Southwest 55 Rucksack – White DCH50

Jump to: Our Verdict / Features / Specifications

Durable, water-resistant, and ultralight, the Southwest 55 is perfect for multi-day hikes in challenging conditions without weighing you down.

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 55 Rucksack in white DCH50 is an ultralight pack for hikers tackling multi-day trips across various terrains. Weighing just 878g (medium size), this 55L pack combines durability and weather resistance with a minimalist design, making it a popular choice for ultralight enthusiasts. Its main body is constructed from 50-denier Dyneema, which offers excellent water resistance, while the 150-denier bottom provides extra abrasion protection.

The pack’s solid-fabric Dyneema pockets are designed to prevent snagging on rough terrain, though their lack of elasticity may limit their adaptability when fully loaded. With nearly 10L of external storage, the Southwest 55 provides ample space to stash gear without needing to access the main compartment frequently. The removable aluminium stays and dual-density hip belt ensure the pack handles weight well.

This rucksack’s streamlined design, featuring a user-friendly roll-top closure and compression straps, allows for natural compression and expansion, accommodating your gear as you restock from to. While some may prefer more padding for longer hikes, the Southwest 55 remains an excellent choice for hikers looking to balance durability and low weight.

Durable, water-resistant, and ultralight, the Southwest 55 is perfect for multi-day hikes in challenging conditions without weighing you down.

– 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: 878g
• Large Weighs: 922g 
• Volume – 55L
• External Volume – 9.8L
• Load Capacity – Up to 40 lbs
• Back Width – 10.5″ | 26.7 cm
• Height (Fully Unrolled) – 34.0″ | 86.4 cm
• Top Circumference – 40.0″ | 101.6 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