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Built for serious miles, this ultralight pack balances durability with comfort for extended treks.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear says:
This pack is designed for on-trail, off-trail, and all-season environments, with one mesh and two solid exterior pockets for the best of both Southwest and Windrider features.
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.
Our Verdict
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 55 is one of the best packs I've tried for multi-day backpacking and thru-hiking, thanks to its well-balanced design that offers both ultralight weight and durability. Made from rugged Dyneema Composite Hybrid (DCH50) fabric, the Junction 55 holds up remarkably well to the varied terrain I’ve taken it through, all while weighing in at just around 882 grams in the medium size. It's surprisingly spacious without feeling bulky, with 55 litres of main storage and an additional 10 litres across external pockets.
One of my favourite features is the roll-top closure, which gives me flexibility in how much I pack and provides an excellent barrier against the elements. The combination of a front mesh pocket and solid side pockets is especially handy—I've used the mesh for drying damp gear on the go and stowed items that need extra protection in the solid pockets. It is worth noting that the mesh has no elasticity, so it doesn't have much “give”. For comfort, the removable aluminium stays and foam back panel do a great job distributing weight, and the padded hip and shoulder straps make it manageable even when pushing up to 18 kilograms. That said, it truly shines with loads under 14 kilograms (or less), making it ideal for longer treks where every gram counts.
Overall, the Junction 55 combines lightweight practicality with a durable, comfortable build—perfect for anyone looking to cover serious miles without unnecessary bulk.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Identical to Southwest/Windrider but with a mesh center exterior pocket and two solid-fabric side 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
- Four exterior triglide buckles for optional pack accessory straps
- Compatible with Pods, Drawstring or Roll-Top Stuff Sacks, Stuff Sack Pillow
- Daisy chains on shoulder straps
- One external center mesh pocket with two solid-panel Hardline with Dyneema® pockets on the sides – dry gear faster with the middle pocket, protect or hide items in the sides
- Hardline with Dyneema® zippered pockets on hip belt with #5 YKK zipper
- Roll-Top closure system with side compression straps for vertical compression
- Hardline with Dyneema® dual-density hip belt with 1/8” closed cell rigid foam, 1/4” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
- Integrated 1/4” foam back panel pad
- Internal 8" x 14” mesh sleeve for hydration bladder
- Grab Loop & Ice Axe Loop
- Shoulder Pocket, Versa, Stuff Sacks & Pods
- Side compression straps for horizontal compression
- Top Y-strap compression -- Designed to secure gear
- Hardline with Dyneema® shoulder straps with 3/8” closed cell foam and spacer mesh
- Two removable, contoured aluminum stays
- Adjustable sternum strap with self-tensioning elastic and whistle
- Seam tape on all vertical side seams and behind all sewn-on pack features
- Bar tacked reinforcements
- Water resistant
Specifications
- Medium Weighs: 882g
- Large Weighs: 927g
- Volume - 55L
- External Volume - 9.8L
- Load Capacity - Up to 40 lbs
- Back Width - 10.5" | 26.7 cm
- Height (Fully Unrolled) - 34.0" | 86.4 cm
- Top Circumference - 40.0" | 101.6 cm
- Bottom Circumference - 33.5" | 85.1 cm
Material & Construction
- White - DCH50 (Main Body) & DCH150 (Bottom)
