yes sir it is indeed why it is called the hinge, and it was designed to make it easier to load up pods in between games, so your friends don't have to do it or you take off your pack.
I was just about to post "nevermind I'm a dork, I just figured it out". That's a cool setup although I must be extra flexible because I never had much of a problem re-packing my harnesses.
usually why i opt'd for the 6+1 packs (sideways so easier to get to), which would suck cuz it stuck out (only a problem when really tight) and i only used 4 slots anyway. but not the hinge looks to be able to get me change!