2022 TASK & PURPOSE "BEST OVERALL BACKPACK"

Rated 4.9 out of 5
Based on 437 reviews

Southwest 55

Formerly '3400 Southwest'
From $379.00

SKU: 3-10255-1

This 55L pack is designed for on-trail, off-trail, and all-season environments, with solid-fabric exterior pockets to eliminate snag risk, protect stowed gear, and provide privacy when resupplying in towns.

DESIGNED FOR: All-purpose backpacking
GREAT FOR: Any on-trail or off-trail backcountry activity
WEIGHT: 31.7oz | 899g (Med/White), 34.6oz | 981g (Med/Black)

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $200

PRIMARY FEATURE SUMMARY

One of our three all-purpose backpacking models, this workhorse is designed for almost any backcountry activity, from on-trail hiking to the most demanding off-trail and all-season environments. Primary features include:

  • Identical to Windrider/Junction but with solid-fabric exterior pockets
  • Two over the pocket compression straps for load security
  • D-shaped flat bottom keeps pack upright while loading/unloading
  • Roll-top closure with internal mesh sleeve & hydroport
  • White pack is 50-denier DCH fabric, Black pack is 150-denier
PRIMARY FEATURE SUMMARY

WHY CHOOSE THE SOUTHWEST 55?

WHY CHOOSE THE SOUTHWEST 55?

Key Feature

SOLID & SECURE

Three easily accessible external pockets to store and protect your gear

Key Feature

DURABLE ABRASION PROTECTION

External Hardline with Dyneema® side pockets keep your gear protected and free from any unwanted snags or abrasion

Key Feature

WATERPROOF MATERIALS

Pair with our Stuff Sacks for a buttoned up, nearly waterproof kit

FEATURES

  • External Pockets:Three external, solid Hardline with Dyneema® pockets
  • Zippered Pockets:Hardline with Dyneema® zippered pockets on hip belt with #5 YKK zipper
  • Internal Sleeve:Internal 8" x 14” mesh sleeve for hydration bladder
  • Top Closure:Roll-Top closure system with side compression straps for vertical compression
  • Hip Belt:Hardline with Dyneema® dual-density hip belt with 1/8” closed cell rigid foam, 1/4” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
  • Back:Integrated 1/4” foam back panel pad
  • Loops:Grab Loop & Ice Axe loop
  • Side Straps:Side compression straps for horizontal compression
  • Top Compression Straps:Top Y-strap compression -- Designed to secure gear
  • Shoulder Straps:Hardline with Dyneema® shoulder straps with 3/8” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
  • Sternum Straps:Adjustable sternum strap with self-tensioning elastic and whistle
  • Buckles/Bungees:Four exterior triglide buckles for optional pack accessory straps
  • Stays:Two removable, contoured aluminum stays
  • Sealing:Seam tape on all vertical side seams and behind all sewn-on pack features
  • Pack Accessory Options:Shoulder Pocket, Versa, Stuff Sacks & Pods
  • Daisy Chains:Daisy chains on shoulder straps
  • Water Resistant:Yes
  • Compatible With:Pods, Drawstring or Roll-Top Stuff Sacks, Stuff Sack Pillow
Rated five stars
So Light and Comfy
I’m glad I researched and found this. It’s literally the perfect pack. It's light, comfy and massive yet compact. Hip belt pockets are the perfect size as well.
Patrick M.
Verified Buyer
Rated five stars
Best Gear Choice I've Made!
I bought the southwest to replace my much heavier pack. I've used this several times now and each time I marvel at how light it is, but even more how well it carries weight. Additionally, the customer service was great when I was looking at sizing. Can't wait to put a ton more miles on this thing.
Eleanor
Verified Buyer
Rated five stars
All I Had Hoped For
I love my pack. Lots of expansion for big trips. It’s light and compresses for short day trips. It keeps things dry on wet trips. Looks stylish on sunny trips.
Kayla H.
Verified Buyer

SPECS & DIMENSIONS

  • MaterialsWhite: DCH50 (Main Body) & DCH150 (Bottom)
    Black: DCH150 (Main Body & Bottom)
  • Internal Volume55L
  • External Volume9.8L
  • WeightWhite: 31.7oz | 899g
    Black: 34.6oz | 981g
    *Average weight based on size Medium
  • Load CapacityUp to 40lbs
  • Back Width10.5" | 26.7cm
  • Height (Fully Unrolled)34.0" | 86.4cm
  • Top Circumference40.0" | 101.6cm
  • Bottom Circumference33.5" | 85.1cm
  • Made InMexico

WHY CHOOSE THE SOUTHWEST 55?

Key Feature

SOLID & SECURE

Three easily accessible external pockets to store and protect your gear

Key Feature

DURABLE ABRASION PROTECTION

External Hardline with Dyneema® side pockets keep your gear protected and free from any unwanted snags or abrasion

Key Feature

WATERPROOF MATERIALS

Pair with our Stuff Sacks for a buttoned up, nearly waterproof kit

Features

  • External Pockets:Three external, solid Hardline with Dyneema® pockets
  • Zippered Pockets:Hardline with Dyneema® zippered pockets on hip belt with #5 YKK zipper
  • Internal Sleeve:Internal 8" x 14” mesh sleeve for hydration bladder
  • Top Closure:Roll-Top closure system with side compression straps for vertical compression
  • Hip Belt:Hardline with Dyneema® dual-density hip belt with 1/8” closed cell rigid foam, 1/4” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
  • Back:Integrated 1/4” foam back panel pad
  • Loops:Grab Loop & Ice Axe loop
  • Side Straps:Side compression straps for horizontal compression
  • Top Compression Straps:Top Y-strap compression -- Designed to secure gear
  • Shoulder Straps:Hardline with Dyneema® shoulder straps with 3/8” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
  • Sternum Straps:Adjustable sternum strap with self-tensioning elastic and whistle
  • Buckles/Bungees:Four exterior triglide buckles for optional pack accessory straps
  • Stays:Two removable, contoured aluminum stays
  • Sealing:Seam tape on all vertical side seams and behind all sewn-on pack features
  • Pack Accessory Options:Shoulder Pocket, Versa, Stuff Sacks & Pods
  • Daisy Chains:Daisy chains on shoulder straps
  • Water Resistant:Yes
  • Compatible With:Pods, Drawstring or Roll-Top Stuff Sacks, Stuff Sack Pillow

Product Walkthrough Video | Southwest

Product Reviews and Questions

average rating 4.9 out of 5
Based on 437 reviews
  • 5 Stars
    390 Reviews
  • 4 Stars
    43 Reviews
  • 3 Stars
    4 Reviews
  • 2 Stars
    0 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    0 Reviews
99% of reviewers would recommend this product to a friend
How was your pack fit?
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Small, 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Big
Rate your level of experience in the backcountry.
Rated 3 out of 5
Customer photos and videos
Review posted
Reviewed by Elói Batista - S.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
25 - 34
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Day Hiking
What size pack did you order?
Tall
Rated 5 out of 5

Fantastic. Don’t think I have anything to complain about.

After multiple day-hikes and a three day hike along the west coast with a lot of mud and scrambling, I don’t think I have anything negative to say about this pack. I was apprehensive that the pack didn’t have load lifters, but I found I really didn’t need it even with a 27LB bag weight (water and food included). Side pockets are a perfect fit for a Smart bottle and a Helinox chair in one side and bottle and bear spray in the other. My back did get rather sweaty when using this pack, but what can you expect…there’s no venting. I’m super happy with this pack. Shoulders and hips fit great and felt good even on day three of hiking 7/8 hours a day.

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How was your pack fit?
Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Small, 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Big
Rate your level of experience in the backcountry.
Rated 4 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by John B.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
65+
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Fly Fishing
What size pack did you order?
Large
Rated 5 out of 5

Nicely done

I am really happy with this pack. I am using on longer trips to pack extra client stuff. I like the flexibility of being able to expand as needed. The waist belt and should straps work.

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Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Small, 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Big
Rate your level of experience in the backcountry.
Rated 3 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by Takanori
Rated 5 out of 5

5 Stars

軽くて背負い心地も良く、買って満足。腰の湾曲にピッタリ合うので腰で支えられる。168センチでMサイズが丁度いい。ロールトップから底まで深いので、ある程度のまとまりで袋に入れて出し入れした方がいい。小分けにして入れると探しづらい。ポケット類が無いので、財布やスマホ、自動車の鍵、サングラス等を入れておく場所がないので工夫が必要。

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Review posted
Reviewed by Kevin C.
Verified Buyer
Age Range
18 - 24
What activities did you use this product for?
  • Backpacking
  • Thru Hiking
What size pack did you order?
Large
Rated 5 out of 5

Great pack

I bought this pack to backpack in Colorado, where I live and also to travel. It is a perfect carry on for planes because you can fit it the overhead, while you keep the rest of your gear under your seat. It is alap great for camping because it is just one giant pocket. Overall a great pack.

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Rated 0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2, where minus 2 is Too Small, 0 is Just Right and 2 is Too Big
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Rated 4 out of 5
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Review posted
Reviewed by rachel
Rated 5 out of 5

5 Stars

Best bag ever

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FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $200