Hyperlite Southwest 55 Review!

[@Norcalhighker]

Great video man. I just got the unbound 55. It’s so much bigger than the kakwa 40. I just took the 40 on the HST and it didn’t carry well. You seen people adding load lifters to the Hyperlite bags? Wondering how much of a difference that’d make..

[@GearGarden]

I haven’t seen that! I would be interested in doing that for sure, mostly to make it better and better! It surprised me as to how well it is built to where the frame makes it so you don’t need them! But I am interested in that!

[@Norcalhighker]

@@GearGarden I gotta see how the unbound carries with that one stay in the back vs. the 2 in the southwest. There’s a couple straps on the shoulders people have been using g-hooks to attach the load lifters. One guy did a clean job and one guy used electric tape. Both certainly have their merits 😆

[@dmar0652]

I've got the same pack and I LOVE IT! It can't handle as much weight as my heavy duty Osprey (Aether 60 plus I think??) but it works wonders with an ultralight kit. Packing it right plays a big role in this bag from what I can tell. I've had the same problem with water bottles so I'm switching to shoulder bottle holders.

[@GearGarden]

Ok I’m glad I’m not the only one who has had as much water issues! Haha it works ok if I’m going on trips where I’m super dialed and bring minimal gear, but the big trips with a bigger bear can it’s harder! I love this pack though dude. It might just be becoming my new favorite. It’s so hard. This thing is a true work horse! What do you like most about it?

[@dmar0652]

@@GearGarden Honestly, I just like the simplicity of it and having somewhat confidence that my gear won't get soaked in some light rain. I'm planning my first ever thru-hike of the Appalachain and I know the weather tends to be unpredictable on it. I kinda just wish it had some extra straps on the bottom to attach a foam sleeping pad...

[@GearGarden]

@@dmar0652 that’s so exciting dude!! I’m jealous!!! I would love to go out there! What year you bringing???

[@dmar0652]

@@GearGarden That's a really interesting question because I'm currently re-thinking most of my gear for the trail. Right now my big three are the big agnes tiger wall 2p, nemo tensor insulated, nemo switchback, nemo disco sleeping bag, and hyperlite southwest 55. I'm considering switching that tensor pad out for a gossamer gear 1/8" foam pad and just stacking the pads. I'll switch the disco bag out for an EE Enigma quilt. I really want to trade out the big agnes tent for a durston X mid 1p pro but I'm not sure if I'm ready for that investment yet. I'll be setting off this time next year, so the temperatures will definitely be colder but that tends to be how I prefer it. I did a bunch of summer backpacking this year and it just wasn't nearly as nice as the fall and winter season for me.

[@dmar0652]

@@GearGarden I'm actually still in the process of finding a hiking buddy so if you know anyone planning on hiking the AT, please lmk.