2022 TASK & PURPOSE "BEST OVERALL BACKPACK"

Rated 4.9 out of 5
Based on 431 reviews

Southwest 55

Formerly '3400 Southwest'
From $379.00

SKU: 3-10255-1

This 55L 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.

DESIGNED FOR: All-purpose backpacking
GREAT FOR: Any on-trail or off-trail backcountry activity
WEIGHT: 31.7oz | 899g (Med/White), 34.6oz | 981g (Med/Black)

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $200

PRIMARY FEATURE SUMMARY

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. Primary features include:

  • 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
PRIMARY FEATURE SUMMARY

WHY CHOOSE THE SOUTHWEST 55?

WHY CHOOSE THE SOUTHWEST 55?

Key Feature

SOLID & SECURE

Three easily accessible external pockets to store and protect your gear

Key Feature

DURABLE ABRASION PROTECTION

External Hardline with Dyneema® side pockets keep your gear protected and free from any unwanted snags or abrasion

Key Feature

WATERPROOF MATERIALS

Pair with our Stuff Sacks for a buttoned up, nearly waterproof kit

FEATURES

  • External Pockets:Three external, solid Hardline with Dyneema® pockets
  • Zippered Pockets:Hardline with Dyneema® zippered pockets on hip belt with #5 YKK zipper
  • Internal Sleeve:Internal 8" x 14” mesh sleeve for hydration bladder
  • Top Closure:Roll-Top closure system with side compression straps for vertical compression
  • Hip Belt:Hardline with Dyneema® dual-density hip belt with 1/8” closed cell rigid foam, 1/4” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
  • Back:Integrated 1/4” foam back panel pad
  • Loops:Grab Loop & Ice Axe loop
  • Side Straps:Side compression straps for horizontal compression
  • Top Compression Straps:Top Y-strap compression -- Designed to secure gear
  • Shoulder Straps:Hardline with Dyneema® shoulder straps with 3/8” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
  • Sternum Straps:Adjustable sternum strap with self-tensioning elastic and whistle
  • Buckles/Bungees:Four exterior triglide buckles for optional pack accessory straps
  • Stays:Two removable, contoured aluminum stays
  • Sealing:Seam tape on all vertical side seams and behind all sewn-on pack features
  • Pack Accessory Options:Shoulder Pocket, Versa, Stuff Sacks & Pods
  • Daisy Chains:Daisy chains on shoulder straps
  • Water Resistant:Yes
  • Compatible With:Pods, Drawstring or Roll-Top Stuff Sacks, Stuff Sack Pillow
Rated five stars
So Light and Comfy
I’m glad I researched and found this. It’s literally the perfect pack. It's light, comfy and massive yet compact. Hip belt pockets are the perfect size as well.
Patrick M.
Verified Buyer
Rated five stars
Best Gear Choice I've Made!
I bought the southwest to replace my much heavier pack. I've used this several times now and each time I marvel at how light it is, but even more how well it carries weight. Additionally, the customer service was great when I was looking at sizing. Can't wait to put a ton more miles on this thing.
Eleanor
Verified Buyer
Rated five stars
All I Had Hoped For
I love my pack. Lots of expansion for big trips. It’s light and compresses for short day trips. It keeps things dry on wet trips. Looks stylish on sunny trips.
Kayla H.
Verified Buyer

SPECS & DIMENSIONS

  • MaterialsWhite: DCH50 (Main Body) & DCH150 (Bottom)
    Black: DCH150 (Main Body & Bottom)
  • Internal Volume55L
  • External Volume9.8L
  • WeightWhite: 31.7oz | 899g
    Black: 34.6oz | 981g
    *Average weight based on size Medium
  • Load CapacityUp to 40lbs
  • Back Width10.5" | 26.7cm
  • Height (Fully Unrolled)34.0" | 86.4cm
  • Top Circumference40.0" | 101.6cm
  • Bottom Circumference33.5" | 85.1cm
  • Made InMexico

WHY CHOOSE THE SOUTHWEST 55?

Key Feature

SOLID & SECURE

Three easily accessible external pockets to store and protect your gear

Key Feature

DURABLE ABRASION PROTECTION

External Hardline with Dyneema® side pockets keep your gear protected and free from any unwanted snags or abrasion

Key Feature

WATERPROOF MATERIALS

Pair with our Stuff Sacks for a buttoned up, nearly waterproof kit

Features

  • External Pockets:Three external, solid Hardline with Dyneema® pockets
  • Zippered Pockets:Hardline with Dyneema® zippered pockets on hip belt with #5 YKK zipper
  • Internal Sleeve:Internal 8" x 14” mesh sleeve for hydration bladder
  • Top Closure:Roll-Top closure system with side compression straps for vertical compression
  • Hip Belt:Hardline with Dyneema® dual-density hip belt with 1/8” closed cell rigid foam, 1/4” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
  • Back:Integrated 1/4” foam back panel pad
  • Loops:Grab Loop & Ice Axe loop
  • Side Straps:Side compression straps for horizontal compression
  • Top Compression Straps:Top Y-strap compression -- Designed to secure gear
  • Shoulder Straps:Hardline with Dyneema® shoulder straps with 3/8” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
  • Sternum Straps:Adjustable sternum strap with self-tensioning elastic and whistle
  • Buckles/Bungees:Four exterior triglide buckles for optional pack accessory straps
  • Stays:Two removable, contoured aluminum stays
  • Sealing:Seam tape on all vertical side seams and behind all sewn-on pack features
  • Pack Accessory Options:Shoulder Pocket, Versa, Stuff Sacks & Pods
  • Daisy Chains:Daisy chains on shoulder straps
  • Water Resistant:Yes
  • Compatible With:Pods, Drawstring or Roll-Top Stuff Sacks, Stuff Sack Pillow

Product Walkthrough Video | Southwest

Product Reviews and Questions

average rating 4.9 out of 5
Based on 431 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    384 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    43 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    4 Reviews
  • 2 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    0 Reviews
99% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
How was your pack fit?
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Small, 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Big
Rate your level of experience in the backcountry.
Rated 3 out of 5
Review posted
Reviewed by Christopher H.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
55 - 64
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Day Hiking
  • Fly Fishing
What size pack did you order?
Large
Rated 5 out of 5

8 miles and insane!

Already done 8 miles of hiking with this pack at my Rim to Rim load. Insane! Everything is an advertised and I see no issues with the durability. Follow the fit chart instructions and you’ll be fine. IF you have questions call or email. I made a mistake in my measurements on the first pack and HLMG made it right with a new pack on its way that day…nothing but great things to say about the company and the gear.

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Rated 2 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by Thomas W.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
55 - 64
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
What size pack did you order?
Tall
Rated 5 out of 5

Excellent

Your pack met all my expectations and more. Thanks

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Rated 2 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by Nick
Rated 5 out of 5

5 Stars

Best pack around. Love the outer pocket, waterproof seam-sealed which means no need for a rain cover. Great customer service. Discounts for nurses.

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Reviewed by Eusebio
Rated 5 out of 5

5 Stars

Amazing piece of kit

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Review posted
Reviewed by Mike o.
Verified Reviewer
Age Range
65+
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
What size pack did you order?
Medium
Rated 5 out of 5

Exceptional pack!

I bought my Southwest 34 pack in 2019 and have since hiked the entire PCT and have many shorter weekend trips as well. This pack is TOUGH! I'm an older hiker and have many other packs, but the Southwest is BY FAR the best of the bunch. Buy it & you will not be disappointed.

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Rated 5 out of 5
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FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $200