That pack is the gold standard on climbing and with good reason, those are fireplace related holes, wich is dynema weakness as its melting point is lower than nylon. White works best to actually see whats inside the pack.
I understand your viewpoint, but my pack was never in close proximity to any kind of fire source to enable such damage to take place. Thanks for dropping by the channel. 😎
Thanks for sharing Tony. I was looking at ordering the HMG but not so sure now... I currently also have the heaviest backpack on the market: Fjallraven Kajka 75 - this one will last a few generations, but it's a ultra light hiker's nightmare. I took it on a 90 mile trip through the Swedish mountains and it worked amazingly though with around 45 lbs :)
Sorry to hear you had trouble. I've have the same pack and it's held up very well on several long distance multi week hikes in Vermont and Maine. Mine is the white version and it cleans up very well. The white pack tends to keep the contents cooler in the sun.
Thanks for the good info, Tony. The real miracle is how you managed to get your full large format kit down below 25 pounds! I can’t wait to hear that story…
It'll be tough to find a pack that meets all of those criteria. I'd pick one criteria that you would be willing to give up a little on in order to gain in the other areas. I can heartily recommend Mystery Ranch products. Their packs are overbuilt so a bit heavier but they carry weight really well so you don't really feel that extra weight. I use an older generation of the Terraframe 80 which has had a few hundred miles carrying my 4x5/6x17 gear including too many lenses. With my winter gear, I can be pushing 60 pounds but the miles go by quickly since the weight is carried well especially since the pack is essentially an external frame design (albeit a modern take on that) as are a lot of their packs.
This is terrific, Tony, though I'm sorry to hear about your frustrations with the pack. At the beginning of last year when I bought a Horseman L45 camera, a heavy beast, I also bought a Berghaus 65-liter rucksack. It certainly meets the durability criteria--after more than a dozen HABS/HAER projects in often challenging conditions where it doesn't always get very gentle treatment, and carrying more than your 24 lbs, the thing is still bulletproof. I've also found it comfortable, though that is more subjective. I'll send you some photos and more information.
Hi, great video about this backpack brand. I recommend you the Crux AK70: very sturdy, light and waterproof. I have it since many years ago and it's almost in perfect condition after very demanding treks
So I’m interested to know more. Are you suggesting that the abrasions and the holes were caused simply by hiking and contents of the bag wearing themselves through? That would shock me. Or, is this from placing the bag on abrasive ground and perhaps shifting it, or dragging it even a little bit.
That's a great question Andy. From my experience with this bag, the mere movement of the contents of my gear, wore holes through the bottom of the bag. I have since purchased a ULA bag and have not experienced the same problem. The hyper lite bag is just too thin of a material for my purposes. Thanks for watching.
@@tonysantophotography dyneema is one of the strongest materials, you cant poke holes with a knife even if you tried. Those are fire related holes, dyneema weakest link, due to its melting point that is lower than nylon.
I have the same pack. Never used....yet There is a company called Ripstop by the Roll that sells fragments of Dyneema. Consider patching. But I agree with you on the cost vs durability. Shame on you HyperLite for not standing behind your product! Have you considered Zpacks?
Tami, thanks for sharing some useful tips. a viewer recently pointed me in the direction of a ULA pack; its on order and I hopefully I'll get that soon. Thanks for watching! Tony
That looks crazy. Take a look at zpacks new arc air zip in Robic material. The zip is great for us hiking photographers, easy to get the camera out. I have it in dyneema, no problems so far. I always have a seat pad in the bottom though. I havent tried Robic yet, but heard good things about the material. Hopefully it fits an 8×10.
It seems to me that in this day and age with the popularity or resurgence of large format photography that someone would make a backpack that would suit a photographers needs. I’m still using my old Tenba LF backpack like what Clyde Butcher uses, but it’s a bit cumbersome during a 8 mile hike in and the straps are definitely an outdated design.
Really bad marketing and customer service! There might be a point that they've missed (and you might've missed it, too): As there seem to be very small points of wear, some parts of your equipment might sit with a "sharp" corner on the bottom, so that only some spots wear out so fast. With something smooth distributing the weight over the whole bottom area there might be far less wear. For this price, customer service needs to be much better and at least should try to find out what went wrong (where the problem actually is, and how it can be mitigated), instead of blaming the user. This is a clear "Don't buy!". And, btw, which one did you buy in the end?
Sorry the durability is such an issue as I have just ordered one and makes me wonder as I’m trying to get a lighter backpack but I must say that my Gregory is so comfortable and durable and I am a big backpacker so I could recommend their packs. They are a little heavier but Carry well and are also comfortable and I sure don’t have any holes of them even after many days of backpacking.
Appears Hyperlite is only Lite with no hype now given its weak bottom material. Looks like wear… is coming from the outside. I can’t think of a backpack that fits your volume/weight/fit criteria. Good luck. Thanks
For big camera equipment lugs, I wouldn't look at UL backpacking setups; just not a good option for organizing complex and heavy gear like for LF photo...Check out Kuiu, esp their Pro LT Bag system (3 to 4.5 lb total weight, from 66 to 115L capacity), which have full carbon fiber framing allowing for comfort hauling heavy gear like you've never experienced, and storage opportunities galore as they are lightweight, multi-day mission hunting backpacks...and right in the same price range as (overpriced) HMG, etc...Simply nothing can compete with these bags in a "category" such as yours...(FTR: I'm not associated with Kuiu in any way).
Interesting video, and sorry to hear of your experience, but appreciate you sharing with us. I've been interested in their gear for some time now, especially the tents, but your experience makes it an easy decision to move on. I messaged you on insta for my pack rec...
That wear on the bottom is really odd especially after only 10 miles of use. I've been watching a bunch of post thru hike gear reviews and many have carried this pack for over 2000 miles in rugged (AT, CDT, PCT) thru hikes and were amazed at how durable the bottom of their HMG pack was cause they claim they were not that careful with it.....? I have recently purchased the black 2400 my first impression is that the fabric is incredibly durable but I have not put it through the paces yet.....? Here is a photographer that uses it in rugged conditions review....not trying to dispute yours at all just think you might have got a lemon.......czcams.com/video/T6O_kM8KOMI/video.html
I'm sorry that the ultra light backpack didn't work out for you and all the hassle that you had to go through. I guess there is only an "or" between the words "durable" "ultralight" and not an "and" for these backpacks.
That pack is the gold standard on climbing and with good reason, those are fireplace related holes, wich is dynema weakness as its melting point is lower than nylon. White works best to actually see whats inside the pack.
I understand your viewpoint, but my pack was never in close proximity to any kind of fire source to enable such damage to take place. Thanks for dropping by the channel. 😎
Thanks for sharing Tony. I was looking at ordering the HMG but not so sure now... I currently also have the heaviest backpack on the market: Fjallraven Kajka 75 - this one will last a few generations, but it's a ultra light hiker's nightmare. I took it on a 90 mile trip through the Swedish mountains and it worked amazingly though with around 45 lbs :)
Rob, Thanks for sharing. I ended up getting a ULA Catalyst; tough backpack but light weight. I appreciate you taking the time to watch! Tony
I'm so glad I watched this video. Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure! I ended up getting a ULA Catalyst and it is great. Thanks, Tony
Thanks for the good info, Tony. The real miracle is how you got your large format kit down below 25 pounds! I can’t wait to hear that story…
Sorry to hear you had trouble. I've have the same pack and it's held up very well on several long distance multi week hikes in Vermont and Maine.
Mine is the white version and it cleans up very well. The white pack tends to keep the contents cooler in the sun.
I've since been using a ULA pack and have been very happy. Thanks for dropping by the channel.
Thanks for the good info, Tony. The real miracle is how you managed to get your full large format kit down below 25 pounds! I can’t wait to hear that story…
Ha Ha! Yes, that video is on my list to produce. Thanks for watching! Tony
It'll be tough to find a pack that meets all of those criteria. I'd pick one criteria that you would be willing to give up a little on in order to gain in the other areas. I can heartily recommend Mystery Ranch products. Their packs are overbuilt so a bit heavier but they carry weight really well so you don't really feel that extra weight. I use an older generation of the Terraframe 80 which has had a few hundred miles carrying my 4x5/6x17 gear including too many lenses. With my winter gear, I can be pushing 60 pounds but the miles go by quickly since the weight is carried well especially since the pack is essentially an external frame design (albeit a modern take on that) as are a lot of their packs.
Thanks! I actually went with a ULA Catalyst; fit the bill perfectly! Tony
Great and very informative review! It is very important to highlight such kind of issues! Thanks, Tony!
Thanks for watching Eugene! Tony
This is terrific, Tony, though I'm sorry to hear about your frustrations with the pack. At the beginning of last year when I bought a Horseman L45 camera, a heavy beast, I also bought a Berghaus 65-liter rucksack. It certainly meets the durability criteria--after more than a dozen HABS/HAER projects in often challenging conditions where it doesn't always get very gentle treatment, and carrying more than your 24 lbs, the thing is still bulletproof. I've also found it comfortable, though that is more subjective. I'll send you some photos and more information.
Thanks Bruce! I always appreciate your support. I will definitely check out your pack suggestion. Tony
Thank for the review. It's important to expose these issues.
Thanks for taking the time to watch! I appreciate your support! Tony
Hi, great video about this backpack brand. I recommend you the Crux AK70: very sturdy, light and waterproof. I have it since many years ago and it's almost in perfect condition after very demanding treks
Thanks for the suggestion! I ended upping with a pack from ULA. IT's been great so far!
And is it waterproof?@@tonysantophotography
@@tatorosesmartinez water resistant.
So I’m interested to know more. Are you suggesting that the abrasions and the holes were caused simply by hiking and contents of the bag wearing themselves through? That would shock me. Or, is this from placing the bag on abrasive ground and perhaps shifting it, or dragging it even a little bit.
That's a great question Andy. From my experience with this bag, the mere movement of the contents of my gear, wore holes through the bottom of the bag. I have since purchased a ULA bag and have not experienced the same problem. The hyper lite bag is just too thin of a material for my purposes. Thanks for watching.
@@tonysantophotography dyneema is one of the strongest materials, you cant poke holes with a knife even if you tried. Those are fire related holes, dyneema weakest link, due to its melting point that is lower than nylon.
I have the same pack. Never used....yet There is a company called Ripstop by the Roll that sells fragments of Dyneema. Consider patching. But I agree with you on the cost vs durability.
Shame on you HyperLite for not standing behind your product!
Have you considered Zpacks?
Tami, thanks for sharing some useful tips. a viewer recently pointed me in the direction of a ULA pack; its on order and I hopefully I'll get that soon. Thanks for watching! Tony
That looks crazy. Take a look at zpacks new arc air zip in Robic material. The zip is great for us hiking photographers, easy to get the camera out. I have it in dyneema, no problems so far. I always have a seat pad in the bottom though. I havent tried Robic yet, but heard good things about the material. Hopefully it fits an 8×10.
Thanks for the suggestion! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment! Tony
It seems to me that in this day and age with the popularity or resurgence of large format photography that someone would make a backpack that would suit a photographers needs. I’m still using my old Tenba LF backpack like what Clyde Butcher uses, but it’s a bit cumbersome during a 8 mile hike in and the straps are definitely an outdated design.
Thanks for watching! Tony
Thanks for sharing the issue that you have. May I ask what did the customer service respond back to you after the pack have sent in?
They refunded my money and had nothing else to say. Thanks for watching! Tony
Really bad marketing and customer service! There might be a point that they've missed (and you might've missed it, too): As there seem to be very small points of wear, some parts of your equipment might sit with a "sharp" corner on the bottom, so that only some spots wear out so fast. With something smooth distributing the weight over the whole bottom area there might be far less wear. For this price, customer service needs to be much better and at least should try to find out what went wrong (where the problem actually is, and how it can be mitigated), instead of blaming the user. This is a clear "Don't buy!". And, btw, which one did you buy in the end?
Thanks Christian. I ended up getting a ULA pack. It’s been great!
Thanks for the review! Can I attach tripods to the outside of this backpack?
I believe there are attachment points for straps that you can adapt and use for tripods. Thanks for stopping by the channel! Tony
@@tonysantophotography Thanks! 😀
Well done! I have the Junction and love it. Nice review. New follower here. Crow✌️
Thank you for subscribing!
Sorry the durability is such an issue as I have just ordered one and makes me wonder as I’m trying to get a lighter backpack but I must say that my Gregory is so comfortable and durable and I am a big backpacker so I could recommend their packs. They are a little heavier but Carry well and are also comfortable and I sure don’t have any holes of them even after many days of backpacking.
Hi Ruth. Thank you for the suggestion. I’ve actually found a solution recently; I’ll be making a video soon. Thanks for watching! Tony
I find your story hard to believe... I recommend you use a Hefty backpack, you can find it in any grocery store in the trash bag section.
LOL!🤣
Appears Hyperlite is only Lite with no hype now given its weak bottom material. Looks like wear… is coming from the outside. I can’t think of a backpack that fits your volume/weight/fit criteria. Good luck. Thanks
I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment! Thanks for your support! Tony
For big camera equipment lugs, I wouldn't look at UL backpacking setups; just not a good option for organizing complex and heavy gear like for LF photo...Check out Kuiu, esp their Pro LT Bag system (3 to 4.5 lb total weight, from 66 to 115L capacity), which have full carbon fiber framing allowing for comfort hauling heavy gear like you've never experienced, and storage opportunities galore as they are lightweight, multi-day mission hunting backpacks...and right in the same price range as (overpriced) HMG, etc...Simply nothing can compete with these bags in a "category" such as yours...(FTR: I'm not associated with Kuiu in any way).
I am currently using a pack from ULA and love it! Thanks for leaving a comment.
@@tonysantophotography You bet!
Interesting video, and sorry to hear of your experience, but appreciate you sharing with us. I've been interested in their gear for some time now, especially the tents, but your experience makes it an easy decision to move on. I messaged you on insta for my pack rec...
Thanks Loren! Hopefully we can meet up again soon. Tony
FWIW, I framed houses for years.
Cordura nylon tool belts outlast leather tool belts by about 350%
Sorry about your experience here.
Thanks! I appreciate that! Tony
That wear on the bottom is really odd especially after only 10 miles of use. I've been watching a bunch of post thru hike gear reviews and many have carried this pack for over 2000 miles in rugged (AT, CDT, PCT) thru hikes and were amazed at how durable the bottom of their HMG pack was cause they claim they were not that careful with it.....? I have recently purchased the black 2400 my first impression is that the fabric is incredibly durable but I have not put it through the paces yet.....?
Here is a photographer that uses it in rugged conditions review....not trying to dispute yours at all just think you might have got a lemon.......czcams.com/video/T6O_kM8KOMI/video.html
I've since gone to a ULA pack and have been very happy. Thanks for dropping by the channel!
@@tonysantophotography I know several people who love their ULA packs...Im glad you found a good pack....thanks for the videos......👍
I'm sorry that the ultra light backpack didn't work out for you and all the hassle that you had to go through. I guess there is only an "or" between the words "durable" "ultralight" and not an "and" for these backpacks.
Ha Ha! It's a bummer that this pack didn't work out. I really liked it. Thanks for watching! Tony
😭😭😭😭😭😭too late I’m ready orderd it by REI… hope get my cancellation 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Sorry to hear that. I ended up going with ULA's Catalyst and love it! It is very similar to the HL but durable. Thanks for watching! Tony
Inches, pounds.... like most of the world, it tells me nothing.
I understand. Thanks for watching.