Southwest 40 Rucksack – White DCH50

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Ultralight, durable, and weather-resistant, the Southwest 40 is built to handle everything from technical trails to bushwhacking, offering excellent performance in varied environments

Hyperlite Mountain Gear says: 

This pack is designed for on-trail, off-trail, and all-season environments, with solid-fabric exterior pockets to eliminate snag risk, protect stowed gear, and provide privacy when resupplying in towns. One of our three all-purpose backpacking models, this workhorse is designed for almost any backcountry activity, from on-trail hiking to the most demanding off-trail and all-season environments.

Our Verdict

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40 Rucksack in white DCH50 is a durable, ultralight option for both on- and off-trail adventures. Weighing just 823g (medium size), it strikes an excellent balance between weight-saving minimalism and rugged durability. The Dyneema fabric, known for its superior water resistance, ensures that this pack stands up well to wet conditions. The lighter DCH50 material on the white model offers adequate abrasion resistance, though the black DCH150 version is slightly more robust in rough terrain.

With a 40L main compartment and an additional nearly 10L of external storage, the Southwest 40 is ideal for multi-day trips. The solid-fabric external pockets help to prevent snagging on branches or rocks, though they lack elasticity, limiting their adaptability when fully packed. The removable aluminium stays provide good weight distribution, making the pack more comfortable under heavy loads, but some may find the minimal padding on the hip belt and shoulder straps less comfortable with a heavier kit.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Identical to Windrider/Junction but with solid-fabric exterior pockets
• Two over the pocket compression straps for load security
• D-shaped flat bottom keeps pack upright while loading/unloading
• Roll-top closure with internal mesh sleeve & hydroport
• White pack is 50-denier DCH fabric, Black pack is 150-denier
• Bucklesbungees – Four exterior triglide buckles for optional pack accessory straps
• Compatiable with Pods, string or Roll-Top Stuff Sacks, Stuff Sack Pillow
• Daisy chains on shoulder straps
• Three External, solid Hardline with Dyneema® pockets
• Hardline with Dyneema® zippered pockets on hip belt with #5 YKK zipper
• Roll-Top closure system with side compression straps for vertical compression
• Hardline with Dyneema® dual-density hip belt with 1/8” closed cell rigid foam, 1/4” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
• Integrated 1/4” foam back panel pad
• Internal 8″ x 14” mesh sleeve for hydration bladder
• Grab Loop & Ice Axe loop
• Accessory options Shoulder Pocket, Versa, Stuff Sacks & Pods
• Side compression straps for horizontal compression
• Top Y-strap compression — Designed to secure gear
• Hardline with Dyneema® shoulder straps with 3/8” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
• Two removable, contoured aluminum stays
• Adjustable sternum strap with self-tensioning elastic and whistle
• Seam tape on all vertical side seams and behind all sewn-on pack features
• Water resistant

Specifications

• Medium Weighs: 823g
• Large Weighs: 875g 
• Volume – 40L
• External Volume – 9.8L
• Load Capacity – Up to 40 lbs
• Back Width – 10.5″ | 26.7 cm
• Height (Fully Unrolled) – 30.0″ | 76.2 cm
• Top Circumference – 37.5″ | 95.3 cm
• Bottom Circumference – 33.5″ | 85.1 cm

Material & Construction

• White – DCH50 (Main Body) & DCH150 (Bottom)

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Ultralight Rucksack
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Rucksack