Weight
893 g
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40
Ultralight backpack for shorter hikes from the legendary brand Hyperlite Mountain Gear. The Southwest is our preferred backpack for traveling along densely forested trails in the harshest climatic conditions. HMG relies on a simple, proven design and the best materials. The backpack is constructed from super durable, lightweight, and waterproof Dyneema® material. The black version uses an even more durable but slightly heavier material – DCH150.
The most durable backpack from HMG, ideal for short hikes for true fans of ultralight and thru-hiking.
Durable backpack for trekking
The Southwest 40 backpack is best suited for treks characterized by dry environments, rocky and stony surfaces, and overgrown trails with dense vegetation.
The volume of 40 liters is best suited for shorter and weekend hikes. Thanks to the roll-top closure and two compression straps on each side, you can easily reduce the size of the backpack, making it useful for single-day mountain climbs as well. If you want to undertake longer trips with the Southwest 40 backpack, you'll need to have a well-tuned and ultralight gear list and the ability to regularly resupply (every 2-4 days) along the way. Of course, you can also opt for a version with larger volume – Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55.
Backpacks from Hyperlite Mountain Gear are among the most used on long-distance trails in the USA, such as the Pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail, which, in our opinion, speaks for something. (This information is based on annual surveys on the halfwayanywhere.com blog).
Specifications
External pockets: The side pockets are made from a very durable strong material, Hardline with Dyneema®, which allows the backpack to withstand pushing through narrow overgrown trails.
Hydration reservoir compatibility: Inside the backpack, there is a mesh pocket measuring 20,3 x 35,6 cm for a hydration bladder and a loop for hanging it. On one side, there is an opening for the drinking tube covered with a flap and Velcro.
Hip belt and hip padding: The hip belt is padded with a firm yet comfortable closed-cell foam and is equipped with a spacer mesh.
Loops: Loops for attaching an ice axe and a central loop between the shoulder straps for lifting the backpack.
Top compression strap: Y-shaped top compression strap – designed to secure or attach gear (jackets, tents, sleeping pads, etc.).
Chest strap: Vertically adjustable and removable chest strap with self-tensioning elastic strap.
Backpack reinforcement: Two removable aluminum stays are inserted in separate sleeves and secured with Velcro.
Reinforcement of stressed areas: Reinforced bartack stitching.
Daisy Chains: Daisy Chains on the shoulder straps allow for attaching pockets, for example, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Shoulder Pocket.
Zippered pockets: Two spacious zippered pockets on the hip belt made of Hardline material with Dyneema® featuring waterproof #5 YKK zippers and an HMG pull tab.
Top closure: Roll-top closure system with Velcro and straps with buckle for vertical compression.
Back panel: The back of the backpack is padded with an integrated thin but stiff foam panel with a thickness of 0,63 cm.
Side straps: There are 2 side compression straps on each side for securing gear and horizontal compression.
Shoulder straps: Shoulder straps made of Hardline material with Dyneema® with padding made of comfortable closed-cell foam and spacer mesh.
Buckles: Four external buckles on the back of the backpack for additional straps – Gear Pack Accessory Straps (not included in the package).
Seam sealing: All side seams and seams behind the attached components of the backpack are sealed with waterproof tape.
Accessory options: Shoulder Pocket, Versa, Pods.
Waterproof: Yes.
Technical parameters
- Internal volume: 40 liters
- External volume: 9,8 liters
- Weight: 916 grams (size M)
- Load capacity: up to 18,1 kg
- Back panel width: 26,7 cm
- Upper circumference of the backpack: 95,3 cm
- Bottom circumference of the backpack: 85,1 cm
- Height of the fully unrolled backpack: 76,2 cm
The specified parameters are for size Medium.
Materials
Dyneema® fiber is a revolutionary material not only in the outdoor industry. With its remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, it is the strongest fiber in the world. Dyneema® fibers are 15x stronger than high-quality steel, lightweight, abrasion-resistant, waterproof, and resistant to UV radiation and chemicals.
The HMG Southwest backpack (available in both white and black) is constructed from hybrid composite Dyneema® fabrics—DCH150 (170 g/m2), which is created by merging and laminating additional layers with Dyneema® fibers. This material excels in high abrasion resistance, exceptional strength, excellent rip-stop properties, and impermeability to moisture.
Although the material itself is 100% waterproof, stitching creates tiny perforations. While most (more than 90%) seams in the backpack are taped, it cannot be considered completely waterproof. For full protection against water and moisture, we recommend using the backpack with waterproof dry bags.
How to choose the size?
| Backpack size | Length of the torso |
| Small | 38–43 cm |
| Medium | 43–48 cm |
| Large | 48–53 cm |
| Tall | more than 53 cm |
If you're unsure about choosing the right size, you can contact us. We will be happy to help you.
Product data
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40
Usage
SizeM
ColorBlack
Weight893 g
value-undefined.options.option-use.name
Maximum load capacity18,1 kg
SexUnisex
value-undefined.options.option-material.name
MaterialDCH150, Hardline with Dyneema
Material compositionNylon, Polyester, Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
value-undefined.options.option-construction.name
Backpack frame typeAluminum frame
Back panel paddingNo
Removable frameYes
value-undefined.options.option-dimensions.name
External volume9,8 l
Volume49.8 l
Internal volume40 l
SizeM, L, S, XL
Other
ColorBlack, White
ManufacturerHyperlite Mountain Gear
We will help you with your selection
If you are unsure about which size or color to choose, or if you have any other questions, feel free to contact us via email or directly in the online chat. We are here for you.
DC
Customer support
Mon - Fri, 08:00 - 15:00