Hill People Gear kit bag

Well, here are a few pictures from my brief jaunt yesterday. About 5 or so miles, with the kiddo on my back for most of the way. I of course overloaded the kit bag, somewhat intentionally. I wanted to see just how heavy and bulky I could stand it. Let me tell you, I stuffed a bunch of crap in there, and it was pretty heavy. Here are some exploded kit bag pics:






So, it turned out to be a fairly chilly start, then the canyon warmed up. By the time we got to the bridge, it was time to shed a few layers.
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After a bit of sunshine, the clouds started to roll in, and at our turnaround point, a light rain was beginning to fall.


We made our way back, at a nice leisurely pace. Good thing we turned around when we did, as a fairly hard rain, and some gusty winds, moved in as we were driving back up the access road to the highway. Saw legions of tumbleweeds following the wind down the highway on the ride back home.

Anyway, some quick impressions: carries pretty well with a pack, but hard to use the sternum strap. Used the lifter straps a little at first, and I think they're helpful. But if you plan on taking your pack off fairly frequently, then they can become a bit of a hassle. Since I brought a restless 4 year old with me, there was plenty of that, so I eventually gave up on the lifter straps. As far as the utility of the thing, I have to say I'm impressed. It really helped with my organization, even just on a day hike. I've found myself recently carrying a little bit of everybody's stuff (wife, and 2 kids), so it's nice to have one bag that's filled with just my stuff. No issues with the ride without the pack, although I didn't have the straps overly tight, so when I bent over, it swung around just a tiny bit. Already have some shock cord from Supply Captain on the way, gonna make me a ghetto stabilizer strap. Should take care of the problem. And Evan (the guy on the bridge, co-owner of HPG) was a great guy to have along. Talked a bit about lots of stuff, but knives definitely came up (he carries a BM Nimravus, and an Emerson). We'll definitely be heading out with him again.
 
I like your modifications Raindog101! That attachment of the spare magazine is a great idea. I was thinking on sewing in a wide loop of heavy duty elastic material for the same purpose. You’re fortunate to have Evan close by for the trips! Did you also sew those two inner pouches to make smaller sleeves? Great photos and it looks like your girl had a blast…

ROCK6
 
It was raining pretty hard this AM, so I took a little motivation from Raindog101's modifications. I just sewed in a strip of Velcro Loop and I had a Maxpedition elastic strip with the hook part of the Veclo that I cut into two pieces. A little sewing and I have a much more secure way of carrying an extra magazine in the main compartment. With my 1911, I can add a few more...not that I would do it much as it's a tad heavy on the chest:

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Here's my current method of carrying a water bottle if I'm without a pack or shoulder canteen kit; the Maxpedition Rolly Polly also folds up nice and compactly when I don't need the bottle up front. Still this is a good way to have water close at hand if you're not using water bladder and hose:

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ROCK6
 
ROCK6 said:
I like your modifications Raindog101! That attachment of the spare magazine is a great idea. I was thinking on sewing in a wide loop of heavy duty elastic material for the same purpose. You’re fortunate to have Evan close by for the trips! Did you also sew those two inner pouches to make smaller sleeves? Great photos and it looks like your girl had a blast…

ROCK6
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Rock,
I did sew those sleeves, so I had smaller compartments. My multitool and flashlight kept falling over, and things were just moving around too much for my liking in there. As it stands now, they are the perfect size for everything I put in there, like multitool, compass, headlamp, battery packs, monocular, etc. And so far, I'm liking the carry method shown. I could probably downgrade the holster, to one like yours, but I kinda like the full holster that is readily detachable. That way I can IWB if I want to leave the kit bag behind (say at a gas station, or going in to a restaurant) and I don't need to carry along an extra holster. And I like your bottle carry method. I was this close to grabbing a Rolypoly this AM after I saw your post on the other kit bag thread. But I held off, as I want to experiment with my small platypus bottle inside the kit bag. Does the rolypoly shift around a lot on the side like that? Is your left arm contacting it at all on the forward swing. Those are reasons I had all but discounted that idea in the first place. I use trekking poles always, so I tend to swing my arms through a fairly long arc. I have some bottle holders around here I plan on experimenting with, so I can probably answer my own question here. Just looking to get your take on it. And yes, my girl had a blast. She's a real trooper. Never complained about the rain, or cold. She even fell asleep in the backpack on the way back to the car. She's a good hiking companion.
 
I was worried about the bottle pouch getting in the way, but no issues so far with both pack and poles. I did rig up a 1-liter Platypus the same way but I wanted to try and get metal bottle for boiling if needed. Also, if you're not goint to carry the bottle, you can roll the pouch up and it's even smaller and still not a bother. I would rig up something first to see how it works for you; it really does look like it would be in the way, but no issues for me.

ROCK6
 
ROCK6 said:
I was worried about the bottle pouch getting in the way, but no issues so far with both pack and poles. I did rig up a 1-liter Platypus the same way but I wanted to try and get metal bottle for boiling if needed. Also, if you're not goint to carry the bottle, you can roll the pouch up and it's even smaller and still not a bother. I would rig up something first to see how it works for you; it really does look like it would be in the way, but no issues for me.

ROCK6
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So, how'd you connect the rolypoly to the strap? Tactie? Or did you thread it through? I like the extra shock cord retention at the bottom. I'll have to get me some more grimlocs too.
 
It's just the single malice clip; they're a a little more stiff than the tacties.

ROCK6
 
I got my HPG original kit bag last week: ordered late Friday afternoon-arrived the following Monday. Used this maxpedition rig- http://www.google.com/search?q=maxp...r-Insert-with-mag-Retention-p1962.htm;680;680 to secure a Glock 19 and mag.
Took it on numerous hikes this past week on trails near my house, Ohio Pyle State Park, PA, Coopers Rock,WV and Fall Creek Falls,TN. (Was on Vacation this past week). This rig is the way to go.
I will post pics later. Now time to attach the roly poly and RMJ Shrike S13 to the rig . . . .
 
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WJC01 said:
I got my HPG original kit bag last week: ordered late Friday afternoon-arrived the following Monday. Used this maxpedition rig- http://www.google.com/search?q=maxp...r-Insert-with-mag-Retention-p1962.htm;680;680 to secure a Glock 19 and mag.
Took it on numerous hikes this past week on trails near my house, Ohio Pyle State Park, PA, Coopers Rock,WV and Fall Creek Falls,TN. (Was on Vacation this past week). This rig is the way to go.
I will post pics later. Now time to attach the roly poly and RMJ Shrike S13 to the rig . . . .
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Hey, I like that maxpedition insert. I bought the ITS insert, but it was the new one, and I just didn't like it. So if anybody wants it... Anyway, glad to hear you like it. I'm leaving for the UK in 3 weeks, hiking some trails on the coast over there. I've been on the fence about taking the kit bag. On one hand, I won't be carrying a pistol, and it does add extra weight (albeit slight). But on the other hand, I've gotten used to having my stuff handy, and the OS maps are supposedly fairly big and hard to fold. So maybe I'll end up using it as a map carrier? Like I said, I can't decide. Gotta see the maps first (they haven't yet arrived).
 
You will regret leaving it behind-during this past weeks excursions I was constantly retrieving my phone(Motorola Atrix HD) to take pictures.Shorts were usually soaked so it was the way to go.
Although you can't take your Glock you can still have your basic survival gear in case you get separated from your pack during recon. Remember "American Werewolf in London". Having carried a weapon off duty since 1985 I'd feel naked. I'm guessing they frown on you carrying a Hawk.
Are you bringing a knife or purchasing one there?
Have a great trip.
Bill
 
I agree with WJC01; if you plan to do some hiking, it comes in handy for having the phone, camera and maps close at hand. Our last 30 mile AT section the maps in the Kit Bag were so easy to grab and read (just to gauge hiking distance and elevation). I think you'd really wish you had it if you don't take it. Also, you could pick up a Mora while your there if you're not taking a knife...

ROCK6
 
WJC01 said:
You will regret leaving it behind-during this past weeks excursions I was constantly retrieving my phone(Motorola Atrix HD) to take pictures.Shorts were usually soaked so it was the way to go.
Although you can't take your Glock you can still have your basic survival gear in case you get separated from your pack during recon. Remember "American Werewolf in London". Having carried a weapon off duty since 1985 I'd feel naked. I'm guessing they frown on you carrying a Hawk.
Are you bringing a knife or purchasing one there?
Have a great trip.
Bill
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I've decided it's too handy to leave at home, despite the weight penalty (I'm trying to go lightweight, got a lot of "middle weight" to make up for). I will probably pick up something over there: I have to stop by Cotswolds to pick up a fuel canister, so I'm sure they'll have Moras and such.

ROCK6 said:
I agree with WJC01; if you plan to do some hiking, it comes in handy for having the phone, camera and maps close at hand. Our last 30 mile AT section the maps in the Kit Bag were so easy to grab and read (just to gauge hiking distance and elevation). I think you'd really wish you had it if you don't take it. Also, you could pick up a Mora while your there if you're not taking a knife...

ROCK6
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Yeah, the maps were a big concern. But the factor that tipped the balance in favor of the kit bag was water. I just couldn't find a good way to carry my hydration bladder in my new pack (in the sleeve, too uncomfortable on my back...in the top of the pack, too much sloshing around). So I tried a few options last night, and ended up finding a nice solution: my 1L nalgene canteen in the main compartment of the kit bag fit pretty good, and with the lifter system didn't feel too heavy. I ordered a Platypus, though, because the wide mouth is a pain when you have to zip the bag closed. The smaller opening of the platypus should work out better. So the layout will be maps in rear (gun) compartment, water in central compartment, and money/passport/etc in front compartment. I'll post up a few pics when the maps get here.
 
Well, just got back from the UK yesterday. Had a blast, and the kit bag worked just as I expected. It was really nice to have the map/compass, and water so close at hand. Here are a few action shots (not any of the kit bag contents, though):
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Here's a picture of my load out for light local hike. Dump pouch mounted on my support side for water bottle. Grimlock secures a JK fixed blade for easy access. The RMJ Shrike takes on trail clearing, copperhead kill'n,and whatever else.
 
Nice. I'm heading up to Wyoming tonite for a week, do a little fly fishing. I'm sure I'll have more pics to post after I return.
 
Wow, what a great and timely thread! I've been considering a Kifaru Koala Lite but the HP Runner's pack actually looks better for what I want, and at a lower price. I do wish they offered it in black but I can deal. How does it work for CCW? It looks like the gun kind of just flops around...is there a way to secure it to the insides of the pack, short of stitching a holster in there?
 
Rob Babcock said:
Wow, what a great and timely thread! I've been considering a Kifaru Koala Lite but the HP Runner's pack actually looks better for what I want, and at a lower price. I do wish they offered it in black but I can deal. How does it work for CCW? It looks like the gun kind of just flops around...is there a way to secure it to the insides of the pack, short of stitching a holster in there?
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If you contact them you may be able to get black...not positive on that though. I know I just got an email from them the other day saying they were offering a limited run of black possibly?
 
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