As an experienced backpacker I’m not so worried about ultra light backpacks. I much prefer a backpack that fits properly and can carry weight well. If a heavy (4+lbs) pack can carry weight well and not feel like I’m wearing a pack then that’s my pack.
Comfort and ease of carrying is very important. My first pack was a Jack Wolfskin 65l. It is very comfortable and I still use it in the late fall to carry my hot tent. For the rest of the shoulder seasons and summer I like my Zpacks Arc Blast. I have tried packs that do not have frames, like the Hyperlite and for me, I do not find them as comfortable.
Except in 3 seasons in the temperate zone if you are UL you don’t need to carry weight! I can go out for 8 days without resupply in areas with daily water availability and never carry more than 25lb total. My backpack is 50L and weighs a hair under 1lb. I have an enclosed shelter an inflatable mat and a sleeping bag to take me comfortably to 20F. Nothing but comfortable!
This pack is not meant to carry forty plus pounds. It’s not the tool for the job he is asking it to do. It is also not an UL backpack. Light but not UL.
Taking this pack out with >40lbs and commenting on the comfort is like trying to haul sheets of plywood with a hatchback and commenting on the tight fit.
As a “mature” hiker who treasures light/ultra packs I am field testing a zpacks ultra arc haul. What made the difference from hyper lite - load lifters and adjustable frame, cushioned shoulder straps. Worth the extra money but it’s a level of comfort that’s appreciated
I’ve been using this pack for a couple of years now and it’s max comfortable load is about 30lbs. It’s quite comfortable in the 20-25”lb range and that’s where I try to keep it. My biggest complaint is the waist belt, you have to pull back instead of across your body to cinch it tight, it’s an awkward motion and it’s hard to get it as tight as I want.
Great video...thank you for adding ultralight packs to your equipment review. I was looking at this pack last year, but decided on the Zpacks Arc Blast 55l. I am very happy with the Zpacks, however, both packs are great for backpacking and canoe tripping (for single carry on portages). One difference that I like about the Zpacks is that it has carbon fiber stays with a mesh that helps to keep the pack off of your back, which is nice in the summer heat. The 55l or 3400ci pack size allows me to keep my late spring/summer base weight with food for a 3 - 4 day trip just below 20 lbs. Another option for light weight packs is the Osprey Levity 45l. This is a framed pack at just under 2lb. It is another durable pack that is very comfortable to wear. The only thing is it is only 45 l, which may be small for more than a 3 day trip.
I just hiked the Long Trail in Vermont with my Arc Blast, Duplex and 20 degree quilt. All Zpacks and loving it. I carried five days of food and never came close to thirty pounds, forty is way to heavy for me. I am older and my body can no longer carry heavy loads. Thankfully I no longer have to. Thank you Zpacks All my gear is super light.
@@mtadams2009 I mostly canoe trip, but I have been backpacking more this year. As I am over 65 I wanted light weight gear so I can portage longer distances in a single carry (pack and canoe at the same time) or hike a fair distance without putting too much stress on my body. I also picked up the Zpacks Altaplex last year to lighten the load and it has been a fantastic tent. So fast and easy to set up and it allows me to kneel in the tent.
@@TheFleetcaptain210 That is awesome. I have the Duplex but would love that single person tent. Going light has kept me on the trail. I am 63 and I have had multiple injuries over the years. Go light and keep hitting it. Take care and enjoy the great outdoors.
I love my 3400 junction and agree that 30lbs is the upper limit. I had about 34lbs on the Arctic Circle Trail this summer and was happy to eat my way to comfort. I will swear by it and am lucky that it fits me well and is very comfortable if not overloaded. I bought mine with a coupon code during a sale, which saved me a ton of money. Nice review. Cheers!
Finally bought the same pack this year. Money well spent. Went with the white though. It sure gets dirty but man is it easy to see stuff inside my pack. Almost glows in there from the white material.
As with many things in life, you have to pick the right tool for the job, and this pack is a tool for some specific uses. I don't own and haven't used a HMG pack but I do have a similar pack from a competitor and happily pick it up - for the right kind of trip. I would probably never recommend it to a beginner unless they were very interested in ultralight backpacking, and I was going with them to make sure they were safe and comfortable. This type of pack is for the experienced backpacker who has already learned to pare down their gear to a minimum and who can stay safe and comfortable using knowledge and experience rather than bringing a lot of gear. Really you should very rarely have a max weight load in this type of pack - maybe a long water carry AND a long stretch between resupply points - both of which are temporary conditions soon rectified by consuming the weight. Honestly, for a trip to the Winds where water is readily available in most places, to get to 42 lbs there must have been some seriously heavy camera gear. I've made "ultralight" desert trips where I had to carry 18 pounds of water on day one, but my pack weight was still only 32-ish lbs. On the other end of the scale, I've made mountaineering trips with ropes and climbing gear and lots of food for a long stay, where pack weights were much, much more than 42 pounds, but I was hauling that in my 7 pound expedition sized pack, not an ultralight pack. If your base weight is much over 10-12 pounds, this is not the type of pack you want. If you don't know what base weight is, this is probably not the type of pack you want to buy - yet. If you don't have both the experience and the desire to travel with the minimum gear necessary for safety and relative comfort... yeah, you get the idea.
Used the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400 for a section hike of the JMT. Agree that it’s not as comfortable as my old Arcteryx and Osprey packs. Added my own load lifter straps to the pack, which helped pull the pack closer to my body for a tiny bit more comfort. I am in my 50s and my knees and body appreciated the overall lighter weight. Will not be reverting to a traditional backpack for my next trip because of that. Currently considering buying an Atom Pack Mo 60 litre. The Mo is lighter than the Hyperlite Southwest and hopefully has greater comfort especially when I have to haul 6 litres of water for dry stretches. With custom colours, it definitely looks prettier than the Hyperlite in my opinion.
Please don't add music to your videos. It really is distracting. This is a review of a backpack & it would be great to just hear what you have to say about it without anything added for some kind of effect. Thanks! 👍
Thank you for discussing the lack of comfort. I used my HMG Southwest 3400 during a short distance two night trip. My total weight was just under 22 pounds. My shoulders hurt so much I gave it to my daughter, and she loves it. I’m very thin, so I believe that may have something to do with my discomfort. I hope HMG will one day make a similar backpack with comfort features even though it will weigh a little more. The Dyneema is fabulous!
I’ve found that I hate it when roll-top bags have velcro on the top. It grips onto your arms when you reach in, and damages your clothing. Especially if you have a merino wool sweater, it’ll just rip that to shreds over time. First thing I would do is remove those Velcro bits.
Agreed, but no need to remove the them. Just purchase and attach a Velcro strip on one side. Velcro is found in shops that sell fabric and sewing accessories. The width of the HMG Velcro is identical to the standard size. I’ve done so and it stays put, even with washing/extended use. The extra stiffness/thickness is nice to have when folding the top down.
After over a year and a half of using this pack, it doesn't not need load lifters. I find the pack very comfortable, but I only carry 21-22 pound and a max of 24 pounds and that's usually in the winter. Packs are as subjective as comfort in the wilderness. Thru hikers use these packs for 2000 plus miles and find this pack the go to pack for miles upon miles upon miles. Packs are so subjective, like weight, quilts vs bags, and so on. Thanks for the video
I think a lot of people get so wrapped up in the low number when it comes to weight that they lose sight of the whole entire purpose of a pack. I'd rather have a 4 pound pack that can make 40+ pounds feel like 20 pounds than have a pack that weighs a pound or less but makes 20 pounds feel like 40. There is a compromise to be made, certainly. But mass weight and felt weight are two entirely different things. Low numbers are great on paper, but what are you giving up to trim a pound or two out of your pack weight? There are a lot of other places to trim ounces, a pack isn't the place I would recommend trimming weight. Everyone has their preference!
I LOVE this pack. But to each their own. I do think you might have loaded it heavier than I would recommend. I would actually say that once I figured out where to best adjust the shoulder straps it actually carried much more comfortably than my Osprey pack, and it doesn’t have the squeaky noise with every step that I had with my Osprey.
I get that I carry too much weight in it. If I stopped carrying camera equipment I could probably carry the appropriate weight for the pack. All said I still really like it!
After 30lbs, you’re done. It’s really funny to see these guys on the tube maxing out the pack trip after trip and complaining about how beat up they are after 11 miles at 11,000 feet. It’s a weight specific pack. Just buy a lightweight full featured pack. If every thing else your carrying is lightweight, another 1lb is nothing. Use the right pack for the gear. Thanks for maxing out the pack and showing how badly it carries over 30lbs. Go buy a Gregory. Great video
If you've been around here a while it's no secret I carry heavy loads, that's why I generally use other packs that excel in carrying heavy loads. I am trying new things myself and also talking to other backpackers who aren't really the UL crowd.
Just an add on: I've used quite a few exterior frame (Jan Sport+) and interior frame (North Face+) and frameless (GoLite+) backpacks. Jan Sport were great when carrying an extra 20-25 lbs of climbing gear. I wore them all out. I've used the 4400 Porter for 10 years and got the larger pack so it was also good for winter big volume. Got the 2400 for long day cross country ski trips so room for enough warm clothing, etc. when stopping (or emergency overnight) and then the Daybreak (original version) for day hikes. Also use the Stuff Pack as big stuff sack and for summiting or around town.
I have a 2400 Junction that I found used at a reasonable price on Ebay. I have found that at 30+ lbs I am not comfortable. The breaking point for me seems to be about 25 lbs. Above that, I do not like the feel. At or below 25 lbs, I love it.
Great video but I am not sure if you can consider this as a honest review in regards to things like comfort for example as you have overloaded it so much compared to which weight is being advised.
I have the Southwest 2400 - and it comfortably carried 28lbs for a 12 day trip in Iceland this summer. That would be the max weight I would like to carry as I am a 65 yo female. But that was including 12 days food so it continually got lighter. I also used this pack for a 7 day trip in Wyoming Wind River this summer, and have had the pack for 3 years now, no issues with wear and tear and still loving it.
Yes, an HMG pack is that option. Snug, simple and comfortable. But it will not be comfy if you load it too much and walk long days. www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/collections/backpacks
3:11 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. All HMG packs get wet on the inside, even with a rain cover in heavy downpour. Including the hip pockets (5:11). If you want to avoid a wet surprise, use a proper large drybag for everything. I use 6 HMG Pods, a 65 liter Sea to Summit drybag and an Arcteryx rain cover. That about does keep you safe. I love my NorthRim 3400 (second one I own) and not only have I trekked the mountains +200 days with it, but I live with it daily as a nomad. It’s my home and it travels with me globally.
Have a look inside your pack. Do you see any taped seams on the bottom section? Neither is the exposed area on top where shoulder straps connect. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SCjS492IBGk.html
I needed a bag that I could use both for hikes and emergencies, and some of the emergency gear is just too bulky and heavy for an ultralight setup. So I needed a bag that could support a decent amount of weight. Gear like a weather radio, grayl bottle, food rations that don’t require water, etc. that are very useful in emergencies but probably have better alternatives for UL hiking. Though if I wanted an ultralight setup and had more experience this would be at the top of my list for packs.
Interesting review, the half of the points very subjective, it was pretty much my first backpack. very comfortable and light. became a part of my body while hiking. so is it beginner friendly backpack? It depends… with you it might be completely different experience, so the point of review is not really a point it just showing the product but in the end of the day it’s all up to you. Buy it use it and return if you don’t like it. You’re welcome.
have you considered LiteAF backpacks? newer ones are made from ultra 200 which fixes all of the issues with dyneema. they also weigh considerably less.
This is hardly a UL backpack. I only recently learned of Lite AF. I would be willing to give them a try but I already have way to much money tied up in Zpack gear. Lite AF packs look beautiful.
I've heard of them from people like yourself, but I've never used them. My biggest challenge for truly UL backpacks is that I need to overhaul all my style and stop carrying cameras. It's just too much weight and stuff for these 17 ounce packs!
@@BackpackingTV I think because you are filming and I don’t know how much equipment you are carrying you may be better off with a traditional pack. Then again I know many who have RU-vid channels use UL, Big Foot for example. Over the last ten years I have gone from a Osprey, to Granite Gear to Acr Blast. Each time essentially cutting the weight by half or more. I did the same with my other gear too. Three tents BA Jack Rabbit, BA Tiger Wall and finally a Zpacks Duplex. It was expensive but for me necessarily. You may want to reduce your camera gear, something I know nothing about. I got rid of my Anker 20,000 power back 12 ounces and replaced it with a Nitecore 10,000 5.3 ounces. Grams become once’s become pounds. Enjoy the trial and your definitely fit and happy carrying what you carrying so it’s no big deal. I am jealous I can’t carry heavy packs anymore. Take care
@@mtadams2009 I saw many hikers this year at Pukaskwa National Park in Ontario, Canada with the HMG Junction/Southwest packs while I was researching them previously. I was convinced that this was the next upgrade. However, I just recently did a trip with a 20L pack and was shocked at how much I enjoyed that more than using my Osprey Talon 33. It was just a cheapo bag from Mountain Warehouse weighing in at 540g, but it got me thinking about what I really needed in a pack. That's when I found out about LiteAF. They make the Curve backpacks in different capacities. I found the 20L version and started researching. Going to purchase in the winter time so it will be ready for next summer season. It's also half the weight of the HMG packs, at 403g. Plus it's personalised as it is a custom made pack.
@@zakafx That sounds awesome. I just did the Long Trail in Vermont, about 273 miles and I learned a lot. The people I spoke to carrying super small packs generally used tarps as shelter. Zpacks make a really nice one that weighs next to nothing. It has opened me up to possibles I never even thought of. The Lite AF packs are the most beautiful packs I have ever seen. I would be interested in the curve 40. I hike with my dog and I always end up carrying extra stuff, her quilt for example. It truly is a great time to be a backpacker, the gear is so light and dependable. The Long Trail would be a good trail to hike with a 20 L pack. There are lots of shelters the whole way. I never stay in shelters but I did on the LT. I don’t think I would bring my tent again, it’s really not needed. Take care
Great stuff as always! As someone who just started making short films in the mountains I'd love to hear what your go to light setup is these days for your adventures. My gear weighed in at a lovely (not so lovely) 9 lbs this last trip so could use some tips
I have a Zpacks Arc Blast but I also have a 38 L Granite Gear and I love that pack. It was also very reasonable cost. Granite Gear makes great gear that will not break the bank.
Can't imagine using this pack over 25 lbs. So what's the point of even using it. Might as well use a more comfortable pack and go as light as possible.
I’ve been really enjoying your balanced reviews of equipment. While I understand that it’s rated for the heavier weight you carried, it’s not the best use case. In fairness for this and any equipment that falls in the Ultralight category, it would be nice if you had tested it with a more typical Ultra Light load weight. I would be interested to know whether thinner shoulder straps and minimalist adjustability are still an issue when carrying 18-25 lbs (even that’s on the heavy side for UL…). Congratulations on your engagement!
I thought the white southwests are 50 denier with 150 denier bottoms but the black southwests are entirely 150 denier? That's why the black is heavier?
I was in the market for a ultra lite backpack and was considering the HMG Junction and after doing my research of UL backpacks i went with the Waymarks UVLV with the Ultra 200/400 and after doing a few short backpacking trips with my pack loaded for upcoming sectional hiking trips to feel out the pack for comfort and functionality it was in my opinion a perfect pack for me.
Never understood the hype on this pack. I thought it was b/c of the comfort but you're saying the straps are minimal at best. Thanks for the info. Confirms I'll never get it. The price is more expensive than pretty much all other competitors in the field and it doesn't seem justified. Yes, 40+ is not what this pack is for. Stick with your Mystery Ranch Eric! Lol.
Fantastic review, coming from osprey and looking at newer packs for thru hikes this has been awesome for our consideration between "traditional" vs ultra light. Cheers
40lbs in a pack designed for thur hiking. Example. Base weight 12 to 15. Without water and food max weight 20 to 25 with water and food.. the name is hyperlite. 😂😂😂 thur hikers bag. Not over weight gear and camera equipment.
It’s kinda funny when you think about it. I want something that has no adjustability, can’t carry much weight without getting uncomfortable, and I’d like to pay a lot for it😅. I see this brand all over and hear mostly good things outside of price.
We all know they have an affiliate program now and that's why your promoting it.. There are tons of cottage industry packs made from ultra 200 for almost 2 years like superior wilderness designs who really deserve the spotlight.
Spittin' truth right here. Basically everything about HMG packs is sub-par. Heavy, expensive, uncomfortable, no loadlifters, and DCF is way overrated as a fabric for packs.
Haha, I don't make decisions on what I review based on affiliate programs. That's chasing pennies. I'm trying lots of packs and making videos. More cottage industry items coming in the future.
I agree that HMG packs are not comfortable. I used one for a 3-day trip attempting to summit Mt Olympus WA. I developed nerve damage in my hips from tightening the hip belt so much, trying to keep it from sliding down to keep weight off my shoulders. I was using the 4400 to carry all the equipment I needed, but they use the same thinly-padded hip belt on this size as on their smaller packs. Very inadequate for that pack!
First off that is a light weight pack and far from UL. Second going UL is not just purchasing a light pack, you also have to go light with the gear inside said pack. This test was essentially useless. I would never carry forty pounds with a light weight pack. Try the pack with about 20 to 25 pound and you will be fine.
Hey Scott, it's true, there's much more to going UL than one gear item. I come from a general backpacking background and always carry heavy. This pack boasts it can carry up to 40 lbs. So why not test it at that? I actually really like the pack and understand it would be a very different experience if I cut my weight in half.
@@BackpackingTV I guess the reason is no one who owns that pack is honestly going to expect that pack to carry forty pounds and be comfortable. Also you did not get to experience UL hiking and how awesome going light is. To be honest I for the life of me can’t imagine carrying a forty pound pack, unless I was winter camping,or mountaineering. Then again I am much older than you. I wish back in the day there were so many light options as there is today. It has enabled me to still push big miles well into my 60s. My pack is super light and very comfortable. My big three are all Zpacks. To me Hyperltite is a bit to heavy. We all hike our own hike but I bet eventually you will ditch all that heavy gear. There is no need. The nice thing is there are so many low cost light gear out there. My Granite Gear pack with its brain removed was about the same weight as that expensive pack you tested. There are a bunch of Duplex knock offs. To be honest the amount it cost to cut once’s gets pretty crazy. I was willing to do it to stay on the trail and still do big miles. Younger people or super strong hikers do not need super light gear. I can tell you I just completed the Long Trail in Vermont and most people hiking were using very light gear or should I say those thriving and putting in big miles, even the young people. Take care it’s all good.
Do you expect a backpack to be comfortable at the producers given weight limit? That’s like expecting a sleeping bag to be comfortable at extreme temperature limit. You seem kind of naive (or wanted a certain outcome in your video presentation).
Have you tried the SWD Long Haul or Wendigo? The belt and shoulder straps seem more comfortable, and the frame actually attaches to the waist belt. I haven’t tried either tbh I’m just curious
I use a mystery ranch terraframe 50. Whats wrong with it? Its a frigging amazing pack. You just know it wont fail you or much less likely to! Quality > weight.
If I keep my load at around 25lbs the pack is a dream to carry.....Ive never used it at 30 so I cant comment......I am usually able to stay at 25 or below up to 5 days of food and 2litres of water.
The North Face makes an ultralight backpack called the Banchee SL 50. Similar weight, price point and specs to the HMG Southwest in this review. Could you get your hands on the Banchee SL 50 and do a review of it please? I don’t see any review of this ultralight TNF backpack anywhere on the internet. Thanks Eric!
I just did 20 mile, 5500 foot gain 2 day trip last weekend with a 39 lbs pack that is similar, its a chinese knock off constructed of equal quality, and I was hurting pretty bad in my lower back and ankle. My drone, mini tripod and camera accounted for 12 lbs which has me thinking how to can reduce weight of both camera gear for my hiking youtube show but also my camp gear.
Wow so many negative comments , HMG has really fallen out of style for backpackers it seems … I like the 4400 more beefy and still compressed down to 3400 size (a bit wider) but can carry loads easily - I use it for carrying for two
Looks like the $30 walmart arrowhead 55. Ive used it on long distance trips but the lack of adjustability and good frame makes it subpar. I cant say much but i can say i wouldnt buy a dyneema version of the walmart pack. 😂 Gregorys katmai had been superior!
Have a HMG Southwest 3400, without the load lifters if I hit above say 35l then the top of the pack starts pulling far away, especially with how the Y strap is set up to compression predominately from the front. Not having the load lifters, including hip belt pockets, and all the images of people drastically overfilling these bags even the 4400 on the back stuff pocket make this such a poor ultralight choice. This is for someone getting into superlight and frameless categories. Generally well constructed, but just poor choices for what they market as, but great choices for who they market to with the mark up. They sell well.
I wonder how this backpack stacks up against the Zpacks Arc Blast and Arc Haul. They have similar specs, but the Arc has the curved back that keeps ventilation on your back.
Maybe try Waymark or Zpacks UL backpacks I use both and love them & I think they both do a better job adding the features HL pack lacked (air flow & load lifters) for less money
I recently bought the REI Flash 55. And for an ultralight budget pack it has an impressive list of features. Many of the things Eric missed are features it has while still being just over 2lbs. I took it on a multi day trip to GCs Thunder River with a low 30s weight and was quite happy with the performance. That being said it doesn't have the durability of the hyperlite but still a solid option.
I used to use the Baltoro all the time, used the newest model earlier this year. They're very different styles of backpacks and I think there are merits to both. The biggest question is how much will you be carrying? If over 30 lbs I'd go for the Baltoro. If less, I really prefer the HMG.
@@BackpackingTV my total weight (including food and 2 liters of water) sits at 28lbs. Im trying to cut my weight down and have determined that i can shave off a few pounds with getting a new backpack and two pounds once i warm up enough to the idea of a trekking pole tent. Id like to get my total weight down to 25lbs or under. My main two concerns with the southwest 3400 are being able to carry under 30 pounds well and easily accessing my 1L smart water bottle easily (without assistance from others). These two issues i dont have to worry about with the gregory.
how weird I was just looking at one of these yesterday. my question is...what would the the MAX comfortable carry weight for this bag? will it hold 25 pounds and still fit comfortable without cutting into you?
Yes I think it could handle 25 pounds without cutting into you. They advertise max carry weight at 40 pounds. That's right around what I carried. I think if I was about 8 pounds less I would have been very comfortable.
@@BackpackingTV I tend to hike with a heavy pack at 40+ as well and I'm going to start cutting some weight. If it'll do like you say, I think I found my new pack! Thanks for the response.
@@RealFunFuneral976 i have a very similar pack made by a cottage company. It’s great under 30lbs, and as comfortable as any pack between 30-35lbs. If you regularly carry mire than that, you will want something with a beefier frame. I would advise lightening your load first, then switching to a more minimal backpack vs. switching and then trying to lighten your load.
I'm rocking the ULA Ohm 2.0, and with the combination of a 12 lb base weight, and dialed in gear, I am quite comfortable. I have looked at the HMG bags, but the price point is $120 more than my Ohm. This isn't enough reason to upgrade just yet. 40 lbs is too much for this style bag and will definitely effect your comfort. Now you can take what you've learned from this experience, and integrate it into your routine. Looking forward to seeing your evolution.
I’m with you. Couldn’t justify the money and went with the Ohm. Love that pack. And I’m at 10-12 base as well. 20 with food and water and maybe a chair.
So….. adding organizers??? Isn’t that counter productive to lightening the pack itself? And considering the fact that it’s already $$$$, it wouldn’t make sense to add even more money to it. Also taking into consideration that it only has a comfortable haul at 20-25 lbs, I’d say sacrifice a lb or so and stick with a comfortable pack. Or…… go totally ultralight on all of your gear. I don’t see this a “middle ground” pack. JMO
Those shoulder straps ruined it for me to get one! They should really make a southwest with beefier paddings! Until then i’m sticking with my Shimoda and Osprey.
I correct myself: not "a few". One is correct: OutdoorVitals SHADOWLIGHT (60 liter), 893 grams, $199. I was wrong with my Granite Gear Blaze 60 as it's 1500 grams. But super comfy and I paid $299.
Ultra-Lighters are annoying, stop being an extremist with weight. If someone prefers comfort and so-called luxury items, then so be it. Congratulations on being able to hike lighter and faster but don't judge others for carrying more ounces than you.
LiteAF is the "Gold-standard" UL pack, not HMG. LiteAF has comfort shoulder-straps. LiteAF has Ultra200, with even more Dyneema and better abrasion resistance. LiteAF weighs less (this author's 47L weighs just 17oz). Keeping in mind LiteAF doesn't count 20L of outside pockets in their naming convention (e.g. 47L is actually 67L). Yes HMG sells more backpacks, but not because they're better. LiteAF is the far superior pack.