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After using the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack on a recent backpacking trip, I can confidently say that it’s one of the best backpacks on the market for serious backpackers. This backpack is specifically designed for backpacking, with a 55-liter volume that’s perfect for multi-day trips where resupply points are less frequent.
One of the standout features of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack is its superlight weight, which is essential when every ounce counts. The pack material is 100% waterproof Dyneema® composite fabric, ensuring that your gear stays dry in wet conditions.
The pack is also incredibly comfortable, with contoured aluminum stays for support and stability, as well as Hardline with Dyneema shoulder straps and hipbelt with foam padding for added comfort. The side compression straps come in handy for horizontal compression, ensuring that your gear stays in place while you’re on the move.
While the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack is an excellent backpack for serious backpackers, it might not be the right fit for everyone. Factors such as budget, size, comfort, style, accessibility, heavy loads, and extreme weather conditions should be taken into consideration. Overall, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack is a fantastic backpack that’s built to last, with features that you won’t find in many other backpacks.
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack Review: Who is it for?
As an avid backpacker with years of experience under my belt, I’ve come across a wide range of backpacks. However, I recently stumbled across the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack, and I couldn’t resist sharing my thoughts on this product.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that this backpack is specifically designed for backpacking. It’s not a run-of-the-mill backpack that you’d use for your daily commute or a weekend getaway. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack is built to withstand the toughest of conditions and is best suited for backpackers who prioritize durability, functionality, and weight.
The 55-liter volume of this pack is perfect for weekend, section or thru-hikes where resupply points are less frequent, or for trips requiring flexibility. The pack is superlight, which is a huge plus when it comes to backpacking, as every ounce counts. The main compartment is made with 100% waterproof Dyneema® composite fabric, and the white colorway is made with 50-denier Dyneema for a slightly lower pack weight. On the other hand, the black colorway is constructed with 150-denier Dyneema, which is more tightly woven for increased durability with a marginal increase in pack weight.
One of the best features of this backpack is the Hardline with Dyneema pockets. They add an extra line of defense around the gear you’ll want to quickly reach at any time without having to open your whole pack. It’s also worth mentioning that the top can roll down to make the overall size of the pack similar to the 2400, but that additional pack space can come in handy when you need it.
The roll-top closure system with side straps for vertical compression is a fantastic feature that allows you to easily adjust the size of your pack depending on how much gear you’re carrying. The side compression straps also come in handy for horizontal compression, ensuring that your gear stays in place while you’re on the move.
The removable, contoured aluminum stays offer excellent support and stability, making it easier to carry your gear for extended periods. The Hardline with Dyneema shoulder straps with 3/8 in. closed cell foam and spacer mesh, and 1/4 in. foam back panel pad offer incredible comfort, which is essential for long backpacking trips.
The Hardline with Dyneema hipbelt with 1/8 in. closed-cell rigid foam and zippered pockets on hipbelt with #5 YKK zipper is another feature that sets this backpack apart from others. The hipbelt pockets are perfect for storing items you need quick access to while on the go, such as snacks, a phone, or a camera.
It’s worth mentioning that the adjustable sternum strap with self-tensioning elastic is a feature that you’ll come to appreciate after a long day of hiking. The Hydro port and internal mesh hydro sleeve hold your hydration reservoir (sold separately), ensuring that you stay hydrated while on the move.
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack is also compatible with Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pack Accessory Straps (sold separately), making it easy to attach additional gear to your backpack.
Overall, I think that the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack is best suited for backpackers who prioritize durability, functionality, and weight. It’s a fantastic backpack that’s built to last, with features that you won’t find in many other backpacks.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack Review: Who isn’t it for?
While the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack is an excellent backpack for backpackers, it’s not the right fit for everyone. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider a different backpack:
1. Budget: The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack is not a cheap backpack. If you’re on a tight budget, this might not be the right backpack for you. There are plenty of other backpacks on the market that are more budget-friendly.
2. Size: The 55-liter volume might be too big for some backpackers. If you’re planning on going on a shorter trip, you might not need that much space. Alternatively, if you’re planning on going on a longer trip, you might need a bigger backpack.
3. Comfort: While the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack is designed to be comfortable, it might not be the right fit for everyone. If you have a larger or smaller frame, the backpack might not fit you properly, which can lead to discomfort and pain while hiking.
4. Style: The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack has a unique style that might not be to everyone’s liking. If you’re looking for a more traditional-looking backpack, this might not be the right fit for you.
5. Accessibility: While the Hardline with Dyneema pockets are a great feature, they might not be the easiest to access while on the go. If you need quick access to your gear, this might not be the right backpack for you.
6. Heavy loads: While the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack is designed to be lightweight, it might not be the best choice for carrying heavy loads. If you need to carry a lot of gear, you might need a backpack that’s designed to handle heavier loads.
7. Weather conditions: While the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack is made with 100% waterproof Dyneema® composite fabric, it might not be the best choice for extreme weather conditions. If you’re planning on backpacking in the rain or snow, you might need a backpack that’s more weather-resistant.
Overall, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack is an excellent backpack for backpackers who prioritize durability, functionality, and weight. However, if you’re on a tight budget, need a different size, prioritize style or accessibility, need to carry heavier loads, or need a backpack that’s more weather-resistant, you might want to consider a different backpack.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack Review: Conclusion
After using the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack on a recent backpacking trip, I can confidently say that it’s one of the best backpacks on the market for serious backpackers. This backpack is specifically designed for backpacking, with a 55-liter volume that’s perfect for multi-day trips where resupply points are less frequent.
One of the standout features of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack is its superlight weight, which is essential when every ounce counts. The pack material is 100% waterproof Dyneema® composite fabric, ensuring that your gear stays dry in wet conditions.
The pack is also incredibly comfortable, with contoured aluminum stays for support and stability, as well as Hardline with Dyneema shoulder straps and hipbelt with foam padding for added comfort. The side compression straps come in handy for horizontal compression, ensuring that your gear stays in place while you’re on the move.
While the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack is an excellent backpack for serious backpackers, it might not be the right fit for everyone. Factors such as budget, size, comfort, style, accessibility, heavy loads, and extreme weather conditions should be taken into consideration. Overall, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest Pack is a fantastic backpack that’s built to last, with features that you won’t find in many other backpacks.