Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest Review
Reading Time: 7 minutes The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest accompanied me on my Continental Divide Trail thru-hike (essentially the most grueling test on Earth for any piece of gear), and it performed exactly as I had hoped it would – spectacularly. It’s currently my default pack, and I’ve been using it since with few complaints (more on what those are below).
This pack is not a super ultralight frameless pack (aka, it’s not a limp Dyneema shopping bag with two straps sewn on). The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest is a lightweight and versatile pack capable of comfortably carrying respectable loads and looking sexy while standing up to constant and unrelenting abuse.
What’s a “respectable load”? Excellent up to around 30 lbs / 13.6 kg, and acceptable up to 40 lbs / 18.1 kg.
The Southwest vs. The Windrider
A quick note for those of you diving into the Hyperlite Mountain Gear options.
When looking at the options available, you may be confused by the Windrider, another pack offered by Hyperlite Mountain Gear. On the packs page, you’ll see the Southwest, the Windrider, and the Junction.
Do not be confused. These are variations of the same pack.
The difference between the Southwest and Windrider packs is that the Southwest packs have Dyneema Hardline exterior pockets, and the Windrider packs have mesh pockets. The difference between the Southwest and the Junction? The Junction has a mesh pocket in the front of the pack only.
The Specs
- Weight 32.4 oz / 918g (White) | 33.6 oz / 953g (Black)
- Load capacity: 20-40 lbs / 9-18 kg
- Materials: 50D and 150D Cuben / Polyester Hybrid and Dyneema Hardline pockets
- Volume: 55L + 9.8L of external storage/li>
- Pockets: Three external
- Made in: Maine, USA
- Available colors: White, Black
- Available sizes: S, M, L, Tall
- MSRP: $340 US
The Features
- Removable, contoured aluminum stays
- Dyneema Hardline shoulder straps with 3/8” closed-cell foam and spacer mesh
- 1/4” foam back panel pad
- Compression System
- Roll-top closure system with side compression straps for vertical compression
- Side compression straps for horizontal compression
- Top Y-strap compression (to secure gear)
- Dyneema Hardline hip belt with 1/8” closed cell rigid foam, 3/8” closed cell foam, and spacer mesh
- Dyneema Hardline zippered pockets on the hip belt with #5 YKK zipper
- Adjustable sternum strap with self-tensioning elastic
- Ice Axe loop
- Hydro port and internal mesh hydro sleeve
- Four exterior Triglide buckles for optional pack accessory straps
- Proprietary seam sealing on all side seams and behind all sewn-on pack features
The Good
The Durability
I was worried that the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest would prove too fragile to withstand the level of mistreatment I expected it to endure. It has defied expectations. I have yet to tear the pack’s fabric, any of the exterior pockets, or any straps. The only thing I have noticed is that the threads connecting one of my shoulder straps to the pack have begun to sag (just a bit). I suspect this is because I always pick up the pack using this strap.
The Waterproofness
This Southwest is waterproof, simple as that. There is a small drainage hole at the bottom of the pack, so it’s not submersible, but bar being submerged in water, if you’re using this pack as intended (on your back), your belongings will stay dry. The outside pockets are also waterproof, but (obviously) water can enter from above. The only downside, or really observation, is that the pack becomes semi-transparent when wet (at least the white version).
The Weight
The Southwest in a medium (my size) weighs 31.08 oz / 881 g, lighter than the Osprey Exos I was using before. The small is 30.69 oz / 870 g, and the large is 32.59 oz / 924 g. There’s also a tall version that comes in at 33.09 oz / 938 g. For the weight it can comfortably carry, it’s one of the lightest packs available.
The Exterior Pockets
Another point for durability is that I have yet to destroy the exterior pockets. The Dyneema is tough (which is why I chose the Southwest instead of the Windrider), and the pockets can withstand being dragged through dense bush (I noticed tears in other hikers’ mesh Windrider pockets towards the end of the Continental Divide Trail). I suppose a con would be that I need to empty the pockets occasionally, as they collect plants and dirt (which adds extra weight, I guess).
The Okay
The Adjustment
This Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest is semi-minimal when it comes to adjustment. You can adjust the hip belt, the shoulder straps, and the chest strap. There are no load lifters or fancy frame mods to be found. The roll-top closure can be cinched down on either side and then secured with a third buckle that goes back to the front. The pack features two compression straps, one for the body and one for the side pocket.
The Side Pockets
Yes, I said that I liked the pockets, but that was because of their durability. The side pockets of the Southwest are stretchy but not too stretchy. This means that getting things (aka water bottles) in and out of the side pockets (while the pack is on) can take some practice. That being said, I have been able to squeeze quite a bit into the side pockets (but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t be stretchier and slightly more user-friendly).
The Back Panel
The Southwest has a 1/4 in (0.635 cm) foam back panel pad to keep you comfortable. However, if you aren’t careful about how you load your pack, you’ll feel the hard or sharp points of your gear sticking into your back or shoulders. It isn’t a big deal once you figure out how to pack your gear effectively, but it can be an inconvenience at times (when compared to packs that sit upright off the back).
The Bad
The Hip Pockets
The hip pockets have since been updated, and this criticism no longer applies – nice job, Hyperlite Mountain Gear! I really wanted to like everything about this pack, but the hip belt pockets are nothing to get excited about (and I’ve found that most hikers with this pack feel the same way). The good? They’re waterproof. The bad? They’re small, difficult to open/close when filled, and allow their contents to press into your hips if not packed carefully.
The Dirt Factor
This is a matter of personal taste, but I’ve included it here because I’ve heard complaints about it. “It” is how the pack (the white version) quickly loses its original shine and fades to a more weathered and stained version of its former self. I see the signs of wear as a badge of honor, “Behold how much I have used my pack!” I’ve washed it once, and despite the water (in the tub) turning a dark and opaque shade of brown, the staining remains (thankfully).
Who Is It For?
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest is an excellent choice if you’re looking to do a thru-hike, be a savage weekend warrior, or even if you’re traveling and want something minimalist. If you’re looking for a comfortable, lightweight, waterproof pack that can carry up to 40 lbs / 18.1 kg without making you hate yourself, then you owe it to yourself to give the Southwest a try (or opt for the Windrider if you prefer mesh pockets).
I went with the Southwest instead of the Windrider because the pockets are more durable, and they look sleeker (nobody wants to see all your crap poking through your mesh). Check out Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest here.
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What made you switch from this to the ULA Ultra Circuit?
The Circuit has been a popular pack among thru-hikers for years, and I had never tried one. Figured it was time to try something new.
Hey Mac, Thanks for the thoughtful review — it helped me pull the trigger on this pack. Question: What solution did you come up with for carrying an ice axe less awkardly? Might save me some trial and error. Thx!
This was what my pack looked like with an ice axe.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6de9ea93c237c3fa684133a1fa843504f754459957f6cc6c527df79775a38b08.jpg
Great review. I’m totally sold. I heard they fixed the size of the pockets, which if that was the only downfall I’d say we are in a pretty good spot. The only thing I wonder about is black vs white. I think both are durable. I guess its an aesthetic thing essentially besides the being able to see things in the pack better.
They have updated the pockets! I am going to update the review now. I actually bought a black one as well and now have both. I really notice no difference except for the transparency of the white one (when wet) and the cleaner look of the black. That, and it’s slightly heavier.
Mac, sweet review man. Thank you for it. I am almost ready to pull the trigger on the Windrider 3400 but I have some questions about the materials of the external pockets between the Southwest/Windrider. When you saw other people with holes in their mesh pockets, was it on the big main back pocket or the side water bottle pockets? I ask because I am thinking about costom making my pack to have the side pockets as Dyneema and the main pocket mesh. I woul like to have mesh as the back pocket so I can dry out gear while I hike but Dyneema for the side pockets that are most accessable to passing tree branches, bushes and rocks that would likely tear em apart if they were mesh. Do you think this plan would work? Or should I just go full Southwest for ultimate durability?
Cheers man,
Owen
The people I saw with the holes had them everywhere. But I don’t understand why there’s this idea that you can’t dry things with the Southwest. There are two compression straps that come down to meet the front pocket/side pockets that are great for hanging things to dry on. I never had a problem, drying things with the Southwest. I guess if you were making something custom you wouldn’t necessarily have those compression straps, but maybe it would be worth just adding some loops somewhere to hang stuff on for drying?
Mac, I’d like to add a few updates to your awesome in-depth review of the SW;
I’m a happy owner of a SW 4400, which is excessive in size, but I like leaving my insulation uncompressed as much as possible and find the larger the volume the easier this is…(durrr).
Plus, it’s a measly 7oz difference from the base 2400 version 50D model to the 150D 4400 model and it is truly all three packs in one. My base weight hovers between 7-9lb and even being that light it carries incredibly comfortably and people think I’m carrying the 2400 and in winter I can really load that sucker up.
Anyways, two things I wanted to add!
First, I have a feeling you’re aware of this already- you should never lift your pack by it’s shoulder straps, instead by it’s haul loop.
I’ve had deformities in some packs before from it, hasn’t bothered me other than aesthetically, but there were load lifters… not present on HMG packs as you know.
Secondly… I had to send my pack back for a warranty repair and dealing with Kendra was amaze balls for ONE, for TWO, I got a brand new pack in the mail complete WITH……drum roll please….. newly designed hipbelt pockets!! MUCH larger than before, I mean I can actually store things in there and easy to open and close once the zipper has been worked a few times.
I also ‘grease’ mine with a drop of lip balm if new zippers are sticking.
As you can tell this was super exciting for me, my life this winter was really bland.
Anyway, thought you’d be happy to hear about the new pockets. I’m not sure if they’ve made them publicly available yet, and honestly I was supposed to keep it hush hush, but for real, that’s too much responsibility for me.
Hope you’re enjoying whatever you are currently up to:)
I got a new SW 3400 when an airline destroyed my first one. My new one has larger exterior pockets, but the hip belt pockets are still the same size :(
Luckily, I’ve adopted a Thru-pack (https://www.thrupack.com/) which has saved me from depending on my hip belt.