Pack comparison - mountain laurel vs hyperlite

[Zbo93]

I am thinking about adding an ultra lite pack to the stable. It would replace my Metcalf as a backpacking rig and get used for scouting and select hunts where it would be suitable.

I have been doing research and am focusing on these two packs:

Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L

EXODUS 55L | 3500 CI

The unisex Exodus 58L | 3500 CI pack is the lightest full-size, full-featured, frameless pack made, which might just explain why it won Backpacker Mag...

mountainlaureldesigns.com

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400

Southwest 55

Explore our ultralight Southwest 55 backpack! Made with rugged and waterproof Dyneema fabric, this lightweight backpack provides 55 liters of space.

www.hyperlitemountaingear.com

The MLD is crazy light but lacks any sort of frame or stays and is rated to 25#. the Hyperlite is 2.5#, has some stays and is rated to 40#.

Anyone owned / used one or both of these that offer thoughts?

I have a Hyperlite for sale
In classifieds

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I have the HMG Porter 4400. While I wouldn't use it for mountain hunting, as I often end up with over a 100 lb pack, it is great for general backpacking, packrafting and scouting. I went on a 6 mile, 3,000 ft hike the other day with 40 lbs in it. The pack carried absolutely fine. I would recommend the 4400 over the 3400, as you quickly run out of room. The bag is alot narrower than the Stone Glacier Sky 5900 that I am used too. You can really suck the 440 down into a daypack when it is not full.

That’s the pack I’ve been looking at. I’ll probably go ahead and order one today.