Day Hiking Rig: HPG Highlander with Kifaru Pullouts

thurin

thurin

Wanderer
Gold Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2012
Messages
2,921
Quick review of my current day hiking setup.

I've been using the Hill People Gear Highlander with the HPG Shoulder Harness. I went with the Highlander over the Tarahumara as I'm a big guy and the stuff I want to stick in there is bigger than the average. I'm using Kifaru Pullouts to organize gear in the Highlander. These work especially well for the FAK and PSK which I strap to daisy chains.

All loaded up and ready to go. The Shoulder Harness is very comfortable. Not seen in these pics is the Nalgene bottle that I carry in the bungie cords on the shoulder harness for quick access. The Highlander fits everything I take on the typical day hike with room to spare. The compression straps make it so I can suck it down as tight as needed depending on the load, keeping the weight close to the back. If rain is in the forecast (when isn't it in the Colorado Mountains?) I throw the rain jacket in paracord loop at the bottom of the pack for quick access.

IMG_3551_zps5777f70a.jpg~original


Opened up and some of the loose stuff removed so you can see the Pullouts. Larger Pullouts float in the bottom while the FAK (red) and PSK (blue) are strapped to the daisy chains to keep them at top with easy access. The FAK and PSK can easily be pulled out and slipped into pants pockets for when I don't need the complete pack.

IMG_3545_zpsb4a0f12b.jpg~original


IMG_3546_zps50c96209.jpg~original


Pullouts in use here are two Small for the FAK and PSK, Medium for misc stuff, Large for Cooking/Fire kit:

IMG_3554_zpse5dfeede.jpg~original


IMG_3555_zps8a62e824.jpg~original


Some in use shots:

IMG_2452_zps6cae7812.jpg~original


IMG_2482_zps13b0a03c.jpg~original


I really like this setup as it gives me a lot of versatility in packing the Highlander and for future expansion. For longer backpacking trips, my plan is to get the HPG External Frame when it comes out (or just get the Ute for now while I wait) and use the Highlander as a compression panel. Then, I can unload the main pack in camp and use the Highlander for day hiking away from camp. Much better solution then my old way of carrying a small daypack inside the main pack and transferring a lot of gear back and forth.

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with Hill People Gear. Evan and Scot have some great designs and are good guys in general.
 
Sweet! I have a highlander as well, I took a blackhawk internal frame sheet with the two stays and cut it to fit and slide into the section or pocket right behind the padding. I just picked up two Kifura long pockets to mount on the outside works like a champ. I used to mount the Tara on the highlander but hated have to reset up my tara on the runners harness. That blackhawk sheet adds a WHOLE lot of support.
 
Last edited:
Nice setup! Great photos too.

I prefer my daypacks to have some MOLLE webbing though. For me, molle is a lot more versatile.

I like the Kifaru Pullouts too and use one to keep my toiletries in for my camping/backpacking excursions.

toileterries.jpg
 
thurin said:
In my opinion, you can't go wrong with Hill People Gear. Evan and Scot have some great designs and are good guys in general.
Click to expand...

Agreed. They are really making great gear.

Nice little review as well. Pair it with a Kit Bag and you've got a really versatile setup.
qs.gif
 
willrise said:
Sweet! I have a highlander as well, I took a blackhawk internal frame sheet with the two stays and cut it to fit and slide into the section or pocket right behind the padding. I just picked up two Kifura long pockets to mount on the outside works like a champ. I used to mount the Tara on the highlander but hated have to reset up my tara on the runners harness. That blackhawk sheet adds a WHOLE lot of support.
Click to expand...

So far I haven't felt a lack of support yet. I've wondered how well the new Tarainsert would work in the Highlander. Add some support as well as some more mounting options. I might try sticking something in the slot pocket to see if there's something I'm missing.

I'm really curious to see how you're mounting the Long Pockets.

jonnyt16 said:
Nice setup! Great photos too.

I prefer my daypacks to have some MOLLE webbing though. For me, molle is a lot more versatile.

I like the Kifaru Pullouts too and use one to keep my toiletries in for my camping/backpacking excursions.
Click to expand...

You can put MOLLE panels in the pack, but I'm guessing that you're referring to the outside. The HPG system typically adds a kit bag on the chest, one of which has MOLLE for adding admin pouches, etc. I'm still trying to decide which Kit Bag to go with to expand my setup next.

Smithhammer said:
Agreed. They are really making great gear.

Nice little review as well. Pair it with a Kit Bag and you've got a really versatile setup.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Agreed. Trying to decide which Kit Bag I want to add. And also weighing that purchase against wanting the new Attache for work carry. It never ends...
 
I will try to get pix up soon, they have the side zipper so I have the zippers facing out and use the dock and lock attachment attached to the tabs on the side of the highlander.
 
They make awesome stuff. I just picked up a Umlindi. I'm going to piggy back my Tarahumara pack to it for my trip to the Puerto Rican rain forest in April!
 
willrise said:
I will try to get pix up soon, they have the side zipper so I have the zippers facing out and use the dock and lock attachment attached to the tabs on the side of the highlander.
Click to expand...

Thanks willrise. I saw your pics. Looks like a cool setup.

daniel4572 said:
They make awesome stuff. I just picked up a Umlindi. I'm going to piggy back my Tarahumara pack to it for my trip to the Puerto Rican rain forest in April!
Click to expand...

Sounds like a good setup Daniel. I'm wanting to pick up the Attache to carry for work, and would love an Umlindi to strap it to for business trips. Would make a great Carryon Combo. Enjoy Puerto Rico. That sounds fun!


For anyone wondering about the size of this one, here's the Highlander on my back. Take into consideration I'm 6'6" and 275. REI dude using the Osprey Torso Measuring Thingamajig thought I had a 23" torso. My wife just measured it at 24".

If it's useful information, based on the Osprey sizing, a "L" should have fit, but I returned a Stratos when I picked up the Highlander as the Osprey didn't fit well (was too small in the torso).

IMG_3559_zpsaa7b7c7f.jpg
 
That looks like a well thought out design. Thanks for taking the time for the review.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top