Gear Junkie: Best Overall Ultralight Backpack

Rated 4.8 out of 5
Based on 205 reviews

Windrider 55

Formerly '3400 Windrider'
From $379.00

SKU: 3-10155-1

This 55L pack is designed for on-trail, off-trail, and all-season environments, with mesh exterior pockets for content visibility, ventilation, and quick-drying of damp gear.

DESIGNED FOR: All-purpose backpacking
GREAT FOR: Any on-trail or off-trail backcountry activity
WEIGHT: 31.8oz | 902g (Med/White), 33.8oz | 958g (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 Southwest/Junction but with mesh 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 WINDRIDER 55?

    WHY CHOOSE THE WINDRIDER 55?

    Key Feature

    ULTRALIGHT ORIGINAL

    Our original backpacking pack with external mesh pockets provide ample room for gear without having to open your pack and dig

    Key Feature

    WATERPROOF MATERIALS

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

    Key Feature

    EXTERNAL POCKETS

    Three external mesh pockets -- Makes it easy to see what's in your pockets and allows gear to dry faster

    FEATURES

    • External Pockets:Three external mesh pockets
    • Internal Pockets:Internal 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, REpack, 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
    My Go To Pack for Camping and Backpacking
    I love this thing! For how minimalist it is, it is very comfortable and the perfect size for the trips I take. I've done 20+ mile days in the mountains of Montana loaded with around 30lbs and have no complaints. Definitely recommend!
    Jesse
    Verified Buyer
    Rated five stars
    Comfy and Oh So Light!!
    My friend convinced me to buy this bag based on the lightweight feature. It took a little convincing as it's just changing your mindset to a giant stuff sack vs a pack with a million pockets and features - that ultimately add weight! Used it for the first time on a 5 day backpack and fell in love. I honestly had MANY people ask me during that trip about the pack - I raved about it. Thank you!
    Amanda W.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated five stars
    Perfection
    I love my Windrider. The pack is comfortable, durable, and lightweight. The mesh is surprisingly durable and convenient. On top of loving my pack, Hyperlite went above and beyond in making sure my order arrived in time for my planned weekend excursion.
    Tracy B.
    Verified Buyer

    SPECS & DIMENSIONS

    • MaterialsWhite: DCH50 (Main Body) & DCH150 (Bottom)
      Black: DCH150 (Main Body & Bottom)
    • Internal Volume55L
    • External Volume9.8L
    • WeightWhite: 31.8oz | 902g
      Black: 33.8oz | 958g
      *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 WINDRIDER 55?

    Key Feature

    ULTRALIGHT ORIGINAL

    Our original backpacking pack with external mesh pockets provide ample room for gear without having to open your pack and dig

    Key Feature

    WATERPROOF MATERIALS

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

    Key Feature

    EXTERNAL POCKETS

    Three external mesh pockets -- Makes it easy to see what's in your pockets and allows gear to dry faster

    Features

    • External Pockets:Three external mesh pockets
    • Internal Pockets:Internal 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, REpack, 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 | Windrider

    Product Reviews and Questions

    average rating 4.8 out of 5
    Based on 205 reviews
    • 5 Stars
      179 Reviews
    • 4 Stars
      20 Reviews
    • 3 Stars
      3 Reviews
    • 2 Stars
      0 Reviews
    • 1 Star
      3 Reviews
    97% 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
    Rate your level of experience in the backcountry.
    Rated 3 out of 5
    Customer photos and videos
    Review posted
    Reviewed by Robert
    Rated 5 out of 5

    5 Stars

    A perfect ultralight backpack with great capacity.

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    Review posted
    Reviewed by Paul D.
    Verified Buyer
    Age Range
    55 - 64
    What activities did you use this product for?
    • Backpacking
    What size pack did you order?
    Medium
    Rated 5 out of 5

    Great Pack

    Fit was excellent, Very light yet durable. 4 day trip was perfect.

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    I recommend this product
    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 Renee
    Verified Reviewer
    Age Range
    25 - 34
    What activities did you use this product for?
    • Thru Hiking
    What size pack did you order?
    Small
    Rated 5 out of 5

    Took me through the PCT and CDT

    I have used this pack for over 5,000 miles. At the end of the CDT, the two stays were poking through, but I’d say that’s a pretty good life on a pack. I used the mesh pocket a lot and never had an issue with it ripping or catching on things (which I had been warned about). I did find the water bottle side pockets stretched out so I had to be careful when bending over because my water bottles would fall out. Also, on the PCT it was my journal - I wrote on it every night with a permanent market at camp. Now I can never get rid of it :). I just ordered the unbound 40 from hyperlite to replace it and I’m excited to try it. I made the switch for the bottom pocket, draw string on the side pockets and back pocket accessibility - aesthetic bonus I’m looking forward to not having my back pocket contents so visible. I did fit the BV500 bear can vertically in the pack and rolled my tent around it like a burrito + stuffed the other stuff around it. My base weight is about 10-12 lbs, and it carried pretty well except the first day out on a long carry, I wouldn’t recommend for heavier loads, you definitely feel the difference. Or if you have a very short torso, I felt like it was borderline too long for me and I’m 5’6.

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    I recommend this product
    How was your pack fit?
    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
    Rate your level of experience in the backcountry.
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Was this helpful?
    Review posted
    Reviewed by Bruce G.
    Verified Buyer
    Age Range
    45 - 54
    What activities did you use this product for?
    • Backpacking
    • Thru Hiking
    What size pack did you order?
    Large
    Rated 5 out of 5

    Pack

    I love this pack! Holds everything that I need for the trail. Outside pockets are great size for everything that is needed quickly. Can’t go wrong with this pack!

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    I recommend this product
    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 L Smith J.
    Verified Buyer
    Age Range
    55 - 64
    What activities did you use this product for?
    • Backpacking
    What size pack did you order?
    Medium
    Rated 5 out of 5

    I have used it a few times. It is well made and everything about it works.

    I Love it.

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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
    Rate your level of experience in the backcountry.
    Rated 3 out of 5
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