Description
Ships in 1-2 business days | Based in Biddeford, ME | Est. 2010
Hyperlite Mountain Gear's close quarters pack
On rugged and tight trails, the Southwest 55 is a flexible performer that can adapt and handle the way gear volumes change for weekend, section, or thru hikes. Ideal when resupply points are less frequent and/or for equipment flexibility is needed. When the extra volume is not in use, the 55’s top can roll down enough to make the overall size of the pack similar to the 40, but that additional space can come in pretty handy when you need it. This pack is comfortable and durable for all types of adventures.
Features:
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Internal Frame: Integrated ¼” foam back panel pad, 2 removable aluminum stays
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Padded Hip Belt
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Three external, solid Hardline with Dyneema® pockets (large front pocket and two side pockets)
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Roll-top closure system with side compression straps for vertical compression
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Top Y-strap compression strap
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Two side compression straps for horizontal compression
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Two zippered hip belt pockets
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Adjustable sternum strap with self-tensioning elastic and whistle
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Internal 8" x 14” mesh sleeve for hydration bladder
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Integrated 1/4” foam back panel pad
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Two removable, contoured aluminum stays
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Four exterior tri-glide buckles for optional pack accessory straps
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Grab loop and ice axe loop
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Specs
Volume:
- Main Body: 40L
- External: 9.8L
External Pockets: 5
Recommended Maximum Load Capacity: 40lbs
Sizing:
- Small: 15”-17” torso | 31cm - 43.2cm
- Medium: 17”-19” torso | 43.2cm - 48.3cm
- Large: 19”-21” torso | 48.3cm - 53.3cm
- Tall: 21"+ torso | 53.3cm+
*See our backpack sizing page to learn how to fit a backpack
Weight:
- White in size medium: 31.6oz | 896g
- Black in size medium: 34.5oz | 978g
Dimensions: 34"H (fully unrolled) x 10.5"W | 86.4cm x 26.7cm
- Circumference (top | bottom): 40” | 33.5” / 101.6cm | 85cm
Materials:
- Body: DCH50
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Bottom: DCH150
- External Pockets: Dyneema® Hardline
- Shoulder Straps and Hip Belt: Hardline with Dyneema®, Closed cell foam, Spacer mesh
Made in Mexico
- Reviews
- Questions
Great, simple pack
I’ve used this pack for a year or so now and have absolutely no complaints. It carries weight well for an ultralight backpack, is durable and water resistant to the point I haven’t had it wet out. You can get the other models with mesh but I found my ski helmet fits perfectly in the back pocket. Really happy with my purchase. Ultimate versatility.
Potato sack with straps.
My experience was less than overwhelming. I found the pack to be well made but a little to simple in design for my liking. There is doubt that it is relatively light in weight for a 55L pack. However it certainly lacks in comfort and adjustability. Carrying any more than 35 pounds becomes extremely uncomfortable throughout a day of walking. The shoulder straps starting digging into my shoulders quickly and the pack seemed to slip down on my hips leaving me with annoying chafing hot spots. Unfortunately there are no load lifting straps for the shoulders and no way to pull the hip belt tighter towards the pack body. Plus without any ventilation between my back and the potato sack my back would be completely soaked from perspiration. Not So great. I would not recommend this pack . For now I will stick with my Gregory Baltoro 65 for Carrying 35 pounds or more. Sure the Gregory is almost 3 pounds heavier but at the end of the day I feel a lot less fatigued . The Baltoro simply distributes the overall weight much better then the HMG. Lighter does not always equate to more efficient and comfort. If a person is wanting to lighten one's load , I'd say start with your sleeping bag/ Quilt & Shelter first.
A well made potato sack with straps.
I really wanted to like this pack but I found incredibly uncomfortable when carrying loads above 35 pounds. Considering it has a volume of 55 liters I figured that it would work well at hauling larger loads. I used it on an extensive dessert trip where we had to carry a couple of days worth of water at a time 6 -8 liters. Because this pack lacks load lifter straps or much padding in the shoulder straps , hip belt , and back panel , my experience with this pack was underwhelming. Chafing sores and a sweaty back ,plus the lack adjustability left me wishing I had chosen my Gregory Baltoro 65 to heft the heavy load. Even though the Gregory weighs in at nearly 3 pounds more , I find that it fits the body better and distributes the weight far more evenly and is more comfortable . At the end of the day I feel much less fatigued compared to the Hyperlite . Go figure . More often than not a few extra ounces / pounds of comfort makes up for a long day of thin straps digging in your shoulders or lumpy ground under a paper thin sleeping pad . Picking the right tool for the job is far more effective than trying to make something built for something else work. With that being said , I imagine that a lower volume HMG pack with less than 25 lbs would work adequately. I personally will not be buying another HGM anytime soon.
I wanted to love it, but I don't.
i wanted to love this bag, but i don't. it matched the criteria i was looking for - lightweight, water resistant, simple design without unnecessary bells and whistles, large external pockets, waterproof. in reality, since i bought it in 2019 i've only taken it out a few times because my initial trips with it went so poorly. no matter how much i tightened the hipbelt, it felt like the straps were dig into my shoulders and my arms would start to go numb. i wasn't even carrying that much weight. other people seem to like it so maybe it is user error? or i measured wrong and got the wrong size? or just not a good fit for my body? i end up defaulting to my admittedly far to heavy, but dependable, osprey bag.
Luving the light
My knees are for sure thanking me for buying this pack! I really enjoy the simplicity of one big internal pocket and the very roomy 3 outside pockets. It has changed the way I pack and carry my gear. Only bummer was it was missing the tab that holds my bladder up.