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Updated April 23, 2025: Take the Gear Match Quiz to find the perfect bag for you → CLICK HERE
This year I'm committed taking hiking more seriously. I want to challenge myself and do the longest trail in my state.
So, naturally, I bought a bunch of gear. Why else would I have a hobby except to buy more stuff?
One of the most important pieces of gear on the trail is an ultra-light backpack. After a tad too much research, I found myself on the Hyperlite Mountain Gear website.
But I wasn't looking for a backpack, I was looking for the backpack.
Being honest, I didn't know a darn thing about ultralight gear, but I spent a solid week down the rabbit hole... so I'm a bit of an expert now.
It wasn't just backpacks that I looked into, but this is an interesting category where you go as light as possible, but still have that durability to carry your entire life on your back.
I guess the algorithm knew exactly what I was looking for because I kept getting ads for the Junction 55L and haven't looked back since.
Year-Over-Year Best Seller
Junction 55L
Waterproof | Ultra-light | Reliable
This is the perfect bag for really anything outdoors. Don't need the full 55 litres? It can be rolled down to fit exactly what you need. It's durable, light, comfortable... the list goes on.
See for yourself why this is consistently the most loved ultra-light bag in the through hiking community.
So Why Did I Choose the Junction 55L?
- Large enough for multi-day treks
- Lightweight Construction
- Durable, Waterproof material
- Thousands of amazing customer reviews
The reviews sold it hard for me. Just for this one bag there are hundreds of 5-star reviews from extremely experienced backcountry hikers.
Let's break it down...
1) Ultra Light Everything
Hyperlite's whole brand is being lighter, while going more miles than any other brand.
The Junction 55 weighs just over 2 lbs, and can haul up to 40 lbs.
I immediately noticed the difference on my first climb. The lighter backpack made it easier to carry, and didn't feel like I was carrying an elephent all day.
You don't realize how much your old pack is holding you back until you carry something this light
This bag alone took 3 lbs off my weight, and didn't sacrifice a single piece of gear.
2) An Unreal Strength to Weight Ratio
I touched on this in point 1, but the Junction 55 can carry 20x its weight.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear uses Dyneema Composite Fabric.
The fabric is much more durable, and lighter than any other material I've used. Plus, there's a mesh pocket that protects the bag from contact with branches and rocks.
Out of this world! Buy this pack!
Wed Apr 23, 2025
I was introduced to this brand/pack by a hiking buddy my partner and I met in Yellowstone last year. Before our annual pilgrimage this season to Yellowstone, I decided to order the 55L Junction pack. For reference, I previously used a 55L Osprey pack. I can't say enough how much I love this pack! The packability, weight, comfort, and durability are truly out of this world. Plus, the material is both durable and waterproof, giving me peace of mind in all kinds of weather conditions.
Oh Yeah, I almost forgot to mention...
Dyneema is naturally waterproof. I don't know why more companies don't use Dyneema Composite Fabric.
3) Built for Functionality
Everything on the Junction bag is easily accessible and just makes sense. It's obvious that this bag is made by hikers, for hikers.
The side pockets are deep but reachable. The front mesh panel is perfect for wet gear. And the roll-top design keeps everything tight, secure, and protected.
It's one of those pieces of gear that makes you think, "Yep, this was made by someone who actually uses it."
4) 1 Year Warranty
I won't lie, it's a big investment. When I first got mine, I almost felt like I didn't want to take it out of the bag, expose it to the elements, and risk it getting damaged. Maybe if I just put it on my shelf I could admire it every day.
But these bags were born to explore the world! Having something that makes you a little more confident taking this thing into the woods would go a long way.
Luckily, Hyperlite Mountain Gear covers all their bags from manufacturing defects for a year after purchase. And if anything goes wrong after, they're still willing to look and give fixing it a shot.
I'd give my money to a brand that not only believes in their product, but also wants it to last as long as possible. Hyperlite Mountain Gear is that brand.
5) Proven by Experienced Adventurers
Obviously, I'm no Andrew Skurka, so it's nice to know that so many other adventurers have tried and loved this bag. I'm a big fan of reading reviews and testimonials before diving into a product.
Here's probably the most motivating one I found:
John E.
Wed Apr 23, 2025
I am very happy with my Junction 55. On my training hikes at a local state park, I have packed it with 30 pounds, and it performs like my other packs with 25 pounds. I don't have to make constant adjustments to the shoulder straps and belt. I'm looking forward to using it on the AT next month.
John E. is 65+ and about to take this beast of a bag on the Appalachian Trail. Godspeed John, I hope I can do the same as you one day. When I do, I'll be taking the same bag as you.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Honestly, I can't think of a better bag than this. For any outdoor activity, this will be the pack I have on my back. Camping, festival, backpacking, hiking, this is my new go-to
If you're still unsure, you can look at some of the other reviews online. But I promise you, this bag is worth every penny.
Ready to Return to Nature?
Have a trip coming up soon? Hyperlite Mountain Gear can have your bag to you as three days from your order thanks to overnight shipping. But I recommend checking out the Junction 55L bag before the last minute.
Shop the Perfect Bag For Your Next Adventure
Natan Ruman
The MustHave Writer
Year-Over-Year Best Seller
Junction 55L
Waterproof | Ultra-light | Reliable
This is the perfect bag for really anything outdoors. Don't need the full 55 litres? It can be rolled down to fit exactly what you need. It's durable, light, comfortable... the list goes on.
See for yourself why this is consistently the most loved ultra-light bag in the through hiking community.
10 Reviews
Great functionality and fit
Sun Mar 2, 2025
Outstanding pack. Weight, layout, ease of use all spot on as was the fit.
1st lightweight backpack
Tue Dec 3, 2024
I have the junction 40 in black, this is my 3rd year owning it. I really enjoy everything about this pack. Sometimes in winter I wish I bought the 55 liter because you can roll it down to the 40 liter, but have that extra room for winter layers, or a longer food carry. I have been through rain and snow and never had any water leak in. I also use dry bags( hyperlite dry bags) for down and clothes. It's a little expensive but you get what you pay for with this one. After 3 years there is a little wear at bottom near hip belt but that's it. I also use a compactor bag inside. I can probably fit 4 or so days of food with all my other gear.
Enjoying the pack!
Wed Sep 11, 2024
The Junction 55 is a great backpack. I won't typically use it for over 30 lbs, but under that it has proven to be very comfortable. Above 30 lbs, it seems to pull a bit heavy in the shoulders, neck. I'm between 5' 9" and 5' 10" and have a 19" torso and went with the large size which seems perfect. I've had a bit of tearing of the mesh in the back, so it needs to be handled kind of carefully.
Year-Over-Year Best Seller
Junction 55L
Waterproof | Ultra-light | Reliable
This is the perfect bag for really anything outdoors. Don't need the full 55 litres? It can be rolled down to fit exactly what you need. It's durable, light, comfortable... the list goes on.
See for yourself why this is consistently the most loved ultra-light bag in the through hiking community.
