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 resulting from its distinctive waterproofness, sturdy development, and considerate on-trail performance. 

The inherently weather-resistant Dyneema Composite Hybrid material and taped seams stored our gear bone dry even after intensive water publicity exams. 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 progressive backside pocket with trash port entry. Nevertheless, the skinny shoulder strap padding and slick again panel will not be very best for many who prioritize plush cushioning and most airflow.

Whereas the Unbound 40 is on the dear aspect, its top-tier supplies and meticulous development supply glorious long-term worth, notably for devoted ultralight backpackers who frequent harsh situations and log critical path mileage.

consolation

The Unbound 40 won’t look very comfy at first look, with its lack of ample cushioning and mesh again panels, however its sheer simplicity is definitely its primary consolation function. 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 surprising scorching 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 nicely. Hyperlite achieves a surprisingly steady and balanced carry without 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 easy suspension system, we wouldn’t thoughts seeing a bit of 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 gathered again sweat is noticeable.

Performance

The Unbound 40 is packed filled with useful options for the on-trail backpacker, though it lacks an ice axe loop. The pack consists of commonplace options reminiscent of a roll-top enclosure with a prolonged prime 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 fascinating. The cut up mesh pocket on the entrance has two entry factors, the underside of which is good 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 fashionable backside stretch pocket with an included trash port. After mountaineering extensively with this function, one in all our gear analysts has sworn loyalty to it and can by no means hike with out a backside pocket once more.

The ultimate notable function of the Unbound 40 is the copious quantities of daisy chains. If you happen to like clipping gear to the skin of your pack, that is the one for you, and it makes up for the shortage 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 waterproof, eliminating the necessity for a Sturdy Water Repellent therapy or polyurethane coating. Moreover, every vertical aspect seam and sewn-on pack function is taped to additional improve water resistance. The sure vertical seams minimize down on seam bunching, making taping extra environment friendly and efficient.

Though whole waterproofing can by no means be assured, and it’s at all times a good suggestion to make use of a pack liner, we strongly advocate any Hyperlite pack for adventures in relentlessly moist situations.

Building

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

The Unbound takes Hyperlite’s strong development to the subsequent degree with webbing-reinforced seams. The entrance and backside mesh pockets—a standard 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 on the market in two material variations – a white, 50-denier, and black 150-denier model. For optimum sturdiness, go along with the black model.

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

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

This pack notably excels for adventures in relentlessly moist situations, 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 nicely for a minimalist pack regardless of the reasonably padded shoulder straps and hipbelt. Nevertheless, hikers preferring most airflow towards their again could need to think about packs with extra breathable again panels.

The Unbound 40 is a big funding, however its cutting-edge supplies and bombproof development create long-term worth, particularly for many who log plenty of path miles or steadily enterprise into rugged situations. 

Finances backpackers who don’t want the last word climate safety and sturdiness can probably discover a appropriate various for a decrease value. However for the intense ultralight backpacker looking for a purposeful, weatherproof, and intensely sturdy pack, the premium value of the Unbound 40 shall be nicely 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 dimension over amount.

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

Zpacks Arc Haul Extremely 60 Evaluate: This pack has unimaginable development with extra everlasting waterproofing through its Extremely material development and laminated waterproof backing. Chopping-edge supplies meet extremely light-weight sturdiness with the Arc Haul Extremely.