Overview
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Porter is one of the most versatile and well-designed ultralight backpacks on the market. Weighing in at just over 2 lbs, this 55-liter pack is built to excel in a wide range of backcountry activities, from extended thru-hikes to technical alpine climbing and everything in between.
What sets the Porter apart is its exceptional durability and weather resistance, thanks to Hyperlite’s use of high-performance Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) materials. While many ultralight packs sacrifice longevity and protection for weight savings, the Porter finds an excellent balance, delivering bomber construction without an extreme weight penalty.
Whether you’re tackling a long-distance trail, venturing into the alpine, or just looking for a burly yet lightweight pack for day hikes and peak-bagging, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Porter is more than up to the task. Let’s dive into the details to see why this pack has become a favorite among ultralight enthusiasts and hardcore backcountry adventurers alike.
Specifications and Dimensions
- Weight: 2 lbs (size Medium)
- Volume: 55 liters internal, 9.8 liters external, 64.8 liters total
- Maximum Load: 40 lbs
- Dimensions: 10.5″ wide, 21.5″ frame height, 34″ fabric height, 8″ thick
Materials and Construction
The Hyperlite 3400 Porter is built using Hyperlite’s signature Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), also known as Cuben Fiber. This non-woven material is exceptionally strong and lightweight, with incredible tear and abrasion resistance. The pack utilizes a combination of 50-denier and 150-denier DCF blended with polyester, with the heavier 150D fabric used for the bottom and lower side panels to provide extra durability in high-wear areas.
The waterproof and highly water-resistant nature of DCF is a major selling point of the Porter. Unlike traditional nylon or polyester packs, the Porter’s main compartment is effectively a roll-top dry bag, keeping your gear protected even in heavy rain or when crossing rivers and streams. The seams are also carefully taped for additional water resistance.
While the Porter is not 100% submersible, it provides an incredibly high level of water protection, negating the need for a separate rain cover. This can save significant weight compared to packs that require an external cover. The tradeoff is that the waterproof nature of the fabric also limits ventilation, so the pack can get quite sweaty on hot days. Some users have reported issues with mildew growth if the pack is left sealed for too long with damp gear inside.
In terms of durability, the Porter is exceptionally tough. The Dyneema material resists abrasion, punctures, and tears incredibly well, shrugging off encounters with sharp rocks, branches, and even crampons. While the 50-denier version may show some minor wear and tear over time, the 150-denier bottom and side panels provide serious long-term durability. Small holes or tears can also be easily repaired in the field with Cuben Fiber tape.
Storage and Organization
The 3400 Porter features a simple, streamlined design with a large main compartment accessed via a roll-top closure. There is a small internal zippered pocket that can be used to organize smaller items, but otherwise, the main compartment is a single large space, allowing for maximum customization and packing flexibility.
The roll-top closure not only provides excellent water resistance, but also allows you to compress the pack down when carrying lighter loads. Two side compression straps and a top-mounted Y-strap allow you to cinch the pack down and stabilize the load.
In terms of external storage, the Porter features two large stretch-mesh side pockets that can accommodate water bottles or other gear. There is also a large front pocket made from the same durable DCF material, which is great for stashing wet or dirty items that you want to keep separate from the main compartment.
While the Porter doesn’t have as many specialized pockets and organizational features as some other backpacks, this simplicity is by design. The minimalist approach allows the pack to remain light and versatile, with ample daisy chain webbing and compression straps for lashing on extra gear as needed.
Hyperlite also offers a range of optional accessories, including shoulder pockets, hip belt pockets, and form-fitting “pods” to help optimize the pack’s internal space. These can be useful additions for specific activities or personal preferences, but the basic Porter functions extremely well without them.
Fit and Comfort
The Hyperlite 3400 Porter utilizes a fairly simple suspension system, with two pre-bent aluminum stays and a foam back panel. While not as advanced as the suspension systems found on some heavier backpacks, this design keeps the weight down while still providing a comfortable and supportive carry.
The shoulder straps and hip belt are lightly padded, striking a good balance between weight savings and load-bearing comfort. The hip belt is fixed in size and not adjustable, which may be a downside for some users. However, most wearers report that the stock fit works well, and the simplicity of the design is a key part of the Porter’s appeal.
Where the pack does excel is in its ability to transfer weight to the hips. Even with loads up to around 30-35 lbs, the majority of the weight is carried comfortably on the hips, keeping the shoulders from feeling overburdened. Beyond that weight threshold, the relatively narrow shoulder straps can start to become a bit fatiguing, so users looking to carry heavier loads may want to consider the larger 4400 model.
Proper fit is crucial for maximizing the comfort of the 3400 Porter. Hyperlite provides detailed instructions on how to measure your torso length and select the appropriate size. Getting the right fit is essential, as the fixed hip belt means you can’t simply adjust it to compensate for an ill-fitting pack.
Versatility and Use Cases
The Hyperlite 3400 Porter is an incredibly versatile pack that can excel in a wide range of backcountry activities. Its lightweight, durable construction and waterproof nature make it a fantastic choice for long-distance thru-hikes, where minimizing pack weight and keeping gear dry are paramount.
The Porter also shines for technical alpine pursuits, such as mountaineering, ice climbing, and ski mountaineering. The robust Dyneema fabric can handle the abuse of crampons, ice axes, and skis, while the roll-top closure and water resistance keep your essential gear protected. The removable aluminum stays also allow you to customize the pack’s stiffness and load-carrying capacity as needed.
For day hikes, peak-bagging, and other fast-and-light activities, the Porter’s minimalist design and compression capabilities allow it to function exceptionally well as an ultralight daypack. The large exterior pocket is great for stashing layers, snacks, and other quick-access items.
That said, the Porter may not be the ideal choice for users who need to carry extremely heavy loads or require a lot of specialized organizational features. While it can handle weights up to 40 lbs, the pack becomes less comfortable beyond the 30-35 lb range. Heavier users or those embarking on winter trips with bulky gear may want to consider the larger 4400 model instead.
Comparisons
Within Hyperlite’s own lineup, the 3400 Porter sits comfortably in the middle, offering more volume and load-carrying capacity than the smaller 2400 models, while being lighter and more streamlined than the 4400. The main differences between the Porter and Hyperlite’s other packs like the Southwest, Windrider, and Ice Pack lie in the design of the exterior pockets and accessory features.
Compared to other top ultralight backpack brands, the 3400 Porter stands out for its exceptional durability and water resistance. Packs like the Gossamer Gear Mariposa or ULA Circuit may be a bit lighter, but they sacrifice some longevity and weather protection in the process. The Porter also offers a more minimalist, streamlined design than packs like the Zpacks Arc Blast, which have more complex suspension systems.
Ultimately, the 3400 Porter strikes an excellent balance between weight, durability, and versatility, making it a top choice for discerning ultralight backpackers who don’t want to compromise on quality or capabilities.
Conclusion
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Porter is a standout in the world of ultralight backpacks. Its combination of exceptional durability, weather resistance, and thoughtful design make it a true workhorse that can handle a wide range of backcountry adventures.
While the fixed hip belt and lack of extensive organizational features may not suit everyone, the Porter’s minimalist approach allows it to remain incredibly lightweight and adaptable. For thru-hikers, alpine climbers, and other weight-conscious adventurers who demand the utmost in quality and performance, the 3400 Porter is an exceptional choice that will serve you well for years to come.
image reference: https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/