2022 TASK & PURPOSE "BEST OVERALL BACKPACK"
Southwest 55
SKU: 3-10255-1
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)
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
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
- 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?
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
Product Walkthrough Video | Southwest
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Product Reviews and Questions
5 Stars
Awesome Pack
Really excellent pack
Excellent pack! Took this out on a backpacking trip in the Rockies and then a long day hike in northern CO/southern WY and it has been great. I love the flexibility of the roll top closure—being able to use it backpacking and also for a day hike and have it feel like equally as good for both is amazing. I had my eye on this for a long time but didn’t want to commit because of the price—but eventually I gave in because of the reviews, and it was definitely worth it. I know I’ll use this for many years on many adventures to come!
Finally got to use this, loved the pack!
I finally got to load this up and use it. Don't hate me, but my first trip with it was city hopping through Europe, and not out on the trail.
I left home with about 35 liters filled and had extra space to expand to about 45 liters for the trip home, I had to get some goodies for family. The big outer pocket fit my work laptop perfectly so it was easy to pull out for security, and the side pockets held my Nalgene and snack just as they were meant to. Bag had no issues getting through security with the frame and it's size was easy as a carry on in the overhead storage. I could slide it into my Delta flights straight in, so it was an easy fit.
I used the medium and large packing cubes, so I had it densely loaded, but it supported the weight great as I navigated Paris, London, and the surrounding area, walking through the cities and getting on and off trains/metros.
I am 6 feet and half an inch tall, and weight about 170, and the large was a perfect fit. It sat great on my hips with the waist strap.
I will get this out into the woods or desert soon! Loved the pack though!
Fantastic. Don’t think I have anything to complain about.
After multiple day-hikes and a three day hike along the west coast with a lot of mud and scrambling, I don’t think I have anything negative to say about this pack. I was apprehensive that the pack didn’t have load lifters, but I found I really didn’t need it even with a 27LB bag weight (water and food included). Side pockets are a perfect fit for a Smart bottle and a Helinox chair in one side and bottle and bear spray in the other. My back did get rather sweaty when using this pack, but what can you expect…there’s no venting. I’m super happy with this pack. Shoulders and hips fit great and felt good even on day three of hiking 7/8 hours a day.
Nicely done
I am really happy with this pack. I am using on longer trips to pack extra client stuff. I like the flexibility of being able to expand as needed. The waist belt and should straps work.