Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 Backpack

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 (formerly 3400 Southwest) is a waterproof ultralight pack with exceptional mechanical durability. It is especially suitable for shorter treks through difficult terrain (rocky, scrubby, dense forests). On rainy days you don't have to worry about a raincoat on your pack.

American-made Hyperlite Mountain Gear backpacks (made in the USA and Mexico) have long been among the top-rated backpacks on the PCT. We recommend the Southwest 40 especially for shorter hiking trips, when you'll appreciate the ample interior (55L) and exterior (10L) space and the pack's high durability.

A smaller version of this pack is the Southwest 40 (40+10 l). The only difference in volume is the greater ability to roll the 55 version up. The Southwest 55 is therefore more versatile - you can easily roll it up to the Southwest 40 size.

Thanks to the Dyneema® Woven Composite 3.9 material used, it is a top choice among ultralight backpacks in terms of durability and longevity. This makes the backpack worth buying for longer and more intensive use, despite its higher price. In addition, any tears in the material are easily repaired with a self-adhesive kit.

The back system is reinforced with aluminium reinforcement, which helps to transfer the load to the waist belt. This makes the backpack easy to carry even with heavier loads (up to 18 kg).

Although we label the pack as waterproof, we recommend using it in combination with Hyperlite Mountain Gear bags and pouches. DCF fabric alone will not shed water. Most of the seams, which are minimal due to the construction of the pack, are taped. There are two unsealed areas on the pack. The seams that hold the shoulder straps cannot be taped due to too much stress on the seam. The reinforced seams on the bottom of the pack are also not. The pack can withstand short-term rain with no problem, but in long-term rain, moisture can get in just through the seam of the shoulder straps. Don't put it in a puddle with the bottom down (a quick swim in a river, for example, will get minimal water into the pack if you roll the lid up properly). The fabric is non-absorbent and dries very quickly.

What is Dyneema® Woven Composite 3.9?

A three-layer, highly durable, and ultra-lightweight fabric developed through a collaboration between Hyperlite Mountain Gear and Dyneema®. The outer layer is made of 100% woven Dyneema, the middle layer is made of DCF, and the final layer is a water-resistant film. It is currently the most advanced pack material.

Back and straps

• removable aluminium internal reinforcement
• integrated foam back pad
• fixed straps with loops for attaching additional gear (daisy chain)
• chest belt with whistle and the option of attaching an additional Versa pocket or a smaller Vice Versa

Storage space

• main compartment with compartment on the back for hydrovac
• front full-length large pocket with drain hole
• two fabric side pockets
• two waterproof zipped pockets on the waist belt

Additional features

• roll-up lid - roll up 3 times for sufficient waterproofness, plus you can regulate the overall volume of the backpack
• top handle on the lid, e.g. for attaching a mattress
• 4 loops on the backpack for possible placement of additional lanyards (not included)
• trekking poles can be carried in one of the side pockets
• side compression strap

Accessories

Accessories can be purchased with the backpack. Not included.

• Hyperlite Mountain Gear bags and pouches
• strap pocket
• Mesh Bottle Pocket
• additional Versa pocket or a smaller Vice Versa
• Camera Pod

How to choose a backpack size?

Have the length of your spine measured from the level of the iliac crest (the top of the bone on the side of your back) to the C7 vertebra at the base of your neck. This is the top of the first protruding vertebra when the head is tilted.

• Length <38 cm = size XS
• Length 38 - 43 cm = size S
• Length 43 - 48 cm = size M
• Length 48 - 53 cm = size L
• Length 53 cm and over = Tall size

If you measure your back length, choose the larger size. For example, for a back length of 48 cm, choose size L