Hyperlite Southwest 3400 v ÜLA Ohm 2.0 - Ultralight Backpack Review: Compare & Recommend

[@toddgrant7190]

Nicely done. I like the crisp focus on the details of each pack. Your great familiarity with each pack shows. Thanks you for posting.

[@steamboatadrift]

Thanks Todd for watching and for the comment! Glad you found this useful!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Very nice video! I have the Junction from HMG and love it. Great comparison. Well done. Crow✌️

[@steamboatadrift]

Thanks for watching and for the comment. I’m on my second Southwest pack and still love it! Happy hiking.

[@toughlifevirgina]

Good, balanced review, man. So good I can't decide still!

[@steamboatadrift]

Thanks for the comment. As you could tell, I really like both these packs. I’m now on my second Hyperlite SW if that says anything. If you can spend the extra money, it’s a good investment. But love ULA too! Happy hiking!

[@toughlifevirgina]

@@steamboatadrift thank you so much! I had seen a lot of good reviews on the ULA but you really showed the Hyperlite for what it can do. Also, thanks for actually putting these bags through their paces too! Awesome.

[@ratherbehiking8653]

Nice review. I got the ULA Circuit and have been happy with it for years.

[@steamboatadrift]

Very cool. Can’t go wrong with üla.

[@rickwebermusic]

Nice review! I've had my Ohm 2.0 for a few years now, and I enjoy it more every time I use it. Mine has the green Robic fabric, and that stuff is bombproof! The thing that really sold me on ULA is the size of the side pockets. I wanted a pack that would allow me to carry my cook kit on the side.

[@steamboatadrift]

Thanks for the info! I love the side pockets as well. There really isn’t anything that you can’t fit in the exterior of the Ohm 2.0. This is still my go to pack for local overnights.

[@zacharymulford4270]

Love the video man. I'm literally debating these two bags right now for my upcoming AT thruhike this March.

[@steamboatadrift]

Right on, thanks for watching. Both are great packs. Honestly I’ve found I prefer the HMG for longer hikes but the price can be a barrier for some. Best of luck on your Thru!

[@zacharymulford4270]

@@steamboatadrift oh wow why is that? And yeah it's kinda pricey but I dont mind. I tried one on but the guy must have been carrying bricks because it was crazy heavy and the things were poking me in the back. Kinda left me reconsidering.

[@steamboatadrift]

Sometimes when the HMG is overloaded the aluminum stays can poke out a little, but these minimal packs are going to take practice to get dialed in. I don’t recommend bricks that don’t carry electricity. The big difference is the shape of the packs. The HMG has more of a cube shape and a wider base so the weight sits a little lower. The ULA is more like a cylinder, a little thinner and more tall. I’m about 6’1 and this means the center of gravity shifts up a little because of the more narrow design. I go back and forth but like the Dynema fabric for weather protection and it’s a little easier to pack because of the wider base of the design.

[@jeremyrobbins9064]

One of the best reviews I have seen on packs. This hobby is full of people trying to push their cheaply made gear.

[@steamboatadrift]

I also agree about the ‘pushing and peddling’ that happens online, and I appreciate the positive review. Happy hiking.

[@olgawankenobi]

Just ordered myself a ULA Ohm and your video helped me make my decision. Going to be doing the Trans Catalina in December and excited to take it on some shakedowns over the next two months. 🤙

[@steamboatadrift]

Very Cool! Glad to hear I could help out. Enjoy the Ohm and the TCT!

[@MeetMeOutside]

Love my Ohm 2.0 !

[@steamboatadrift]

Thanks, me too! I got a video you could watch...oh wait this is it...Happy Hiking!

[@MeetMeOutside]

@@steamboatadrift good stuff !

[@Get_Some_Nature]

Ditto!

[@mikevargas809]

Fabulous review! Thank you!

[@steamboatadrift]

Thanks for watching!

[@___xyz___]

Neat. Thanks, man!

[@dannynimmo3052]

Very good info. Thank you!

[@steamboatadrift]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@perrycoate5016]

I have an Ohm2 and love it. It's well made, durable and carries well.

[@steamboatadrift]

Thank you and I certainly agree. ÜLA makes some great gear!

[@Get_Some_Nature]

Ditto!

[@markcummings6856]

Nice review. Thanks.

[@Teddy-fx6fx]

Great review 👍

[@steamboatadrift]

Thank you!

[@Tylar245]

Thank you for this 🧦

[@steamboatadrift]

My pleasure!

[@SuperAudionut]

Enjoying your videos. Wonder what your thoughts are on going with the HMG 4400. Worth the few ounces to have the greater capacity, stronger suspension, compresses down to size of 3400 or 2400...

[@steamboatadrift]

Thanks for the comment. For me, the 3400 is the right size. I couldn’t get by with a 2400, asides from long weekends. My base weight is between 12-15 lbs depending on conditions. I like having a little extra room to carry. I talked with a ranger at the Grand Canyon and they’ve were using the 4400 and had nothing but great things to say. I have carried loads too heavy in UL packs and its not fun. I think those added features for heavier loads really make a difference. I found that getting UL is a lot harder than it seems so have an all around pack is working for me.

[@philipbuckley759]

it reminds me of a zpak, and that pack made my back sweat and had rubbing sores....and when I took a break, I froze on my back, because it was so cold, due to being wet...

[@steamboatadrift]

Dang! That sounds super uncomfortable. Hope you’ve found a pack that works better for you!

[@azclaimjumper]

I have the Ohm 2.0 with a Roll Top, not the drawstring top you have. I especially like the internal water bladder sleeve that holds my 3L Hydrapak bladder. I carry stuff in each side pocket, not water bottles.

[@steamboatadrift]

Thank for the comment. I really like the Ohm 2.0. I usually put my sit pad on the top so its closes up the opening made by the draw string closure. I agree that the side pockets are a great way to carry extra gear. The pockets are HUGE. Happy hiking!

[@Yepyayep]

great content keep it up

[@steamboatadrift]

Cool! Thanks for the support.

[@billybastar4022]

Thank you for the awesome video. I am researching and putting together a AT walk. My current packs are more durable and day hike bags that are 4 lbs. I am not used to frameless packs, and am a little heavier dude currently. Although my waste is dropping down, and currently a 37 on the way to a 36...I love Hyperlite as a company, but have heard and seen some durability issues in rougher terrain like in Utah. Can you speak to the scrambling capabilities and durability of Dyneema?

[@steamboatadrift]

Thanks for the comment. I can only speak from experience regarding the durability of the DCF. For scrambling/off trail desert conditions I think the material performs satisfactorily. I used the HMG pack in AZ, the PNW and Mid-Atlantic. Ive never had a tear from rubbing against a boulder or a tree, and I’d say I’m a more rough on gear that average, I don’t ‘baby’ my things. I’ve seen people get punctures in their packs or rain fly’s and I honestly have no idea how people manage to do this. When a hole does form it doesn’t fray and the rip stop capabilities are pretty good. The downside is that the material frays or delaminates on the inside over time. This is why a ZPacks pack always looks like it’s in critical stages of decay. I think the DCF breaks down faster in sunlight so desert/exposed hiking. For real that’s low key. I used my HMG pack 4 year nonstop and just replaced. One suggestion if you’re waistline is changing to look into a variable waist belt that can be interchanged. Happy hiking .

[@billybastar4022]

@@steamboatadrift thank you. I have always liked a belt on the larger side. Having it wrap around the front a little seems to be most comfortable for me. I’m not a babier of gear as well, but I’m not a brute either. I do get a little more careless if it’s at the end of a long day. I think I’m going to give it a go. Wish I could try it out for fit just to be certain.

[@w8stral]

Dyneema on a PER WEIGHT basis, is the strongest fabric out there. That being said, you can get more durable fabrics over common thickness dyneema used, but they will be heavier. Likewise, you can pay for heavier dyneema fabric and for same weight will be just as durable, but lighter. --> You get what you pay for. Not all pack manufacturers will use heavier dyneema as it is near impossible to sew and likewise is also bomb proof.

[@ejc5105]

So, if you don't need a whole lot of space for certain trips, does it roll down to the same size as the 2400 (40 Liters)? I'm asking, because it would be nice to use this as a carry-on size bag for flights where I'm planning on short hikes. Nice review

[@steamboatadrift]

Thanks for the question. If you check out the Hyperlite website you can see the dimensions of thee 3400 and 2400 are very similar. The exception is that the 3400 has a taller extension collar. The additional capacity is vertical, above the shoulder straps. It rolls down very nicely in you have a smaller load or when you are nearing the end of a section and all the food is gone. When compressed it makes for a very nice backpack or potential carry on. Sometimes hiking poles and camp stoves weird out TSA so keep that in mind. Happy hiking!

[@christianb8228]

I’m thinking about getting the southwest 3400 but can’t decide which size to go for I’m pretty sure I have an 18 inch torso but I’m not a doctor so I’m not sure if I’m measuring in the right location and really don’t want to order the wrong size... could you please help me out?

[@steamboatadrift]

Thanks Christian. It’s easy just locate your iliac crest and measure to the C7 vertebrate. I have no idea what this means. I’m not an affiliate or rep for either companies, I’m just a dude with a vlogging camera. But, if you go to the bottom of the page on the HMG site you can find more specific instructions under FAQ. If you are consistently getting an 18” torso size, I’d recommend a medium. Shipping and returns are usually processed in a reasonable manner, so if the sizing is way off, you may have a little time to correct but 18” is a solid M. I’m 6’0” and wear a solid L and I was a little closer to 21” if I remember correctly. I also had a hard time figuring this out. Happy hiking.

[@christianb8228]

@@steamboatadrift awesome thank you I appreciate the info. Happy hiking 🙂👍

[@joshbalisteri1530]

Where did you get that little zip pouch you had connected to the hydration area inside on the HMG?

[@steamboatadrift]

Nice Eye! The Dynema Zip Pouch that is on the interior of the HMG was purchased from ZPacks. They have a couple aftermarket pouches that you can get: zpacks.com/collections/zip-pouches

[@joshbalisteri1530]

@@steamboatadrift Awesome, thanks! Just got a 3400 Junction. Can't wait to get it up and running.

[@steamboatadrift]

Very nice. Hope you enjoy and get some good use out of it! Hike on!

[@TainoXtreme]

Very good video presentation. I liked it so much I just subscribed to your channel and gave you a like. Thank you so much for sharing this video. What is your favorite shelter system you’re using nowadays? God bless you.

[@steamboatadrift]

Thanks for the comment and support. Right now for shelter I’d use a 10x10 sylnylon flat tarp and my Mountain Laurel Designs Bivy. I’m currently in Arizona and this provides enough coverage and protection for me given the mild temps and few bugs. Ive been looking at the Gossamer Gear ‘The One’ for a single wall tent lately and might go ahead and invest in that here pretty soon. Happy Hiking!

[@MrJacobmetcalf]

Ty

[@steamboatadrift]

Np

[@benhikingoutdoors1632]

I dont think Ive ever heard anyone pronounce Denier (Fabric Thickness) as "DenYaY"

[@steamboatadrift]

Thanks Ben. Denier is a French term to measure textile strength of individual fabrics. Like many Latin derived words in English, the pronunciation can vary greatly. Similar to the bike bags ‘panniers’. I heard this pronunciation in a podcast and probably overemphasized the soft ‘r’.

[@benhikingoutdoors1632]

@@steamboatadrift interesting info..I cant dispute the background of the word but Ive just never heard it pronounced in that manner. Ive always heard it pronounced "DenieR". Even watching other random vids on what "Denier" is, it's also pronounce with the hard R at the end.

[@dougieranger]

Liked and subbed.

[@steamboatadrift]

Welcome to the channel of misadventures!

[@dougieranger]

@@steamboatadrift Misadventures? Ha ha ha ha. Love it. Best wishes from Scotland.

[@MackGully]

Can that hyperlite be cleaned?

[@steamboatadrift]

Thanks fir the question. It depends on your definition of cleaned. I would not recommend using a wire brush or any abrasive on the fabric as it will likely cause damage. When necessary, I will soak the bag in a tub of mild detergent, agitate and rinse.

[@MackGully]

@@steamboatadrift thanks for the reply. Did you find it removed most of the stains or is there a permanent yellow tinge to the material after a while. On the fence between the white and black.

[@steamboatadrift]

There will definitely be stains. Once the white gets dirty it absorbs the tint pretty quickly. Whether that be dirt,clay or leaves. If you don’t like the way it ‘Dirts out’ I’d recommend the black.

[@MackGully]

@@steamboatadrift thanks brotha, enjoy your day.

[@jesusbarraza3050]

At 7:17, What the hell was that? A cough ?

[@steamboatadrift]

That was a bark motivated by the discomfort of acid reflex. Thanks for watching.

[@tomnoyb8301]

Waterproofness and water absorption weight?

[@steamboatadrift]

Hey Tom, great questions. On the Hyperlite, I’d given rate it an 7/10. While the Dynema is very waterproof, water will still wick into the seams over time. It is seam taped, but repeatedly (un)packing wears away at the tape. I still use a compactor or equivalent barrier inside. I would also never try to submerge that pack. It is NOT a dry bag. The ULA I’d rate a 3/10. The Robic sheds a little water at first, and in light rain it will take time to absorb thoroughly into the pack. I typically use a compactor & pack liner while using this in the rain. As for the absorption weight, this is never a value I considered in the past. It is quite technical in nature and I recommend reaching out to the manufacture: HMG: www.hyperlitemountaingear.com ULA: www.ula-equipment.com Hike On!

[@tomnoyb8301]

@@steamboatadrift - If one wore an empty 34oz ULA Ohm in the steady rain for an hour, they might soon be carrying 68oz (doubled weight due to water absorption)? Maybe more? Dyneema might only be a few extra ounces water-weight and most of that in the shoulder and hip-belt? We go to great lengths to lower base-weight, then ignore absorption? As to seam-sealing Dyneema, one can use caulk/grip on the outside and re-tape inside seams? Quest has both Seam-seal tape and Grip.

[@steamboatadrift]

Great point. Ill think about this in the future.