HPG and SO

[gjk5]

I am looking to buy a new pack, would like to use one of these local companies. Wanted to see if anyone had input on one vs the other or personal experience with their products. I have seen a lot of posts on SO but not many on HPG other than bags and accessories.

Looking for a do-all western hunt pack that I could up or downsize bags on depending on use, length of trip.

 

[bcimport]

I’ve had a Qui Ya from HPG. The construction is top shelf, on par with MR, SG and Kifaru. I really liked the pack, belt and layout. The straps felt a little busy so I reworked things for some more simplicity. I packed out a mountain goat and mule deer with it and had no complaints. I did go away from the center mount for the shoulder harness and used the two lateral attachment points instead, it felt more stable and occasionally I would feel the D ring on my back and didn’t like that, once I was satisfied with the alternate arrangement I clipped off the d ring and was a happy camper.

 

[gjk5]

good to know. Their stuff looks very beefy, did buy a couple of accessories. Have not been to Seek's store yet.

 

[Phaseolus]

SO is quite a bit lighter than HPG, I love my Peregrine. You can’t go wrong with a west slope pack. Asparagus is up in the Grand Valley BTW.

 

[CCH]

Very different design and construction. I have not tried SO, so can't comment other than what I've read. I do use HPG, and really like the belt and shoulder straps. They definitely are not trying to be ultralight, but the weight for a very durable pack is pretty good. The Qui-Ya offers the most in the pack weight to carrying capacity regard. You will have fun wearing one out. Well, I guess that depends on your definition of fun.

 

[Beckjhong]

Another vote for SO. I have the revolution fortress and it is far and away the most comfortable/best pack/frame I have had. The stories about their customer service are true in my experience as well. I’m sure they answer the same 10 questions constantly, but are nonetheless patient and friendly.


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[Clinch]

Pretty well settled on HPG at this point. No experience with SO. Umlindi as a day pack, and Ute for when I need more room. They are almost too modular because it took me quite a while to settle on these two after trying multiple pocket/panels and their other packs. I may look into a Qui-Ya one day but don’t need the space right now. Wasn’t very fond of their two Aston house packs for day packs.


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[jhayes6405]

Ive owned a SO Unaweep and just about everything HPG has to offer. Apples and Oranges there. I envision SO more of a hiking pack, with HPG being more of a hard use product. I use a Ute for just about everything, and like someone mentioned above, did the compression straps to my liking and really enjoy it now. Their manufacturer makes top of the line stuff, so no worries there. Both companies have stellar customer service and I know both owners personally. The biggest differences are weight to durability. The SO was insanely comfortable, Id give the edge to them there.