Hyperlight Mountain Gear 3400 Junction Ultralight Backpack; Long-Term Review (1500+ miles!)

[@MrRobwilmshurst]

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

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful.

[@maurolimaok]

Finally a review I really liked!

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks so much!

[@johnmartin5257]

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

[@ShastaBubba]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@matthewpulliam7473]

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

[@ShastaBubba]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks!

[@EternalBreton82]

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.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks! I usually hang wet stuff too; mainly because I usually have the mesh pocket so full of other stuff. ;-)

[@northtexashiker]

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.

[@ShastaBubba]

Zpacks makes great stuff and I like my Arc Blast too . . . but only up to about 20 lbs TPW. More than that and I start whining. Not pretty!

[@aldenchaisson7135]

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.

[@ShastaBubba]

Yeah, it's weird; the lack of load lifters and the back panel being flat against my back are both factors that might chase people away, yet don't seem to be problems at all with actual usage. Thanks!

[@daniellarusso5667]

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

[@ShastaBubba]

Awesome! Hope it serves you well for many years!!!

[@wio2189]

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!

[@ShastaBubba]

Hey, thanks for sharing your thoughts on various pack materials. My intent with this video is just to share my personal experience with this specific pack (which, you're right, was made prior to the shift of production to Mexico), versus a comparison of all pack materials. Since making this, I've been able to buy and use the Durston Gear Kakwa 40 (with Ultra) and that is now my favorite pack, partly due to the much cheaper cost, so I agree with you that other materials can be just as good as DCF and less expensive. Now that DD has come out with a 55 version of the Kakwa, I don't think any other pack would be necessary for me personally. Thanks!

[@wio2189]

@@ShastaBubba Sure and if I came on too strongly it's not about your video. I get frustrated by HMG. The Kakwa sounds really nice and I am glad you're liking it. I might get one for the CDT one day. Take care

[@panhandlejake6200]

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.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for sharing! That stretch is critical for being able to stuff seemingly endless gear in there. ;-)

[@1DrBar]

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.

[@ShastaBubba]

Yeah, I agree that 60 lbs for the 4400 seems like crazy talk; although it's a popular pack for packrafting with the extra gear and weight (which gets me into the 42-45 lb range). If someone asked me what one pack should they buy, my answer today would be the Kakwa 55, even though I haven't seen one! I like my 40 so well, with the exception of not holding enough gear for more than about 4 days, so the 55 would hit that sweet spot, I believe.

[@offtraildog701]

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.

[@ShastaBubba]

Hey local dude! If you're partial to the ULA harness, why not just downsize to the Circuit or Ohm? Might as well stick with what you know works for you. If you wanted to try HMG, the 2400 is 40 liters, so might fit the bill for you. I've used the trash compacter bag inside too and, although it works, I didn't like the extra hassle of a bag inside the bag . . . call me lazy. ;-) Thanks for the comments!

[@alaskanborn3459]

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

[@ShastaBubba]

Sucks to be in the city, but at least it's just a couple hours from beautiful mountains!

[@shane19959]

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 .

[@zachsilsby]

dyneema tape works well on the port. I also removed the interior bladder sleeve; as HMG says, everything less matters.

[@ShastaBubba]

Good tip, I should do that too. Thanks!

[@ShastaBubba]

Also a good solution. I can't believe I still haven't gotten around to cutting out the bladder sleeve inside, silly of me to keep carrying something I'll never use. Thanks!

[@TripleE76]

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

[@ShastaBubba]

Good information, thanks!

[@romansokolov6893]

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!

[@ShastaBubba]

Wow! I'll have to check them out.

[@Rixx1985]

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

[@ShastaBubba]

The diagonal strap up top tends to get cinched down the first day of a trip and then forgotten; although, it's useful for securing tall items like a tripod or fishing rod. I cut off the bottom straps that go across the side pockets because they interfered with shoving water bottles inside. Have never missed/needed them.

[@mikemcintosh9933]

thanks!

[@ShastaBubba]

You bet!

[@DrJohn493]

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.

[@ShastaBubba]

No reason to change if what you got is working for you! Always wanted to try the ULA harness, looks like a comfy ride.

[@DrJohn493]

@@ShastaBubba Always enjoy your posts and gear reviews!

[@ShastaBubba]

@@DrJohn493 Thanks!!

[@MTwoodsrunner]

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

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks! Really wishing for the 2400, but can't quite justify the expense yet when the 3400 is still strong. Happy trails (soon)!

[@whatever_shaker]

@@ShastaBubba you prefer the 2400 over the 3400? I had the 3400 at home and it just goes toooo deep inside. I did not like that at all. Thinking of buying the 2400 though.

[@ShastaBubba]

@@whatever_shaker I believe the 2400 size would be plenty large enough for most 3-4 night trips, assuming a person was using low-volume ultralight gear. But you might want to hold off on the HMG pack for now because I just got the new Durston Gear Kakwa 40 and am loving it more than my Junction pack AND it's $100 cheaper. It is the same size as the 2400. Planning to do a review in the next month or so.

[@viktor.egelund]

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. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXTNhGdvZ651fc0

[@ShastaBubba]

Okay, well, first off, I never claimed it was waterproof, in fact, I think I made it very clear that it isn't and that's why I carry my quilt in a waterproof stuff sack, just to be safe. Second, the HMG website states that: "Sealing:Proprietary seam tape on all side seams and behind all sewn-on pack features" so yeah, they are taped seams. On the other hand, I do note that they specifically state "side seams" which means you are likely correct about the bottom not being seam taped. Maybe HMG thinks it isn't necessary, since rain falls downward (guessing here), but I have to agree that, if true, this is a lapse of judgement/construction. Anybody who has hiked in extended rain storms knows that you have to set the pack down some time and that will be on wet ground, so the bottom seams matter big time. That's very likely where my small amount of moisture has come from, so thanks for pointing that out. Sealing with seam seal seems like both a wise and relatively easy solution, appreciate the tip!

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

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 ?

[@ShastaBubba]

Totally studying maps and reading guidebooks! Got 7 trips planned so far, a couple in the Bob (packrafting!), one in the Selway, a couple in WA state and might even get down to Yellowstone this year. Can't wait.

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

@@ShastaBubba 7 trips !!! Amazing !!

[@anythingbutmyrealnamegoogl9615]

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.

[@ShastaBubba]

Nope. No squeaks from my Junction pack. I know those little noises can get really irritating when they happen with every step! My new Kakwa 40 from Durston Gear is also quiet.

[@anythingbutmyrealnamegoogl9615]

@@ShastaBubba thanks for the reply, and for the videos! You’ve been a lot of help to me as a beginner.

[@ShastaBubba]

@@anythingbutmyrealnamegoogl9615 Thanks, that's great to hear! Helping beginners is why I make these videos. 😀

[@TechnoCraftGaming]

Great video👍

[@ShastaBubba]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Hikebike365]

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?

[@ShastaBubba]

The Steripen has worked great for me and I much prefer using it versus the squeeze-type filters. You're right about it being more effective in killing more dangerous stuff. I think people criticize it as being a 'gadget' that could fail, but any filter can clog and fail too. Only time the Steripen didn't work for me was when I forgot to put new batteries in (and there's not indicator of battery strength, unfortunately). In that case, I just used my backup Aqua tabs. Thanks for the idea for a new video! By the way, I'll be turning 60 this month myself and the UL gear is what keeps me going strong. Definitely not too late to get out there!!

[@Hikebike365]

@@ShastaBubba Happy Birthday and welcome to the club!

[@Pasequale100]

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

[@ShastaBubba]

I have made a conscious choice to view trail dirt as a 'badge of honor' representing the many miles hiked with that pack. Or you could just go with the black one. 😉😂 Either way, Happy Hiking!