Arc'teryx Aerios 35 vs Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22
Quick take: The Arc'teryx Aerios 35 costs $15 less; the Arc'teryx Aerios 35 carries more (36 vs 22 liters); the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22 is lighter (1.1 vs 2.56 lbs).
Which one to buy
Sized fit is what this pair has in common, and it's rare in packs this small. The Elevate 22 comes in S, M and L with published torso ranges from 15 to 21 in; the Aerios 35 comes in short, regular and tall with an interchangeable harness and three hipbelt sizes. Both are roll-tops with no hipbelt pockets. After that they're built for different days.
The Elevate 22 is a frameless summit pack at 1.1 lbs, rated by HMG to 25 lbs, in its thinnest Dyneema laminate, which wears faster on rock than its heavier grade. The hipbelt comes off for scrambling. The Aerios 35 weighs more than twice as much because it has structure: a frame sheet that resists barreling and a removable aluminum stay, plus a roll-top that adds up to 10 L. That's what turns it into a fast-overnight pack, which the smaller pack can't be.
For summit days where every ounce counts and the load stays light, the Hyperlite is the better tool. Anything with a sleeping bag in it needs the Aerios, and it costs $15 less.
Arc'teryx Aerios 35
Best if your plans include fast overnights or heavier day loads, where a frame sheet and extra roll-top volume earn their weight.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22
Suited to summit pushes and scrambles that never need more than 22 L, where a 1.1 lb pack in your exact torso size is the point.
| Spec | Arc'teryx Aerios 35 | Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 | $265 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Frameless |
| Capacity | 36 L | 22 L |
| Weight | 2.56 lbs | 1.1 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by the manufacturer | Up to 25 lbs |
| Torso Fit | Three torso sizes (SRT/REG/TALL) with interchangeable harness and three hipbelt sizes | Sized S/M/L: S 15-17 in, M 17-19, L 19-21 in |
| Material | 210D Hadron nylon/polyarylate with FC0 DWR, 100D Cordura nylon 6,6 dobby contrast | Dyneema Composite Hybrid 3.8 with Dyneema Stretch Mesh UL |
| Back Panel | AeroForm back panel | Frameless; back panel construction not specified |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | Yes | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Arc'teryx limited warranty: defects in materials or workmanship for the practical lifetime of the product; wear and misuse repairs at a nominal charge | Guaranteed against manufacturing defects, no term stated |
Pros & cons
Arc'teryx Aerios 35
- ✓Three torso lengths plus an interchangeable harness with three hipbelt sizes, a fitting system few 35 L daypacks offer.
- ✓Hadron fabric blends nylon with polyarylate for tear strength beyond plain 210D, and the contrast panels are Cordura 6,6.
- ✓The 7000-series aluminum stay pulls out when the load is light, and the frame sheet resists barreling when it is not.
- ✓Roll-top closure adds up to 10 L for an overnight without a bigger pack.
- ✓FC0 DWR on the body fabric, and a reservoir-compatible main compartment.
- ✓A current-season record, so it will not be discontinued under you the way the Bora and Aerios 45 were.
- ✗$250 is $71 more than the REI Co-op Traverse 35, the obvious comparison at this volume.
- ✗Arc'teryx does not include a rain cover with it.
- ✗Arc'teryx publishes no maximum load.
- ✗Roll-top only, with no lid pocket on top.
- ✗No larger Aerios exists any more, so there is no room to grow within the line.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22
- ✓Three torso sizes in a 22 L daypack, which most brands sell in one.
- ✓17.5-18.0 oz across the sizes, about 1.5 oz under the Daybreak 22.
- ✓Rated to 25 lb, five more than the Daybreak at the same volume.
- ✓Roll-top closure adds volume and sheds rain better than a zip.
- ✓Hydration port and bladder hook for hands-free drinking.
- ✓The hipbelt detaches for scrambling or packing inside a larger bag.
- ✗DCH 3.8 is HMG's thinnest laminate and wears faster on rock than 5.1.
- ✗$265 for 22 L is steep beside fabric daypacks of the same size.
- ✗No hipbelt pockets are listed.
- ✗Torso length is fixed per size rather than adjustable.
Arc'teryx Aerios 35 vs Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22: common questions
Can the Elevate 22 work for an overnight like the Aerios 35?▾
Not realistically. It's a frameless 22 L daypack. The Aerios 35 has a frame sheet, a removable stay and a roll-top that adds up to 10 L, which is what makes a fast overnight possible.
Is the Hyperlite's Dyneema more durable than the Aerios's fabric?▾
Not on rock. The Elevate 22 uses HMG's thinnest DCH 3.8 laminate, which wears faster than its heavier grade. The Aerios uses 210D Hadron nylon/polyarylate with Cordura contrast panels.