2022 TASK & PURPOSE "BEST OVERALL BACKPACK"
Southwest 55
SKU: 3-10255-1
55L PACK, IDEAL FOR
- Dry, Rocky Environments
- Backpacking
OUR CLOSE QUARTERS TRAIL PACK
On rugged and tight trails, the Southwest 55 is a flexible performer that can adapt and handle the way gear volumes change for weekend, section, or thru hikes. Ideal when resupply points are less frequent and/or for equipment flexibility is needed. When the extra volume is not in use, the 55’s top can roll down enough to make the overall size of the pack similar to the 40, but that additional space can come in pretty handy when you need it.
When the route is thick with vegetation, requires the occasional up and over immovable objects, and calls for “suck in your gut and shimmy through” type moves, the Southwest is the backpack you want up-close and personal. This pack family is made specifically for tough adventures that would rip most other ultralight-style packs to shreds.

WHY CHOOSE THE SOUTHWEST 55?
WHY CHOOSE THE SOUTHWEST 55?
SOLID & SECURE
Three easily accessible external pockets to store and protect your gear
DURABLE ABRASION PROTECTION
External Hardline with Dyneema® side pockets keep your gear protected and free from any unwanted snags or abrasion
WATERPROOF MATERIALS
Pair with our Stuff Sacks for a buttoned up, nearly waterproof kit
FEATURES
Featured Product Reviews
SPECS & DIMENSIONS
- MaterialsWhite: DCH50 (Main Body) & DCH150 (Bottom)
Black: DCH150 (Main Body & Bottom) - Internal Volume55L | 3400 cu in.
- External Volume9.8L | 600 cu in.
- WeightWhite: 2.0 lbs | 31.6 oz | 896 g
Black: 2.2 lbs | 34.5 oz | 979 g
*Average weight based on size medium - Load CapacityUp to 40 lbs
- Back Width10.5" | 26.7 cm
- Height (Fully Unrolled)34.0" | 86.4 cm
- Top Circumference40.0" | 101.6 cm
- Bottom Circumference33.5" | 85.1 cm
- Made InMexico
WHY CHOOSE THE SOUTHWEST 55?
SOLID & SECURE
Three easily accessible external pockets to store and protect your gear
DURABLE ABRASION PROTECTION
External Hardline with Dyneema® side pockets keep your gear protected and free from any unwanted snags or abrasion
WATERPROOF MATERIALS
Pair with our Stuff Sacks for a buttoned up, nearly waterproof kit
Product Reviews and Questions
Fantastic pack
I bought this pack for a 9-day backpacking trip that was mostly off-trail and included some class 3 scrambling. It carried really comfortably (max daily weight about 22lbs), and moved so well with me on the more technical sections, which was one of my big concerns, especially as a smaller person.
Love how simple the pack is, how big the waist pockets are, and I was able to keep all daily items on the outside of the pack which made everything so easy!
I'm 5'2", torso length 16.5", and the Small was an excellent fit. I will say, my hips are 32" and waist 27", and I was an inch or two away from bottoming out the waistbelt. So good for me, but may be an issue if you're smaller.
I first tried this pack out with a bladder, and that did not work well for me. The bladder was pushing out against the back of the pack, making it sit a little further away from me and it really pulled on the straps, causing tension and pain in my shoulders. Once I switched to bottles in the side pockets, the pack fit perfectly and felt great!
Super excited to get a lot more use out of this pack in the future!
Great Quality
This back pack is amazing and can't suggest it enough. Great as all year round back pack for me.
High built quality
I’ve grown to love it more and more
In love!
In love! Just need to learn to pack it better ! Love the slim look. Carries 25 lb very well !
Best Travel Companion
Super light, durable, and expandable. ZERO complaints.