How to Choose a Backpack
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 70 Pack
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The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 70 pack wants in on the fun when calloused hands, funky bed head and maybe a bit of blood complete your 'look' in the rocky canyons you descend and emerge from.
Shop similar productsKey Details
Best Use
Backpacking
Raincover Included
No
Gear Capacity (L)
70 liters
Reservoir Compatible
Yes
- 70-liter (4,400 cu. in.) volume is ideal for 4-season, weekend, section or thru hikes where resupply points are less frequent or bulkier cold-weather gear is required
- 3 external Dyneema® Hardline pockets add an extra line of defense around the gear you want to get to quickly without having to dig through your carefully organized pack
- Internal mesh hydration sleeve and tube port accommodate your hydration system; reservoir not included
- Roll-top closure system with side compression straps allows both vertical and horizontal compression of contents; top Y-strap compression secures your gear
- 4 exterior triglide buckles allow for optional pack accessory straps (not included); also has an integrated ice axe loop
- 0.25 in. foam back panel pad and removable, contoured aluminum stays supply comfort and load support
- Hardline with Dyneema® shoulder straps with 0.375 in. closed-cell foam and spacer mesh enhance your comfort; has adjustable sternum strap with self-tensioning elastic
- Hardline with Dyneema hipbelt with 0.125 in. closed-cell rigid foam supports the weight on your hips; hipbelt pockets have #5 YKK® zippers
- Main compartment is constructed of 100% waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabrics; proprietary seam sealing protects all side seams and lies behind all sewn-on pack features
Imported.
View all Hyperlite Mountain Gear Backpacking Packs| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Frame Type | Internal Frame |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Gear Capacity (L) | 70 liters |
| Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 4,400 cubic inches |
| Weight | 2 lbs. 7.2 oz. |
| Material(s) | 5 oz. Dyneema Composite Fabric |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Number of Stays | 2 |
| Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
| Pack Access | Top |
| Number of Exterior Pockets | 3 + main compartment |
| Raincover Included | No |
| Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
| Dimensions | 38.5 x 14 x 10.5 |
| Gender | Unisex |
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
3 HMG SW4400s; maybe more!
johwi6 years ago
Interesting. REI is finally carrying Hyperlite! I have owned three HMG Southwest 4400 backpacks. None of them have worn out; I just purchased them for myself and family members over the years since 2015 (My previous bag was a NorthFace Renegade at 6.5 lbs). These HMG packs are extremely light and very durable, and the foundation to keeping my "big three" (backpack, sleeping system, and shelter system) down below 10 lbs. I particularly like the outside pockets that are roomy and fit well. The fabric is hydrophobic and I find that there is no need for a rain cover (I do use a trash bag as an interior liner).
I have used them for week-long trips to the Olympics, Wind Rivers Cirque of the Towers, Northern Wind Rivers, and Gannet Peak Wind Rivers, Grand Canyon (the rangers there use HMG backpacks), Kings Peak in the Uinta Mountains, Paria Canyon, Coyote Gulch, Araviapa Canyon, and Bryce Under the Rim Trail. The white fabric gets a bit discolored over time, but it has grown on me to the point that I can't see myself purchasing colored packs (well, perhaps the black version). When hiking in very hot weather (90 degrees or higher) it can be a bit sweaty on the back. The belt support system is minimal but supportive. My one issue of small belt utility compartments, HMG fixed by making them larger about 18 months ago.
When deciding between the 2400, 3400, and 4400, I figure that the weight penalty is very low on the 4400 (roughly about a half pound for nearly double the amount of size), and it collapses into a smaller size if needed. I even used the Southwest 4400 as a summit bag on Gannett Peak in Wyoming, after carrying close to 45 pounds of equipment and gear. I will likely buy another shortly for other family members.
johwi
Evanston, Wyoming
72 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Shoulder straps shouldve had more padding
emilbel3 years ago
Pack is great but hurt my shoulders after 5 miles. Pack was not too heavy...less than 30lbs
Shoulder straps should have more padding.
For me, pack is not comfortable for long trips (> 5miles), will be looking for something else.
emilbel
denton, tx
23 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
joshb
Love it --- with a few caveats
5 years ago
I've had this pack for over a year and have used it extensively from summer peak trips to winter pulling sleds. All in all the function is superb. I have the previous version which had smaller hipbelt pockets - which I find OK since I sometimes wear a harness under this pack. Wishes: Shoulder straps were a tad more beefy The side compression is both too short and not double backed, so they always come undone the back stuff pocket was 3-4 in taller The internal water bladder pocket came undone on day 1 and I have since had to cut it out Other than those few things (I sewed the side compression straps over anyways), no complaints! It carries extremely well.
Yes , I recommend this product
KJCarlson
Pollock Pines, CA
The Most Comfortable Pack I Have Used
1 year ago
I purchased this pack about a year ago and have used it for several backpacking trips and a couple of snowshoeing trips. This is the most comfortable pack I have used. One of my concerns, from reading reviews before I made the purchase, was that it is pretty stripped down without a lot of adjustment straps. Well I think this is a plus in that this pack is very stable on the trail (and yes it rides close to your back, so it does get sweaty, but even my packs that had mesh were pretty warm). The roll type design also makes it adjustable for multiple uses. I can use it as a daypack when necessary. My only knock on this pack is that it's just a bit too narrow to get a Bearvault 500 in horizontally. It does fit vertically and with some practice I have made that work.
Age:55–64
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:6'1"
Yes , I recommend this product
Karma
Chico, CA
Good so far
4 years ago
I’ve only had the chance to take it out for an extended weekend, but it was easy to pack, the small waist and medium torso fit me well (I’m 5’6”, 130#, 18” torso, 28” waist) and I like the simplicity of it. It’s a switch from my fully loaded multi-day pack and so far I’m glad I made the change! I got the bigger size to carry camera gear, including a hiking tripod and DSLR camera with filters, in addition to the usual backpacking stuff.
Age:45–54
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Yes , I recommend this product
Amber
Wisconsin
Please fix strap width, but it's great backpack
1 year ago
I did like this backback. I gave it 4 stars because it doesn't fit well on my shoulders. When packed, it felt like it put too much pressure on my neck, as if the top part of the straps were sown to close. I am also a woman so maybe that has something to do with it? But it is a very light pack, it held a lot of stuff for winter camping and seemed very well constructed and durable against the elements, though I just hiked in the woods with it and not through any rocks. Definitely pack soft things where your back will be. The reason it is so light is there isn't any frame and thus can be squished very small if needed.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product
Paulie
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Uncomfortable
2 years ago
This bag is an ultralite bag. It is not comfortable, probably due to the fact that it has no frame whatsoever. I replaced my Deuter with this bag to save 1.9 pounds. I wish I still had my Deuter. I just purchased a Gregory Baltero 75. For me, that 2 pounds of extra weight is worth saving your back and shoulders. The chest strap went across my lower neck as well. It just lacks features of a traditional pack. The only reason I gave it two stars instead of one is this pack has one large compartment on the inside. This make the bag much easier to pack however you see fit.
Age:55–64
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'9"
No, I do not recommend this product
Tina the Llama
Every ounce counts!
3 years ago
For this pack I’ve sacrificed a little less comfort for weight. My previous pack weighed 5 lbs, empty, but had a more comfortable fit - more padding in shoulders and hips. The slight problematic area for me with this pack was the shoulders (perhaps the should straps are too wide for my frame) but again, it’s a small sacrifice considering I’ve shed 2.5 pounds with the pack alone. I love to use this pack also as a daypack as it compresses down small. Without a doubt my new favorite backpacking pack!!
Age:45–54
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
alane
San Jose, CA
I love the simplicity
5 years ago
It's a waterproof velcro closure roll-top bag. Not a whole lot like it on the market right now. There are two zippers on the hip belt; that's it. Minimal, basic attachments. White color keeps things cool inside. As a simple top loading sack, it forces me to organize my gear in a specific order; tent outside so i can set up shelter without opening the pack, bedroll in the bottom and food up top for an easy lunch. The suspension is pretty simplistic, there are no load straps for example. So you'd better try one on and make sure it fits your body well. I could say that of any pack, but these are slightly less adjustable than other packs i've had. It might not work for some people. I also have the 2400 for more minimal weekend trips...the 2400 fabric is thinner and practically translucent and you can see the colorful 'guts' of your pack load. The suspension on the 2400 and 4400 seem identical to me. The mesh side pockets do snag on branches as you go by, so that's why you want the solid side pocket fabric.
Amy
Philadelphia, PA
Pretty Much Perfect
1 year ago
I'm a 5'5 woman with a short torso, and I have yet to find a better fitting pack for my body type. After years of backpacking with more "standard" packs with extra padding and features, I didn't know what I was missing until I put this pack on for the first time. I just spent 2 weeks on trail with my HMG 4400 Southwest (size small) and it was a game changer in terms of comfort and weight. It molds to your back and the roll top closure is very effective for keeping things in place. The pockets are spacious, plenty of room for water bottles and quick-access items, and there are just the right number of straps. That said, I would only recommend this pack if you have invested in other ultralight gear to keep your overall pack weight low. The shoulder padding and hip belt are best suited for a lighter load and may not be enough for comfort if your base weight is over 15-20 pounds.
Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'5"
Yes , I recommend this product
johwi
Evanston, Wyoming
3 HMG SW4400s; maybe more!
6 years ago
Interesting. REI is finally carrying Hyperlite! I have owned three HMG Southwest 4400 backpacks. None of them have worn out; I just purchased them for myself and family members over the years since 2015 (My previous bag was a NorthFace Renegade at 6.5 lbs). These HMG packs are extremely light and very durable, and the foundation to keeping my "big three" (backpack, sleeping system, and shelter system) down below 10 lbs. I particularly like the outside pockets that are roomy and fit well. The fabric is hydrophobic and I find that there is no need for a rain cover (I do use a trash bag as an interior liner). I have used them for week-long trips to the Olympics, Wind Rivers Cirque of the Towers, Northern Wind Rivers, and Gannet Peak Wind Rivers, Grand Canyon (the rangers there use HMG backpacks), Kings Peak in the Uinta Mountains, Paria Canyon, Coyote Gulch, Araviapa Canyon, and Bryce Under the Rim Trail. The white fabric gets a bit discolored over time, but it has grown on me to the point that I can't see myself purchasing colored packs (well, perhaps the black version). When hiking in very hot weather (90 degrees or higher) it can be a bit sweaty on the back. The belt support system is minimal but supportive. My one issue of small belt utility compartments, HMG fixed by making them larger about 18 months ago. When deciding between the 2400, 3400, and 4400, I figure that the weight penalty is very low on the 4400 (roughly about a half pound for nearly double the amount of size), and it collapses into a smaller size if needed. I even used the Southwest 4400 as a summit bag on Gannett Peak in Wyoming, after carrying close to 45 pounds of equipment and gear. I will likely buy another shortly for other family members.
Yes , I recommend this product
emilbel
denton, tx
Shoulder straps shouldve had more padding
3 years ago
Pack is great but hurt my shoulders after 5 miles. Pack was not too heavy...less than 30lbs Shoulder straps should have more padding. For me, pack is not comfortable for long trips (> 5miles), will be looking for something else.
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
No, I do not recommend this product
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