product: Kit Bag Overview

[@armandgun]

Just got back from a multi day back country 60mile hiking trip. My large kit bag was my best friend. I did the same trip 8 years ago with lacking gear and couldn't believe what a difference the right stuff makes. Now taking a serious look at the decker system as a replacement for my current day and multi day packs. When he mentions the lifter straps making a difference he isn't kidding. I tried it both ways, and the lifters stayed on. Having both your front and back packs linked is more comfortable than either on their own, and a hell of an improvement over both independently shifting and tugging around your neck/shoulders. I had the kit bag with me on a recent Ireland trip to and talked about my experiences with it in a video on here (see $200 Pants that will Change your Life) UF Pro are no joke for gear either and are now an integral part of my everyday and back country attire. Cheers Evan, thanks for being awesome and so dedicated to your craft. Your passion comes through in how well thought out and adaptable your gear is. Armand

[@daedalus9042]

I’m so happy you guys are making videos going over the gear! That’s been one of my biggest requests from HPG. The gear is great but can be confusing for newbies. I’ve made several videos using HPG gear. Love it.

[@matts9]

Eagle Scout Awards on the wall! Love it!

[@MushindoToKen]

Glad to have long videos again! Always love seeing hill people gear products!

[@SarahKirkconnell]

15 minutes in.....I can attest that even big chested ladies can wear these bags. I'm a D cup and find no issues wearing it.I am also a short torso, and it fits where it should. It was a game changer for me.

[@wendyboyer13]

Which kit bag do you have. I’m thinking the stubby v2

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

D is not big =P Nicole wears hers with FF =P

[@tangyorange6509]

Thank you so much for this-exactly what I was concerned about!

[@SarahKirkconnell]

@@tangyorange6509 4 years out I am a daily wearer still :-)

[@catrest3506]

Yup, I've had the same experience. Also a D cup, and I've been very happy with my runner's medium kit bag. I do wear it fairly low so that it lays flat and doesn't pull on my shoulders or obstruct my vision of the ground below me. I recently got the heavy recon (which only comes in "full") because I wanted to fit my camera and extra lens inside, and also have a bino case on the front, and that one is pretty big, so I'm not sure how it's going to work out yet because it's just awfully wide for my chest. But the medium size kit bags are great.

[@rockfordberetta8414]

Been rocking my original kit bag for almost 7 years now - it still looks like new. I take it running, biking, and into the woods. Great piece of gear.

[@joelbenoitthewanderingbiso4976]

I use my tarahumara, and my original kit bag, everyday, biking to work about 4 miles each way, actually got caught in the rain today, and nothing ever gets wet, my phone sits in the very front of my kit bag and it was fine as usual, just two products from the long list of the many items I want from you guys, thank you so much for your amazing products and videos, I don't know of to many, if any, companies that have videos of the owners not only explaining their products but also giving out valuable information for maybe not so experienced people, from a dedicated customer for life.

[@freegandavehartman8908]

same/same

[@iannelli2448]

hey man, so you're able to wear both bags at the same time? I own a Tara and I'm wondering if it can be worn comfortably at the same time as a kit bag.

[@lexxb6386]

I demand more long videos in the wild. I love the in the field short videos but the long videos are pretty damn fantastic.

[@HillPeopleGear]

Editing a longer in the field as we speak. It's just much easier to collect and edit the shorts.

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

@@HillPeopleGear Why no black? On kitbag 2

[@HillPeopleGear]

@@BOOSTEDLASER not enough demand to *always* stock it in black. That being said, we do have it in black a couple of times a year. Email [e-mail] with your request and we'll make sure you're notified when we do run it. We also use those lists to determine what special runs to do. If we have enough requests we do them more often.

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

@@HillPeopleGear Would think black is by far the most popular.

[@HillPeopleGear]

@@BOOSTEDLASER it isn't. If we produce very much of it, it sits on the shelves for quite a while. Ranger is our most popular color by a pretty fair margin. After that, manatee, elk brown, and coyote are sort of a tie depending on which product you're talking about. Black is far behind those, again depending on which product you're talking about. Multicam Black is popular, but only in certain products.

[@TOGALOCK]

The wife and kids gave me a runners kit bag for Christmas. Absolutely love it, I run with it every day. Plenty of room for my glock 43x, cell phone, and tourniquet. The vented H harness is great allows for air to circulate, especially running in the south eastern Texas heat and humidity.

[@bwrscott1]

Thank you for explaining the different models. Makes a lot more sense now.

[@MichaelDFarrellJr]

Heavy Recon, Med Bino pouch, and a Mystery Ranch bear spray holster attached on the bottom- A bit big, but it goes everywhere with me outside. Great to glass critters whenever I get a chance in the backcountry and, true to its purpose, having your CCW and bear deterrent is always nice to always have on your person without having to think much about it. Just saw the framed Eagle certificates in the background! I display mine proudly, as well. All the best-

[@sunnybeach4837]

I have the original kit bag a runners kit bag and the tarahumara. This gear is higher quality than any military or backpackers gear. It's literally the best of the best. I also have the decker system in small and large with an extra pocket I just bought. I put it all together and I'm telling you. It carries like a dream. This guy who is designing these is a genius. Whoever is making these does an immaculate job. I can't say enough about the products,l. If you're wanting to go hunting hiking backpacking road trips day trips traveling. This is the highest quality on planet earth.

[@mcramblet]

I had questions about all the Kit Bag options, this clears them up. Great info for new buyers.

[@michaelgee7509]

Great to see a new vid! I moved to Colorado and can’t wait to visit your store the first time the fam and I make it to Grand Junction.

[@CleaveMountaineering]

This summer I bought your SAR kit bag and love it. That way when I'm carrying our smallest child in the backpack, I can have snacks, basic survival/first aid kit, along and accessible. Fits great, carries nicely. Great company, quality product!

[@SpamMusubi308]

So is it the same layout as the original but with the addition of angled pals strap and velcro stripe?

[@NickAndTech]

@@SpamMusubi308 yes

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Recently found your gear lineup. Glad I also found this vid. Very helpful in determining which chest rig will best meet my needs. Good explanation of options. Thanks for putting this together.

[@TheGearTester]

Excellent video! I always appreciate how you articulate ideas.

[@4570levergun]

Still one of my favorite pieces of kit. I've been rocking a chest rig since 2013!

[@michaelgee7509]

Same here. Love carrying my pistol in this pack.

[@darrenboone681]

I have the runner love it I mainly wear it to walk my dog cause now matter want I have now I can have my gun ,key, wallet,etc really like it thanks for building a great product

[@SpamMusubi308]

I love my original kit bag had it for a few years now even though it get a little sweaty on hot days and occasionally nudges in the steering wheel in certain vehicles I'm hardly without it.

[@mikebox]

great gear. and seeing those Eagle Scout Certificates tell us all we need to know.

[@ozysjahputera7669]

Visited Grand Junction last week. First day in town we found HPG store on Main st. by chance. Bought the SAR full sz and Runner medium sz that day. Took the SAR hiking at the Monument and Grand Mesa. Love it! On the way out we stopped by to buy a Recon bag. Wore the Runner while driving home from GJ. It is a comfy way to carry your sidearm while driving long distance.

[@HillPeopleGear]

Pleasure meeting you yesterday

[@ozysjahputera7669]

@@HillPeopleGear pleasure meeting you and the family as well. Your daughter was very helpful introducing me and my wife to different models of HPG kit bags. She helped us selecting the two bags we bought last week.

[@BOOSTEDLASER]

@@HillPeopleGear MINE SEEMS TO FEEL BEST ( ITS HEAVY IF THAT MATTERS) FULLY LOW RIDING..SHOULD IT RIDE HIGH LIKE YOURS?

[@journeyman7189]

Great breakdown on your complete kit bag series Evan. It is on the list! Nate

[@jhalscott]

I have the Recon kit bag and the Tarahumara pack. These are absolutely two of my favorite pieces of gear.

[@mrmcbeth]

I still can't decide. They all seem awesome.

[@SOTC-linoge]

My buddy just showed me his, I’m sold! Awesome video, you answered all my questions about varying products!

[@rapache1]

Thank you for making outstanding products

[@harbinger4079]

Great vid on the kit bags and the differences between them. Hoping to pick one up shortly.

[@MegaMastiffman]

This is it this is the fix for my issue. I do not want it attached to my pack for the exact reason you said. Thank you

[@snugglezbrah5558]

This would be great for hunting. I hate having to take my Fanny pack off to get water, map, knife, etc.. I wouldn’t need the pistol pouch but that would be great for phone, wallet, license. Looks awesome

[@billbbobby2889]

Thank you for the great video explaining your products.

[@nofuxpapi9417]

Best gear hands down!!! Love these! You can use them on plate carriers, 5.11 bags, haley strategic, velocity systems, etc. You guys are FUCKING BADASS.

[@secretsquirrell13]

I like mine! Have the same one you got on.....fits my Glock 40 10mm like a glove. Thanks for engineering such a great product.

[@SpamMusubi308]

Mine holds my G20 and 2 spare mags in the back section plus 50 rnds adds a little weight but it's a comfortable weight

[@Eric-ew8jt]

I just dropped the hammer on one of your runner kit bags! It’s my first piece of HPG. ATB from 🇨🇦

[@berk3695]

I have 3 of their rigs and a pack. Definitely quality stuff.

[@nhrabandit]

Great video.

[@swartzautoman2]

A lot of great points and ideas. Thank you very much for the detailed explanations

[@AlienSecretion0552]

Love the Navy Jack shoulder patch on your kit bag!

[@buckeyeblaster]

Very helpful video. Thank you!

[@gumbi8989]

You guys should consider making a 50L Ute pack. Not to big, not to small.

[@camocarper24871]

UK user here. I love my V1 kitbag for winter carry as I can fit spare gloves and hat. Also a massive fan of my V1 snubby original. I’m a 54” chest and have no issues at all with comfort.

[@leandro2760]

The kit bag is still on my wishlist, hope you can stock up on black.

[@wolverinesdreams9293]

Love my Kit Bags! Just bought another Recon KB after I lost my first one in Afghanistan. Have a Heavy Recon & Snubby Recon love em both. But the regular Recon KB is just so flexible as far as possibilities and needs go for me. Build it up to a Heavy KB, or make it light like the running KB. But I do want a grey rip stop runners KB.

[@samlee458]

awesome products. would like to see in future iterations with removable straps for the chest rig/belt pack straps

[@The_gear_review_channel]

Nicely done 👊🏼⚒️ great kit bags

[@takeahike2993]

Will have to get one of these for hiking with the dogs. Can’t run with a Fanny pack well, always banging my boys. Legit. 🤙🏻

[@ethanh3421]

Absolutely love the idea that started this. The fact that they’re based in my state makes me support them infinitely more! I’d love to get one soon

[@royhurley7572]

Years ago I bought a kit bag and I'll never buy another one again. Well, that's unless I decide to go for another color 'cause my bag doesn't show any wear or tear . ( I have the Heavy Recon.)

[@kirifellabaum9385]

Love my Kit Bag! I am definitely going to check out the Recon Harness. . .

[@roelofbarkhuizen175]

Great review, thank you very much. New to Colorado and into SAR, will defo get the recon for my back country days ;-)

[@flyontop]

Just ordered mine today, very exited!

[@GodsFavorite23]

Is there any estimate on when the black original V2 kit bag will be back in stock?

[@JP-qn4uo]

Was about to ask the same thing myself!

[@patd1617]

Have been monitoring for a Blue (teal) and Black Kit bag(s) to come in-stock for a while now. Any idea when one will be back in stock? (Snubby)

[@onseki1774]

Yes, I agree, I hope similar fashion bags become more common, because it just makes chest bags more normal to passerby, similar to how manbags are very popular in europe and asia. I just got a grouse Original and I'm so psyched! I've been eyeballing your products since your first SSD article was posted 9-10 years ago. Can you provide any insight on wearing a kit bag as a sling bag? There's one picture of the M2016 slung over the shoulder, but not kit bags.

[@5five6x45]

great info love your gear!

[@paleryder5163]

You guys are so awesome! Such a great video! Looking forward to buying more of your packs and kitbags!

[@Ron_C]

I just ordered the original (V2), after providing ID to get the military discount! Seems to be a shortage, I think the only color option that was available was Elk Brown

[@cb7677]

they tend to do small batches in my experience, things out of stock is normal

[@vanwhalen3719]

Love this!

[@longhunter5935]

Need one of these.

[@stephensee5417]

Nice job on the video. Thank you.

[@HillPeopleGear]

That's a name from my past, but unless you're a composer living in LA you're not that guy...

[@NYCnapeHb]

Wish you guys would’ve added a multicam black to the medium runners kit bag 😢

[@billybastar4022]

Do you have a video on how to carry or setup these great items for hikers wearing a backpack? Would love to see the SAR version with a regular backpack

[@HillPeopleGear]

not yet, but we had planned to. this is a good reminder. the whole point of kit bags was for wearing with a regular backpack. they're meant for this and are very good at it.

[@billybastar4022]

@@HillPeopleGear awesome...I look forward to it. I am planning a AT hike, and would love to see a version made from Cuban fiber wherever possible.

[@HillPeopleGear]

@@billybastar4022 For bags and packs, Cuben offers only a negligible weight advantage. There isn't enough fabric involved to make much of a difference. All of the weight is in things like zippers, buckles, and straps. And of course Cuben has a whole lot of downsides when it comes to longevity.

[@billybastar4022]

@@HillPeopleGear I suppose..however the weight can make a little difference, but more importantly it’s a near waterproof fabric, with very good abrasive resistant qualities. When putting serious miles per day on a two week hump, ounces are pounds!

[@kholtzen1]

I've been using a heavy recon for many years with the lifter stamps. I don't think there is a better design chest pack out there. I carry bear spray under on the PALS. I never leave the house for the mountains without it

[@anotheryoutuber_]

Would love a field camera set up video.

[@coyote4936]

do you still make the blue one like on the front of your table? or other bags with that blue?

[@freegandavehartman8908]

Any chance you can do a waistbag in the field olive waxed canvas as I have the Tara and kit bag in the field olive waxed already. Love your products!

[@HillPeopleGear]

Ask the guys at 5col Survival Supply. They're the ones who do most of the waxed canvas editions of our gear. I think they might have some waxed canvas waist bags in stock now.

[@freegandavehartman8908]

@@HillPeopleGear got one ordered, thanks

[@mikesmith1679]

Thinking about getting a fourth kit bag in elk brown. Damn sexy color and it would match my Tara. Lol Evan - which knife do you have on the front of your KB? Thanks for a great review!

[@HillPeopleGear]

HPG coyote

[@reynaldorivera7641]

I have an older model, doesn’t have the velcro or the loop for a trigger guard. 😭

[@ItsJustB07]

I'm running with the original v2!

[@kurts4867]

I have the original Kit bag ...don't know what the vertical straps are used for on the back of the bag ....I don't see the purpose of them and they get in the way of the main straps and webbing..

[@HillPeopleGear]

Are you talking about the tabs that accomodate lifter straps? hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1/ProductID/29

[@AllAmericanDreamChaser]

Can this bag carry a .45 FNX tactical?

[@calebsamuel2214]

Great video god bless

[@BORNGEARHEAD]

Noticed most all of the Original V2 are sold out and just got on the mailing list. Do you have an eta on availability?

[@Thomas_M76]

Nice! Now to decide…SAR or Original 🤔

[@securemindsetofficial]

I would love to add my nav board infront for use with atak in sar. Is there enough room for a radio in front when I just use the webbing?

[@shanedavid5186]

Will the medium size waist pouch fit a Glock 21

[@ok2x]

This is perfect for skiing is the materials water resistant for snow fall?

[@HillPeopleGear]

the materials are for all intents and purposes waterproof. as with any bag, water intrusion is through the stitch lines. in straight up rain, there will eventually be some dampness inside. in snow, I've never seen water intrusion. and... they are indeed perfect for lift served if that's what you're talking about.

[@circle4922]

These look incredibly useful. Is it possible to get these in canada?

[@HillPeopleGear]

Yes, you can order directly off our site with shipment to Canada

[@mitchellgoosen9166]

I’m just curious…what is the Hill People Symbol?

[@HillPeopleGear]

hillpeoplegear.com/Experience/Overview

[@jonathandaniel-hegg6466]

what does the rear look like

[@PreparedAirman]

Have you ever considered creating one out of Dyneema? (Formally known as Cuban fiber). I feel it may be worth it to make one marketed toward the ultra light hiker community. (Appalachian trail, PCT, AZT hikers) I definitely would be interested.

[@HillPeopleGear]

Dyneema is a marketing gimmick for anything but shelters. There simply isn't enough of a weight savings on smaller items - even most packs - to justify all the downsides of dyneema. A dyneema Kit Bag that was the same in every other way *might* save half an ounce. You save weight by cutting zippers, buckles, and suspension elements. A KB meant for ultra lighters would be very different by design. In general, we stick with building products for the kind of travel we do - backcountry off trail with no safety net. Designing for what we do makes the designs better. If any of us start doing UL long trail stuff, you'll start seeing products geared more in that direction.

[@PreparedAirman]

Personally in my use of new dyneema based packs over hundreds of miles they perform very well but that's my data and opinion. I understand if the engineering, motivation and logistics aren't possible to create my suggestion and I am ok with that. Only reason I asked is because I really enjoy your brilliant products you have created. To the point I've created dozens of videos on KZbin featuring your products because I believe no one does it better.

[@HillPeopleGear]

@@PreparedAirman It's not that dyneema doesn't perform well, it's that when you use heavy enough dyneema to perform adequately it isn't that much lighter per square foot than 500d. Add to that it's more expensive and a royal PITA to sew (driving up production and material costs) and it just isn't worth it to save less than half a pound on a full size pack and maybe an ounce or two on a Kit Bag. That being said, the notion of a UL Kit Bag has come up a couple of times recently and that may be something I attack -- not by using dyneema which wouldn't save an appreciable amount of weight, but by cutting weight in other ways. Fewer pockets, fewer features, different load lifter setup, perhaps a different harness setup, etc.

[@robertgutierrez7243]

Which is the best as a small fishing kit ?

[@donkeypox1943]

My friend who is a political consultant in DC is getting married this November and his Husband is an avid outdoor hiker. I would like to get 2 of your kit bags for them as a gift but my friend is transitioning to woman and will have big implants soon what kit bag would you recommend for him/her?

[@HillPeopleGear]

It's hard to say... which kit bag and even whether or not they like a kit bag at all seems to vary widely from gal to gal.

[@theiceman1972]

Do you think you would ever make any of them in orange?

[@HillPeopleGear]

We make 4 of the models in blaze orange from time to time. Currently we have the full size original available in blaze orange: hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1/ProductID/71

[@cb7677]

If folks knew how many kit bags I have stashed around, I'd be on Intervention. Can't say enough positive things about the kit bags and HPG as a company.

[@Kevin-oi7if]

Can the chest rigs be converted to a sling bag as well?

[@cb7677]

The kit bags can't be converted, but the belt pack can be worn across the chest. Another option for a sling bag is to buy their palspocket and add the pocket sling, ends up being an awesome setup, similar to like a timbuk2 but better.

[@blackbird2056]

Will you ever do an Elk color in the Heavy Recon kit bag ?

[@HillPeopleGear]

The material used on the front isn't available in elk brown... At this point.

[@blackbird2056]

@@HillPeopleGear Thank you for replying. I'll keep watching maybe one day that will happen.

[@johnd5244]

I still have my original kit bag!

[@SarahKirkconnell]

My wallet and car keys. Best urban carrier - under a light sweater.

[@tldrafaik6144]

I want one. When will they be back in stock?

[@HillPeopleGear]

pretty major re-stock -- multiple types, multiple colors -- taking place today

[@evanhawk2574]

Hey,I'm an Evan since 75. I love y'all's bags,but can't afford one anymore. So find me some work to do? Need an original one or the LG version.

[@HillPeopleGear]

Well, I'm an Evan since 1973. I was 20 before I ever met someone else named Evan. Now it seems to be all over the place. Guess we were Evan before Evan was cool.

[@codyparsons9645]

Can I fit ar mags vertically in the snubby

[@HillPeopleGear]

Inside of it, no. Not even 20s. The full footprint KBs take vertical 20s quite nicely and (2) horizontal 30s. I suspect the Snubby could take (2) horizontal 20s.

[@codyparsons9645]

@@HillPeopleGear ok thanks

[@iansandoval2908]

Can i fit my binos in the main compartment?

[@HillPeopleGear]

Binos will go in main compartment of original, heavy recon, and Sar. I much prefer that setup over dedicated bino pouch.

[@Chrisrk11]

Will these be in stock anytime soon

[@HillPeopleGear]

We have several hundred in stock. It all depends on which specific model and color you're looking for.

[@Chrisrk11]

@@HillPeopleGear the original kit bag medium

[@HillPeopleGear]

@@Chrisrk11 should be several batches through this month

[@fordguyfordguy]

can I fit a glock 19 in the snubby size bag?

[@HillPeopleGear]

Yes, the G19 is specifically the largest pistol that the Snubby was designed to carry.

[@retiredbiker]

so where do the medium sizes fit in to this?

[@HillPeopleGear]

The mediums have a footprint that is in between the snubby (small) and original (large) footprint. They will fit most full size semiauto pistols. Every model is available in the medium footprint with the exception of the Heavy Recon which is only available (at present) in the original footprint.

[@retiredbiker]

@@HillPeopleGear thank you. I just ordered the medium SAR bag

[@HillPeopleGear]

@@retiredbiker thanks for your business

[@samuelbluyan4881]

How much I'm from Philippines

[@HillPeopleGear]

We ship to the Phillipines. Put it in your shopping cart to find shipping cost.

[@dcwaku]

Would a Glock 20 fit into the Stubby?

[@HillPeopleGear]

No, you'll need one of the standard footprint KBs for a G20

[@dcwaku]

@@HillPeopleGear thanks for the quick response.

[@seanwilkinson4850]

Will a G40 fit the original?

[@HillPeopleGear]

And then some...

[@alquinn3562]

Looks comfortable, well made etc. I’m struggling with tge application in a urban environment. I carry in the woods or camping on my hip. No need to conceal anything. If I’m going to the bank or grocery store, quick trip or meeting clients. It’s a bit out of place and clearly it’s a mode for carrying a weapon. It would almost be better to carry a murse and do the walk of shame. At least I would just be accused of being a fem and not carrying concealed.😂

[@HillPeopleGear]

We don't use them in urban environments, but a lot of our customers do. Since the design was faithfully copied by a fashion house a couple years ago sparking a mini fad on the runway, it's not unusual to see chest bags in the city. Or so we're told. Not a place we spend any time.

[@alquinn3562]

@@HillPeopleGear thank you. I try to stay out of the city as well. For the outdoor activities I think it’s an awesome option. As I’m usually hunting or fishing, I’m either already weapon in hand or carrying on my hip for bad tempered snakes. But if I were in an area with dangerous wildlife, I would order one today. First aid application is definitely a consideration.