Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 vs Hyperlite Southwest 55: Specs
How we did this: we compared what Gossamer Gear and Hyperlite Mountain Gear publish on their own product pages, checked on 29 Sep 2026, at size medium for both: weight, volume, load rating, frame, fabric and price. We have not field-tested these packs.
The Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 and the Hyperlite Southwest 55 weigh within about an ounce of each other at size medium. They are built for different loads: Gossamer Gear says the Gorilla is most comfortable at 25 lb or less, while Hyperlite rates the Southwest to 40 lb.
Gorilla 50 vs Southwest 55: the verdict up front
Choose the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 if your full load stays under about 25 lb and you want a lid, a pivoting hipbelt and a $275 price. Choose the Hyperlite Southwest 55 for long water or food carries: it is rated 10 lb higher, holds 5 L more and weighs 1.1 oz less, for $145 more.
| Spec (size M) | Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 | Hyperlite Southwest 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 31.9 oz (905 g) with standard M straight belt | 30.8 oz (874 g) white; 30.9 oz black |
| Volume | 50 L; 32 L main body to extension collar | 55 L pack + 13.4 L external |
| Load rating | 30 lb max, 25 lb for comfort | Up to 40 lb |
| Frame | PVT aluminum closed-shape frame, pivoting hipbelt | Two removable contoured aluminum stays |
| Closure | Fold-over lid | Roll-top |
| Fabric | 70D and 100D recycled Robic nylon, PFAS-free | Dyneema Woven Composite 3.9 |
| Price | $275 | $420 |
Sources: Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 page; Hyperlite Southwest page.
The difference is the load rating
At size medium the weights are close enough to ignore: 31.9 against 30.8 oz. The load ratings are not. Gossamer Gear gives the Gorilla 50 a 30 lb maximum and a 25 lb comfort figure; Hyperlite rates the Southwest 55 up to 40 lb. On a trip where food and water push you past 25 lb, such as a long desert carry or a week between resupplies, only the Southwest is rated for it. Below that, the Gorilla carries the same kit for $145 less.
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50
- $145 less
- Pivoting hipbelt and removable Sitlight pad
- Fold-over lid for small items
- Comfortable only to 25 lb
- 1.1 oz heavier at size M
- 5 L smaller
Gossamer Gear lists a medium Gorilla 50 at 31.9 oz with its standard M straight belt: 16.3 oz of pack body, a 4.3 oz frame and a 2.3 oz Sitlight pad plus the belt. (The 31.2 oz headline figure is a small with the S/M curved belt.) The maker describes the suspension as
“our signature PVT Frame+Belt: an aluminum, closed-shape frame and pivoting hipbelt that allow your pack to move with your natural gait for maximum comfort.”
Gossamer Gear, Gorilla 50 page
It adds an S-curve harness, load lifters and a fold-over lid, in 70D and 100D recycled Robic nylon, for $275.
Check price →Hyperlite Southwest 55
- Rated to 40 lb, 10 lb more
- 1.1 oz lighter at size M
- Waterproof Dyneema fabric, taped side seams
- $420
- No lid; roll-top only
- No pivoting hipbelt
Hyperlite lists the Southwest 55 at 30.8 oz for a medium in white, rated up to 40 lb, in Dyneema Woven Composite 3.9. Hyperlite says that fabric
“combines the light weight of Dyneema® Composite Hybrid 3.8 with durability and abrasion resistance that surpasses even the heavier Dyneema® Composite Hybrid 5.9.”
Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Southwest page
Two removable contoured aluminum stays carry the load; seam tape runs along the vertical side seams. It comes in five torso sizes for $420.
Check price →Which should you buy?
- Loads under 25 lb: Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50, $275.
- Loads of 30 to 40 lb: Hyperlite Southwest 55.
- Lightest at size M: Southwest 55, 30.8 oz.
- Lid and sit pad: Gorilla 50.
FAQ
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 or Hyperlite Southwest 55: which is lighter?
Which carries more weight?
How much do they hold?
What closure does each use?
How much do they cost?
The bottom line
At size medium the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 and the Hyperlite Southwest 55 weigh within 1.1 oz of each other. Pick the Gorilla for loads under 25 lb at $275; pick the Southwest for loads up to 40 lb at $420.
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- ULA Circuit vs Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60
- How to Reduce Your Backpacking Base Weight
- Gossamer Gear: Mariposa, Gorilla, Kumo and Lineup
- How to Pack a Backpack: A Practical System That Works
- HMG Southwest 55 Review: Weight, Specs and Who It's For
- Ultralight Backpacks: The Complete Guide to Overnight Packs
