Eberlestock mini-me? HPG Tarahumara? Other?

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xrangerx

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I am looking to get a small day pack and have been looking at the Hill People Gear Tarahumara and the Eberlestock mini-me. Just for quick outings to hold minimal stuff and to strap my jacket onto when I am not wearing it. Anyone have either of these packs (or both?) that could tell me pros/cons? Any other packs I should be taking a look at in this size range? The Eberlestock is at the maximum top of my price.

Thanks!
 
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5.11 Rush 12 or Moab, Kifaru Nomad, maxpedition fatboy versipack or gearslinger..
 
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For small loads an ambidextrous sling bag is my preference. I've had good luck with the Maxpedition Malaga.

IMG_9106_zps4d7af9ab.jpg
 
I just got the Tarahumara. Haven't carried it except for around the house, but I can say that Evan and Scot Hill (the owners) are fantastic people. I have a few of their products and they are extremely helpful and patient people. To me this is important...makes me feel good doing business with them. Like they care about my experience.
 
Good choice. The Tara is a great little pack for exactly what you say you're looking for. Very well built, clean and simple, and not "tacti-cool."

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Pair it up with a HPG Kit Bag and you have a very versatile set up.
 
I actually took the Tarahumara out today for a 2.5 hour hike. It worked perfect. I had two Nalgenes, an extra sweater, a pair of gloves, a pair of socks, a Tactical Tailor E&E pouch, a Sawyer Mini Squeeze, a small Silky Saw, and a bag of mixed nuts in it. When I got too warm I strapped my softshwel under the straps visible in Smithhammer's photo and there it stayed for the last hour.

Carried really well.
 
Awesome! Thanks fellas! I am definitely trying to go for the non-tacticool style. Thanks for the suggestions Maxx and JCav, I dig the nomad but it is out of my price range and I have heard that maxpedition stuff doesnt sit well on taller folks and the sling style just isn't for me. I have heard nothing but good things about the guys at HPG, which is very important in my book!
 
For whatever it's worth too, the deciding factor for me was honestly the water bottle slots on the Tarahumara. For a day trip (as I don't go out on a real regular basis) I hate dealing with a bladder...don't like them in general, but can'nt stand them for a day trip so I like having slots for the Nalgene's. And the Oasis Nalgene's fit well and make it easier to use the room in the pack.
 
That is what is also pushing me towards the tarahumara as well. It has bladder capability but I doubt I will use it. Thanks Cashmore!
 
Of course. Glad I could be of help as I''m just getting into this stuff as well. One last thing that occurred to me is that the Tarahumara will dock on any of their larger packs if you ever get one, and on I think any Kifaru larger pack...could be a dedicated bladder holder then or a panel for compressing loads.
 
From what you mentioned it sound like you want the most basic pack for short day hikes. Did you check out REI flash 18 or flash 22 packs???
I got the older flash 18 pack which is great for shorts hikes, I done also plenty of all day hikes carrying lots of water for me and the dog. Cheap enough you can have one just laying in the back of your car ready to go.. But if it makes you feel any better it never failed on me and I carried up to 20lb in water and gear on all day up steep hills. Heavy loads at around 20lb and you would feel it on your shoulders on long hikes. Great for long day at Disneyland going on rides and carrying something for everyone for the day.
http://www.rei.com/product/827110/rei-flash-18-pack

http://www.rei.com/product/844631/rei-flash-22-pack

Sasha
 
HPG is awesome! I just did some mods to my Tara and I really like the way they turned out.
Added to max Volta pouches and 2 compass pouches. Works really well for me.
 

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daniel4572 said:
HPG is awesome! I just did some mods to my Tara and I really like the way they turned out.
Added to max Volta pouches and 2 compass pouches. Works really well for me.
Click to expand...

That looks great! What is holding them on? Did you have to sew them?
 
Eberlestock, Kifaru and HPG are all top of the line companies. Take a look at Mystery Ranch as well, they have some great options in their tri-zip line.

Here is an impartial review: http://motusworld.com/2014/01/review-mystery-ranch-asap-pack/

Also I haven't used them, but I have never heard anything bad about TAD gear's daypacks and the few times I have seen them in person, they have been rock solid.

I have had bad experiences with Maxped stuff, and I question their durability after having ruined three of their bags, two to mysterious slices and one to the zipper coming off the bag. 5.11 is equally iffy. Just IMHO and I am punishing on gear. I could destroy an anvil with a polishing cloth, or get it pregnant, and I wouldn't be able to tell you how it happened.

Post up what you end up with.
 
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