2022 TASK & PURPOSE "BEST OVERALL BACKPACK"

Rated 5.0 out of 5
Based on 362 reviews

Southwest 55

Formerly '3400 Southwest'
From $379.00

SKU: 3-10255-1

Our preferred pack for backpacking in dense, heavily wooded trails in the roughest, toughest climates.

55L PACK, IDEAL FOR

  • Dry, Rocky Environments
  • Backpacking 
FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $200

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.

OUR CLOSE QUARTERS TRAIL PACK

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 | 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?

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 5.0 out of 5
Based on 362 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    346 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    14 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    2 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
Customer photos and videos
Review posted
Reviewed by Camille
Verified Buyer
Age Range
25 - 34
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
What size pack did you order?
Small
Rated 5 out of 5

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!

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Rated 4 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by Landon
Verified Buyer
Age Range
35 - 44
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Day Hiking
  • Fly Fishing
  • Other
What size pack did you order?
Large
Rated 5 out of 5

Great Quality

This back pack is amazing and can't suggest it enough. Great as all year round back pack for me.

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Rated 4 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by INGYIN H.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
25 - 34
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Day Hiking
What size pack did you order?
Small
Rated 5 out of 5

High built quality

I’ve grown to love it more and more

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How was your pack fit?
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Rated 5 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by Jodi W.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
45 - 54
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
What size pack did you order?
Small
Rated 5 out of 5

In love!

In love! Just need to learn to pack it better ! Love the slim look. Carries 25 lb very well !

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How was your pack fit?
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Rated 3 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by Rodrigo C.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
25 - 34
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Day Hiking
What size pack did you order?
Medium
Rated 5 out of 5

Best Travel Companion

Super light, durable, and expandable. ZERO complaints.

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Rated 3 out of 5
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SOUTHWEST IN THE WILD

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $200