
Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35
The Contour 35 is Hyperlite's frameless fast-and-light pack, and at 15.9 oz it is the only sub-pound pack in this catalog outside the Cotopaxi Batac. Dyneema Composite Fabric makes it effectively waterproof at a weight woven fabrics cannot reach.
Price and availability on Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s site may differ.
Specifications
What do these specs mean? →Features
Pros
- ✓15.9 oz makes it the lightest hiking pack in this catalog with a real hipbelt.
- ✓DCF is waterproof rather than water-resistant, so contents stay dry without a liner.
- ✓Dyneema Gridstop panels reinforce the areas DCF alone would wear through.
- ✓Hyperlite's build quality and seam taping are the benchmark in this segment.
- ✓35 L is enough for a genuinely light multi-day kit.
- ✓Stretch mesh front pocket swallows a wet shelter without opening the main bag.
- ✓Strong resale value, which offsets the price meaningfully.
- ✓Hyperlite has the deepest track record of any DCF pack maker.
Cons
- ✗$350 for 35 L and no frame is among the worst price-per-litre in this catalog.
- ✗Frameless at 35 L means the load rides on the shoulders entirely.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗DCF creases and abrades at fold lines over time, which is inherent to the fabric.
- ✗No adjustable torso.
- ✗Difficult and expensive to repair compared with a woven nylon pack.
- ✗35 L cannot take a bear canister with a long food carry.
- ✗Warranty terms are less generous than the mainstream brands'.
Common Questions
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear
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Capacity
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Frame
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear
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The Junction sits between the Southwest and Windrider: a hybrid front pocket that is part solid Dyneema and part mesh, aiming to combine the Southwest's durability with the Windrider's drainage. Same 2025 fabric overhaul as the rest of the line.
Weight
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Capacity
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Frame
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The Unbound 40 is HMG's fast-and-light pack for dialed kits, with a stretch front pocket and bottom pocket aimed at hikers who move all day and camp minimally. At 40 liters it suits sub-10-lb base weights and shorter resupply intervals.
Weight
2.16 lbs
Capacity
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Frame
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55
The Southwest 55 is Hyperlite Mountain Gear's flagship all-rounder, built in Maine from waterproof Dyneema composite with solid woven pockets for brush country. It's the pack that made white Dyneema the visual signature of modern thru-hiking.
Weight
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Capacity
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Frame
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Weight
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Capacity
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Frame
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Six Moon Designs
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The Swift X is the X-Pac version of Six Moon Designs' Swift, using the same Delrin hoop frame as the Swift V but in a waterproof laminate. At 38.8 oz it is heavier than most packs in this segment, which is the cost of the hoop and the fabric.
Weight
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Capacity
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Frame
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