They're simple, ultralight, and ultra-durable, doing everything you need them to and nothing you don't. I spend a lot of time researching and testing for these articles and strive to get all my information correct, but sometimes mistakes happen. It's an amazing feeling when it starts pouring and you don't have to scramble to throw a pack cover on (that barely works anyway) or worry that you didn't quite seal your pack liner. Let us know! There's not much other stuff to talk about with this pack, but one little thing I find especially useful is the daisy chained shoulder straps. Despite its ultralight weight, the Southwest is surprisingly comfortable and durable enough for long hikes. 0. Simplicity is the keyword here — as the pack is a waterproof, seam-taped Dyneema sack with a few external pockets for storage. I use them for a water bottle pocket and a camera clip. A comparison o… How can we improve GearLab? One of a large series (including the Southwest, Windrider, and Junction 2400, 3400, and 4400), these packs in general have become synonymous with the spirit of thru-hiking. I was a little worried about the simplicity of the design and how it would handle weight on my back and hips, and it has performed amazingly in each trip. DCF is an ultralight material used by cottage backpacking manufacturers that is lighter weight and more rip-resistant than conventional tent and backpack fabrics. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear, Made of durable Dyneema material and has a simple, utilitarian design. However you’ve arrived here, something has piqued your interest about reducing the weight you carry into the wild. We recommend this pack for loads between 15 and 25 pounds if optimum comfort is your goal. For us, this was to be expected, since the pack provides very little regarding support. Required fields are marked *. The Hyperlite claim to fame is their use of Dyneema in their fabric construction. Hyperlite southwest 4400 Review. I'd love to hear about your experiences with this pack or answer any questions you might have in the comments. Volume: HMG Southwest packs come in three sizes: the 2400 (40 liters), 3400 (55 liters), and 4400 (70 liters). Posted on November 25, 2016 June 5, 2020 Author Cam 33 Comments. Be forewarned; this pack is nearly indestructible, but the sharp metal edge of the bear can cause abrasions if it is not padded well. That said, if you plan on carrying metal in this pack (i.e., climbing gear or a carbon-fiber bear can), the sharp metal edges can wear through this durable material if you are moving through lots of rocky terrain. These packs are also made in a 2400 (40L) and a 4400 (70L) version. 0. Yours truly with the 2400 Southwest pack | Arthur Range | Southwest Tasmania Traverse | March, 2016. Equally at home on the trail as well as off, the 3400 Southwest Backpack has the extra volume required for longer or more technical trips when you need to carry extra gear or clothing. My only issue with the suspension is the lack of load lifters. This being a minimalist pack, it doesn't have a frame. https://backpackers.com/.../hyperlite-mountain-gear-southwest-3400-review Gear review: Hyperlite mountain gear Windrider 4400 backpack. The design is similar to HMG’s Windrider and Southwest packs, but the use of 375-Denier fully woven Dyneema Composite Fabric ramps up the durability factor. Community. I highly recommend this pack for anyone looking to go really light. Pinterest. It's not submersible (due to the drain hole at the bottom), but for regular backpacking purposes this pack is as waterproof as you'll ever need it to be. This hip belt really is about as good as it gets and will keep you going through many extra long days. GearLab is reader-supported. Hi, I'm Brady and I consider myself a trailbird. Very good 0%. But if you're planning on exceeding 30lbs regularly you really need something a little beefier (The Osprey Atmos AG 65 is a great option). We loved the Southwest for its simplicity and thoughtful feature set. We use our mailing list … Facebook. Basic info is not hard to find.. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Gear Review: Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 NorthRim The NorthRim is Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s most durable multiday backpack, meant for adventures on-trail and off. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400 UL Backpack Review - … Maybe it's just me, but I don't feel like "up to 40 pounds comfortably" is really accurate. https://www.trailspace.com/gear/hyperlite-mountain-gear/3400-southwest When it comes to durability, HMG packs are hard to beat. They come "contoured," but the idea is that you can bend them to fit you however you want. Your email address will not be published. The pack also has many compression straps on the outside. The pack uses 100% Dyneema, which is the same material used in the construction of many climbing slings (which are rated to over 20kN. When rolled down, you can clip the top to vertical straps on the sides and compress it down tight. When fully opened, it was hard to reach the bottom of this pack without falling in! 10031. Pro Program. Check out our About page for more details! This is a classic ultralight pack. There's no way around the fact that $345 is a steep price for any piece of gear. The Hyperlite Southwest has a fairly good score in terms of weight-to-volume - as its fairly light overall and has a large capacity. The 'Windrider' is an identical pack, but the external pockets are made of mesh, which is lighter but less durable. The large external storage pockets provide tons of extra storage beyond the main body of the pack. The side compression straps often went unused when we were out with the pack since the pockets, and main body had so much storage space. This pack is about as no-frills as any I've used. It has an average weight-to-volume ratio of 15 g/L; though it has a smaller capacity than some packs in this review on paper, it has a larger feel due to its roll-top closure system. https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/.../hyperlite-mountain-gear-windrider-3400 Twitter. It's one of my favorite gear purchases to date. The three outer pockets on the Southwest are made of solid Dyneema Hardline which is ultra durable and also water resistant. The Frasers Unless you are set on this brand, the price tag is hard to rationalize when there are many less expensive options out there. This kind of price just comes with the DCF territory (which I think for big 4 gear pieces is very often worth it), but it can be hard to justify for many. The 3400 Southwest is one of the most expensive packs in this review. Lacking the mesh pockets of the Windrider, the Southwest is by far the most durable pack in this review. Like I said above, it won't be as comfortable, but if your average pack weight is below 30lbs and you're only exceeding that occasionally, it's no big deal. Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Post Colorado Trail … https://thetrek.co/gear-review-hyperlite-mountain-gear-3400-junction-backpack I think for true all day comfort it maxes out at about 30lbs. Each pack also has an external storage capacity (front and side pockets) of about 10 liters. Jack Baker-October 26, 2018. The 2400 has the same opening and body diameter, with all the extra capacity added vertically in a longer collar. The pack's 100% Dyneema fabric raises the price of this somewhat simple pack. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction backpack offers a similar physical configuration (one large rear pocket, two side pockets, two hip belt pockets, roll-top closure) as their Windrider, Southwest, and Northrim packs, but in a slightly different fabric configuration.In short, the Junction offers a lightweight fabric main pack body, woven fabric side and hip belt pockets for durability, and a mesh back pocket for storing wet gear. It uses two aluminum "frame stays" which go into slots in the interior that secure at the bottom to the hip belt. These pockets are actually pretty spacious and there's plenty of room for anything you need access to on the outside. Phoenix + Kota, too! https://www.outdoorratings.com/hyperlite-mountain-gear-southwest-review Pulling it out of the box you'll be amazed at how light it feels in your hand compared to more traditional pack, and that translates directly to on-trail comfort. 3400 Southwest 55L Backpack Minimize your weekend warrior adventures by hiking the desert with all your camping gear in Hyperlite Mountain Gear's 3400 Southwest Backpack. One large external pocket made of the same durable material lacks stretch but is baggy enough to fit extra clothes or gear that you plan on using throughout the day. If comfort is your main concern, it may make sense to look elsewhere. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Backpackis a bomber multi-day backpack geared for tough adventures that will rip most other ultralight-style pack to shreds. I'll say right now that it's what I would have gone with if it had existed when I bought mine. Hyperlite Mountain Gear - ultralight dynmeema packs and tents. EVERYTHING LESS MATTERS™ FROM THE WEIGHT OF YOUR GEAR TO THE SCALE OF YOUR ENDEAVORS, IT ALL COUNTS. I'll let you know if I ever have an issue I feel is worth mentioning, but for now it's living up to it's reputation as one of the most durable packs out there (maybe ever). FILL IN THE GAP PACK ACCESSORY BUNDLE INCLUDES: SHOULDER POCKET, VERSA FANNY PACK, WALLET + STUFF SACK SHOP NOW . I use mine for long section hikes on t… If you’re going to write an article you should probably do a little research and get the info correct. There is one main compartment with a dry-bag style roll top closure. In this post, we will do a deep dive into this amazing pack, and take a look at all the great features, and a few little things I think can be improved. I noted above but I'll say it here too; these packs are now sold by REI, and you can use your annual 20% off member coupon on them. I don't usually use side pockets for water bottles, but I did test it for those who do and I could easily grab and replace a smartwater bottle without taking off or adjusting the pack. The two side water bottle holders can be reached when the pack is on and are deep enough to keep bottles from falling out. The roll-top-closure contributed to the 3400 Southwest's high scores in this metric. I prefer the mesh pockets though as I like to see what I have in those pockets. That's $70 off, more than offsetting the $20 membership fee if you're not already a member (member coupons get sent out in March, May, and November). The material is waterproof and tough, making this a great pack for wintery or wet conditions. The hip belt straps have a particularly solid connection to the back piece so it can carry more weight comfortably than you might think (up to about 30 lbs). And if you are a member and you already used your coupon, you should still buy from REI and snag that 10% "member dividend". *Last year HMG came out with the Junction, which has the same body as the Windrider and Southwest, but the rear pocket is mesh and the side pockets are solid. I have hiked extensively with this pack and I can say that it is the most comfortable backpack I have had. THE LATEST FROM HYPERLITE . Got feedback? Without them that extra space isn't nearly as useful as it could be. Over 5... Our first side-by-side review of ultralight backpacks... the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Durable, comfortable, well-designed pockets, carries light and heavy loads well, Lightweight, carries light and medium loads well, adaptable, perfect feature set, more durable than most, Carries both light and heavier loads in comfort, large side pockets, very durable construction, Relatively heavy, delicate carbon frame rods, Foam pad falls out easily, shoulder straps lack support, This pack is designed with a focus on durability and simplicity, with a minor emphasis on comfort and support, As an all around great pack, it can carry large and light loads with ease, has plenty of external storage options, and is super comfortable, One of our top picks and scored highly in all metrics, it's comfortable, versatile, and has just enough features, This pack is a popular ultralight pack for good reason; it has plenty of outside storage, is made of durable fabrics, and carries both 15 and 30 pound loads with ease, Combines simplicity, a reasonable price tag, and a good feature set, Simple Frame - 1.2 oz carbon fiber / Delrin active suspension hoop. For a lot of people that's a big plus. 0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews) Excellent 0%. This may be nit-picky, but we did notice a small nick in the fabric along the roll-top fold after a few months of use. Fed up with my old pack, (an old REI Flash) I bought this baby for the JMT in 2019 (at REI, ironically enough) and haven't looked back. The large external pocket and dual water bottle holders on each side are well-positioned and useful, giving the Southwest high scores in the features metric. There is a Y-strap on top that can be used to create more even compression or store more gear (like a bear can or Z-lite sleeping pad). Average 0%. I have the 70L 4400 Southwest and I cannot recommend this backpack enough. That's it! Our favorite size for 3-5 day spring, summer, and fall backpacking trips is the 2400 Southwest, but our gear is pretty dialed in and compact. We preferred the pockets on the Southwest to the mesh versions of the Hyperlite Windrider. Due to its simple frame and overall lack of padding or suspension, it came as no surprise that under heavy loads, the Southwest 55 is not the most comfortable pack in the fleet. This is one of my favorite things about this pack. The Southwest sits close to the back, which is good for heavier loads as it keeps the weight closer to the center of gravity. Military. All trademarks property of their respective owners https://twotrailbirds.com/hyperlite-mountain-gear-3400-southwest-review Packs I Used on the PCT (Zpacks Arc Haul vs Hyperlite Southwest … Kenneth Shaw on ... As it goes, I also like mesh pockets on the outside, though the Southwest 4400’s solid pockets, certainly keep things aesthetically cleaner. I personally like the 3400, because for just a little extra weight (as compared to the 2400) it's quite a bit more versatile in terms of how much you can bring. The 'Southwest' refers to the external pockets; they are made of solid  'Hardline with Dyneema' material which is heavier but very abrasion resistant. The Windrider also uses aluminum backpack stays, which are removable, and foam padding … Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest 55L Ultralight Backpack Hyperlite Southwest 3400 v ÜLA Ohm 2.0 - Ultralight Backpack … I recently posted a quick side by side comparison of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 vs. 4400 Southwest and wrote why I recommend the larger of the two. We liked the V-Shaped, over-the-top compression strap to keep our kit secure. Why Hyperlite Mountain Gear? More technically, DCF i… Check Price: Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Website. For a model that works better with heavier loads, see options with a more substantial suspension system. On the flip side, it can expand to be one of the largest-volume packs in this review (compromising some comfort when fully loaded down). This isn't so much a fault of the pack as it is of marketing, because I don't think packs this ultralight should ever be expected to carry that much weight comfortably (with todays materials, at least). The downside to the Hyperlite is its lack of adjustability; the pack is fairly simple, and what you see is what you get when it comes to reducing the overall weight. Keen to make ultralight backpacking more enjoyable? I love the hip belt on this thing. The 4400 is both wider and longer, making it ideal for bulkier gear. I've hiked parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, and the entire John Muir Trail, and I love all things outdoors. Plus, though expensive, the DCF is ultra-light as well as ultra-durable, and its waterproofness simplifies and lightens your set-up. This makes the Hyperlite a good option for a bivy sack in a pinch, as it came above our waist when we crawled inside. Check out the blog for tips on your next outdoor adventure! The weight transfer is perfect and I've never noticed any pinch points or scratching. Retail Locations. Most damaging abrasion happens on the sides of a pack, so this is the best of both worlds. Ah, the beloved Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest. The shoulder straps are thin, and the back panel provides little ventilation for sweaty backs. We are Alyssa and Brady, and we started this site to catalog our adventure stories as a couple and to help everyday people get outside more. https://backpackers.com/.../hyperlite-mountain-gear-southwest-3400-review You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. This system actually works great for being so minimal. Appreciate the correction, and I’ve fixed it in the post. With all the compression straps, the pack can be condensed to a small size if your load is small. We loved the durability, as well as the water-resistant qualities of this pack's Dyneema material. I know it's supposed to be minimalist, but since the extra space in the 3400 is added vertically it would make sense to have a way to pull the extra height down and forward. These allow you to easily add all types of accessories. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. If features are your thing and the HMG packs don't fit the bill, there are plenty of options with more features in the world of ultralight packs. Your email address will not be published. The back panel is minimal, though it still provides support with two small aluminum stays that give the pack structure. I absolutely love this pack, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're right for everyone and I'll get into the details of that in this review. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider Pack Review (2400/3400/4400) Featuring top-shelf build quality, the durable Windrider is a favorite among ultralight gear enthusiasts. 0.0 rating. Brady + Alyssa If you are planning on doing lots of scrambling through rocky terrain, or hike mostly in wet environments, this pack is a good choice. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. We were very pleased with the features of the Southwest. Welcome to Two Trailbirds! The 3400 refers to the capacity being 3400 cubic inches (55L). This makes their packs incredibly durable. It you’re rough on backpacks, but still want one that only weighs two pounds, the 3400 Southwest pack probably has your name on it. If you already have a heavy-load pack you love and want to go as minimal as possible, get the 2400 (and consider the Windrider or the Junction). But alas, the Southwest will have to do for now (and probably forever).*. Tents or backpacks made with DCF are often half the weight of those made using high tenacity nylon or polyester, making it an attractive material for hikers and backpackers looking to slash their gear weight without loss of functionality or capacity. The difference between the 2400 and 3400 is the height of the collar (main bag)..All models of the 4400 are not only taller but the pack its self is wider. I'll note here for those that are new to the HMG pack system and terminology that this is one of a series of very similar packs. Living on the road Reproduction without permission is prohibited. When it comes to adaptability and weight-to-volume ratio, the Hyperlite 3400 Southwest is top-notch. I will say it carries heavier loads better than the average ultralight pack, so it's a good option if you'll occasionally need to haul extra weight. It's one of those things where you don't even notice how comfortable it is until you put on a different pack and go, "How did I ever wear this?". The Southwest is fairly average regarding weight-to-volume when compared to other packs in this review. We visited the Grand Canyon today, it was Brady’, Say no to crack (unless it’s a slot canyon), We’re trading in the beanies for sunglasses , Phoenix is always the shotgun rider when one of us, We got up real early to race the sun to the top of, So lucky to be walkin into 2021 with you , I sure love these two and their baby blues ❄️, Best cure for winter blues: throw some snowballs f, 4 Backpacking Lunch Ideas: No Cooking Required, La Sportiva Bushido II Review: A True Go-Anywhere Shoe, The Ultimate Guide To Backpacking In Bear Country: Everything You Need To Know, The 9 Best Hiking Apps For Any Outdoor Adventure, Next Level Backpacking Food: 4 Easy Recipes to Spice Up Ramen Noodles, One large main compartment with roll-top closure, Buckles on both sides of the roll top that connect to side straps for vertical  compression, Y-strap that goes over the top for compression or outer storage, 3 external solid pockets with elastic (1 on each side and 1 on the back), 3/8" closed cell foam shoulder straps and hip belt, Spacious hip belt pockets (updated, much better than older versions), Internal hydration sleeve and hydration port.
Chicory Plug Plants, Beef Tenderloin Topped With Lobster, Can You Cook A Cracked Egg In Boiling Water, Banquet Equipment Checklist, 7mm-08 Vs 270,