Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40L Backpack vs Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L
Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.
Fully waterproof Dyneema Composite Hybrid pack with aluminum stays and foam back panel. Built for off-trail use in harsh conditions. 29.7 oz.
Full details →Ultralight thru-hiking pack with carbon fiber frame and Dyneema Composite Hybrid fabric. Features roll-top closure and adjustable torso fit.
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Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40L Backpack vs Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L: which should you buy?
If saving weight is your priority, the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L wins — at 606 g it is 235 g (28%) lighter than the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40L Backpack (841 g). That said, the heavier option may justify the extra grams with more capacity, durability or comfort, so weigh the trade-off against how you'll use it.
See where both rank against everything else in this category on the lightest backpack page, or browse the full gear weight database.