Windrider 55 by Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Worth the hype

I had reservations about this pack, surely it wouldn't carry as well as the more traditional packs that I have used? Those shoulder straps look thin, surely they can't be very comfortable? Would I even like a pack that doesn't have very many pockets to stow a million things? I was very well pleased when I got this pack, transferred my gear over, did several test hikes, and all of my reservations turned out to be false. I really appreciate the simplicity of this pack, and somehow it is amazingly comfortable even with a 34lb loadout. The mesh pockets stretch and do hold a surprising amount of things. I would like for the mesh main pocket to be a bit taller, but it is sufficient and works well. I am very glad that I gave this pack a try, it really is excellent and worth even bit of hype, and every penny that it costs

It’s not just hype.

Sometimes when I pack it just right I swear it feels as if I’m carrying only a feather- like some sort of weird voodoo magic. If I pack it slightly off it pulls on my shoulders and gives me a little crock in my neck after 10 miles. The white Dyneema is fantastic- it’s so tough and it’s now become my favorite pack to actually pack- the white let’s you see everything in your pack easily- it’s so roomy it feels double the size of comparable ultra light packs. It’s so durable it inspires confidence. I bought myself a used Southwest in a 40 liter and I loved it so much I got my husband the 4400 Southwest and then my son the 3400 Windrider. I have already decided to steal it on occasion. The mesh is perfect for drying things out while hiking. I like getting stuff done while I’m on trail- #onemanband It’s a very simple pack with well padded shoulder straps and a wide comfy hip belt. Ann in all I’d love to see all my packs made with the white Dyneema- I even use it after Labor Day….