Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 Backpack Review
Updated:
Jan 20, 2025The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 ($399) has a cult following among ultralighters, and after testing it, we can see why. Its minimalist yet effective design and suspension reward smart packing with a secure, well-distributed carry, and its Dyneema composite fabric provides decade-long durability and waterproofing. While the Southwest’s lack of adjustability and relatively skimpy padding mean this isn’t a pack for diehard comfort-seekers, it’s still a super dependable model that’s proven itself on hundreds of thru-hikes.
Comfort
Organization
Weight
Durability
Water Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
1 lb. 15.7 oz.
Stated Load Limit
40 lb.
Fabric(s)
50D DCF
Adjustable Torso
No
# of Pockets
5
Access
Top
Capacities
40, 55, 70L
Included rain cover
No
Pros
Cons
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55
Editor’s note: The review below is for the 2024 version of the Southwest 55. In 2025, Hyperlite updated its entire Southwest lineup. Available in 40-, 55-, and 70-liter versions, the new Southwest uses a Dyneema Woven Composite fabric, which is more durable than the DCF of the outgoing version without any weight penalty. Hyperlite also redesigned the backpanel and shoulder straps for a closer, more secure fit, and revamped the side pockets to make items easier to access. You can read our review of the updated Hyperlite Southwest 40 here.
From the first time I put it on through long days in the backcountry, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 has handled whatever I stuffed in it beautifully. This pack’s suspension consists of two removable aluminum stays that provide structure, along with a quarter-inch-thick, stiff foam backpanel. Hyperlite rates the Southwest for loads up to 40 pounds, and when I toted 26 pounds with it on a four-day backpacking trip into Washington State’s Enchantments, it evenly distributed the weight throughout the entire hike. (Another Better Trail tester deemed the Southwest comfortable under 35 pounds, but noted that they’d prefer a pack with more padding, such as the Osprey Exos 58.)
During the trip, which included a summit of 8,705-foot Colchuck Peak and 8,500 total feet of elevation gain, I carried my backpacking gear, four days of food, crampons, and an ice axe. The Southwest’s carrying comfort was so good that the weight never held me back, even as I ascended the notoriously steep Asgard Pass. Keep in mind that this is still a minimalist pack: Its shoulder straps, hipbelt, and backpanel have noticeably less padding than many hikers may be used to, though I felt they offered ample cushioning for the weight I carried. With the right gear strategy, i.e., sticking to a pared-down kit and not overloading the pack, the Southwest should still prove plenty comfy—just remember that ultralight backpacking packs can be less forgiving if you overburden them.
Lastly, the Hyperlite Southwest 55's design places the solid foam backpanel and its Dyneema covering directly against the back. With neither channels nor suspended mesh to help with airflow, I found that it made my back sweaty at times. The hipbelt and shoulder straps don’t have this issue, thankfully, as they have spacer mesh covering their foam padding.
Like many ultralight backpacking packs, the Hyperlite Southwest 55 eschews a top lid in favor of a roll-top closure with a Y-shaped buckle cinch. While the main compartment is bare-bones, I appreciated that the pack’s five spacious external pockets offered plenty of storage and organization. The main compartment also has an internal mesh pocket for holding a hydration reservoir, along with a port for threading the hose.
My favorite storage feature was the massive zippered pockets on the Southwest’s hipbelt. I found myself asking why mainstream pack companies don’t usually make hipbelt compartments this spacious. In one pocket, I kept essential items including my headlamp, phone, chapstick, and sunscreen, and I filled the other pocket with a full day’s allotment of snacks. The wide pocket on the back was large enough to hold my Crocs and my rain jacket, providing easy access to each, and I used the side pockets to hold miscellaneous items like extra snacks and a water filter.
All of the Southwest’s external pockets are made from sturdy Dyneema fabric, a different material from the main compartment but still very durable. The solid pocket material differentiates the Southwest from Hyperlite’s Windrider, Junction, and NorthRim models, which have identical materials and designs except for their pockets. The Windrider’s back and side pockets are all mesh, while the Junction has solid side pockets and a mesh back pocket.
Weighing 1 pound 15.7 ounces in a size medium for the white, 50-denier DCF version (the thicker 150D black construction weighs 2 lb. 2.6 oz.), the Southwest earns the honor of being one of the most impressive ultralight packs on the market in terms of capacity-to-weight ratio. For comparison, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60, which weighs a hair over two pounds and has an internal frame, maxes out at 35 pounds; the REI Co-op Flash Air 50 is a couple of ounces lighter and also possesses a frame, but is only rated for 25 pounds. The ULA Circuit, another ultralight, internal-frame model, can hold a whopping 68 liters and weighs 2 pounds 6.5 ounces, but still doesn’t fully meet the Southwest’s 40-pound rating (ULA recommends keeping your load below 35 lb.).
The Hyperlite Southwest 55, of course, forgoes some features to achieve its featherweight status, such as top-of-the-line padding, a top lid, and—perhaps most noticeably—torso and hipbelt adjustability and load-lifter straps. But for a pack this light, the Southwest’s carrying capacity and overall performance are extremely impressive.
The materials on the Hyperlite Southwest 55 feel high-quality and durable, and they're worth the pack’s high price. As I mentioned above, the pack comes in two varieties: a 50-denier DCF version (white) and a 150D DCF version (black). I tested the white model, and while it’s nominally less durable than the black one, I didn’t hesitate to put this pack through the wringer in the backcountry. The material held up better than most ultralight packs; after a few days in the mountains on rock, snow, and dirt trails, I have no concerns about the Southwest breaking down anytime soon. I have always loved seeing other battered, dirty, and well-loved Hyperlite packs out in the wild, and am excited to see how mine withstands adventures over time.
Dyneema composite fabrics are well known for their waterproofing properties, and it’s one of the reasons why so many thru-hikers are obsessed with the Hyperlite Southwest 55. The main compartment’s roll-top closure and the watertight zippers on the hipbelt pockets further enhance weather resistance. I haven’t had a chance to use the Southwest in a downpour, but it withstood small splashes of water and kept its contents dry when I set it down on damp ground. I would trust this pack over most others in wet conditions, and it’s a luxury not to have to worry about schlepping around a pack cover, too.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Tester: 5’5”, 17” torso
Size tested: Small
Hyperlite offers the Southwest in five torso lengths: extra small, small, medium, large, and tall. As a woman with a 17-inch torso, I opted for a size small, and it fit very well in terms of both length and width. The hipbelt size worked for me, too, and I had ample room to tighten the straps down. The pack’s shoulder straps were nicely spaced, and I could move the chest strap up and down as well as cinch it tight. In the name of weight savings, the Southwest lacks load-lifter straps and an adjustable torso length. With that in mind—and with any pack, if I’m being honest—it’s paramount to find the right size before you buy. (Check out our Best Backpacking Packs article for info on how to determine your torso and hipbelt sizes, and for pack-buying advice in general.)
Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 ($315): A Different Minimalist Approach
While the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 and the Southwest are both aimed at the same demographic—backpackers who go fast, far, and light—these two packs have different selling points. The Mariposa makes more concessions to user-friendliness, with a lid (which features a small pocket), load lifters, and a removable, padded backpanel that doubles as a sit pad. What’s more, its shoulder straps and hipbelt have a bit more cushion than the Southwest’s, and you can swap out the hipbelt to nail your perfect fit. However, the Mariposa’s fabric—100D Robic nylon, with 210D on the bottom—is much less durable than the Southwest’s Dyneema, and isn’t waterproof. You’ll have to baby the Mariposa more, and it’s a couple of ounces heavier and rated to 35 pounds (compared to the Southwest’s 40). All told, the Mariposa is more comfortable, but the Southwest is a longer-lasting design for burlier hikes and heavier loads. For more, read our review of the Gossamer Gear Mariposa.
ULA Equipment Circuit ($300): A More Refined Fit
Along with the Southwest, the 68-liter ULA Equipment Circuit is one of our favorite load-eating ultralight packs. We’ve comfortably schlepped 35 pounds with it thanks to a suspension consisting of a hard foam framesheet, carbon-fiber-and-hard-plastic hoop, and an aluminum stay. The Circuit has an almost identical pocket layout (roll-top, large side pockets, front shove-it pocket, hipbelt pockets) and a similarly impressive weight-to-capacity ratio—it’s a tad heavier than the Southwest but offers significantly more capacity. What stands out on the Circuit is ULA’s commitment to providing a wide range of sizing options: you can choose from unisex torso sizes ranging from small to XL, hipbelt sizes XS to XXL, and two shoulder strap designs. Even though the Circuit’s 400-denier nylon fabric isn’t as tough as the Southwest’s and it’s not waterproof, a PU coating keeps a decent amount of moisture out and makes the pack durable enough to last many seasons. For more, read our review of the ULA Equipment Circuit.
Load capacity, durability, and waterproofing make the Southwest a thru-hiker favorite. Drawbacks include a lack of adjustability and below-average padding, but in most other aspects, this is a top-tier ultralight backpack.
Comfort
Organization
Weight
Durability
Water Resistance
Sustainability
This ultralight pack is right up there with the category’s elite in terms of carrying capacity and organization, and it features better padding than most. The Mariposa isn’t super durable, though, and we had a sample issue with its hipbelt during our CDT thru-hike.
Comfort
Organization
Weight
Durability
Water Resistance
Sustainability
The Circuit is one of the best ultralight and thru-hiking packs, period. It's available in a wide range of sizes and offers impressive load carrying for its weight. While it lacks the Dyneema construction found in many other ultralight packs, the Robic nylon is impressively hardwearing.
Comfort
Organization
Weight
Durability
Water Resistance
Sustainability
Is the Southwest 55 for You?
After testing the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55, you can count us among its legions of fans. This pack sets the standard for lightweight comfort and performance, and it’s more versatile than its surface-level “expensive ultralight pack” designation would suggest. With enough pockets for the obsessively organized, enough durability for hikers who thrash their gear, and enough waterproofing for everyone, we’d just as happily use the Southwest on a luxe overnight trip as on a thru-hike, even with its lack of top-tier cushioning and adjustability. And while it’ll lighten your wallet a hefty amount, the burly Southwest may well be the last backpacking pack you’ll ever buy.
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