Gear Junkie Best Ultralight Backpacking Backpack

Rated 4.9 out of 5
Based on 276 reviews

Southwest 40

Formerly '2400 Southwest'
From $349.00

SKU: 3-10240-0

This 40L pack is designed for on-trail, off-trail, and all-season environments, with solid-fabric exterior pockets to eliminate snag risk, protect stowed gear, and provide privacy when resupplying in towns.

DESIGNED FOR: All-purpose backpacking
GREAT FOR: Any on-trail or off-trail backcountry activity
WEIGHT: 29.9oz | 848g (Med/White), 32.4oz | 919g (Med/Black)

PRIMARY FEATURE SUMMARY

One of our three all-purpose backpacking models, this workhorse is designed for almost any backcountry activity, from on-trail hiking to the most demanding off-trail and all-season environments. Primary features include:

  • Identical to Windrider/Junction but with solid-fabric exterior pockets
  • Two over the pocket compression straps for load security
  • D-shaped flat bottom keeps pack upright while loading/unloading
  • Roll-top closure with internal mesh sleeve & hydroport
  • White pack is 50-denier DCH fabric, Black pack is 150-denier
PRIMARY FEATURE SUMMARY

WHY CHOOSE THE SOUTHWEST 40?

WHY CHOOSE THE SOUTHWEST 40?

Key Feature

SOLID & SECURE

Three easily accessible external pockets to store and protect your gear

Key Feature

DURABLE ABRASION PROTECTION

External Hardline with Dyneema® side pockets keep your gear protected and free from any unwanted snags or abrasion

Key Feature

WATERPROOF MATERIALS

Pair with our Stuff Sacks for a buttoned up, nearly waterproof kit

FEATURES

  • External Pockets:Three external, solid Hardline with Dyneema® pockets
  • Zippered Pockets:Hardline with Dyneema® zippered pockets on hip belt with #5 YKK zipper
  • Internal Sleeve:Internal 8" x 14” mesh sleeve for hydration bladder
  • Top Closure:Roll-Top closure system with side compression straps for vertical compression
  • Hip Belt:Hardline with Dyneema® dual-density hip belt with 1/8” closed cell rigid foam, 1/4” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
  • Back:Integrated 1/4” foam back panel pad
  • Loops:Grab Loop & Ice Axe loop
  • Side Straps:Side compression straps for horizontal compression
  • Top Compression Straps:Top Y-strap compression -- Designed to secure gear
  • Shoulder Straps:Hardline with Dyneema® shoulder straps with 3/8” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
  • Sternum Straps:Adjustable sternum strap with self-tensioning elastic and whistle
  • Buckles/Bungees:Four exterior triglide buckles for optional pack accessory straps
  • Stays:Two removable, contoured aluminum stays
  • Sealing:Seam tape on all vertical side seams and behind all sewn-on pack features
  • Pack Accessory Options:Shoulder Pocket, Versa, Stuff Sacks & Pods
  • Daisy Chains:Daisy chains on shoulder straps
  • Water Resistant:Yes
  • Compatible With:Pods, Drawstring or Roll-Top Stuff Sacks, Stuff Sack Pillow
Rated five stars
Excellent Ultralight Durable Pack and Comfortable!
What a difference a pack can make on difficult climbs. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest is not just tough enough for the rocky canyons of the American Southwest its named after, it can handle the White Mountains in winter. Forget the bells and whistles, this pack doesn't need them to perform flawlessly.
Steve G.
Verified Buyer
Rated five stars
Greatness
I really like this pack. Lightweight and comfortable to carry. Very well Made with durable material. This is just a straight forward, sweet pack that can be used anywhere.
Brent B.
Verified Buyer
Rated five stars
Plain and Simple Excellence
I hiked the CDT with this pack. It has everything you need or want: nice support, great fit, plenty of space, and the outer pockets are perfect.
Jacob M.
Verified Buyer

SPECS & DIMENSIONS

  • MaterialsWhite: DCH50 (Main Body) & DCH150 (Bottom)
    Black: DCH150 (Main Body & Bottom)
  • Internal Volume40L
  • External Volume9.8L
  • WeightWhite: 29.9oz | 848g
    Black: 32.4oz | 919g
    *Average weight based on size Medium
  • Load CapacityUp to 40lbs
  • Back Width10.5" | 26.7cm
  • Height (Fully Unrolled)30.0" | 76.2cm
  • Top Circumference37.5" | 95.3cm
  • Bottom Circumference33.5" | 85.1cm
  • Made InMexico

WHY CHOOSE THE SOUTHWEST 40?

Key Feature

SOLID & SECURE

Three easily accessible external pockets to store and protect your gear

Key Feature

DURABLE ABRASION PROTECTION

External Hardline with Dyneema® side pockets keep your gear protected and free from any unwanted snags or abrasion

Key Feature

WATERPROOF MATERIALS

Pair with our Stuff Sacks for a buttoned up, nearly waterproof kit

Features

  • External Pockets:Three external, solid Hardline with Dyneema® pockets
  • Zippered Pockets:Hardline with Dyneema® zippered pockets on hip belt with #5 YKK zipper
  • Internal Sleeve:Internal 8" x 14” mesh sleeve for hydration bladder
  • Top Closure:Roll-Top closure system with side compression straps for vertical compression
  • Hip Belt:Hardline with Dyneema® dual-density hip belt with 1/8” closed cell rigid foam, 1/4” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
  • Back:Integrated 1/4” foam back panel pad
  • Loops:Grab Loop & Ice Axe loop
  • Side Straps:Side compression straps for horizontal compression
  • Top Compression Straps:Top Y-strap compression -- Designed to secure gear
  • Shoulder Straps:Hardline with Dyneema® shoulder straps with 3/8” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
  • Sternum Straps:Adjustable sternum strap with self-tensioning elastic and whistle
  • Buckles/Bungees:Four exterior triglide buckles for optional pack accessory straps
  • Stays:Two removable, contoured aluminum stays
  • Sealing:Seam tape on all vertical side seams and behind all sewn-on pack features
  • Pack Accessory Options:Shoulder Pocket, Versa, Stuff Sacks & Pods
  • Daisy Chains:Daisy chains on shoulder straps
  • Water Resistant:Yes
  • Compatible With:Pods, Drawstring or Roll-Top Stuff Sacks, Stuff Sack Pillow

Product Walkthrough Video | Southwest

Product Reviews and Questions

average rating 4.9 out of 5
Based on 276 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    246 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    24 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    3 Reviews
  • 2 Stars
    3 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    0 Reviews
98% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
How was your pack fit?
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Small, 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Big
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Rated 3 out of 5
Customer photos and videos
Review posted
Reviewed by Alan G.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
65+
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Day Hiking
What size pack did you order?
Large
Rated 5 out of 5

Keep on packing

I wanted a somewhat smaller pack,for my summer weight gear. Wanted to try the black. My other pack is the white southwest 55l I use in winter. Both great packs.

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Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Small, 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Big
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Rated 4 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by Neal B.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
55 - 64
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Other
What size pack did you order?
Medium
Rated 5 out of 5

Great gear

This is my wife’s go-bag -with pods to go along with it . She loves it !

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How was your pack fit?
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Rated 3 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by Gina
Verified Buyer
Age Range
45 - 54
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Day Hiking
  • Thru Hiking
What size pack did you order?
Medium
Rated 5 out of 5

A great addition to my Hyperlite collection!

Lightweight and versatile, this pack is very durable as well! Since these are ultralight and can pack a lot of stuff, we usually take larger daypacks so we don't have to cram everything. During one of our hikes, our dog became tired. So, we carried her the rest of the 3 miles in this pack, which weighed a little over 32 pounds with her in it. She seemed very comfortable in it and was back to her normal hyperactive self once we got back to the trailhead. Certainly got the attention of other hikers who were in search of a great backpack!

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How was your pack fit?
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Small, 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Big
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Rated 5 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by Susan M.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
55 - 64
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Day Hiking
What size pack did you order?
Large
Rated 5 out of 5

Great Pack

To think I have been using heavy packs all these years

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Rated 4 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by Josh W.
Verified Reviewer
Age Range
35 - 44
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
What size pack did you order?
Large
Rated 5 out of 5

Best backpacking bag I've ever owned

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40 Backpack is an absolute game-changer. I put it to the test during my rain-soaked W Trek in Patagonia, and it kept all my gear bone-dry. Plus, it’s been my trusty companion on countless backpacking trips across Washington state, never once disappointing me. Lightweight, waterproof, and thoughtfully designed—this backpack is a must-have for serious adventurers.

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Rated -1 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Small, 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Big
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Rated 3 out of 5
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