Hill People Gear Kit Bag 1 Year Review

I

IA Woodsman

Joined
Sep 21, 2009
Messages
534
Let me start by saying I really, really like this bag. I have never been real comfortable with any type of concealed carry holster. I find them uncomfortable and awkward. For me, this is a great option for CCW in the woods.

[video=youtube;xBBB13ekTOw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBBB13ekTOw&feature=c4-overview&list=UUnHwxnLdWlkpvCrfwGoPZ9Q[/video]

This bag is not only a good option for CCW but it has a ton of room for gear. This is how much gear I carry in this bad boy.

Gearinkit_zps30c5c2a8.jpg


The kit bag has 3 separate compartments. The farthest from you chest id a simple zippered pouch with a couple of pockets.

Kitbagpocket1_zps1b6d347d.jpg


The middle compartment will open all the way up. This kinda makes a shelf. It is really easy to access gear while leaving the bag secured to your body. It also has a couple of pockets.

kitbagpocket2_zpse3d51f5c.jpg


The compartment closest to your body is designed to carry a firearm. It has a strip of velcro for attaching a webbing retention strap for your weapon.

CCWpocket_zps5ff08c5b.jpg


I have this in my truck every day. I cant remember where, but I saw another guy post up how he kept his. I am not above stealing a good idea. It rides perfect behind the passenger seat.

Kitbagintruck_zpsdb798143.jpg


There is only one thing I would like to see on this bag, the addition of some molle on the back. I understand why HPG did not add them. But for me it would add a lot of versatility. It is not that big of a deal though. A few months ago Nick and I were hiking and I wanted to take my rain gear, but had no place to carry it. So, I cut 2 small holes in the mesh, and ran some 550 through them to tie my rain gear on the back.

Tiedownsonback_zps7b7e32ab.jpg


This is one of the best purchases I have made. I would highly recommend this bag.

Action pic.


DSC03159_zps94cb65cd.jpg
 
Thanks for the review. I don't have time to watch the video but I'll be back.
 
Love my HPG. I use it for running and hiking.
You may want to put grommets where you punched holes. I use a dump pouch for hauling extra gear-mainly a water bottle if traveling light on short excursions.
28lgc3n.jpg
 
Love it. Got it in May and it's been an almost constant companion. I've posted lots of pic and text about it (check my post- mostly on the axe/ tomahawk forum section). I've carried it hiking on short treks about 3 to 5 days a week(since may), cleaned fish,killed a copperhead and a rat. cut wood, cleared trails, and carried it on a couple real ops. IMHO it's money well spent compared to buying another knife.
 
Did you buy the extra lifter straps or did the bag come with the straps you show in the video? Thanks for the time spend reviewing this piece of kit!
 
Thanks for the review Terry. You do really nice reviews. I have the recon kit bag and I really like it.
 
WJC01 said:
Love it. Got it in May and it's been an almost constant companion. I've posted lots of pic and text about it (check my post- mostly on the axe/ tomahawk forum section). I've carried it hiking on short treks about 3 to 5 days a week(since may), cleaned fish,killed a copperhead and a rat. cut wood, cleared trails, and carried it on a couple real ops. IMHO it's money well spent compared to buying another knife.
Click to expand...

I went and found your posts, thanks. I think it will be my next big purchase.

Rockywolf said:
Did you buy the extra lifter straps or did the bag come with the straps you show in the video? Thanks for the time spend reviewing this piece of kit!
Click to expand...

I got the bag used. That is what it came with.

Cashmore said:
Thanks for the review Terry. You do really nice reviews. I have the recon kit bag and I really like it.
Click to expand...

I rely like the looks of the recon. G'dang HPG, always getting my money.
 
I hear you. There larger packs look really nice as well...and I would love one of their Serapes!!!
 
IA Woodsman said:
Let me start by saying I really, really like this bag. I have never been real comfortable with any type of concealed carry holster. I find them uncomfortable and awkward. For me, this is a great option for CCW in the woods.

[video=youtube;xBBB13ekTOw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBBB13ekTOw&feature=c4-overview&list=UUnHwxnLdWlkpvCrfwGoPZ9Q[/video]

This bag is not only a good option for CCW but it has a ton of room for gear. This is how much gear I carry in this bad boy.

Gearinkit_zps30c5c2a8.jpg


The kit bag has 3 separate compartments. The farthest from you chest id a simple zippered pouch with a couple of pockets.

Kitbagpocket1_zps1b6d347d.jpg


The middle compartment will open all the way up. This kinda makes a shelf. It is really easy to access gear while leaving the bag secured to your body. It also has a couple of pockets.

kitbagpocket2_zpse3d51f5c.jpg


The compartment closest to your body is designed to carry a firearm. It has a strip of velcro for attaching a webbing retention strap for your weapon.

CCWpocket_zps5ff08c5b.jpg


I have this in my truck every day. I cant remember where, but I saw another guy post up how he kept his. I am not above stealing a good idea. It rides perfect behind the passenger seat.

Kitbagintruck_zpsdb798143.jpg


There is only one thing I would like to see on this bag, the addition of some molle on the back. I understand why HPG did not add them. But for me it would add a lot of versatility. It is not that big of a deal though. A few months ago Nick and I were hiking and I wanted to take my rain gear, but had no place to carry it. So, I cut 2 small holes in the mesh, and ran some 550 through them to tie my rain gear on the back.

Tiedownsonback_zps7b7e32ab.jpg


This is one of the best purchases I have made. I would highly recommend this bag.

Action pic.


DSC03159_zps94cb65cd.jpg
Click to expand...

I could see that setup working in a semi truck. A no no but man its getting dangerous out here anymore!
 
Has anyone tried a small hydration pack mounted to the back of one of these?
I always thought HPG should offer one as an accessory.
 
FTR-14c said:
Has anyone tried a small hydration pack mounted to the back of one of these?
I always thought HPG should offer one as an accessory.
Click to expand...
It's easy enough to wear at the same time as a camelbak.

On another note: I don't fly much but this past week On a flight from Utah I used my HPG bag as my personal item bag on the plane. I originally planned to carry it like a bag but since I had a pack on as a carry on I wore the HPG rig as it was designed. (minus weapons of course). I stuffed it with a book,wallet, phone, flashlight, reading glasses, and snacks. Kept it on during the flight so all my gear was handy. Did not have to shove it under the seat. Did not notice any weird looks as I wore it through the airport. (would not have cared anyway;))
 
IA Woodsman said:
I have a Serape also. I will be doing a post on it soon.
Click to expand...

Oh man...can't wait! I'm sure you've already thought of it, but if you could talk about how it works for fall and winter and what else you pair with it at different times of hte year, I'd really appreciate it.
 
I've followed this and other HPG Kit Bag threads for quite a while, trying to talk myself into giving them a try because of all the illustrated good points.

I've found that I do not like carrying things on my chest. I built rigs to carry hunting revolvers across my chest. I've carried camera bags on my chest with and without a backpack. I've carried fishing gear and hunting calls on my chest.

Now I've made a rig similar to the HPG Kit Bag, and I like it pretty well. I rigged a "harness" using 1" webbing, shock cord, and ITW G-hooks for a lower profile instead of QR buckles. I've used the harness with a few different High Speed Gear Inc. pouches, mainly their EOD. I like it pretty well. The EOD is a different shape with the long axis vertical rather than horizontal like the kit bag. I tried it both ways and prefer the vertical carry as I suspected.

I didn't post this to negatively influence anyone regarding the HPG Kit Bag. I'm confident it is well-made and works well for many users. I just wanted to provide another perspective.
 
BillyJoeBobJim said:
I've followed this and other HPG Kit Bag threads for quite a while, trying to talk myself into giving them a try because of all the illustrated good points.

I've found that I do not like carrying things on my chest. I built rigs to carry hunting revolvers across my chest. I've carried camera bags on my chest with and without a backpack. I've carried fishing gear and hunting calls on my chest.

Now I've made a rig similar to the HPG Kit Bag, and I like it pretty well. I rigged a "harness" using 1" webbing, shock cord, and ITW G-hooks for a lower profile instead of QR buckles. I've used the harness with a few different High Speed Gear Inc. pouches, mainly their EOD. I like it pretty well. The EOD is a different shape with the long axis vertical rather than horizontal like the kit bag. I tried it both ways and prefer the vertical carry as I suspected.

I didn't post this to negatively influence anyone regarding the HPG Kit Bag. I'm confident it is well-made and works well for many users. I just wanted to provide another perspective.
Click to expand...
Those are good points. I am always for modding and making gear work for you.
 
Nice post IA, hanks. I have a few friends who have these, and love them, and one who also stole that same carry idea for his truck. I really need to pick one of these up just for that option if nothing else. Much easier to access than the floorboard behind the front seats...
 
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