THE GEAR LAB

You know you love it. Let’s talk about favorites, tips, maintenance and repair, and items wished for. Here you’ll also find news and education from the Hyperlite Mountain Gear R&D Team.

WHO WE ROLL/SKI/PADDLE/CLIMB WITH: BRETT DAVIS
Words and Photos from Brett Davis @bdavis WHO AM I AND WHAT DO I DO? My name is Brett Davis, though most friends and my students call me “BD.” I am fortunate to call Durango, CO home where I have lived and worked as the Director of the Outdoor Pursuits program at Fort Lewis College for the past 15 years. I have been…
WHO WE WALK WITH: TINA CURRIN
Hi, I’m Tina Currin @tina! Depending on the season, I’m a park ranger, long distance hiker, gear tester, ski liftie, unemployed van dweller, etc. When I’m not hiking or guiding trips, I’m probably traveling around in a Sprinter van with my husband, two cats, and a dog. My life is basically an Instagram reel without the big…
INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW ELEVATE 22 TECHNICAL DAY PACK! HOW CREATIVE ADVENTURERS CARRY THE DAY
Put your thinking caps, helmets, or bandanas on, Trailheaders! The new Elevate 22 technical day pack is here to accept your proposals for sunup to sundown action! Built with a blend of the ultralight, super durable, and 100% waterproof made-in-the-USA Dyneema© Composite Fabrics we trust and love, this 17.9 oz (size…
HERE’S A LAUNCH IN THE TRUEST SENSE! THE NEW RIVER RESCUE THROW BAG!
We’re stoked to present the latest version of our River Rescue Throw Bag, long a favorite of packrafters and paddlers everywhere, with improvements that make it the best yet! The River Rescue Throw Bag is built with ultralight, super-tough, 100% waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabrics, and it contains 65 ft of Ultraline Water…
APRIL GIVEAWAY! #THIS IS PACKRAFTING!
Packrafting just might be the ultimate way to travel. Imagine throwing everything you need for a few days in a pack, along with a boat, a life vest, a dry suit, a paddle, and all the safety gear you need for being on the water. Now imagine carrying all this gear with you into the mountains. You’re searching for water; a…
WATER FILTRATION! TRAIL TESTIMONIALS FROM TINA CURRIN
Words and Photos from Tina Currin @tina Like lots of people, my very first thru-hike was also my very first extended backpacking trip. Sure, I had gone on weekend trips and car camped like a boss, but I never went anywhere for long enough that I couldn’t haul in water. Water’s one of those things that’s somehow free and…
What's a clean way of attaching accessory straps to the 4400 Southwest?
The new unbound 40 back pack has lots of daisy chain attachment points to hook an accessory strap on. Where do you all do it on a pack without the daisy chains that looks clean? This is mainly for foam pads in winter time but could be anything else too bulky to go inside - so the strap attachment should be fairly secure.
WHO’S HUNGRY FOR A NEW GIVEAWAY? LET’S EAT!
As evidenced by the number of page views our food posts get here on The Trailhead, many of you are always thinking ahead to your next meal! We’ve got a new giveaway going that will take care of the thinking part, AND the cooking part–all you’ll have to do is EAT YOUR WINNINGS! Make sure to enter our Backcountry Food…
"THE THIRD PLACE" - WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GEAR SHOP?
Outdoor Gear Exchange, Burlington, Vermont There's just something about having a killer gear shop nearby. They're the places where you can resupply or satiate your relentless need for a new bit-o-kit, but they're also community spots where you can mingle with like-minded enthusiasts that spend time exploring some of the…
THE UNBOUND 40 PACK GOES DARK!
In case you missed it, the made-for-the-rigors-of-thru-hiking pack, the UNBOUND 40, is now available in black! For those that want to hit the trail in stealth mode, now's your time to shine! Kinda.
HAVE CAMERA POD, WILL TRAVEL: A SEASON CAPTURING IMAGES IN WILD PLACES
Words by Matt Morelli / Photos by Matt Morelli and Sam Conley I was making my way down the trail, bounding with excitement as I moved through the great halls of granite that are the Wind River Range of Wyoming. A small group of day hikers was on an ascent, and I stepped off to let them by, noticing the incredibly capable…
SIXTY-SEVEN POINTS TO POINT TO: THE GEAR LIST FOR THE NEW ENGLAND DIRETTISSIMA
Words and Photos by Will Peterson Thru hiking the New England 4,000 Footers in May means that I'm in for the entire range of New England trail conditions. I will contend with high levels of mud and water at lower elevations and lingering ice and snow up high. The weather will also be a challenge, as it could be sunny and…
THE HYPERLITE MOUNTAIN GEAR GUIDE FOR A PACKED, PICTURE-PERFECT DAY HIKE (LUNCH INCLUDED)
Words and Photos from the HMG Team and Rebecca Sperry (@sockedinhikes) An open schedule and a sweet weather window–the foundational elements required for a great day out on a trail. Time outside counts no matter how long you're out there, and some of our favorite memories in the wild happened between one sunrise and…
Tricer Products
Has anybody on here had any experience with Tricer products? I'm particularly interested in their tripod that utilizes trekking poles for two of the legs. It looks like it's made for binoculars, but I'm interested in using it for backcountry timelapse photography. They also make a tipi adapter that looks like it could be…
CHASING TEN WITH CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON
How long have you been going light? As soon as I began backpacking five years ago, I knew I needed to lighten the load I was carrying. I was unaware at the time that ultralight backpacking existed and did the best I could with the information I had. In 2017 I completely revamped my kit before an end-to-end hike of the…
Anyone try Spiz orTailwind meal replacements?
Ultamid
I am planning a artic canoe trip this summer and am curious if the Ultamid would be appropriate in a treeless environment. What has your Ultamid stood up to? Whats the gnarliest your Ultamid has seen and how did it do? I gotta know!
WOULD ANYONE LIKE TO WIN A ONE-OF-A-KIND WINDRIDER? THOUGHT SO! NEW GIVEAWAY!
More than just a little lite Wind at your back, this one-of-a-kind prize follows in the footsteps of those kindred explorers who set out on the trail before you! Part encouragement, part reminder of what a beautiful community you belong to, this Windrider got the Sharpie treatment at Trail Days in Damascus, Virginia, last…
ANNOUNCING OUR NEW XS TORSO SIZE! SOUTHWESTS FOR ALL!
Here’s some exciting news for Not-So-Long-in-the-Torso Backpackers! We're stoked to offer our best-selling 2400 Southwest pack in the new XS fit! With the right size comes increased comfort, better adventuring, and more joy in the backcountry. The 40L 2400 Southwest, built with ultralight, durable, and 100% waterproof…
Let's Talk Rain, Ice, And All Things Wet/Cold
First things first, the above is neither a wet or cold situation. In fact, it's a perfectly happy monkey sitting in some mid 80s weather near a beach. Absolute paradise for the monkey, no doubt, but unfortunately for me, a bit of a sour memory. It was here that I was robbed by, for a lack of better words, a pirate on the…
NEW HMG QUILT PRICING! THERE’S A BACKCOUNTRY SLUMBER PARTY GOIN’ DOWN!
Just a heads up! Or heads down? Probably more apt in this case. The price of our 40 and 20-Degree Quilts has been reduced by $100! Because the whole process of building the quilts is in our hands–from cutting the fabric, sewing the baffles, and filling the down, and because we only offer the quilts through the website, we…
WHAT'S MISSING? LET'S TALK '24 GEAR NEEDS!
Show of hands - who maybe from time to time grabs a favorite beverage and stands amongst their gear pile, thinking about that thing or things that would so perfectly complete it? Just us? Don't be fibbin'! Gearheads rarely have idle minds when it comes to this subject, and the R&D Team at Hyperlite Mountain Gear, with all…
Has anybody paired up two quilts to use for colder temps?
Does anybody have experience with using two quilts in order to get down to a colder temperature? I am curious what temperature I would be comfortable at if I paired up a 20° with either my EE 50° synthetic or my HMG 40°. I sleep very comfortable down to 20° and a little colder in my 20 degree quilt with an uberlite pad.…
Can you at HMG make some strong dynema gaiters ?
Trail Running Pack Request
I love all things Hyperlite and would love to see the HMG designers create an UL trail running pack! I use a BD 15L trail runner for multipitch climbing so that I can stuff my puffy, water, and food inside. I also love having the chest pockets of a trail running pack on climbs to be able to keep my phone and snacks…
Not exactly gear, but HMG should make patches
My hiking partner for the last third of the AT wore a white HMG pack. Until I hiked with her, I hadn't realized how discrete most UL packs are with their branding. The reality is that hikers learn by colors and patterns. I can recognize a ULA Circuit at a glance because my hiking partner on the CDT wore one. There's no…
Double Quilt Request
Dear amazing Hyperlite designers, Please consider making a double quilt (if you haven't already). This past summer and fall I got to try out a Therm-A-Rest double quilt that is 20 degrees and it was a game changer for me and my partner. We love sleeping with a double quilt or double bag when backpacking and it really helps…
Best water storage/vessels for easy access?
Coming off of a long canyon trek and reconsidering my whole pack system. I carry heavier loads due to the nature of the multi-day objectives I embark on involving technical climbing. The first thing I want to improve is my water system. So, tell me, what do you use? What works? Smart water bottles with strap attachments to…
IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME FOR THE GEAR – HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS!
Words and Photos from Rebecca Sperry 'Tis the season to get stocked up on the gear that gets me stoked to hike. Winter has just made its presence known in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and as I switch over to my winter hiking kit, I thought there's no better time than now to stock up on the things that need to be…
Outdoorsy Holiday Gift Ideas
I put together a list of holiday gift ideas for the outdoor lovers in your life. If you need any gifting inspiration, check out my list below. Of course, I think HMG products make the best gifts, but had to add in some others for variety as well. Gifts for Anyone For the backpacker: Hyperlite Junction 2400 For the…
Where to buy/find used gear?
Any suggestions on where I can find lightly used backpacking gear? Specifically, I'm leaning toward a DCF flat tarp and groundsheet. Prophet
How do you travel with HMG?
It's rare for me not to have some piece of HMG gear with me when I travel, and I am curious what everyone's favorite products are to travel with? As a solo female who is usually bouncing around locations accessibility and utility are high priority for me, so I don't go anywhere without my Versa (which I wear as a…
GETTING IN TUNE WITH THE UNBOUND 40 PACK: TRIP TALES FROM A GEAR TESTER
Words and Photos and Earworm Song Quotes from Scott Nechemias @snechemias CAUSE THERE AIN’T NO ONE FOR TO GIVE YOU NO PAIN I was standing in the middle of the Dry Creek Wilderness area, looking at a bone dry stream bed labeled “Dead Horse Spring” on the map. I began to giggle to myself in a way that probably would have…
Favorite Fleece
What is your favorite fleece brand? I know there is the very popular Melanzana- which, yes, I am in love with too and have my fair share of them...but we all know they are hard to come by because you can't buy online (unless it's used, but people resell for so much.). Was curious if anyone has found a brand similar to…
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: SHAUN MITTWOLLEN AND THE HEADWALL 55
Words and Photos from Shaun Mittwollen (@shaunmittwollen) Our good friend and Tasmanian Correspondent, Shaun Mittwollen, was an early tester of our new backcountry ski pack, the Headwall 55. If you're unfamiliar with Shaun's work behind the camera, do yourself a favor and get familiar! Here he shares how he's getting along…
DIALED IN: OATS' GEAR ON THE APPALACHIAN HIGH ROUTE
Words and Photos from Katie Houston (@oatshikes) When I tackled my first long-distance trail in 2019, I had over 30 lbs on my back as I headed northbound from Amicalola Falls. After sustaining an achilles injury born of overuse and carrying simply too much (and after overcoming the shock of having to trade my Nalgenes for…
BECOME UNBOUND - An All-New HMG Collection Designed for Distance!
Get a load of the all-new UNBOUND Collection! It’s been in the works for years and, like all HMG products, on the backs of trusted testers that have put the whole setup through the paces on some of the biggest trails. Each piece of the kit was designed with consideration of the others to form a system that works together…
Quilts
Hey everyone, I currently have the Thermarest Vesper 20 quilt! I love it and was thinking about getting a 30 degree quilt for trips that aren’t as cold. What recommendations do you have for quilts? I would love to hear what you guys are using!
Flat Tarp
Hey everyone, I have been thinking about getting a flat tarp! I have used the Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp before and I really enjoyed it! So I would love to hear your experiences with the Hyperlite Flat Tarp and if you enjoyed it!! I have been wanting to get it for a while to test it out but I would love to hear from all of…
HMG Modifications
Yes, we know that HMG makes some amazing products, but sometimes I want to modify gear to suit my individual needs (sorry guys). The first modification I made was for the Long Trail in 2020 to remove the velcro at the top of my 3400 Southwest pack and replace with KAM snaps. The velcro always caught and snagged my delicate…
Lets take guesses on what's next for HMG!
So I saw this short ad on facebook about "Something new coming" It looks like a new pack. The video doesn't show much, but lets alll speculate on what is to come!
Pemmican ?
What is your experience with pemmican? Please share the climate.
What's the Gear You're Ditching?
After my recent trip, I've decided to ditch some long-held, often beloved gear for lighter or easier options. As much as I love my Platypus filter and bladder, it's simply too inconvenient and I will probably switch to a Sawyer Squeeze. I'm also considering a new stove, as my Jetboil recently had the igniter break and, if…
iPhone 14 w/ Satellite Connectivity
One of the biggest announcements that Apple made at its keynote address today was the inclusion of satellite connectivity on the newest iPhone models. As far as I know, this is the first cell phone to also act as a Garmin-type device. Hot damn, that'll save 3.5 ounces! 😂
.3L drawstring stuff sack- What do you use it for?
Just received this little guy + now that I have it in hand I’m wondering what y’all use it for? Without thinking of it’s actually size I was hoping to use it to pack the electronics in but that isn’t going to happen! 😂 Any + all suggestions are appreciated!!!
Rain Rain Go Away
Hey everyone, I’m looking at getting a new rain jacket. I’m currently looking at Montbell and Arc’teryx. What do you all recommend. I want something light but also durable!
DID SOMEONE SAY GEAR LIST? HERE'S JOSH SHEETS FROM THE '22 PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
Words and Photos from Josh Sheets Here it is, folks—a coveted Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) gear list. This was the gear that accompanied me on my PCT thru hike this year! I suppose I should let you know what you’re getting into when you browse this list. So, full disclaimer: this gear list is tailored more towards pared-down…
Junction 2400 vs 3400
Hi, I have a Junction 2400 and always seem to be just out of space. I ordered a 3400, and am wondering what others experienced with these 2 sizes. Is there that much more room or is it just enough extra room for the ounces?
Gear hacks / modifications
Any favorite gear hacks or modifications? I've got a few, but one of the simplest and most successful is / are the mods I've made to my Snow Peak pot. I wasn't happy with the original lid because it didn't stay on very well (the Vargo lids look much better on this front) but I was able to find a good aftermarket one at…
Turning Sleeping Bag Inside Out?
Is there any reason why I can't turn my HMG quilt inside out for a slightly more varied experience? The inside of mine is silver and the outside is navy. If it's warmer, would turning the silver toward the sun better reflect light, rather than reflecting heat back towards my body? Is there something about this approach…
HOW ARE YOU POWERING YOUR EXPEDITION?
In our device dependent travels, how are you balancing power and weight? As I head out for a trip I wince as I pack my Anker Powercore 20100mAh battery pack. It weighs 12.5oz and it’s dead weight when out of charge. But I’m thinking of 3 main devices for several weeks - my inReach Mini, iPhone and DSLR. What ratio of power…
Ultamid
Hey everyone, I have the Ultamid and I love it so far! I have the half insert and I am thinking about possibly getting the full insert or even just the net. What are your experiences with the Ultamid and do you have any suggestions?
GOAT Tote + Colors
Hey guys! I’m super interested in getting a Goat Tote- probably the 70L one. Just curious if anyone currently has one? If so, what do you use it for? I was thinking of keeping it in the back of my car to store extra snacks + gear. Also- what color do you generally get? I have a black 2400 Southwest and love it because it…
Canyoneering specific pack - wet canyons
I would really love to see a canyoneering-specific pack for wet canyons. I use a 3400 Porter for dry canyons and it works great - no frills design, fits everything I need, very comfortable to wear. For wet canyons, I would love to see something that is either more waterproof (so nothing gets wet) or less waterproof (lots…
Get a Grip on Trekking Pole Cork Repair
This is not a how-to tutorial. However, I wanted to relay some success I had repairing the cork grips on my BD trekking poles. Recently I was fortunate enough to take in an overnight stay at Horn's Pond along the A.T. while visiting the fine state of Maine. Everything went exceedingly well until the next morning. I lifted…
FLY FISHING GIVEAWAY!
Catch of the day, People! Check out the Fly Fishing Giveaway happening RIGHT NOW! One lucky winner is going to find themselves right in the strike zone for great times on the water! This prize package is worth over $900, and features: 3400 Porter Versa Fanny Pack Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Orvis Clearwater Fly Reel…
How to best repair mesh pouch?
I absolutely love my Junction 2400, it was my first HMG pack and is still my favorite! But, I have a small hole in the front mesh pouch and am worried it will get bigger with time. Does anyone have suggestions on how to fix the hole? Or should I just leave it and hope for the best? I know there are dyneema patch kits, but…
THERE'S GOTTA BE A BETTER WAY TO MAKE... THE PIECE OF GEAR YOU MOST WISH FOR
When we think about the number of essentials required to set up a trail-ready, overnight backpacking kit, we can whittle the list down to 10 categories. If you could pick any one of them, which one do you wish could just be...different? What's this crucial bit of gear missing? What do you wish it/they could do that isn’t…
Wish list - Hydration-specific pod
OK, hear me out. I'd love a pod/bladder. Something akin to a MSR dromedary, but it fits perfectly inside your pack - no wasted space. I currently use a 6L drom inside a 4400, and a 4L drom for the 2400/3400 size, and they both fit "good enough," but HMG has never been about "good enough." The valve system of the droms…
How do you keep your white Dyneema bags from looking (too) dirty?
If you're like me then you love the look of the white gear (I personally love the white Dyneema camera pod) but oh man does it pick up dirt when you're in the outdoors. As much as I love the look of the white gear, I've always avoided them because the black fabrics show less dirt and are easier to spot clean / wipe down.…
Camp Shoes
Hey everyone, What camp shoes are you using? Do you use any? Right now I’ve just been walking around in my socks or bare feet so that I don’t have to carry extra weight. But looking at my options. What would you recommend using?
Shoes
Hey everyone, Shoes are just as important as what kind of backpack you use! What kinds of shoes do you use and what socks have you found to last the longest. I tear through my shoes and socks and so I am always up for recommendations!
Is the umbrella worth the weight for thru-hiking?
I’m looking for shade assistance on the AZT + the desert section of the PCT. Would love some feedback from thru hikers! Creative ways to attach to your pack are greatly appreciated too!
Pocket Closure
Hi folks, Im loving my Daybreak for travel but I’ve had some small items fall out of my exterior pockets (I put headphones, wet wipes, chargers, glasses, etc in them). What ideas do y’all have for how to more securely close those pockets? I tried Velcro tape but they only lasted a few hours. I could see the Velcro on, but…
Camp Shoes
7/09 I buy el cheap-o rubber swim sandals. If I loose, C'est la Vie. These allow my pathetic feet to air - dry, hang on outside of pack, and allow me to walk over crud, and damp surfaces at night when Nature Calls. Tried bare feet, sox only, and both unsuitable. These sandals are so cheap, you can ditch them. If you wanna…
camera...
7/09/22 After reading what Denver Post professional photog, Dean Krakel, used on his Colorado Trail journey, I also use an Olympia Tough 2.1/7ft shock proof 15 m/50 ft Waterproof camera. I bought a closable lens cover, close up light thingie, extra media and wrist strap for it. The camera also serves as a WIFi hub. Takes…
Packs
Hey everyone, I would do love to hear about what backpacks you have and use. I currently have the 2400 Windrider HMG and also the Zpacks Nero! I love both and I use the Windrider for longer trips and for trips that I have to carry more. Then I use my Nero for shorter and more chill trips. I would love to hear more about…
Cold Soaking
Hey everyone, I have been cold soaking for about a year now and I love it! I was wondering if any of you would be interested in me sharing any of my recipes?! I also would love to hear some of your recipes! Share them below and we can help each other out!
Stuff Sack Pillow
For anyone who hasn't tried out a stuff sack pillow yet, you need to! I have tried sooo many backpacking pillows and this is by far the best on the market. Inflatable pillows either never have enough loft for me as a side sleeper, or get too hot on my face overnight. I got two of the stuff sack pillows last summer for me…
Cameras
Hey everyone, I was wondering what kind of cameras do you use? Just looking for some suggestions and possibly looking at upgrading my setup! Would love to hear from you all what you find works and doesn’t work!
Camera Pod Sizing?
Would love to hear what size Camera Pod you all use for your specific camera setups. Thinking this will be helpful for everyone! I currently use a large for my Nikon D750 with 24-70 lens. It fits pretty perfectly, without the camera strap (which I barely use).
Prism
The Prism is my favorite of any Hyperlite pack I’ve ever owned. From light and fast alpine missions to multi pitch ice climbing this is my workhorse pack as a guide. I even got one for my girlfriend to use and she has fallen in love with it. I wish they could take the design and make it into a larger size as there are…
John Muir Trail
Me and some friends are looking at doing the John Muir trail next year. We know that permits are extremely competitive, so any tips from anyone to possibly improve our chances on getting the permits?
Senchi
I just wanted to give a shout-out to Senchi! If you haven’t heard about them then you should check them out! They make fleece made out of an alpha direct material that keeps you warm but also help your body cool as you hike! I love the two that I own! Go check them out!!
Washing Backpacks
Hey guys, happy Monday!! Question about washing your backpacks! How do you wash your Hyperlite pack? I know doing it in the bath tub is probably the easiest way….but do you use a special kind of soap? How long do you soak it? Best way to dry it? Gimme all the deets!! I’d love to wash mine before the crazy summer hiking…
ACCESSORIES TO COMPLIMENT A TRIPLE CROWN: QUADZILLA’S GEAR LIST, PART ONE
Words from Jack “Quadzilla” Jones, Photos by Chris Shane Jack ”Quadzilla” Jones is setting out this year to achieve what only a small number of backpackers have; a calendar year Triple Crown. 8,000 miles of hiking following the routes of the iconic Big Three – the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the…
TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE!
GETTING YOUR GEAR IN ORDER FOR THE NEXT TRIP OR OFF-SEASON STORAGE Words and Photos by Tina Haver Currin It's that time of year, folks! Well, clean gear is always in season. Here, Thru Hiker and superfriend Tina Haver Currin goes through her process for keeping her equipment fresher than a Georgia Pine. Got a few tips…

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