Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Ultralight Backpack Evaluation

Backside Line

The Hyperlite Unbound 40 is the #1 decide from our information to our favourite ultralight backpacks as a consequence of its distinctive waterproofness, sturdy development, and considerate on-trail performance. 

The inherently weather-resistant Dyneema Composite Hybrid cloth and taped seams saved our gear bone dry even after in depth 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 break up entrance mesh pocket, roomy aspect pockets, hefty hipbelt pockets, and an progressive backside pocket with trash port entry. Nonetheless, the skinny shoulder strap padding and slick again panel will not be ideally suited for individuals who prioritize plush cushioning and most airflow.

Whereas the Unbound 40 is on the dear aspect, its top-tier supplies and meticulous development supply wonderful long-term worth, significantly for devoted ultralight backpackers who frequent harsh situations and log severe 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 predominant 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 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 with no need 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 slightly extra padding on the shoulder straps. Additionally, though there may be 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 accrued 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 commonplace options reminiscent of 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 break up mesh pocket on the entrance has two entry factors, the underside of which is right for reaching small objects 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 common backside stretch pocket with an included trash port. After mountain climbing extensively with this characteristic, certainly one of 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. In case you like clipping gear to the skin 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 without doubt one of the most waterproof ultralight packs that we examined. Even after a severe drenching, the pack’s contents unsurprisingly emerged dry as a bone.

The pack’s Dyneema Composite Hybrid (DCH) cloth 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 sure vertical seams lower down on seam bunching, making taping extra environment friendly and efficient.

Though complete 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.

Development

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 stable development to the subsequent stage with webbing-reinforced seams. The entrance and backside mesh pockets—a standard weak level for many packs—are created from 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 accessible in two cloth variations – a white, 50-denier, and black 150-denier model. For optimum 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 selection for backpackers who prioritize gear entry and group, superior water resistance, and severe sturdiness. 

This pack significantly excels for adventures in relentlessly moist situations, due to its use of extremely waterproof DCH cloth and taped seams. The break 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. Nonetheless, hikers preferring most airflow towards their again could need to contemplate 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 individuals who log a variety of path miles or continuously enterprise into rugged situations. 

Price range backpackers who don’t want the last word climate safety and sturdiness can doubtless discover a appropriate various for a decrease price. However for the intense ultralight backpacker searching for a purposeful, weatherproof, and intensely sturdy pack, the premium value of the Unbound 40 will probably be nicely value it.

What Different Ultralight Backpacks Ought to You Take into account?

The Hyperlite Unbound 40 isn’t the one pack we love – try our full listing of favorites!

Hyperlite Southwest 55 Evaluation: For these searching for much more minimalism and a little bit of price 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 Evaluation: The Pulse is a robust 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 Evaluation: This pack has unbelievable development with extra everlasting waterproofing by way of its Extremely cloth development and laminated waterproof backing. Chopping-edge supplies meet extremely light-weight sturdiness with the Arc Haul Extremely.