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This HPG Attache isn't necessarily a piece of outdoor gear, but I know some folks around here like the stuff HPG puts out, so I thought I'd post this here as well. Its use as a compression panel on an Umlindi would give it some backpacking cred, so hopefully I can show it getting dirty in the backcountry in the future.
I've been using the Hill People Gear Attache as my daily work bag and have had it on some flights as well so I thought I'd post up a review.
HPG describe it as:
I'm using it currently as a stand alone case. I hope to pickup an Umlindi soon to hook the Attache to which would then make up my business travel rig. Umlindi being used as a carry-on and the Attache being detached once at the hotel for lugging the laptop to meetings.
Mine is in Ranger Green:
The Attache has replaced a laptop backpack that I've been using for a few years. My daily commute involves sitting on a bus for 30+ mins each way heading to/from downtown and then a 1/2 mile walk each way between the bus station and the office. I need to carry my computer, charger, cables, various other doodads, snacks, etc. It's also been used on short business trips where I've hauled a change of clothes in it as well. The Attache alone is classified as a "personal item" and not a Carry-On (at least by my primary airline) so I don't have to pay extra to carry it on. (Paying for carry ons is lame btw).
Following the general design philosophy of the Hill brothers, the Attache doesn't come with a lot of built in organization. They leave that up to the user. The Attache has two compartments: the accessory compartment and the laptop compartment. The accessory compartment unzips on three sides via dual zippers and folds back to give easy access to the PALS/Velcro panel. This is similar to the Tarainsert they're now selling for Tarahumaras. The panel here in the Attache is 11in x 17in.
You can either mount PALS pouches to it, or use velcro backed pouches like I did. These are all from LBX Tactical. I'm using a 3 pocket side sleeve (the long thing taking up the bottom row), a couple of small window pouches and a low profile pouch. There are a slew of other pouches available from LBX. HPG also recommend pouches from MaxPed and Blue Force Gear.
The location and orientation of the pouches on the top row give easy access. Unzip the top a little, open up a pouch and there you go.
I can see having other pouches that are pre-packed with certain gear and just swapping out pouches based on need. For example, I use the low profile pouch to haul my overnight bag stuff like toothbrush, deodorant, etc. when traveling. When I don't need it, just pull the whole pouch out and replace with something needed for the office commute. All sort of other possibilities exist like holsters and water bottle carriers.
The laptop compartment unzips just at the top via dual zippers. Plenty of room in there for my 15" Macbook Pro.
This compartment is well padded on all sides including the edges. Here you can see the attachment points for mounting to other packs like the Umlindi.
Looking down on the handle and strap setup. Strap is easily detachable via the Grimloc carabiners:
So far, this has worked out really well both in the daily commute and traveling. My only desire for a change would be an additional zipper pocket on the front that could be used for easy access for boarding passes and other paper work. Evan and Scot like to keep the pockets and zippers to a minimum to keep down on the weight though.
Thanks for reading.
I've been using the Hill People Gear Attache as my daily work bag and have had it on some flights as well so I thought I'd post up a review.
HPG describe it as:
I'm using it currently as a stand alone case. I hope to pickup an Umlindi soon to hook the Attache to which would then make up my business travel rig. Umlindi being used as a carry-on and the Attache being detached once at the hotel for lugging the laptop to meetings.
Mine is in Ranger Green:
The Attache has replaced a laptop backpack that I've been using for a few years. My daily commute involves sitting on a bus for 30+ mins each way heading to/from downtown and then a 1/2 mile walk each way between the bus station and the office. I need to carry my computer, charger, cables, various other doodads, snacks, etc. It's also been used on short business trips where I've hauled a change of clothes in it as well. The Attache alone is classified as a "personal item" and not a Carry-On (at least by my primary airline) so I don't have to pay extra to carry it on. (Paying for carry ons is lame btw).
Following the general design philosophy of the Hill brothers, the Attache doesn't come with a lot of built in organization. They leave that up to the user. The Attache has two compartments: the accessory compartment and the laptop compartment. The accessory compartment unzips on three sides via dual zippers and folds back to give easy access to the PALS/Velcro panel. This is similar to the Tarainsert they're now selling for Tarahumaras. The panel here in the Attache is 11in x 17in.
You can either mount PALS pouches to it, or use velcro backed pouches like I did. These are all from LBX Tactical. I'm using a 3 pocket side sleeve (the long thing taking up the bottom row), a couple of small window pouches and a low profile pouch. There are a slew of other pouches available from LBX. HPG also recommend pouches from MaxPed and Blue Force Gear.
The location and orientation of the pouches on the top row give easy access. Unzip the top a little, open up a pouch and there you go.
I can see having other pouches that are pre-packed with certain gear and just swapping out pouches based on need. For example, I use the low profile pouch to haul my overnight bag stuff like toothbrush, deodorant, etc. when traveling. When I don't need it, just pull the whole pouch out and replace with something needed for the office commute. All sort of other possibilities exist like holsters and water bottle carriers.
The laptop compartment unzips just at the top via dual zippers. Plenty of room in there for my 15" Macbook Pro.
This compartment is well padded on all sides including the edges. Here you can see the attachment points for mounting to other packs like the Umlindi.
Looking down on the handle and strap setup. Strap is easily detachable via the Grimloc carabiners:
So far, this has worked out really well both in the daily commute and traveling. My only desire for a change would be an additional zipper pocket on the front that could be used for easy access for boarding passes and other paper work. Evan and Scot like to keep the pockets and zippers to a minimum to keep down on the weight though.
Thanks for reading.
