Designed for demanding routes where abrasion resistance is key. Made from Dyneema for durability without unnecessary weight, ideal for rough terrain where other packs wear out sooner.
Designed for demanding routes where abrasion resistance is key. Made from Dyneema for durability without unnecessary weight, ideal for rough terrain where other packs wear out sooner.
The Southwest 40 is an ultralight trekking pack made by Hyperlite Mountain Gear in Maine, USA. It is designed for demanding routes where abrasion resistance and durability matter more than minimising weight.
Unlike other models from the brand, it uses solid-fabric outer pockets instead of mesh, making it better suited to harsh terrain with dense vegetation, rock or frequent off-trail use.
With approximately 40L of internal volume plus 9L in external pockets, this pack is designed for multi-day trips with light, compact gear. It works especially well when you already have an optimised setup and do not need to carry unnecessary equipment.
It is a good option on routes where the terrain wears out gear. The solid pockets withstand continued use better than mesh, which becomes noticeable on long traverses or off trail. It carries comfortably at around 9–14 kg.

Photo @katethewild
The design is simple and functional: a main compartment with a roll-top closure, large quick-access external pockets and hip belt pockets for essentials. The roll-top allows you to adjust the volume according to the load and compress the pack easily.
It includes two removable aluminium stays that help transfer weight to the hips. It is not a minimalist frameless pack, but neither is it a full frame: it aims for a balance between support, stability and weight.

Photo hyperlite_mountain_gear
It is made from Dyneema Woven Composite (DWC), a laminated material that combines Dyneema fibres with an outer woven fabric designed to improve abrasion resistance. It is a very lightweight, durable material with very low water absorption, so it barely gains weight when wet.
| Size | Torso length |
| M | 42 – 48 cm |
| L | 48 – 54 cm |

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