Hi - Tec Backpack

I am very new at all of this, but understood if I was going to be doing any trips longer than a night or two I would going to need a larger bag than my northface backpack I use for school. I came across a bag on e-bay made by HI-TEC I put in a small bid and ended up winning it. I know the bag is larger than what I need at the moment (85 Liters) but it was cheap (40$) and I justified it so that is not the issue. The issue is it seems HI-Tec no longer makes backpacks, they seem to focus on their footwear. Most of the reviews of their footwear I have read seem to be good,or at least not bad. I was wondering if anyone remembers coming across this brand in the field specifically the backpacks. If they have any idea how they held up, how they worked, etc... I am trying to get some information from the company about the pack, but I have no idea what half the straps and buckles on the bag are for...if anyone has any insight I would love to hear...thanks

From the picture I saw of a similar pack on eBay, it may be a knockoff of a Kelty design, but that is about all I can tell from the pictures. You may want to contact Hi Tec and see what they can tell you about it. It may be something they licensed under their name.

You are unlikely to find much out about it, even on the Internet. Just spend some time fiddling with the straps and you can probably figure most of them out. My Kelty has a bunch of straps on it, most of which are of no use, except for lashing on winter gear, so I take them off for any other use.

85L is a big pack. Take off all the pockets and extra straps you can. That way, you are less tempted to load it up with stuff you really don't need, just because you have the room.

I have a Hi-Tec "Summit" which I purchased at Big 5. Mine is about 74 Liters (4500 cu in) with detachable daypack and detachable belt pack. I have only had it for a few weeks, but it holds up to heavy weightloads. I find my old body can't keep up with the unit, so it is quite adequate for me. I can carry 40 pounds while walking 2 miles, but any more weight may impair my spine!

Mine has a raincover (bottom zipper), a conversion from backpack to handheld luggage, an organizer, and other compartments. Mine was assembled when I bought it. The bottom straps are obvious, the top small straps hold the armstraps together so as not to slide off of the shoulders. There is a variety of other straps and things, but I haven't used them yet. I did use the daypack once, and it was fine for holding my apples and jalapenyos I purchased. Normally I use this container to hold my icepack for frozen food or ice cold water. I would think that the pack wss worth about $150 or so, based on what I've seen online. BTW, I use a very good 2 wheel carrier (ball-bearing wheels, collapsible) for those trips where the weight is too much for me. The bag holds up well as a container then too. I am very happy with it, I think you did well.

The company is Wingroup North America, Inc. from 5988 Peachtree Corners East, Norcross, GA 30071

Ron Anderson
Las Vegas