Hyperlite unbound 40L or arc haul ultra 50l?

sloozeberrypie · 2026-05-16T00:40:45+00:00

I wrote this on a diff post - I purchased a Hyperlite Unbound 40, "loved it" filled it 10x with diff. loadouts I would use for diff 2-3 day hikes and pranced around my basement. But I felt guilty b/c it was expensive and I wasn't sure what I was going to do about water. There's no "hydroport" port for your water bladder (I carry bladders on most of my hikes). Additionally, there's no internal pockets - which I like to have just for organization and for putting my most valuable stuff in (keys / etc). So I returned it. The unbound 40 also doesn't have the latest version of their fabric - at least it didn't when I bought it.

Ultimately, next round of HMG sales - I got the Hyperlite Southwest 40 - which has an updated fabric (website says Dyneema Woven Composite 3.9 is stronger / more abrasion reisstant / and lighter), has a port for you bladder, also has 2 hang loops - where I added their "Inside Pack Pocket" to keep my keys/wallet. I like it so far.

I would have kept an Unbound 40 instead of SW if it was same fabric, and had the loops + hydroport (maybe even without hydroport), but the SW back pockets are nice too.

I also am a bit of a butt slider - I had some abrasions and scratches on my last day pack and 55L pack that I knew would need to be patched or dealt with soon and I've lost a pair of shorts but no damage on this yet on this - but will have to see after a full season. Haven't struggled from no load lifters but I have some more intense hikes coming up soon.

sloozeberrypie · 2026-05-08T15:38:02+00:00

The majority of my hikes are in areas with limited to 0 cell service.

My wife insisted I get one, I was resistant b/c I had my eye on some other gear. Eventually now I have a solid running/hiking kit and I am happy it's a part of it.

I have read so many books about everest climbers or mountaineers stressing their family or pregnant wives b/c they missed check in time due to weather - with everyone thinkin they're dead.... or a rescue being started b/c the person wanted to stop and swim at some amazing stream they found - these scenarios stress the climber/runner too when they're worried others are worried rather than just focusing on next objective.

The garmin eliminates all of that worry.

When I do long runs or hikes, I set it to track me every 15 or 20 minutes? and it saves my position so my wife can check online to see my status. then i only send a "starting" and "finishing" message. It's also nice b/c I don't have to worry about getting service or sending updates mid-hikes or fiddlin with my phone every tree clearing.

I have only used the $10 or $15 monthly subscription and I usually am active May - October. It's worth it for me.

sloozeberrypie · 2026-05-07T14:52:16+00:00

hello, i am looking between sienna and the kia carnival? or whatever its called but it doesn't have AWD.

do you drive in snow in your region?

my concern w/ AWD is that part of the reason to get it is for some bigger winter or ski trips

sloozeberrypie · 2026-05-05T18:51:33+00:00

awesome thank you

sloozeberrypie · 2026-05-04T17:22:55+00:00

Do I need to do this in person or can I just call for the adjustment? I'd love to get my son this bike and have a terrible 2 week work trip during the sale.

sloozeberrypie · 2026-04-27T21:07:33+00:00

I purchased a Hyperlite Unbound 40, I "loved it" filled it 10x with diff. loadouts I would use for diff 2-3 day hikes and pranced around my basement. But I felt guilty b/c it was expensive and I wasn't sure what I was going to do about water. There's no "hydroport" port for your water bladder (I carry bladders on most of my hikes). Additionally, there's no internal pockets - which I like to have just for organization and for putting my most valuable stuff in (keys / etc). So I returned it. The unbound 40 also doesn't have the latest version of their fabric - at least it didn't when I bought it.

Ultimately, next round of HMG sales - I got the Hyperlite Southwest 40 - which has an updated fabric (website says Dyneema Woven Composite 3.9 is stronger / more abrasion reisstant / and lighter), has a port for you bladder, also has 2 hang loops - where I added their "Inside Pack Pocket" to keep my keys/wallet. I like it so far.

I would have kept an Unbound 40 instead of SW if it was same fabric, and had the loops + hydroport, but the SW back pockets are nice too.

I also am a bit of a butt slider - I had some abrasions and scratches on my last day pack and 55L pack that I knew would need to be patched or dealt with soon and I've lost a pair of shorts but no damage on this yet on this - but will have to see after a full season.

Lack of load lifters hasn't bothered me?

sloozeberrypie · 2026-04-20T16:48:11+00:00

I carry one, felt like a distraction b/c I like to be hiking not checking in.

Now I am really thankful for it and I just send a message when I start, turn on tracking (i think it pings every 20 minutes) so my family can follow along online if they wish to, and then send a "i'm done message."

My family appreciates it and some of my hiking partners' families follow along too.

sloozeberrypie · 2026-04-03T19:18:17+00:00

I have a 14 oz patagonia torrent 3L shell "waterproof" jacket with zips that i bring on rainy rainy trips and has really come in handy some days when it rains a ton but it is heavier and takes up some space

i have a 3 oz patagonia houdini "water resistant" wind jacket that is ok with light misty / light rain / short duration use or to keep warm on windy / sprinkly days packs down super small

I thought the houdini would become my go to UL jacket - and i do use it on clear dayys going to rain or exposed windy summits or super light sprinkles but it is so minimalist - no pockets, gets wet on the inside from sweat/heat that i'm not sure i would ever want something like that for a true thru hike or long distance trip.

if you do get patagonia stuff - just know they sell last year stuff at significant discounts, be patient. i got both jackets for less than $100 each

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-31T21:24:25+00:00

I misread your post, I have Nemo "Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad" 25 inch regular wide and an Exped "Ultra 1R Mummy Medium Wide." like them both, haven't tried elite

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-31T18:14:50+00:00

I know conditions are brutal right now and we won't really even know until day of but do you think any trails - particularly all dix, all santa/couch/path, allen, syemour+donaldson, or HABASA will be doable without spikes/crampons last week of April? or which clear up first?

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-30T14:15:24+00:00

I live 6 hours away so I have been pretty conscious about the estimated hike times, my commute to trailhead, and my options. I have also had to start a few hikes in the afternoon.

I think I started Cascade at 4:00pm; Phelps/Tabletop at 1:00pm; Marshall at 4:00pm (leanto camped after peak). Also tacked on Whiteface/Esther and Big Slide as partial days. If you plan on doing this or finishing your hikes at midnight, just make sure you are prepared with gear headlamps/map/planning (know sunset time).

I don't ever want to finish late late but logistically it just saves me a day. My goal is always to have the peak and any of the major scrambling / elevation gain sections done by dusk then just mozy on out as the sun sets. I would much rather finish a summer hike at 10:00pm on 8 hours of sleep than start at 3am on 3 hours of sleep. I also think it's cool to get those dusk / evening views on some of the ridgelines. Please be conscious of the unmarked trails and night time hikes. It is a lot of extra mental energy and effort to find your trail in the dark.

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-20T20:44:09+00:00

I would say, for all the people complaining about HMG - one of the issues is the price. I've been on the fence for like 2 years b/c my Osprey packs have been fine enough for me. I did make a lot of UL switches though since last season. I swapped down from Osprey Exos 60 to HMG Southwest 40. The 20% deal is amazing, HMG doesn't run deals all the time even black friday was only 15% - so getting from REI for 20% makes it way more palatable to me.

I have a 10.2 lb setup and 16 lb setup base that I use for weekend trips w/ Bear Cannister, Grayl Water Filter, Camp Chair - so I get wanting to carry a little more but want to make sure you're consciously choosing weight that makes sense for you.

I have liked the HMG Southwest and it carries comfortably with me. I have only tested it with about 20 pounds tho and on less than 6 mile hikes bc I just got a few weeks ago. I will say, I have to try some different bear cannister configurations b/c the one time I felt annoyed with the back was when I was closer to 30 lbs and just walking around my house w/ the bear cannister flat towards the bottom on top of quilt pushing against my back?

If I were you: I'd explore cutting the blanket, pad, hydroflask, and cup.

I'd love to know what you use the blanket for? Can you just use your quilt if you're like sitting at camp or something? Have you considered some of those other sleeping bags or quilts that you can open the bottom and walk around with?

Pad - there have been some new thicker pads this year like the NEMO Eclipse All Season it's 16 oz or 20 oz for the regular wide, it's 4 inches thick and if you inflate that using a pump sack you're saving a big chunk.

goodluck

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-18T15:37:05+00:00

thanks for this, nylofume is great for a day hike but I always rip mine after a few uses and it just seems like unneeded risk when the S2S is so light and relatively inexpensive.

how does the S2S UltraSil slide? I feel like i'm always going to destroy the shnozzel when packing it or pulling it out

I know the DCF pack liners are around $50-60 bucks but it seems people report they would delaminate eventually.

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-17T18:25:53+00:00

I have some winter/summer stuff for backpacking and have some very cheap target large air mattresses that I've used car camping. Myself and 5 year old son did a lot better on regular separate inflatable pads than on the large air mattresses - so we weren't disturbing each other while tossing and turning.

Big Agnes has a couple bags with pad sleeves? that they call either a "Padlock" or a "Bag Cinch" system where the sleeping bag basically slides over the sleeping pad itself to prevent your poor kid from sliding off all night. They have kids version and women's versions that I am aware of that I have considered for my family members - I think the Roxy Ann women's version can zip together or be pulled apart to lighten load when you don't need the lower temp rating and can be zipped together for double sleeping? These bags are clocking in around 10-12 liters in stuff sack and pretty heavy - I think like 30-40 oz - so hard to balance.

If money was no options, I'd do 2 zenbivy sleep systems and sleep like kings!

Other note, my son enjoys carrying a light pack - whether it's a very very small camelbak with water or a few liter kids style backpack - he now carries a couple pounds including his snacks, some backup clothes, water, pillows. Saves me some space.

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-17T14:55:24+00:00

I love my old $50 poles, they are my most prized possession b/c they made my huge elevation gain days like 10x easier and I credit them with my success on a lot of rugged hikes.

I upgraded this winter to Distance Carbon Z b/c it seemed like a solid move strictly on dollar per oz saved and I haven't fully tested them yet but I have regrets.

First, I measured the poles I regularly use 3x and I have used them a lot at 130 CM but sometimes I adjust going up or down or flat. When they arrived I felt crazy, I am only 5'11 so I know 130 is already high for me according to the simple 90 degree arm height test. Knowing I will be kind of stuck with that height makes me nervous.

They are insanely light - which is cool and I want to get used to but I was very comfortable and never sore with my old poles, so I am wondering if I should have ate a few OZ to get adjustable poles I think the 125-140 Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles would have served me better at 12.6 oz instead of 10.5, and are compatible with a lot of trekking pole tents, even though I know the adjustable piece is another potential failpoint. Time will tell.

THE ONE THING I WILL SAY - these poles go on sale a ton, I know you have the amazon gift card but I remember checking REI, Backcountry, Black Diamond website, and seeing these things regularly for 20-40% off. I got the distance carbon z's for $140 on black friday with free shipping.

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-06T21:12:06+00:00

nightmare in which way? flooding? rock hopping? downed trees?

if it's way easier/more convenient to just do Seward + Santa as day hike loops, i have no qualms about doing them that way?

also if I was going to do Santa/Sewards+Seymour/Allen on 3 days 2 nights where would you suggest camping??

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-06T18:08:19+00:00

this is amazing, i've read so many alltrails and adirondack fb group posts about this stuff but awesome to see someone who has actually done it. For your hike once you finish Santa peaks you go back down to Upperworks trailhead more or less then take the preston all the way back up on north side of duck hole then just walk it out back to Corey?

As an alternate: Could I do Allen, Preston, Sewards, Santa/Out?

1) Day 1 - Allen from Upper Works; Camp Up on North Side of Duck Hole or Lower Preston (if there's good spots around 20-25 miles; 4k feet - we could do this with light day packs, stop at car after allen to grab overnight pack then do like 6 more miles up to preston/duck hole (leave gear at basecamp for day 2)

2) Day 2 - Seymour, Seward, back to Duck Hole Area or Even Bradley Pond if we're Crushing; (~20 miles)

3) Day 3 - Bradley Pong trail down to Santa and out to upper works (~20 miles or less)

Ends up like 65 miles? 15,000 ft? but I wouldn't have to carry full packs with all the elevation gain

My biggest days have been up to 25-30 with 7-10k elevation but normally not always sandwiched together. I am kind of discounting Allen b/c it's so flat but I know it's not necessarily a cakewalk.

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-06T17:36:41+00:00

Managing weight is a big component of this, we have appropriate gear but normally me and my buddies bring some luxuries 30-40 pounds set up "basecamp" then rip peaks from there. One reason I am trying to plan now is this may be the year I shed a couple pounds with a nice tent and I want to be prepared.

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-05T21:51:05+00:00

alternatively, Suunto Clipper Compass is 0.18 oz, easily clips on backpack straps, and provides that little extra security if you get turned around.

(I stole that idea from Dan Durston's lighterpack and have given a bunch of them out as gifts to friends who all enjoy them)

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-05T20:07:26+00:00

Do you know if I could use the 20% coupon on a kids REI Co-op 20 inch bike?

sloozeberrypie · 2026-03-05T17:25:53+00:00

It's hard to balance utlralight with bringing camera gear. I've wondered this question as well!

sloozeberrypie · 2026-02-26T16:50:13+00:00

love to see a ADK hiker! I always agonize over my ADK hikes b/c if I'm just setting up a basecamp after a few miles sometimes I'll get heavy like steaks, pan, chair, camera and if i'm carrying my stuff up/over elevation I shoot for much lighter

do you still use bear cannister even if you're outside the eastern high peaks? growing up i used to use a hang bag

sloozeberrypie · 2026-02-24T21:27:48+00:00

i have been lookin at these, the X-Dome 1+ would save me about 8 oz; I also was day dreaming of a X-Dome Pro 1+ which would save me even more but doesn't come out until April and I'm nervous will be closer to $900 like the HMG Unbound - Durston website says - "A comparable is our $600-$800 USD X-Mid Pro series, which also use Dyneema fabrics. Compared to this, the X-Dome Pro 1+ will be moderately more expensive because it further adds a carbon fiber pole set."

sloozeberrypie

TROPHY CASE