Gear Junkie Best Ultralight Backpacking Backpack

Rated 4.9 out of 5
Based on 268 reviews

Southwest 40

Formerly '2400 Southwest'
From $349.00

SKU: 3-10240-0

This 40L 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: 29.9oz | 848g (Med/White), 32.4oz | 919g (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 40?

WHY CHOOSE THE SOUTHWEST 40?

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
Excellent Ultralight Durable Pack and Comfortable!
What a difference a pack can make on difficult climbs. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Southwest is not just tough enough for the rocky canyons of the American Southwest its named after, it can handle the White Mountains in winter. Forget the bells and whistles, this pack doesn't need them to perform flawlessly.
Steve G.
Verified Buyer
Rated five stars
Greatness
I really like this pack. Lightweight and comfortable to carry. Very well Made with durable material. This is just a straight forward, sweet pack that can be used anywhere.
Brent B.
Verified Buyer
Rated five stars
Plain and Simple Excellence
I hiked the CDT with this pack. It has everything you need or want: nice support, great fit, plenty of space, and the outer pockets are perfect.
Jacob M.
Verified Buyer

SPECS & DIMENSIONS

  • MaterialsWhite: DCH50 (Main Body) & DCH150 (Bottom)
    Black: DCH150 (Main Body & Bottom)
  • Internal Volume40L
  • External Volume9.8L
  • WeightWhite: 29.9oz | 848g
    Black: 32.4oz | 919g
    *Average weight based on size Medium
  • Load CapacityUp to 40lbs
  • Back Width10.5" | 26.7cm
  • Height (Fully Unrolled)30.0" | 76.2cm
  • Top Circumference37.5" | 95.3cm
  • Bottom Circumference33.5" | 85.1cm
  • Made InMexico

WHY CHOOSE THE SOUTHWEST 40?

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 268 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    238 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    24 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    3 Reviews
  • 2 Stars
    3 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    0 Reviews
98% 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 Pat C.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
65+
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Day Hiking
  • Other
What size pack did you order?
Small
Rated 5 out of 5

Hyperlight pack

Love my pack! Easy to pack and carry! So lightweight, Thank you!

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I recommend this product
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
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Rated 3 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by Neal R.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
35 - 44
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Day Hiking
What size pack did you order?
Large
Rated 5 out of 5

Great for the jungle

I just returned from using this pack for a month in the humid Caribbean. It was great! I loved the waterproof materials I. The random rain squalls, and it stayed pretty sand free at the beach. The straps and belt were comfortable even with a full load.

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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
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Rated 4 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by 浩祐 猪.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
45 - 54
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Day Hiking
  • Alpine/Ice Climbing
  • Backpacking
What size pack did you order?
Medium
Rated 5 out of 5

冒険の旅

素晴らしいザックです

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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
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Rated 4 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by Joseph M.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
25 - 34
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Alpine/Ice Climbing
What size pack did you order?
Tall
Rated 5 out of 5

Great bag

Awesome bag, very dependable

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I recommend this product
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
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Rated 5 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by Kara
Verified Reviewer
Age Range
25 - 34
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Thru Hiking
What size pack did you order?
Medium
Rated 5 out of 5

Can’t stop won’t stop

This backpack made it the whole Appalachian Trail and I can attest to its waterproofness. Thanks 2023 AT 💦 also consistently sat on my **** and scooched along with the backpack taking most of the beating, and it barely scratched. Not a zipper or strap broken in 2200 miles. The only thing of note is to keep whatever is in the very bottom of your pack in a dry bag or trash bag, because when it pours you do end up with a puddle at the very bottom. You can also rig an umbrella to it if you have enough willpower.

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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
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Rated 4 out of 5
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FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $200