Help me choose a Hill People Gear Kit Bag

[Chewbacca10]

I do a lot of fishing in remote places, and I need a better way to carry my HK P30SK or perhaps even my P30. I’ve settled on a Hill People Gear Kit Bag, but there are so many options that I am little confused about which would be best for my purposes.

I’d like to carry the handgun and one or two spare magazines. I am 5' 11" and 185 lbs. Which kit bag is big enough but not too big?

[BobM]

What else do you want to carry in it? I’ve been using them since they came out and have accumulated five. I’m guessing a medium recon might work for what you want.

[41magfan]

The options boil down to two (2) overall sized footprint options, total number of pockets (which equates to thickness), and exterior attachment points like PALS webbing, velcro, etc.

Based on the hardware you mentioned, you would need the larger footprint (7.5 x 11.5) and whether you need the extra storage space of depth via the extra pockets (1", 1.5" & 2.5" deep) would simply be your personal preference. Same with the PALS attachment options.

I bought an Original sized KB back when that's all they offered and I have seldom wished for one of the smaller, slimmer options. Having said that, I can obviousy see some of the other options being better suited if all you wanted to carry was a gun.

The comparison chart from their website:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q70/922/BFve9n.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmBFve9nj)

[BobM]

The options boil down to two (2) overall sized footprint options, total number of pockets (which equates to thickness), and exterior attachment points like PALS webbing, velcro, etc.

Based on the hardware you mentioned, you would need the larger footprint (7.5 x 11.5) and whether you need the extra storage space of depth via the extra pockets (1", 1.5" & 2.5" deep) would simply be your personal preference. Same with the PALS attachment options.

I bought an Original sized KB back when that's all they offered and I have seldom wished for one of the smaller, slimmer options. Having said that, I can obviousy see some of the other options being better suited if all you wanted to carry was a gun.

The comparison chart from their website:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q70/922/BFve9n.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/pmBFve9nj)

There’s a medium footprint option now also. I don’t have one but do have a medium Belt Pack which is the same configuration except for the harness.

[41magfan]

There’s a medium footprint option now also. I don’t have one but do have a medium Belt Pack which is the same configuration except for the harness.

Yep, I forgot about that size. Thanks for catching that booboo.

It's a 10" x 7" foot print.

[Lost River]

I chose the HPG Recon version with Molle attachments. The reason is that it allowed me to configure the bag as I wished and reconfigure/adapt as I went.

Some of the pics have my company boxes of ammo. Please forgive that. It is just that at the moment, they are what I have showing items in the kit bag to give a good representation. I have a couple more with the bag mostly empty, with just a large frame Glock 20/21, that I will post after look through my pics and find them.


https://i.imgur.com/WKVhXiIl.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/e1LUB0yl.jpg


Instead of the traditional method of putting the handgun inside the zippered pouch, I attached an old M4 double mag pouch to the outside, using the Molle webbing. I then use one of the mag pouches as a "holster". The flap is simply tucked in, unless the terrain or something else dictates more security, then I can fold the flap over and provide extra retention.


This gives me MUCH fast speed in presentation of the handgun, vs using the zippered pouch.

Here it is with a Glock 22:

https://i.imgur.com/ga3h1yFh.jpg

Then, if I get near a trailhead or around people where I prefer for the handgun not to be seen, I can simply put it in the main zippered pouch and it is out of sight, out of mind.

This has proven to be an extremely effective method for me. The pouch fits most semi auto pistols well enough, and if you attach a weapons light to the bottom of a Glock for example, it is almost like a custom fit, which works extremely well. I always have a headlamp on me, night or day, when on a trail, but redundancy is a great thing.

https://i.imgur.com/F2hkjZMh.jpg?1

After a considerable amount of trial and error and adaptation over the years, I have found that this method works very well for me.

Hope this helps.

[Lester Polfus]

I have a Heavy Recon, not because I specifically chose that model, but because that was what showed up used on one forum or another. Come to think of it, it might be this one.

I have a Blue Force Gear .308 triple mag shingle on the front. In the pistol compartment, I've carried a Glock 20 and a 4.2" GP100 (not at the same time) so your HK should fit just fine. In the center compartment, I keep extra ammo, snacks and various odds and ends. My Garmin GPS usually rides in one of the mag shingles, attached to the kit bag with a lanyard. I often wear it hunting so I also stash calls and a little 8x monocular in the mag shingles.

You can stuff a surprising amount of stuff in one, but it can get too heavy and unwieldy. If you are judicious about what you pack, they stay fairly flat and you don't even know it's there. I would imagine you would find it handy to keep fishing gear in there too.

[Crazy Dane]

I have 2, original full size and an original snubby. I have paired both with the Recon harness. The are my "get home" bags and are loaded as such even though a may have a larger main pack, sometimes the Kit bags stand alone. They carry my firearm, FAK, minimal food, compass, fire, coms devices and a few other little things, a Mora is strapped to the bottom on both. The recon harness allows me to drop in a hydration bag and the tabs can be used to tie on other gear. Having them set up this way allows me to transfer needs and drop unnecessary gear and equipment to make it back to civilization, Alive. Minus firearm/ammo and water, neither bag weighs over 5 pounds. The large "just fits" a 5-inch GP100 and I have no problem with a 3-inch GP100 in the Snubby.

If all you want to carry is firearm and ammo, It's the Runners bag in the size you need.





This thread just cost me money I ordered a Original medium. Gotta have a full set....

[Totem Polar]

If all you want to carry is firearm and ammo, It's the Runners bag in the size you need.

This. I have the original regular sized runners bag, and I use it just about every time I leave the city limits. Reasons for this choice: thin; no overt molle; big enough to hold whatever gat I feel like putting in there. Mine has med stuff—including clot/TQ /gauze and even small eye wash vials—a compass, and a fire starter in the front pocket, and I have a decent collection of trigger guards that I can use with the main pocket… I’ve carried 1911s in there, K-frames, j-frames, a 45LC Blackhawk, and even a G42, because it was on hand for fatbiking day. All the handguns stay put in the inner pouch with the trigger guard loop, and I leave the other stuff in the front pocket full-time. Only the spare ammo carriers swap with the guns. Very useful kit. JMO.

[EMC]

I have the heavy recon version in coyote tan which I have enjoyed, but if I were to buy today it would be the medium original kit bag in a less tactical color like grouse or manatee for more versatility in public.

[Chewbacca10]

Thank you for the feedback, all. That chart is especially handy.

To add a little more detail, I plan to use it on hikes as well. I’d like to fit a cell phone and keys in there as well as the handgun at a minimum. A small, thin fly box or some odds and ends (match case, water tablets, light) when hiking would be great if the size of the kit bag doesn’t get obnoxious.

I am assuming from the thread that the runner’s kit bag is basically handgun, phone, keys, and that’s it. I think it would be wise of me to go one step thicker but not to the highest level of thickness.

[Grouse870]

I have two. The runners kit bag and the original v2. The runners would be a bit small for your use. The original is nice because you can load it down or just put the minimum. You’ll most likely end up buying more than one.

[frozentundra]

I got the original V2. I've never wished it was smaller. I feel like the relevant size and weight characteristics are determined primarily by the things you put into the bag. If I pack it smaller, there is just a little more lightweight, flexible material that doesn't bother me at all.

I don't have a smaller one to compare, but after using mine, I'm left with the impression that I'd much rather have a larger bag packed more loosely than a smaller one packed tighter. I'd want to avoid "stuffing" it because that creates rigidity and I find that much more annoying than the footprint of the material itself.

For reference, I'm like 5'8 170something. I'd certainly be looking at a large footprint for fishing and outdoor use. I just don't have an intuition about original configuration vs adding modularity.

[42Willys]

I have had a snubby kit bag for over ten years. It’s great for running but doesn’t hold a lot more than a compact pistol.

I bought this one last year:

https://hillpeoplegear.com/Products/CategoryID/1/ProductID/183

It’s the medium footprint original kit bag - great balance of size and usefulness for outdoor activities like hiking and camping. I don’t think it’s too big.

If I am doing anything more involved than going for a run, the original kit bag in medium is what I will reach for.

I bought a used kit bag off eBay to keep at work for when I go on a run at lunchtime. It’s a weird pattern and hard to figure out which one it is, but I think the closest analogue would be the Runners pattern kit bag in the medium footprint. It is very nice and better than the snubby because it is just big enough without being a tight squeeze like the snubby.

[LJP]

I have two… both snubby footprint because I’m only 5’6” and about 150, but I have easily fit a G19 without issue. I have the runner’s that would probably be too small for your use, and a recon with the recon harness. I suspect, for your intended use, the recon kit bag with recon harness would be ideal. Add a hydration bladder to the harness, and it sort of balances out the load and you have water readily available. I am a big fan of HPG and have the Tarahumara pack as well. Fantastic piece of kit.

[Salamander]

I've been using an original for a long time, but I tend to carry quite a few things in mine so the larger size is a necessity. If it's a dedicated pistol bag, one could get by with a smaller size.

My use is a little atypical, but I'll offer some detail since there's probably someone out there in a similar situation, and others can adapt as needed.

Mine typically carries a full size USP45 or sometimes one of several revolvers in the rear compartment, plus spare magazines/speedloaders. The middle compartment is usually dedicated to a small camera this year... I'm currently working on a photo series of a nearby wilderness area, so a Leica M goes with me on backpacking trips. That's the reason the larger size bag is helpful for me. Often there's a paper map in the middle compartment also. The small front compartment has a small notebook and pencil in a plastic bag, a compass, a few bandages to handle simple cuts/scrapes (the full medical kit is in my backpack or daypack), a mosquito headnet, and a small headlamp or flashlight. The camera with lens is 2.5 lbs, the bag is 1 lb, so with the pistol and misc items it's 5-6 lbs depending on the exact setup. This nicely balances a lightweight backpack, my typical base weight not counting the kit bag is about 13 lbs with a full backpack, or much less if it's a quick hike with a daypack.

When I use the kit bag by itself, say for a quick work site visit closer to town and I need hands free, it's pretty much just a pistol, a couple of Clif bars, and whatever paperwork I need for the particular project. While a smaller bag would handle that I see no reason to own two, the original doesn't get in the way so I just don't fill it up when it's not necessary.

[Hambo]

I don't know what size I have, probably a medium. A 1911 will fit inside it, however, I don't carry a gun in it anymore. I find it's more useful for my navigation stuff: GPS, phone, and power bank, plus a little FAK and other stuff.

[Clusterfrack]

Thank you for the feedback, all. That chart is especially handy.

To add a little more detail, I plan to use it on hikes as well. I’d like to fit a cell phone and keys in there as well as the handgun at a minimum. A small, thin fly box or some odds and ends (match case, water tablets, light) when hiking would be great if the size of the kit bag doesn’t get obnoxious.

I am assuming from the thread that the runner’s kit bag is basically handgun, phone, keys, and that’s it. I think it would be wise of me to go one step thicker but not to the highest level of thickness.

Body size is a consideration. I bought a Full Size Kit bag, and the 11.5" width was uncomfortably wide, and unwearable with a daypack. JCL is now the proud owner of that bag.

I replaced it with a Medium Kit Bag, which perfect for me (I wear Medium t-shirts).

[Duelist]

I have a runners. It works for hiking (usually with a G26, G19x, or Kframe), hunting with a day pack and rifle (G26), and fitness biking (G26 or airweight J). When carrying a Glock, it has a trigger guard holster tethered to the loop in the main pouch.

I recently got a Ruger Blackhawk Bisley, and surprisingly, it will zip closed around that big old horse pistol. I have yet to try hiking or anything with it in there, though. I think access will be compromised due to the bag being tighter around it vs. how tight it might be around the guns I normally use it with.

I may get another with a larger accessories pouch, and a smaller for just carrying a small gun.

I like the thin runners kit bag for hunting and hiking because carrying 15x binos on a harness over it isn’t a problem, where I think a bulkier (thicker) chest pouch would be. I like carrying my pistol there when hunting - it doesn’t get in the way of the pack straps or waist belt, get tangled up with the rifle, irritate my hip if IWB, stays on my person for all hunting activities, and has reasonably quick access for all of that.

Hiking down a steep mountain in the dark, my scoped rifle is in my backpack scabbard and the binos are in the pack, too. Headlamp is on, my hands are handling lights and navigating the brush/trees/etc. The pistol being right there on the chest is a good thing.

[Chewbacca10]

Body size is a consideration. I bought a Full Size Kit bag, and the 11.5" width was uncomfortably wide, and unwearable with a daypack. JCL is now the proud owner of that bag.

I replaced it with a Medium Kit Bag, which perfect for me (I wear Medium t-shirts).

I think the medium is going to be the way that I go. I’d like the Heavy Recon, but it is going to look huge on my chest, and my handgun isn’t that large.

[TOTS]

I think the medium is going to be the way that I go. I’d like the Heavy Recon, but it is going to look huge on my chest, and my handgun isn’t that large.
I have the original sized recon in grey that’s only been used around five times or so. Hit me up offline if you are interested. You mentioned putting a fly box in it; I have actually taken it on two fly fishing trips and it works phenomenally well. I use the molle for storing my foreceps, etc. I just accumulated too much stuff and went to a full size backpack.

[Jay585]

I have 2, original full size and an original snubby. I have paired both with the Recon harness. The are my "get home" bags and are loaded as such even though a may have a larger main pack, sometimes the Kit bags stand alone. They carry my firearm, FAK, minimal food, compass, fire, coms devices and a few other little things, a Mora is strapped to the bottom on both. The recon harness allows me to drop in a hydration bag and the tabs can be used to tie on other gear. Having them set up this way allows me to transfer needs and drop unnecessary gear and equipment to make it back to civilization, Alive. Minus firearm/ammo and water, neither bag weighs over 5 pounds. The large "just fits" a 5-inch GP100 and I have no problem with a 3-inch GP100 in the Snubby.

If all you want to carry is firearm and ammo, It's the Runners bag in the size you need.





This thread just cost me money I ordered a Original medium. Gotta have a full set....


I've also got a Mora and tried to slide it's OEM plastic sheath through the MOLLE loops without much luck. How'd you attach yours?

[Crazy Dane]

I've also got a Mora and tried to slide it's OEM plastic sheath through the MOLLE loops without much luck. How'd you attach yours?

Ones is tied with 550 cord and the others got the ubiquitous zip ties. The 550 works better but is more tedious to tie up.

[Chewbacca10]

I now have an SAR Kit Bag (medium) from TOTS. It is exactly the right size. The larger size would have been too large for me. Thanks to everyone on the thread for the advice.

I suspect I may add another one down the line. They are a great design.

It’s nice to see fellow Mora fans on the forum. For the money, they are the best knife available. I’m going to secure my Garberg to the bottom of my kit bag.