Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction Backpack Review

[@everwake242]

3 years has gone by, I watched 20+ reviews, this one is the best, well done.

[@samfuller606]

Just snagged a Junction for $50 off through HMG direct. Final piece to a more intentional, lighter, minimal backpacking kit. Thanks Ryan for all of your informative, detailed videos and posts...I’ve learned so much. Most informative page on the subject on KZbin.

[@therealchickentender]

Essentially one of the very best pack reviews I've ever watched all the way through. Thank you for this.

[@BendOregon67]

I agree

[@mikeroy6713]

Pretty much all of his reviews are this concise.

[@nobodyhikes]

This was the ideal configuration I wanted when I bought my Southwest. Good to see it's available now. Thanks for the in-depth overview!

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Totally agree! Thanks for the kind words.

[@gerritlikestohike]

Thank you for the effort you put into creating this detailed review from Germany.

[@robertplutz8221]

Outstanding review! ...and also really benefited with the primer on how you pack your backpack.

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Thanks! I'm glad you found that part of the video valuable.

[@yearofthegarden]

I listen to a lot of gear list videos while I work, and this is by far the highest quality one I could listen to over and over. On the same level as skurkas Google talk. Good luck in future endevours

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Thanks a ton for writing. That really means a lot to me!

[@bernadette3241]

This was an outstanding thorough review. I have this pack and have hiked 500 miles in the desert and mountains. Your video helped me dial it in more efficiently. I did have pain in my shoulders when I had a 4-5 litter water carry. Liked the idea of the 3 litter in the back. I had my 3 litter tied on top and smart water bottles in the pockets. I think by tightening the pack up more efficiently and rethinking how I pack I may be able to relieve some shoulder pain. I had also thought perhaps I could of gotten a M instead of the S. I am small but liked your idea of sizing up. I may also customize and add load lifters any tie them into the stays.

[@archangel9845]

awesome review. very detailed and you actually show how you pack everything in. A+

[@mikeakafrostyhumphreys6993]

This is the exact pack that I upgraded to , as I said to others on the trail I'm Hyperlight Montain Gear for life, for all the reasons mentioned in this video I have the pods and other pieces of gear. Planning to do several thru hikes in the near future,

[@master_macchiato3222]

Fantastic review - probably the best review I have seen

[@CrowMagnumMan2024]

Great review thanks......!!! I have the southwest 2400 and with other packs I have never found any benefit of mesh for drying anything but I have found it lets everything in it get soaked without a cover. A wet tent stuffed in there comes out a wet tent every time.....??

[@jasonp1319]

Great review, and super helpful packing tips.

[@craigshelton5903]

Outstanding information and clarity of presentation.

[@raymondberry5965]

I'm adopting your system for my earthquake bag. My needs are a bit different, as I'm in a whelchair, but I bought a fishermans vest for small items and a led baseball cap for my headlight.

[@Hvn1957]

As always, a clear and intelligent review. Not sure if I missed it, but what is your carry weight for that trip (not base weight)?

[@billybastar4022]

You are quickly become my go to research spot for all things backpacking and outdoors! But bro...no camp chair? I sit my Helinox and watch your vids😂

[@wesleyt]

Great walk through, very helpful thanks for this.

[@jasonwoods305]

Hey Ryan. Awesome review. Quick question - in your experience can you count on your osprey straight jacket compression sack being water resistant enough to not use additional water protection (pack-liner, etc). Thanks again!

[@markcummings6856]

Very professional and detailed review.

[@918mbc]

Great video!! I have this same pack and I'm slowly gearing up for a CT through hike in July 2021. My question is why not carry the water bladder (which is very cool) on the inside closer to your center... Ill take all the gear tips I can get!! good luck, and thanks

[@razor5806]

My measurement is a touch over 18”, based on your review that I just read I am thinking the Large Pack.

[@AndyShepard]

I always love and appreciate these reviews! Thanks for all the good work!

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Thanks Andy! Appreciate your comment as well.

[@1DrBar]

I'm a bit surprised at the water carry on the outside. I've got the Souhtwest 3400 and the 4400 and mostly like it except for the load capacity, which is as you said about 30-35 pounds for me - for both of these packs. The Southwest 4400 is rated for 60 pounds, which is a large marketing stretch imho. I don't care for the mesh rear as I hang my wet gear on the available aftermarket compression straps. My last gripe is that there seems to be no way to attach my foam pad to the bottom, as I like to do with my other packs. But it's a great design over all, and it's nice to be able to gripe about such trivial things as we live in a time of unparalleled choices. We sure are spoiled. :)

[@victorvasquez2788]

Thank you for a very good detailed review. Take care bud..

[@rschreck876]

Great review. Are you a member of that golf course? I mean, it looks like one.

[@EDULedarskap]

Thank you for a very nice review! Very informative!

[@NostalgicLink]

I wish they'd make the Northrim in *BLACK* and/or offer *BLACK* shoulder straps and pockets. I can't stand the white diamond weaves in the hardline locations.

[@jeremywilkerson3466]

I might have missed something. You put your 3 liter water pouch in the stretch pocket. What kind is that btw? How do you hydrate while your hiking?

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Ya not ideal - I can’t access the water without taking the pack off. But for cold weather trips like this not such a big deal. The bladder is a Hydrapak 3L.

[@hb.hoffman7983]

Excellent review! Thank you, Ryan for the comparison and reasons given for the features and types of backpacks.

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Thanks for the comment. To me the comparisons are really important so you can see this pack in context with others.

[@tiger2too18]

Ryan, what are your thoughts on black heavier material or white lighter - as you have obviously gone for. For Tru hikes white is lighter, is it durable enough. If regularly bushwhacking or climbing near granite rocks then black may be best. Can you get a custom made backpack with no water bladder hole or inner sleeve?

[@jjmcwill2007]

Surprised where you're carrying your 3L of water. That's about as far away from your center of gravity as you can get, and goes against everything I ever learned about distributing pack weight effectively.

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Jeff, I'm packed for a long ridgewalk (snow, no stream crossings, no easy access to water) so 3L is about what I need to walk one day and have enough water for a dry camp. Agree that the rear pocket isn't an ideal place to stow 6 lb of water. A better setup would be two 1.5L bottles stored in each of the side pockets, or some of the water stored in the main packbag, and just a small bottle in the rear pocket.

[@gearjunkie3412]

@@BackpackingLightUSA then why pack it there.

[@kincheng]

@@gearjunkie3412 And if there is snow how do you even carry water like that without freezing?

[@projectknifehand]

@@gearjunkie3412 because he wants to?

[@gearjunkie3412]

@@projectknifehand well thanks for stating the obvious.

[@WillN2Go1]

Good review. I like seeing the packing. Too often 'features' are part of the advertising and selling but have no real use on the trail, or they're a constant hindrance, like the 'brain' of my Osprey - unless it's zipped you can 100 percent count on it dumping the contents on the ground. Did they simply not make a mock up before they started manufacturing these? (But I have been using it for 15 years... still I'd prefer the Hyperlite) When you cinched down the left side 8:40 I had the idea that the receiver buckle (lower piece) should have a piece of webbing coming off it it 90 degrees. This could better 'contain' the tent poles (you probably don't need it here, but can you see the idea? Might be good for something else. It would have to attach to the buckle which could be moved up and down because both the top and the bottom would be adjustable (not sure if the bottom is here). ) Another idea is a loop around the tent poles that the side strap passes through...but some means of fixing it's height along the poles. Again maybe not needed here, but for a similar purpose. Personally I think there are still so many possibilities still undiscovered, uninvented. I do like the mesh at the back, airing (and sunning) things out is an important function while hiking. And it just seems so obvious to me that a pack should not be constrained to a specific limit. I hike with a synthetic sleeping bag, it's just easier to let it puff out. In most situations it doesn't make any difference if the pack is a foot higher full of fluff. It's curious how long it took to get around to the state of the art backpacks having rolltops.

[@BendOregon67]

Best Review! Thank you.

[@marvinnebalo1817]

How’s the back ventilation? Any issues with hot spots?

[@philipbuckley759]

this seems to be a great issue....I had this, and the zpak model and they were brutal on sweat, on the back...

[@DanielOutdoors]

Did you say this was the 3400? And waht kind of weather monitoring thing?

[@BridgetWirth]

One thing you did not mention about the NorthRim: The pack body is DCH150 (like the rand of the other packs) instead of DCH50. Additionally, the bottom/rand of the NorthRim is DCHW (fully woven dyneema) like the pockets. Somehow it's still only 2.19lbs.

[@GetUpTheMountains]

There is an article on sectionhiker from a few years ago featuring a tour of this company’s factory in Maine, where the owner talks about how other cottage gear makers send their manufacturing to Mexico and how that results in the inevitable loss of quality in the product. Well, Hyperlite now manufactures in Mexico.

[@BowlineDandy]

What a great video. Loved the hybrid external pockets approach I think that's the way to go. I'll keep an eye on future long term reviews for the pack looks great. Cheers

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Thanks! Yes, it seems to me to be the ideal pocket setup.

[@roytd96]

What your food back? Did u like the pack and what your think how works?

[@WeiWei-vn8tb]

how about ur camera and lens? how would you pack em ?

[@alpineearth]

Do yiu have an opinion on the Atom pack Mo? I just bought one...its still in production...i was torn between this one and the Atom. We pack with the kids and carry all their food and some of their gear. A 5 day trip with food for 4 can put me at 40 lbs on day 1.

[@bertman4]

Why put the water furthest away from your center of gravity? Wouldn't the side pockets be a better place?

[@wisenber]

Wouldn't that make the pack sag on whichever hip you loaded the water?

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Yes, it does. But it's only 3L, so not a huge deal. If it was 5-6L, then I'd have to put some water inside the main packbag... Regardless, it would be better if the water could be distributed on the side pockets, but I like to stow other things in those pockets :D

[@spartywarriors]

Best gear reviews around. Well done Ryan. What kind of water bladder is that? Btw broke down and got a chair. Lol

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Sit well! It’s a Hydrapak 3L bladder.

[@spartywarriors]

👍

[@iblamesummers]

Great gear review.

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

Planning a through hike of the 100 some-odd miles of the Uinta Highline Trail this summer/fall. (before rain and snow) I'm looking at this backpack for both a review on my youtube channel, and to plan for a through hike of the PCT or CDT in a few years. I'd rather avoid unforeseen issues with my pack. How long should this pack last? I've heard that this fabric doesnt last very long. I'd rather carry an extra pound or two of a nylon fiber pack than use one that falls apart.

[@PerfDayToday]

Curious, why you don’t use HMG CF packing pod system? I use both Sm and Lg in my SW 4400. Cheers.

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

I use the pods on the larger packs, but not usually when my kit is smaller like this. I really like them for storing food on long expeditions.

[@chrisfillion]

hey man, big fan for over a decade. I pack mine very similarely to you except I put my water bladder at the top inside the main bag. Do you not find an extra 3kg of water at the back pf the bags makes you lean forwards a lot more?

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Yes, it pulls back a little. I don't worry about 3kg too much. By the time I have to haul 5 or 6 kg of water on a long ridgewalk or in the desert, then I definitely have to put some water into the main packbag.

[@spartywarriors]

What kind of water bladder is that please?

[@samfuller606]

spartywarriors Hydrapak

[@spartywarriors]

Thank you.

[@trailbreeze3998]

Where do you carry your water that’s accessible while you’re hiking. Do you not use a trowel.

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

My water in this case wasn’t accessible without taking my pack off. No trowel for this kit because I had an ice axe.

[@wadesteele4767]

I never bring a towel or a tooth brush.

[@Clifton_McWilliams]

What made you pick the Junction over the southwest?

[@mmmmmmmmmmmaks]

what shoes are you wearing? brand and model please

[@michaeljohnson5397]

Ryan, these come in Black(slightly heavier DCF) or White. Do you find any advantage over going with the Black as apposed to the White?

[@jeffozimek2178]

Id also like to know this

[@NostalgicLink]

Black is more durable and doesn't look as dirty/worn over time. It's also *BLACK* !

[@markedwards6145]

Black will get hotter in the sun. White less so.

[@BackcountryRenegade]

are you familiar how this 4400 deals with loads 30+. it says it is able to do 60 lbs, but would love to see your analysis on that like you did this one.

[@dannyfox1449]

Does is there also some system for hiking holes? Thanks 😊

[@Crazyhealthylife]

I have the wind rider 3400 I think it might be lighter? What’s the difference between these packs?

[@capolista1]

Thanks for the great video. But I have one question. Suppose I hike in extremely heavy rain. How can the rain run off the outer pockets?

[@mikeroy6713]

@capolista1 you probably already have an answer to your question but those pockets should be packed in water proof stuff sacks or Ziploc‘s. They won’t fill up with water because there is a small drain hole on the bottom corner closest to the hip belt.

[@artMccolly]

Do the frame stays help any or is this pack basically frameless? I have only used internal frame packs and I typically cant get away from heavy loads.

[@jamesjeffery1757]

Hi odd question here. How are you attaching your garmin inreach mini to the shoulder strap? I’ve been trying to find a good solution without getting the big clip setup that garmin sells.

[@maxspivey4304]

Hmg make a shoulder pocket that fit s on any pack with a daisy chain

[@dannyfox1449]

How much it cost? With all included 😳

[@irfanijzudin2939]

What a material?

[@ericsimons6712]

What exactly is the sleeping pad inflation bag? Never seen/heard of those

[@aramdan2019]

since the color is white, what do u do to keep that clean ? is there any special treatment or trick to wash ? thanks

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

They offer a black-fabric model as well which is MUCH better at staying clean. White is ... well, only white for a little while. Soap and warm water helps, but only so much.

[@liamsullivan7073]

What does he use to strap his inreach mini?

[@rogeringram]

Is the Junction more waterproof than the Windrider or Southwest?

[@maxspivey4304]

@Dace Solo they all are waterproof

[@maxspivey4304]

@Dace Solo they are all dcf which is highly waterproof

[@maxspivey4304]

@Dace Solo and whats the pack made out of... 🤔. The material!!!

[@lifescansdarkly]

First off, I think OP is asking if there are any updates to the Junction over older models, particularly regarding the water resistance of the hip pockets. Some people have said in other videos that this model has been updated in that regard. Would be good to have an official answer to that from HMG. As to the pissing contest that resulted, no, the packs aren't technically "waterproof" i.e. no you can't go deep sea diving in them. But will they let in rainwater if you're hiking though a thunderstorm? No they will not. And when you're talking about backpacks, that's what people mean when they say waterproof.

[@lifescansdarkly]

@Dace Solo Good to know! I wasn't sure if I was going to go with the Junction or Southwest for that reason, if nothing was changed I think I'll go with the Southwest then.

[@deltanovember1672]

Liked and subbed. 👌🏼

[@flameout12345]

It would be great if you can display it at maximum

[@loccomoffo1000]

Hi Ryan, great vid. Solid side pockets look bombproof but will make finding misplaced sweets hard :) I have the windrider and enjoy using it apart from the extra sweaty back. Out of curiosity what do you have in your enviro monitoring kit @ 4:39? I used to have an acurite thermometer but it didn't last long.

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Thanks for compliment on the video! I carry a Kestrel 5500 with a vane for wind monitoring, two Kestrel Drops (one outside, one inside tent) for humidity and temperature monitoring (for condensation studies), and an IR thermometer for measuring fabric temps (also for condensation studies).

[@retobaumann5604]

Hi Ryan... great review. THx a lot. Can you post a list of all the items you did put in your bag (e.g. what type of tent)?

[@robertplutz8221]

Indeed Ryan! The type of tent you typically use would be really helpful.

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Hi Reto - the tent I was using in this kit is a Locus Gear Djedi (DCF). Review of that has been filmed and coming soon! Other than that, some of the big items were: Hammock Gear Economy Burrow quilt, Nemo Tensor pad, an MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe-based cook kit, Hydrapak water bottle, Katadyn BeFree filter bottle ... at some point I'll start putting together more comprehensive gear videos.

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

So the cord is attached to the inReach in the plastic body of the unit, then lark-hitched to an upper daisy chain loop on the pack shoulder strap. The velcro strip is then wrapped around the inReach and a lower daisy chain loop on the pack shoulder strap.

[@IamUke]

Excellent review. Thanks for sharing.

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Thank you. I’m glad you liked the review!

[@DiddeeBoy]

What’s the difference between Hardline and Dyneema Gridstop?

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

No difference.

[@Armour783]

Hey where did you get that hat?

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

I think I bought it at a mountain shop in Estes Park CO. It’s made by Patagonia.

[@shawnal3027]

Why not use the ice axe loop?

[@ellief4277]

He mentions it at 12:30

[@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

[@JD-ms7xw]

it looks like you’re reviewing brand new unused gear on a golf course??

[@madratter]

Excellent review. I saw this at Trail Days and just toured the production facility in Maine. I left there with the Junction 3400 and some pods for storage. I look forward to some overnights soon and an AT thru hike in 2020...

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Good luck preparing for your thru-hike!

[@PerfDayToday]

P.s. what prevents your ice axe from poking a hole in side pockets?

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

David - the axe doesn't have a sharp spike on it (it's a Camp Corsa). Plus, I grind it down so it's not so sharp. Also, the Hardline fabric is surprisingly tear resistant.

[@KB-re4ku]

What is a WAG bag?

[@johnwilson6954]

@K B - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKHMiWNtrLV-nac www.rei.com/product/662978/cleanwaste-go-anywhere-toilet-kit-waste-bags-package-of-12

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

I use it to store poop. On routes where it's not feasible to bury it. In this video, I'm packed for a mountain ridgewalk where most of the miles are > 10k elevation in an extremely environmentally sensitive area so I figured on just packing the 1 or 2 loads out :D

[@jeffstone28]

@KAA902 That's a good question lol.

[@lifescansdarkly]

@KAA902 Because while there are about a million bears in North America, there are about 370 million people. This isn't an issue of biodegradability, it's an issue of scale. Furthermore bears don't stick to trails; people do, so all their waste would be concetrated in a small area. Lastly, human waste can contain diseases and parasites that other humans could contract if they come in contact with it.

[@hanskirk-hiking9697]

Great video - I have the Zpacks Arc Haul - do you think that the Junction is better 😊

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

The Junction is a bit more durably constructed and can be abused a bit more.

[@hanskirk-hiking9697]

Thanks 😊

[@Johann-4354]

Wow! Lots of stuff sacks.

[@alicefogel7806]

Does this pack come in a smaller fitting for women?

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Yes, they have a small sized torso that’s pretty short actually.

[@JakeMorrison]

Watching what order you pack things in your backpack was the most interest part. Personally couldn’t listen to the crinkle of dcf, not worth the weight savings. 🤠🏕

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Thanks Jake, glad you enjoyed the packing part. I'll have to put together a more comprehensive gear and packing video at some point, a lot of people seem to get value out of that.

[@shupingyin8082]

love the vid

[@sabbottart]

All bags should be this light. Why should we have to pay through the nose for what should be industry standard?

[@70h4nn35]

Expensive materials. There are packs with similar weights at lower prices.

[@AR9ify]

You need to wax your hip-belt pockets zippers. They sounded as if they never had wax applied.

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

The only issue with waxing zippers - which is an old-school recommendation from old-timers - is that the wax attracts dirt and grit - and then boom: zipper failure. We do *not* recommend waxing zippers.

[@LokeshThakur]

its overpriced for a bag though

[@DamonBowe]

if the seams lasted forever it would be more exciting, but instead it just collects water as it gets older.

[@wildwolf8983]

I would not put the 3liters of water in the outer pack compartment. Too far from your body

[@philipbuckley759]

2lbs....quite a weight...

[@viewlesswind]

2 lb? That's two heavy.

[@Judaddy1]

Not if you can carry 30 Lbs comfortably. The 1 pound packs are really only meant to go to like 25lbs carrying weight max. More versatility in this pack to be used year round. But ya could do an 1lb pack instead I guess to save the pound.

[@nadiapovta3886]

Looks worn out like about to rip

[@LowKickMT]

Didnt knew epstein was into hiking