in each , or a combination of items including aJoby Gorillapod .
The front and side pocket are sizeable in size and have a stretchy pliant set on the top to securely store item . I could fit two 1.5L water feeding bottle in a single side pocket . The pelvic arch - knock pockets are large enough for 4 - 5 repast bars each and can be spread and closed with one manus .
That being said , organization play a central role in successfully utilizing this pack . I line up myself thrust a ton of smaller items into the front sack because it ’s rather bombastic — but then I ’d have topic finding specific item without having to dig through everything else . Once I commence group my smaller multifarious detail better , it became less of an outcome . Definitely a casing of exploiter error .
https://gizmodo.com/adventure-tested-mountain-hardwear-mtn-speed-32-1604537905
At $ 310 , the Southwest costs about 50 percent more than standardized electrical capacity backcountry plurality . The bounty toll is a definite consideration for purchasing this face pack , but in this case , the saying is dependable : You get what you compensate for . All HMG packs are handmade in Maine , USA .
The Southwest was still comfortable even when adulterate down with 35 - 40 pound of food , backpack gear wheel , and tv camera equipment .
Adventure Ready ? When you ’re weigh ounce , whether for an ultralight backpacking or climbing objective , relieve your Big Three ( Shelter , Pack , Sleeping System ) is the quickest way to molt weight . The Southwest definitely lend itself to that process , while providing touchable benefits achieved only by using the most advanced material usable . After dragging the HMG Southwest through hundred of international nautical mile in the Sierra Nevada , I can definitely say that it ’s the sound inner circle I ’ve ever used . It ’s well-to-do , durable , lightweight , and seem corking . This is my newfangled go - to .
Photos : Chris Brinlee Jr / Daniel Bruce Lee
https://gizmodo.com/so-you-want-to-go-backpacking-for-the-very-first-time-1592756068
BackpackbackpackingreviewWeight
Daily Newsletter
Get the undecomposed tech , science , and culture newsworthiness in your inbox daily .
news show from the time to come , delivered to your present .
You May Also Like
