review: hill people gear recon kit bag.

[JV3]

the back has foam padding except those two square areas.

the bandanas and orange paracord wasn't included...i just included it there to show loops/compartments.

strap retainer so it doesn't flop around once it's adjusted tight.

the gun compartment has a strip of velcro for attaching a velcro holster/mag holder.

the "recon" model also comes with two itw grimlocs and you can use it to attach to a backpack's shoulder straps instead of directly wearing it.

an esee izula is the longest knife you can put inside "standing up" otherwise the zippers in the front compartment won't close.

more room here than the front compartment.

full-size 1911 (5" barrel) in the gun compartment.

here are the reasons i picked the hpg over the kifaru koala lite:

1. the kifaru's main shoulder straps have quick-release straps. on the hpg, it's a built-in buckle and the quick-release is on the side so even if it's unbuckled by accident the bag stays hanging...very important when i'm doing hand to hand combat with zombies, you know

2. there's a grab handle on the kifaru but i'm never going to ever carry it that way. if i'm not wearing it i'll grab it using the shoulder straps instead. it'll bug me being there and i'd want to cut it off but won't because it's an expensive gear.

3. the molle panel on the kifaru is a separate piece that's attached on 5 points. the hpg is built-in and i know i want the molle there permanently anyway so it's a simpler design. for overnighters, i'll loop a paracord there that's attached to my flashlight and then clip it in. that way, i have access to my light and be able to clip it in quickly too (no need for a sheath).

4. on the kifaru the gun compartment/zipper opens all the way flat. on the hpg, i can unzip it the whole way and it only opens up to like an l-shape so less chance of stuff falling out accidentally since i can't open it flat.

i like the koala lite's full velcro coverage though in the gun compartment...that's the only thing i wish the hpg had.

 

[JV3]

 

[JV3]

how i'm currently using it/what's inside.

good to hold my bike repair stuff too when a backpack is overkill.

 

[JV3]

[ placeholder for future comments, if any]

 

[razorsdescent]

I am so fricking excited you reviewed this. I've been waiting for this kind of in depth review and now the HPG kit bag is on my short list. Thanks a ton.

 

[JV3]

I am so fricking excited you reviewed this. I've been waiting for this kind of in depth review and now the HPG kit bag is on my short list. Thanks a ton.

you're welcome! i took it on a hike last week and i'm already sold on how useful it is...only thing i'm concerned about is during the summer heat but i'll find out when it rolls around and see if it's bearable.

 

[razorsdescent]

you're welcome! i took it on a hike last week and i'm already sold on how useful it is...only thing i'm concerned about is during the summer heat but i'll find out when it rolls around and see if it's bearable.

I'm used to carrying heavy stuff in high heat so its no worry

I hope you keep us updated, im guessing next payday im just going to have to pull the trigger. I found out about HPG because of their tanahamura runners pack and once I saw the kit bag i scoured every website i could, so i'm really excited that I finally found what I was looking for. I'm really excited to see what these guys come out with over the next few years.

 

[crossada]

I love how thorough your reviews are. I was going to ask why you got the HPG over the Kifaru but you handled that for me.

Thanks for the time.

 

[raindog101]

I'll be heading out on Thursday for a brief jaunt with my new HPG kit bag. I'll be posting a review, with some pics, in this section sometime before the weekend (for those of you that are interested). I have a thread going here already; I'll revive it for my review.

 

[razorsdescent]

@ raindog, thanks a ton. This forums never ceases to suprise me by always having a review of exactly what i'm looking at buying.

 

[raindog101]

@ raindog, thanks a ton. This forums never ceases to suprise me by always having a review of exactly what i'm looking at buying.

The bonus is, I'm heading out with Evan Hill, the co-founder of HPG. He lives in my town, I stopped by his shop to chat, and we decided to get together for a shakedown cruise.

 

[caine]

I have that same bag its awesome

 

[LMT66]

Great review of a great Chest Bag!

This is a nice addition to it. It's so low profile with the Ten-speed helium whisper attachment and adds 3 extra stretch pockets to the front.

 

[Camber]

Thank you for a great review!

 

[foxx]

Nice review, excellent pics, thanks. I've used mine once so far, looking forward to getting out this spring!

Recently, I got a Remington 870 12 guage, so I've been looking at chest rigs that hold shotgun shells. I love the idea of the S.O.E. Micro Rig, but I still wanted to have the quick access gun pouch....



So, I ordered 3 of the S.O.E. shotgun pull-out pouches to attach to my Recon Kit bag. If they are just too heavy or bulky, I'll just use the single layer, 6 shot, from Tactical Tailor. Either way, I'll have either 18 or 36 shotgun shells and my Ruger SP101 .357 all within reach.

So, JV3 what's your plan for the MOLLE? Have you considered adding magazine pouches, flashlight pouch, etc..

 

[WILLIAM.M]

Great review.

BRAVO!!!

 

[JV3]

I'm used to carrying heavy stuff in high heat so its no worry

I hope you keep us updated, im guessing next payday im just going to have to pull the trigger. I found out about HPG because of their tanahamura runners pack and once I saw the kit bag i scoured every website i could, so i'm really excited that I finally found what I was looking for. I'm really excited to see what these guys come out with over the next few years.

sure thing, i'm going to be hiking with it again sometime soon...last year i went on 16 overnighters and 8 day hikes and i hope to be out just as much this year so i'll have lots of time with it.

I love how thorough your reviews are. I was going to ask why you got the HPG over the Kifaru but you handled that for me.

Thanks for the time.

thanks! you know i would've been all over the koala lite if it was available in black

The bonus is, I'm heading out with Evan Hill, the co-founder of HPG. He lives in my town, I stopped by his shop to chat, and we decided to get together for a shakedown cruise.

please convince him to make the bike frame bag in black (so it matches my road bike and mtb)...or at least coyote brown.

Great review of a great Chest Bag!

This is a nice addition to it. It's so low profile with the Ten-speed helium whisper attachment and adds 3 extra stretch pockets to the front.

thanks, man! i never had anything with a helium whisper mounting before - it looks slick!

Thank you for a great review!

thanks! glad you like it.

Nice review, excellent pics, thanks. I've used mine once so far, looking forward to getting out this spring!

Recently, I got a Remington 870 12 guage, so I've been looking at chest rigs that hold shotgun shells. I love the idea of the S.O.E. Micro Rig, but I still wanted to have the quick access gun pouch....

So, I ordered 3 of the S.O.E. shotgun pull-out pouches to attach to my Recon Kit bag. If they are just too heavy or bulky, I'll just use the single layer, 6 shot, from Tactical Tailor. Either way, I'll have either 18 or 36 shotgun shells and my Ruger SP101 .357 all within reach.

So, JV3 what's your plan for the MOLLE? Have you considered adding magazine pouches, flashlight pouch, etc..

thanks! right now there's more than enough room there for me so i'm not looking to add anything to it. what i wanted was just enough capacity to put the stuff that's either hanging on my belt, in my pockets, or inside my esee pouch...this way, if it gets unbearably hot during the summer i can always go back to my previous setup and not miss a beat rather than figure out yet another setup without it.

Great review.

BRAVO!!!

thanks, dr. bill!

 

[ROCK6]

Excellent review JV3! This is about the most comfortable way for me to carry concealed along with the majority of my “essentials”. I have a couple of the original Kit Bags which I use the most, but the “runner’s” kit bag is excellent for running and mountain biking. I’ve also used these kayaking and rock climbing.

I’ve never used them attached to my pack as I think the beauty is the ability to drop my pack and still keep those essentials and CCW on my body. They do trap heat, but nothing excessive. I’ve done several hot/humid hikes here in the SE without significant issues and I’ll be using it for a short 40-50 mile hike on the AT later this spring with my wife (it’s much less hot than the RIBZ). What many recommend is Velcro on the inside…which isn’t needed to secure a handgun and just traps more heat. The way the CCW rides is very secure and it doesn’t shift around. Drawing is fast and easy to practice, even with your pack and hiking poles (I did a short video somewhere here).

I do recommend the Raven Concealment “Vanguard” Kydex trigger guard. My first Kit Bag didn’t have accommodations, but I sewed in a small 550-cord loop in the center of the CCW pouch and attached the Vanguard. It’s less for safety than it is securing the handgun. As you mentioned the very back slot for the pistol doesn’t really open all the way, but if it is opened and you bend over, your pistol can fall out (don’t ask how I know), but the Vanguard serves as a dummy-cord to keep your pistol from falling all the way out (my concern was when kayaking).

My only temporary modification is attaching a Maxpedition Rolly-Polly (small, I think) to the body-strap; it’s attached closer to the bag. It doesn’t interfere with a pack’s shoulder straps. I’ve been able to carry a water bottle much easier and if I’m using a water bladder from a pack, I can roll up the pouch and secure the water bottle in the pack. When I’m hiking around without the pack, the expanded Rolly-Polly will hold my Ti water bottle without being in the way or being cumbersome. That was my only issue with addressing water when just using the Kit Bag.

I wouldn’t swim significant distance, but I did take mine for a swim across an area we frequently hike. With a side stroke, you can effectively cross deep water ways…it’s just another test I wanted to try. Oh, I mostly hammock camp, and I have been able to sleep with it on as well; not something I always do, but it works if that’s something important to you.

HPG Kit Bags aren’t cheap, but they are extremely well made, integrate very well with a pack system and provide a very viable concealed pistol platform that doesn’t really get a whole lot of attention.

The Hill brothers are great guys. I didn’t get to use my Kit Bag much in Afghanistan, but I used the heck out of their Mountain Serape during several short trips. They are very responsive and always helpful…can’t recommend them enough!

ROCK6

 

[harpoon41]

I agree with Rock's call on HPG. I have the Tara and the Runner's bag also and both are great pieces of gear. I would say they are cheap both compared with Kif or MR or even Eberlestock they are much lower in price but not in quality.
I put one of their bottle holders on my runner's bag just for some extra H2O.

 

[JV3]

Excellent review JV3! This is about the most comfortable way for me to carry concealed along with the majority of my “essentials”. I have a couple of the original Kit Bags which I use the most, but the “runner’s” kit bag is excellent for running and mountain biking. I’ve also used these kayaking and rock climbing.

I’ve never used them attached to my pack as I think the beauty is the ability to drop my pack and still keep those essentials and CCW on my body. They do trap heat, but nothing excessive. I’ve done several hot/humid hikes here in the SE without significant issues and I’ll be using it for a short 40-50 mile hike on the AT later this spring with my wife (it’s much less hot than the RIBZ). What many recommend is Velcro on the inside…which isn’t needed to secure a handgun and just traps more heat. The way the CCW rides is very secure and it doesn’t shift around. Drawing is fast and easy to practice, even with your pack and hiking poles (I did a short video somewhere here).

I do recommend the Raven Concealment “Vanguard” Kydex trigger guard. My first Kit Bag didn’t have accommodations, but I sewed in a small 550-cord loop in the center of the CCW pouch and attached the Vanguard. It’s less for safety than it is securing the handgun. As you mentioned the very back slot for the pistol doesn’t really open all the way, but if it is opened and you bend over, your pistol can fall out (don’t ask how I know), but the Vanguard serves as a dummy-cord to keep your pistol from falling all the way out (my concern was when kayaking).

My only temporary modification is attaching a Maxpedition Rolly-Polly (small, I think) to the body-strap; it’s attached closer to the bag. It doesn’t interfere with a pack’s shoulder straps. I’ve been able to carry a water bottle much easier and if I’m using a water bladder from a pack, I can roll up the pouch and secure the water bottle in the pack. When I’m hiking around without the pack, the expanded Rolly-Polly will hold my Ti water bottle without being in the way or being cumbersome. That was my only issue with addressing water when just using the Kit Bag.

I wouldn’t swim significant distance, but I did take mine for a swim across an area we frequently hike. With a side stroke, you can effectively cross deep water ways…it’s just another test I wanted to try. Oh, I mostly hammock camp, and I have been able to sleep with it on as well; not something I always do, but it works if that’s something important to you.

HPG Kit Bags aren’t cheap, but they are extremely well made, integrate very well with a pack system and provide a very viable concealed pistol platform that doesn’t really get a whole lot of attention.

The Hill brothers are great guys. I didn’t get to use my Kit Bag much in Afghanistan, but I used the heck out of their Mountain Serape during several short trips. They are very responsive and always helpful…can’t recommend them enough!

ROCK6

thanks for the tips! that's funny, i just bought this water bottle holder yesterday to test out a way of carrying water with it