Hyperlite Southwest Review: 40, 55 and 70 L Compared
How we did this: a spec review, not a field test. We read the spec block on Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Southwest page for all three sizes, checked on 29 Sep 2026. Weights are Hyperlite’s averages for size medium. We have not carried this pack.
The Hyperlite Southwest is Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Dyneema roll-top pack, in 40, 55 and 70 L. The sizes are closer than their volumes suggest: the 55 L weighs only 1.1 oz more than the 40 L. The 70 L is the only one rated to 60 lb. This review sets out which size fits which trip.
Hyperlite Southwest sizes compared
| Size (medium, white) | Volume | Weight | Per liter | Load | Back panel | Height unrolled | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest 40L | 40 L + 11.5 L external | 29.7 oz (841.7 g) | 0.74 oz | Up to 40 lb | 1/4 in foam back panel pad | 31.5″ | $395 |
| Southwest 55L | 55 L + 13.4 L external | 30.8 oz (874 g) | 0.56 oz | Up to 40 lb | 1/4 in foam back panel pad | 36″ | $420 |
| Southwest 70L | 70 L + 16 L external | 35.6 oz (1008.1 g) | 0.51 oz | Up to 60 lb | Dual-density foam with plastic stiffener | 38.5″ | $450 |
Source: Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Southwest page, checked 29 Sep 2026. Per-liter weight is our calculation on the main volume.
Which Southwest size to buy
The 55 L is the default. It adds 15 L of main volume and 1.9 L of pocket space over the 40 L for 1.1 oz and $25, and carries the same 40 lb. The 40 L only makes sense if you want the smaller footprint.
The 70 L is a different pack underneath. It weighs 4.8 oz more than the 55 L, but Hyperlite rates it to 60 lb and gives it a dual-density foam back panel with a plastic stiffener. Pick it for winter kit, a bear canister plus long food carries, or packrafting loads.
The “3400 Southwest” that people search for is the 55 L: 3,400 cubic inches is about 56 L.
Hyperlite Southwest review: the design
- Solid-fabric outside pockets for abrasive terrain
- Removable stays
- Five torso sizes
- $395 to $450
- Less pocket volume than mesh-pocket rivals
- Roll-top only; no lid
The Southwest’s body is now fully woven Dyneema. Hyperlite says its new 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. The hipbelt uses dual-density foam with Dyneema zippered pockets. The outside pockets are solid fabric rather than mesh, which Hyperlite says protects gear in rocky terrain. The shoulder straps have been reshaped, with more bartacks for sternum-strap positions.
Check price →Southwest 55 vs Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50
| Spec (size M) | Hyperlite Southwest 55 | Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 30.8 oz | 22.1 oz (medium torso, standard straps, medium belt) |
| Volume | 55 L + 13.4 L external | 50 L: 37 L main body, 13 L in pockets |
| Load rating | Up to 40 lb | 40 lb max, 30–35 lb comfortable |
| Price | $420 | $399 |
The Arc Haul Ultra 50 is 8.7 oz lighter for the same 40 lb maximum and $21 less; the Southwest has more main-body room and solid-fabric pockets. Source: Zpacks, Arc Haul Ultra 50L page, checked 29 Sep 2026.
How the Southwest compares
- Southwest 55 vs Durston Kakwa 55: same inside volume, the Kakwa $141 to $221 cheaper.
- Southwest 55 vs Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60: the Mariposa has more pocket space, the Southwest a higher load rating.
- Southwest 55 vs Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50: similar weight; the Southwest’s maximum rating is 10 lb higher.
FAQ
How much does the Hyperlite Southwest weigh?
What is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest?
How much can the Southwest carry?
Is the Hyperlite Southwest waterproof?
What sizes does the Southwest come in?
The bottom line
Buy the Hyperlite Southwest 55 unless you need the 70 L’s 60 lb rating: the 55 L costs only 1.1 oz and $25 more than the 40 L for 15 L more room. It is a durable, waterproof-fabric pack at a premium price.
Related guides
Keep building your system with these closely related guides.
- HMG Unbound 55 Review: Frame, Fit and Load Comfort
- Gossamer Gear Backpacks: All 8 Compared
- Ultralight Backpacks: The Complete Guide
- Hyperlite Mountain Gear Shelters
- Ultralight Dry Bags, Per Liter
- ULA Ohm vs Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50: Specs Compared
- ULA Circuit vs Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60: Pack Specs
- How to Pack a Backpacking Backpack: Where Every Item Goes
