2022 TASK & PURPOSE "BEST OVERALL BACKPACK"

Rated 4.9 out of 5
Based on 447 reviews

Southwest 55

Formerly '3400 Southwest'
From $379.00

SKU: 3-10255-1

This 55L 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: 31.7oz | 899g (Med/White), 34.6oz | 981g (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 55?

WHY CHOOSE THE SOUTHWEST 55?

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
So Light and Comfy
I’m glad I researched and found this. It’s literally the perfect pack. It's light, comfy and massive yet compact. Hip belt pockets are the perfect size as well.
Patrick M.
Verified Buyer
Rated five stars
Best Gear Choice I've Made!
I bought the southwest to replace my much heavier pack. I've used this several times now and each time I marvel at how light it is, but even more how well it carries weight. Additionally, the customer service was great when I was looking at sizing. Can't wait to put a ton more miles on this thing.
Eleanor
Verified Buyer
Rated five stars
All I Had Hoped For
I love my pack. Lots of expansion for big trips. It’s light and compresses for short day trips. It keeps things dry on wet trips. Looks stylish on sunny trips.
Kayla H.
Verified Buyer

SPECS & DIMENSIONS

  • MaterialsWhite: DCH50 (Main Body) & DCH150 (Bottom)
    Black: DCH150 (Main Body & Bottom)
  • Internal Volume55L
  • External Volume9.8L
  • WeightWhite: 31.7oz | 899g
    Black: 34.6oz | 981g
    *Average weight based on size Medium
  • Load CapacityUp to 40lbs
  • Back Width10.5" | 26.7cm
  • Height (Fully Unrolled)34.0" | 86.4cm
  • Top Circumference40.0" | 101.6cm
  • Bottom Circumference33.5" | 85.1cm
  • Made InMexico

WHY CHOOSE THE SOUTHWEST 55?

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 447 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    400 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    43 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    4 Reviews
  • 2 Stars
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    0 Reviews
99% 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 Hamish B.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
18 - 24
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Thru Hiking
What size pack did you order?
Large
Rated 5 out of 5

Best pack I have ever used

Absolutely perfect

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Rated 5 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by kasi w.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
35 - 44
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
What size pack did you order?
Small
Rated 5 out of 5

Southwest 55

The pack worked great for the first trip I took it on. I have a small frame (5 ft 100 lbs) and the small fit me well and didn't rub my hips raw as some packs have. I did a 2 night trip of 27 miles, half off trail over glaciers and Boulder fields, and it was very comfortable. No rain so I was not able to test out the water resistance.

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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 4 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by Scott H.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
45 - 54
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
What size pack did you order?
Large
Rated 5 out of 5

So far, so good...

...great, actually. After a lifetime of outdoor adventures I've upgraded every part of my backpacking kit over the years and finally swapped up to this pack to hold it all. Combined with the water bottle holder, shoulder pocket, and Versa fanny pack, I'd say I have my carry situation dialed in AF at this point.

We've only been on three trips so far, but I can honestly say this is the system for me. This is the integrated ecosystem of carry products I was looking for to get me and my stuff from A to B and above and beyond.

Thanks Hyperlite! You make good kit and it works together flawlessly.

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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 Sonja B.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
45 - 54
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
What size pack did you order?
Medium
Rated 5 out of 5

My dream pack

I have been wanting a hyperlight pack for years !! The deciding factor was my best friend is using one while on the AT :) she loves it and that’s all I needed to hear to get one !! Packs well , super light and I absolutely LOVE how comfy it is :) so far uses it only one one small hike bit headed out for a week end of this month !!

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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 David C.
Verified Reviewer
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

Who knew an ultralight pack could be so comfortable.

My first through hike with the Southwest 55 is in the books. I just got back from the High Sierra Trail, 41,599 feet of vertical in 72 miles over 6 days. My beginning pack weight with full food and water was 37 pounds. Our longest day was over 15 miles and 8,500 ft of vertical gain and at the end neither my shoulders nor my hips or my feet felt like they had gone that far. Which is something that none of my previous packs could have done. The pack easily fit a large bear canister along with all my other gear and a little room to spare, which came in handy when I took a tent for one of my group who had been struggling.

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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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