Official Thread: The Hero's Journey

[slbear]

Some backpackers use a sleeping pad as their frame. I would contend optimal packing might work in a basic pack as well for some limited weight transfer.

You might be able to makeshift something into a Tri-Star, but I think this would be tough in the A45.

Is the HsJ open from the bottom? Clearly the suspension goes from waist belt to shoulder straps, but is the sleeping bag section completely open or divided like an Aeronaut?


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[Badger]

Is the HsJ open from the bottom? Clearly the suspension goes from waist belt to shoulder straps, but is the sleeping bag section completely open or divided like an Aeronaut?

I'm not entirely sure what you're asking—forgive me if I'm off the mark here. If you're asking if the main compartment of the HsJ can be accessed through the sleeping bag compartment, the answer is no. While you can expand the main section by unsnapping the floating baffle (like with the Aeronaut), the only way you can access contents is through the main hatch. There is no further compartmentalization within the sleeping bag compartment.

[Quotidianlight]

@Badger is correct, if you had to, you could fold a DLBC or DLBP into the top pocket, which is much larger in volume than you think. These are poor pictures, but I'm really pressed for time. Main point is that, as I said earlier, you can carry a 13" MacBook Air or Retina MacBook Pro inside the Top Pack and have it lie entirely flat without a cache. If you use a cache, and angle it slightly, you can fit it into the Top Pack (on either side: both the flat compartment that crushes into the HsJ when it is zipped up onto the HsJ, or the deeper compartment that extends outwards when attached, and that can be inverted into a backpack). So, yes, if I wanted to put my 13" Retina Macbook Pro in its hard shell into the Top Pack mounted on the HsJ, that totally works. I can even do this if I am willing to angle a cache in, but then you have to be more careful of what else you are packing.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]16742[/ATTACH]
HsJ Top Pack beside DLBC. The height difference is not large, but the Top Pack of the HsJ cannot be taller than 9" if it is to both attach and meet carryon maximum dimensions. It is much deeper. The free side is about 4.75" deep, and the attached compartment is about 1.5" deep.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]16743[/ATTACH]
My 13" Retina MacBook Pro in hard shell sitting entirely flat within the smaller compartment of the Top Pack. (Obvious, because this is the Nordic side, and the compartment is 1.5" deep. The laptop takes up about 1" of the depth).

[ATTACH=CONFIG]16744[/ATTACH]
Another view of the 13" Retina MacBook Pro in hard shell sitting flat with the other side of the smaller compartment of the Top Pack.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]16745[/ATTACH]
My 13" Retina MacBook Pro in hard shell sitting flat in the larger compartment of the Top Pack -- which is still attached to the HsJ. This is a terrible picture because of trying to include a shot of a ruler and take the picture, too, in not the greatest lighting. The ruler is actually showing a bit short at about 4.5" to the bottom of the compartment. It's more like 4.75" and the 13" Retina MacBook Pro takes up 1" of that space.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]16746[/ATTACH]

Viewed from the other side (with Top Pack still attached to HsJ) there is about 3" depth from the bottom of this section to the zipper. 1" is occupied by the 13" rMBP, in its hard shell, and lying flat. The other zipped section is about 1.5"+.

Once again, as long as I place my 13" rMBP into the Top Pack with only the hard shell, I can put it in perfectly flat. And if you are willing to slightly angle your laptop in cache, you can also fit it into the Top Pack with the cache on.

HTH

moriond

ETA: If you want to devote the smaller compartment entirely to your 13" rMBP, you can fit it with Horizontal Cache into that pocket. That's how close the tolerances are.

That was exactly what I needed. I was looking at this for long term travel but only if my computer could fit in the top since I'd have to get rid of my synapse. I have a thinkpad x1 carbon that is the same size as a 13 inch MacBook so those photos make me very happy. Now to sell my current bags and wait for my tax return **groan**

[Quotidianlight]

Anyone that has the bag yet, it the back as hot as the synapse? I'll be backpacking though south America and don't want to die.

[moriond]

That was exactly what I needed. I was looking at this for long term travel but only if my computer could fit in the top since I'd have to get rid of my synapse. I have a thinkpad x1 carbon that is the same size as a 13 inch MacBook so those photos make me very happy. Now to sell my current bags and wait for my tax return **groan**

The 13" Retina MacBook Pro shown in those pictures is actually slightly less deep than the 13" MacBook Air, and so is easier to fit flat into the Top Pack (with just a hard shell on, and no cache). I don't have a Lenovo Carbon X1 to test. Be advised that the 13" MacBook Air is 0.3" deeper than the 13" Retina MacBook Pro shown in those pictures (in response to @tebnewyork's question), and would not lie flat if placed inside the Top Pack with just the hard shell on, and while attached to the HsJ.

Even for the 13" rMBP in hard shell, if I want the laptop to lie flat in its compartment while zipped and attached onto the HsJ (carried in backpack mode), I have to put it into the larger compartment of the Top Pack. While I can place it into the smaller compartment of the Top Pack and not have it bulge, I can't zip it onto the HsJ that way. (That smaller compartment is the side that crushes into the top of the main HsJ when zipped up, and normally the fabric around the zipper has to compress for this to work.) So, while a laptop that is not as deep, like the 11" MacBook Air, or the 12" MacBook, could be in that smaller compartment of the Top Pack and get zipped onto the HsJ, the 13" rMBP in its hard shell won't quite zip up all the way if placed in that compartment. I haven't tried to remove the hard shell that I keep around the laptop to experiment. Simply putting it into the larger compartment lets it rest with no bulges while attached to the HsJ.

Maybe someone else with the HsJ and other laptops can experiment and report back. As @Badger reported, 11" MacBook Airs and other similarly sized laptops can go in with their caches, with no issues.

HTH

moriond

[Quotidianlight]

The 13" Retina MacBook Pro shown in those pictures is actually slightly less deep than the 13" MacBook Air, and so is easier to fit flat into the Top Pack (with just a hard shell on, and no cache). I don't have a Lenovo Carbon X1 to test. Be advised that the 13" MacBook Air is 0.3" deeper than the 13" Retina MacBook Pro shown in those pictures (in response to @tebnewyork's question), and would not lie flat if placed inside the Top Pack with just the hard shell on, and while attached to the HsJ.

For actual travel, I'd put it in the big bag to be honest and then put it in the smaller back while on an airplane or once I'm in a location and wanting to work at a local cafe for example. I'd think having it on top while hiking probably isn't the safest place anyway, no?

[brucep]

Aeronaut 30: Travel with a small load; living out of the bag

Osprey Exos 48: Lightweight backpacking (≤ weekend); not living out of the bag

HsJ: ?? … Best thing ever or just big and heavy? It's a secret to everyone…

HsJ: Pass
A30 (and all my other TB bags except shop bags): Sold
Exos 48: Returning

Anticipated line-up: Co-Pilot* (10L), current daypack (20L), different competitor's backpack (40L)

* depending on funds and the availability of Black Halcyon/Island (RIP Sitka)

[bintobeen]

HsJ: Pass
A30 (and all my other TB bags except shop bags): Sold
Exos 48: Returning

Anticipated line-up: Co-Pilot* (10L), current daypack (20L), different competitor's backpack (40L)

* depending on funds and the availability of Black Halcyon/Island (RIP Sitka)

Why you returning the Exos? I did a thru-hike on that baby and loved it.. You can definitely live out of it.

Thought I'd say there's a beautiful cottage industry of actual backpacking packs - ULA Designs, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Six Moons Design, Zpacks, etc etc..

[slbear]

Why you returning the Exos? I did a thru-hike on that baby and loved it.. You can definitely live out of it.

Thought I'd say there's a beautiful cottage industry of actual backpacking packs - ULA Designs, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Six Moons Design, Zpacks, etc etc..

++ ULA and SMD. I wish I had a Zpacks Arc Blast. Not sure how any of those would travel. I would try to carry them on, but place them in a sturdy duffel. -Slbear

[pockets]

++ ULA and SMD. I wish I had a Zpacks Arc Blast. Not sure how any of those would travel. I would try to carry them on, but place them in a sturdy duffel. -Slbear

Zpacks actually has a really awesome solution for taking your pack as a carry on or checked bag--their Airplane Case is fantastic, and can be used as a pack liner once you get on the trail. I have used it with my Gossamer Gear Gorilla on an AT nobo and it performed really well. Only added 4 oz and could be used for several different things along the way, after it got my Gorilla and me to the trail head.

I am really struggling with trying to understand the HsJ--I still have the tags on mine and will most likely return it. I do feel like it is a jack of all trades master of none:

1.) it is not a particularly awesome Aeronaut (not as elegant, and has the added weight of the frame which is necessary for 90% of travel)

2.) it is not a particularly awesome daypack--particularly when you have the choice between a S19 and a DLBP. In backpack mode the bag is too small to be of much use for a serious hike (even short ones--see Darcy's great hike packing list for her S19)

3.) it is not a particularly awesome pack-while the waist strap does allow for transfer of some weight, the overall shape and design of the bag (e.g. boxy, with a large brain when you have the bags zipped together but no stabilizer straps for it, etc.) really prevents it from being a solid pack. It is too heavy to be an UL or even a light pack, but too striped down to be a serious load hauler. I think that people here have generally been right on to suggest that there are tons of great small US companies for the former in the Ultralight camp, and tons of great larger companies for the serious load haulers (e.g. Osprey, Arc'teryx, etc.).

I do admit that it is awesome at being able to work as any one of these things in a pinch--but I have been spoiled by my other TB bags that are SO AWESOME at everything I need them to do that I am not sure I could get over the sub-par performance of any one of these points--not to mention all three!

In short, I really want to love this bag---like really, really want to love it. But it just doesn't do anything quite as well as a bag that is specifically designed to be a maximum carry-on/daypack/hiking pack. And over $500.00 (including side pockets) for a bag that doesn't quite shine is a lot of money.

I hope that we hear some more reviews--maybe I am totally missing something here. It is obvious that the TB crew really love the outdoors, so what am I missing????

[NWhikergal]

Official Thread: The Hero's Journey

@pockets, I don't think the HsJ is trying to compete with the sole purpose backpacking packs from mainstream companies, but rather it is more of a crossover pack. For a general travel pack that can also work for backpacking trips, it fills a niche. While I own ULA and Osprey packs, I would not likely travel with them overseas to stay in hotels, since they look a bit more rough around the edges.

What you are getting with the HsJ that one doesn't get with some of the other manufacturers is a lifetime warranty and some extra organizational options by having the U shaped main compartment opening. And it is less tiring to carry all day than an aeronaut (for me at least) given the hip belt frame sheet / stay.

If a bag is going to ONLY be used for one dedicated purpose, it likely makes sense to buy a bag dedicated to that specific purpose. For example, if someone only plans to do business travel, an aeronaut, western flyer, or Tristar might make the most sense in the Tom Bihn lineup. But if someone wants to do combined types of travel, this is a bag that simply gives options. And even for business travelers, this bag does have the advantage of a padded hip belt to carry weight more easily. IMHO

A person's decision about whether to make the investment in this sort of pack will likely be governed by the current bags they have that will cover their range of intended scenarios.

Just my two cents.

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[brucep]

Why you returning the Exos?

I haven't decided yet. The alternate route I'm considering is: MCB, current daypack, travel bag, and Exos (or equivalent).

Thought I'd say there's a beautiful cottage industry of actual backpacking packs - ULA Designs, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Six Moons Design, Zpacks, etc etc..

I think I know most of them, and I've bought some small items from a few of them, but I've haven't looked at big bags too seriously. I did consider looking at GG, but they had no stock at the time.

I am really struggling with trying to understand the HsJ … what am I missing?

This.

[pockets]

@NWhikergal, Thank you so much for the response--I really value your opinion given that you have used the bag and you also live in/near Seattle. I totally understand what you mean about having specific needs and having specific bags to fulfill them. It just seems to me that the HsJ does an okay job as an travel bag and an okay just as a hiking pack, rather than being a good hybrid option.

If I may, what kinds of situations do you see yourself using the HsJ?

It seems to me that any hut-to-hut, or travel specifically for hiking/camping opportunities automatically voids any concerns about how one looks at a hotel. I have been traveling specifically to hike and have brought my Gossamer bag along as a carry on no problem, and then have set out on the trail upon arrival. If I am traveling for work and want to add some hiking time, then I wouldn't be doing anything more than an overnight and can use my SA. Any tent poles, trekking poles, stove, etc. would need to be checked which can easily be done with my pack in a Cuban Fiber bag (like the one from Zpacks).

I guess I am thinking that any trip where I would be doing hybrid work and outdoor play isn't a trip where I would need a framed pack at all. After all, I wouldn't want to be schlepping around my work clothes/shoes/computer, etc. out on the trail for 30+ miles, you know?

Maybe I am just the wrong fit for the pack, but if this is the case, given that it is a single sheet with no adjustment in the straps this is going to be the case for a good number of people. I am pretty average build, 5'5'' female.

Another note is that it is not nearly trail friendly as a pack that you are going to hike a substantial distance with should be (e.g., there is no easy access to water with the pack on, particularly for someone who doesn't use a bladder. And even for those like yourself who do use bladders, the bag isn't designed to take one).

Like I said, I really want to like this bag--I am so completely satisfied with all of my other TB bags---I just can't for the life of me figure out how this bag was intended to work. (And it seems at least @brucep agrees on this point )

Thanks for the feedback! I am going to head over to @mrbrown's post and read about his experience to see if I can glean any insight from him as well.

[NWhikergal]

@pockets, I haven't had the opportunity yet to try out the HsJ for leisure/work travel, so I am also interested to hear @mrbrown's insights. So my thoughts are based on conjecture.

In past travel scenarios, for leisure/work travel, I have often traveled with my SA in combination with a Pilot, and I have been happy with that combination. But for some trips that require more formal work wear plus I want to bring exercise and sightseeing clothes, I have at times struggled to fit everything I want into that combo. I tried test packing an Aeronaut 45, and while I adored the organization, I found it to be too heavy for me if I was not incredibly disciplined, given its lack of a padded hip belt and frame sheet.

In certain ways, the HsJ is trying to check so many boxes, there are some compromises. The convertible backpack is smaller than I would prefer, so I might be more tempted to travel with the main body and instead bring a DLBP or equivalent in the bag, depending on the trip, if I wanted a day pack. And I really like the additional organization of the Pilot and Co-Pilot for various scenarios. In some ways I think the decision whether to purchase a HsJ may be most difficult for those who do not have multiple TB bags already, to know if it makes sense to get purpose specific bags versus the HsJ, which is almost like a travel system, with the ability to cover multiple scenarios.

In situations when I don't want to have a wheeled bag, I think the HsJ could be a viable option for my purposes. Or if I was on extended travel, I would likely appreciate the easy accessibility of its contents versus a top loading system.

[bintobeen]

Zpacks actually has a really awesome solution for taking your pack as a carry on or checked bag--their Airplane Case is fantastic, and can be used as a pack liner once you get on the trail. I have used it with my Gossamer Gear Gorilla on an AT nobo and it performed really well. Only added 4 oz and could be used for several different things along the way, after it got my Gorilla and me to the trail head.

I am really struggling with trying to understand the HsJ--I still have the tags on mine and will most likely return it. I do feel like it is a jack of all trades master of none:

1.) it is not a particularly awesome Aeronaut (not as elegant, and has the added weight of the frame which is necessary for 90% of travel)

2.) it is not a particularly awesome daypack--particularly when you have the choice between a S19 and a DLBP. In backpack mode the bag is too small to be of much use for a serious hike (even short ones--see Darcy's great hike packing list for her S19)

3.) it is not a particularly awesome pack-while the waist strap does allow for transfer of some weight, the overall shape and design of the bag (e.g. boxy, with a large brain when you have the bags zipped together but no stabilizer straps for it, etc.) really prevents it from being a solid pack. It is too heavy to be an UL or even a light pack, but too striped down to be a serious load hauler. I think that people here have generally been right on to suggest that there are tons of great small US companies for the former in the Ultralight camp, and tons of great larger companies for the serious load haulers (e.g. Osprey, Arc'teryx, etc.).

I do admit that it awesome at being able to work as any one of these things in a pinch--but I have been spoiled by my other TB bags that are SO AWESOME at everything I need them to do that I am not sure I could get over the sub-par performance of any one of these points--not to mention all three!

In short, I really want to love this bag---like really, really want to love it. But it just doesn't do anything quite as well as a bag that is specifically designed to be a maximum carry-on/daypack/hiking pack. And over $500.00 (including side pockets) for a bag that doesn't quite shine is a lot of money.

I hope that we here some more reviews--maybe I am totally missing something here. It is obvious that the TB crew really loves the outdoors, so what am I missing????

Pockets, you write EXACTLY my thoughts in a much clearer way than I could. I know many TB diehards don't like hearing crit of their company, but as an owner of more than a few TB bags, I'm really puzzled about this. Too heavy and lacking basic features for real long term hiking (and as you say, there's everything from UL gram counters/ligherpack.com folks to osprey/lowe alpine/arcteryx/mysteryranch for the heavier folks), and too backpackery and unwieldy for hotel hiking. Perhaps hut-to-hut, as in the pics accompanying the product page, is an appealing way to use the pack as it seems more refined and fancy, but I've never done that.

The thing, as you write, about TB packs is the commitment to filling purpose, to not counting every gram but being lightweight about what you do - there's something here thats missing - or that *I'm* missing. What is it??