Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Ultralight Backpack Evaluate

Backside Line

The Hyperlite Unbound 40 is the #1 choose from our information to our favourite ultralight backpacks on account of its distinctive waterproofness, sturdy building, and considerate on-trail performance. 

The inherently weather-resistant Dyneema Composite Hybrid material and taped seams saved our gear bone dry even after intensive water publicity assessments. The Unbound’s easy but efficient suspension system comfortably carried a great deal of as much as 40 kilos throughout our testing within the Rocky Mountains.

We love the distinctive group options, such because the cut up entrance mesh pocket, roomy aspect pockets, hefty hipbelt pockets, and an modern backside pocket with trash port entry. Nonetheless, the skinny shoulder strap padding and slick again panel might not be very best for many who prioritize plush cushioning and most airflow.

Whereas the Unbound 40 is on the expensive aspect, its top-tier supplies and meticulous building supply wonderful long-term worth, significantly for devoted ultralight backpackers who frequent harsh circumstances and log critical path mileage.

consolation

The Unbound 40 won’t look very snug at first look, with its lack of ample cushioning and mesh again panels, however its sheer simplicity is definitely its principal consolation characteristic. Overbuilt packs that make you are feeling such as you’re strapped right into a rollercoaster seat with their sturdy hip belts and overly padded shoulder straps can usually trigger sudden sizzling spots or pack rash. 

The Unbound (and all HMG packs) options nothing on its again panel however an built-in plastic sheet with a high-density quarter-inch foam backing. This slick, non-abrasive again sheet glides freely throughout your physique with out inflicting a lot friction.

The body, which consists of a easy, contoured aluminum keep, transfers weight to the hips exceptionally effectively. Hyperlite achieves a surprisingly secure and balanced carry while not having load lifters or an overbuilt hipbelt. Throughout our testing, this pack dealt with a great deal of as much as 40 kilos with ease.

Regardless of the effectiveness of the straightforward suspension system, we wouldn’t thoughts seeing slightly extra padding on the shoulder straps. Additionally, though there’s some arch to the body, it doesn’t have the airflow of another packs nor the moisture absorption of an uncovered foam again panel, so collected again sweat is noticeable.

Performance

The Unbound 40 is packed stuffed with useful options for the on-trail backpacker, though it lacks an ice axe loop. The pack contains customary options akin to a roll-top enclosure with a prolonged high Y-strap and elastic (though considerably flimsy) aspect straps. The hipbelt pockets and aspect pockets are all roomy and simple to entry.

The entrance panel and backside are the place issues get attention-grabbing. The cut up mesh pocket on the entrance has two entry factors, the underside of which is right for reaching small gadgets which have sunk to the underside of the pocket or storing issues like a spork, tent stakes, or trowel in their very own designated space. 

The Unbound additionally options the more and more widespread backside stretch pocket with an included trash port. After mountaineering extensively with this characteristic, one in all our gear analysts has sworn loyalty to it and can by no means hike with no backside pocket once more.

The ultimate notable characteristic of the Unbound 40 is the copious quantities of daisy chains. When you like clipping gear to the surface of your pack, that is the one for you, and it makes up for the dearth of an ice axe loop.

Water Resistance

The Unbound is likely one of the most waterproof ultralight packs that we examined. Even after a critical drenching, the pack’s contents unsurprisingly emerged dry as a bone.

The pack’s Dyneema Composite Hybrid (DCH) material is inherently extraordinarily water-resistant, eliminating the necessity for a Sturdy Water Repellent therapy or polyurethane coating. Moreover, every vertical aspect seam and sewn-on pack characteristic is taped to additional improve water resistance. The certain vertical seams reduce down on seam bunching, making taping extra environment friendly and efficient.

Though complete waterproofing can by no means be assured, and it’s all the time a good suggestion to make use of a pack liner, we strongly suggest any Hyperlite pack for adventures in relentlessly moist circumstances.

Development

Like all Hyperlite packs, the Unbound 40 excels at sturdiness and building. We’ve encountered numerous trail-worn Hyperlite packs with 1000’s upon 1000’s of miles on them, and though they’re soiled, their building appears all however bulletproof. 

The Unbound takes Hyperlite’s stable building to the subsequent degree with webbing-reinforced seams. The entrance and backside mesh pockets—a typical weak level for many packs—are constituted of ultra-durable Dyneema mesh.

The minor draw back to the Unbound’s superior structural integrity is the added weight. Its weight-to-capacity ratio is 0.7 ounces per liter, which is heavy for an ultralight pack however a lot lighter than conventional packs.

 The Unbound is out there in two material variations – a white, 50-denier, and black 150-denier model. For max sturdiness, go together with the black model.

Ought to You Purchase The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Ultralight Backpack?

The Unbound 40 is a superb alternative for backpackers who prioritize gear entry and group, superior water resistance, and critical sturdiness. 

This pack significantly excels for adventures in relentlessly moist circumstances, because of its use of extremely waterproof DCH material and taped seams. The cut up mesh entrance pocket and backside ‘trash’ pocket are distinctive options that improve on-trail effectivity.

The suspension system transfers weight exceptionally effectively for a minimalist pack regardless of the reasonably padded shoulder straps and hipbelt. Nonetheless, hikers preferring most airflow towards their again could need to contemplate packs with extra breathable again panels.

The Unbound 40 is a major funding, however its cutting-edge supplies and bombproof building create long-term worth, particularly for many who log numerous path miles or ceaselessly enterprise into rugged circumstances. 

Price range backpackers who don’t want the last word climate safety and sturdiness can doubtless discover a appropriate various for a decrease value. However for the intense ultralight backpacker looking for a useful, weatherproof, and very sturdy pack, the premium worth of the Unbound 40 shall be effectively price it.

What Different Ultralight Backpacks Ought to You Think about?

The Hyperlite Unbound 40 isn’t the one pack we love – take a look at our full checklist of favorites!

Hyperlite Southwest 55 Evaluate: For these looking for much more minimalism and a little bit of value financial savings, the Southwest 55 is a good various. It’s constructed by the identical firm however options pockets that favor measurement over amount.

Atom Packs The Pulse EP50 Evaluate: The Pulse is a robust contender towards the Unbound 40. It has comparable options (like Dyneema mesh and a backside trash pocket), distinctive building, and water resistance. We additionally love the addition of shoulder strap pockets. 

Zpacks Arc Haul Extremely 60 Evaluate: This pack has unimaginable building with extra everlasting waterproofing by way of its Extremely material building and laminated waterproof backing. Slicing-edge supplies meet extremely light-weight sturdiness with the Arc Haul Extremely.