HBAG Discovery 80L 5400ci Internal Frame Camping Hiking Backpack

OK. I bought this backpack in 2015 for a New Mexico backpacking trip in the Gila National Forrest. I've since used it as well for a thru-hike down the Yellowstone Thorofare trail. To put it simply, this backpack can take a beating. I'll try and break that down for you.Fit and Function: This backpack has very limited vertical storage and I highly doubt it's a true 80 L. It's actually closer to a 50L. My Osprey 65L has twice the storage as this backpack, and it's a true 65L. The Discovery 80 fit well, but you have to be careful when packing your pack in order to make it ride comfortably. The zippers are OK. Difficult to use. They don't snag, but any tension causes them to just stop. No water bladder storage unless you jerry rig something. Hip belt seemed to dig in and didn't give much comfort. I'd give it a 2/5 starts here.Durability: The backpack is durable, but lacks durability where it counts. When trying to tighten load straps I hear ripping sounds, and the elastic straps on the back and top of the bag loop through some fabric loops that are weak and tear easily. I carried about 40 lbs my first trip with this bag. DO NOT RECOMMEND! My second trip was around 32 lbs, which was still too much. I'd give this a 3/5 starts here.Value: Here's where this pack shines. For $50 it's a no brainier for the beginning backpacker. DON'T use this for 3-4 days unless you're carrying less than 30 lbs. 5/5 stars here.Hiker Stats: I'm 5' 11", 190 lbs. Even maxed out on height for my torso it rode heavily on my shoulders. Extremely uncomfortable. This bag will remain a backup to many other backups...Suggestion: First, you get what you pay for when it comes to backpacking equipment. If I may make a suggestion, do yourself, your back, and the rest of your core a favor and go look at Osprey packs as you will NEVER look back.

I can't believe how much this bag has held up, especially at a fraction of the cost of the high-end models.I've taken this pack on seven strenuous backcountry trips. It has hundreds of hours of service on it, and nothing has broken or unraveled or stretched out or snapped off. It is a BEAST. Fairly comfortable up to about ten hours (I am 5'2 and 130 lbs).Pros: price, space, accessible pockets, durability.Cons: could be a tad lighter, bottom compartment zipper is difficult, bungee straps don't seem to add much use.This is *THE* starter pack for ultralight backpacking. Upgrade later once you figure out the right specs for your gear, but start with this perfect blend of price and storage.

While I am admittedly still a novice on all things hiking--my first mistake was not understanding capacities and buying a much too small pack for a two night trek in WV--I saw this pack and thought it looked to be an outstanding value. I am still getting the hang of "needs vs wants" when it comes to backcountry hiking, so having the extra room is wonderful. It is well-balanced and appears durable. I had no problem packing what amounted to probably three or four nights' worth of items in the pack and feeling okay while hiking the Wildcat Hollow Trail in Wayne National Forest.The sleeping bag compartment is very spacious; I was able to pack several other items around my bag to use space more effectively. The compartment is separated by a drawstring (much like the top enclosure). The side pockets held more than enough to get by. I did not see an internal space for a water pouch, but the side pockets enabled me to carry 6 bottles of water so this may not be an issue. The straps are fully adjustable.

I have the Teton scout 3400 n I thought of buying another but I read the reviews n thought I'd buy this one instead....a mistake. It's not a bad bag tho, just not my preference. I'll explain.....this bag has a lot of bottom room, room u usually put sleeping bag n stuff so u can easily reach without digging through ur whole bag, which is good but this has wayyyyy too much on the bottom....n that's where u c the liter difference n it's NOT a good thing. Too much room in the bottom means u have to stuff it with non essentials to that area to make use of the extra space that u need, n not in that area. My next complaint is the 2 side pockets....long but too long n not deep enough compared to the Teton. If u actually stuff ur bag n then the pockets, u will realize that u can only, barely, fit a SLIM water bottle n that pocket might rip(pic). And u definately cannot fit another slim water bottle on the other side. This bag allows u to take the internal frame out if u want. The straps r practically identical to the Teton in looks but Teton bets it in quality materials. The cross chest strap on this bag is NOT going to last. Only thing this bag has over the Teton is that it's alittle bigger n that the bungee cord pocket on the top of the bag is more usable for a bit smaller items. Next time I'll just spent the extra $10 n get the Teton instead