Hyperlite Mountain Gear Review

About Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Ah, the great outdoors! Out there, you can trek, climb, paddle, or bike as high, far and wide as you want to go. But, of course, you need to have the right gear to tackle it, and the right amount to let you go the distance. Too much, and you’ll be calling it quits before sundown on day one. Too little, and you’ll find yourself cold, wet, and hungry before long. 

If you’d like to avoid all that, then check out this Hyperlite Mountain Gear review. This brand sells all manner of durable and lightweight waterproof backpacks, pods, and tents to trailblazers across the world, and also supplies gear to professionals working in outdoor industries through their Pro Program.

The passionate community of climbers, hikers, and bikers that rely on Hyperlite to get them to the other side of no man’s land number over 98.6K strong on Facebook and 113K on Instagram. The brand has also been featured in such outlets as OutDoorGearLab, Gear Junkie, Gear Patrol, Outside Magazine, and The Trek.

Can this gear really get you there and back again, like Bilbo Baggins once said? Keep reading this Hyperlite Mountain Gear review to get the full rundown on the brand, its bestselling products, promos, and customer appraisals so you can pack for your next outdoor excursion with confidence.

Overview of Hyperlite Mountain Gear

It was in 2009 that brothers and avid outdoorspersons Dan and Mike St. Pierre of the mighty state of Maine, USA, founded Hyperlite Mountain Gear to enhance both their and other people’s experiences off the beaten trail. What started as Mike DIYing his own custom backpack has grown into a worldwide brand.

Hyperlite makes its products with the idea that less is more, or “everything less matters,” as it were. It promotes an essentialist philosophy of providing you with only the gear that can hold or handle everything you know you’ll need, stripping off all the unnecessary bells and whistles that other brands tack on.

Sure, “it’s better to have and not need than need and not have” are words of wisdom in some cases, but too much stuff you’re likely not going to need will simply weigh you down and keep you from getting where you want to go. That’s what Hyperlite is all about.

All Hyperlite products are made with locally sourced materials and manufactured at the brand’s headquarters in Biddeford, Maine, although the pandemic necessitated the opening of a second shop in Mexico. But rest assured that the brand still monitors product quality constantly, and is always looking to find new ways to maximize the efficiency of its gear.

Ready to get this Hyperlite Mountain Gear review rolling? Let’s kick things off with an overview of the brand’s most notable highlights:

Highlights

• Wide range of outdoors equipment including backpacks, tents, accessories, and apparel
• Backpacks are lightweight, durable, and water-resistant, with user-friendly exterior straps and buckles provide easy access to items you strap on your backpack
• Backpacks feature padded shoulder and waist straps to help support the load on your back and avoid injury
• Tents cover a large area and can be set up either on the ground or suspended from above
• Free shipping on US orders of $200 and up
• International shipping 
• Installment payment option available via Affirm

Planning to head out this weekend and face down nature, red in tooth and claw? Then stick with this Hyperlite Mountain Gear review as we spotlight some of the brand’s bestselling backpacks and tents.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Backpacks Review

You remember in Lord of the Rings where Sam is in charge of carrying all of the camping gear in that huge, uncomfortable-looking pack of his? No? Okay, but still, we can all agree that when you’re heading out into the wild, you want the most lightweight and efficient pack possible, and that’s what Hyperlite Mountain Gear backpacks are all about. Check them out below.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Junction Review

Hills, forests, a small canyon, maybe even a river? Well, aren’t you just Daniel godd**n Boone, then! You’ve got a lot of different types of terrain to cover, so you’ll need a storage solution for all the gear you’ll need to tackle them. May we present the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Junction.

This all-purpose pack will keep your essentials safe and secure no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. You can strategically divide your load between the pack’s main compartment, which holds up to 40 liters, and the outer mesh pouch and side pockets, which can handle 10 liters total. 

The foam-padded back, shoulder straps, and detachable belt of this 2-pound pack ensure you can handle its 40-pound load capacity with ease. It also comes in small (15”-17”), medium (17”-19”), large (19”-21”), and tall (over 21”) sizes to accommodate all torso lengths. 

Don’t know the right size for you? No worries. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Find the section at the base of your neck where the C7 vertebrae juts out; it should feel like a little bump
2. Put your hands on your hips, right on the bones that jut out that make up your pelvic girdle, and have your thumbs pointing towards your back
3. Have someone measure the distance between your C7 vertebrae and the point in between your fingers and, voila, you have your torso size

If you’re stuck on the edge between two sizes, the brand recommends going bigger so you don’t have to end up going home early. You can get the 2400 Junction in black or white for $320.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak Ultralight Review

Okay, so say that you’re not ready to be the next Bear Grylls just yet. Maybe you’re a big-city kid who just wants to spend a day getting to know the wilderness a little bit better. You know you’re probably not going to need much, but you still need a pack that’s going to hold all your essentials without straining your shoulders.

For those day trips, you need the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Daybreak Ultralight. The 17-liter interior and 6-liter exterior capacities are perfect for transporting your trekking gear, snacks, water bottles, and emergency equipment. It even comes with interior laptop storage, in case you just can’t bear to be off the grid even for a few hours.

And if you run out of room in the pockets, the built-in bungee cord system allows you to lash your extra gear onto the exterior of the pack. No matter how much gear you tack on, the padded back, shoulder straps, and removable hip belt will keep you comfortable during your day-tripping adventures.

You can get the Daybreak Ultralight backpack in small, medium, or large sizes for $210.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Prism Pack Review

Anyone remember Alaska? That ’90s movie about the two kids who trek through the mountains to save their dad from a plane crash? Charlton Heston was the bad guy? No? Nothing? Sigh.

Well, anyway, I’ll bet you anything that those kids’ shoulders were sore after lugging all that gear up and down the peaks. If only they’d had the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Prism Pack.

Whether you’re scaling a summit for bragging rights or looking for the next best slope to ski down, this alpining pack is made for you. Its frame is perfect for attaching your downhill gear for easy transport, and the under-lid storage at the top, along with the side pockets and bungee straps, are great for keeping your climbing gear close at hand.

The Prism Pack has a 40-liter volume capacity and can support a max weight of 50 pounds.It comes in small, medium, large, and tall sizes, and retails for $395.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pyramid Tents Review

When it comes to outdoor adventure, there’s roughing it and then there’s roughing it—and frankly, we prefer the former. For those who want to ditch the conveniences of urban life but aren’t too keen on sleeping out in the open or crafting a makeshift shelter Survivor-style, check out the water-resistant Hyperlite Mountain Gear pyramid tents below.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 Ultralight Pyramid Tent Review

Tents can be the bane of what is supposed to be a relaxing camping trip. It’s bloody heavy to lug to your campsite, too big to fit comfortably in your pack, and you can seem able to pitch it right no matter how many times you’ve done it. But fear not, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 Ultralight Pyramid Tent is here.

This tent ticks all the boxes. It’s under 2 pounds, so you transport it easily, and its compact pyramid shape gives you 63 square feet of space and 5’4” of height, so you won’t have to bend over too much. And if you’re not a fan of using the adjustable poles to set it up, you can just hang it by its top point. 

The two-person Ultamid 2 is water-resistant and super-durable, so as long as you’re not stuck in the worst storm of the century, you can stay out in the great outdoors for a good long time. For $735, you get the tent, eight guy lines, eight tie-outs, a large drawstring carrying bag, and extra rope.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 4 Ultralight Pyramid Tent Review

Taking the spouse and spawn out for a family camping weekend? Need a portable research station for your expedition to find Bigfoot? Or maybe you need an all-in-one living and storage space for you and your mountain bike? Whatever your big-tent need is, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 4 Ultralight Pyramid Tent.

This spacious tent covers an area of 85 square feet, stands an impressive 6’3” tall, and still weighs in at under 2 pounds. Naturally, it’s totally waterproof, and can be erected via the adjustable poles or suspended by its top. The Ultamid 4 Ultralight Pyramid Tent comes in white or grey with eight guy lines, eight tie-outs, and a drawstring bag for $890. 

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 Insert With DCF11 Floor Review

They hide in the shadows, stalking their prey in the dark of night—ready, waiting for the chance to drink your sweet, sweet blood. That’s right, I’m talking about mosquitoes; what else would I be describing? When it comes to outdoor trips, those little buggers, along with soggy terra firma from the rain, can be your worst enemy.

If you want to stay both dry and bug-free, you need the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Ultamid 2 Insert With DCF11 Floor, which fits right inside your Ultamid 2 Ultralight Pyramid Tent.

The dense mesh wall and durable fabric floor will make certain you and your camping partner will keep both the mozzies and the moisture from ruining your camping weekend.

You can add this super-lightweight companion to your survival kit for $405. 

Who Is Hyperlite Mountain Gear For? 

From what this Hyperlite Mountain Gear review can tell, this brand’s products are built more for those backpackers who go exploring often, rather than a casual camper who only goes out on a couple trips a year.

This gear is made to securely and comfortably carry your essentials, as fancy compartmentalized storage and other unnecessary add-ons will only weigh you down. 

Comparison: Hyperlite Mountain Gear vs Mountain Laurel Designs

You want to make sure you’ve got the best gear available when you’re braving the wilderness, so this Hyperlite Mountain Gear review checked out another outdoor-equipment company, Mountain Laurel Designs, to see how our spotlighted brand stacks up against the competition.

On the positive side, Laurel’s backpacks generally match Hyperlite’s in terms of their lightweight construction, and they are a bit cheaper to boot. But as they say, you get what you pay for: Laurel’s backpacks can only handle a maximum of 20 to 25 pounds, unlike, say, Hyperlite’s Prism Pack, which can hold up to 50.

As to tents, Hyperlite easily beats out Laurel in terms of coverage. The less durable silnylon fabric that Laurel’s tents are made from also means that they are less reliable for frequent and/or long-term use.

While Hyperlite’s prices may seem high compared to Laurel’s, remember as well that our spotlighted brand allows you to pay in installments. Laurel doesn’t offer that option, meaning that you’re forced to make your big investment upfront.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

From what this Hyperlite Mountain Gear review was able to dig up, people really appreciate how this outdoor brand’s gear performs, even if it’s a little on the expensive side. Just take a look at the ratings for the featured items below:

• 2400 Junction backpack—5/5 stars based on 63 reviews
• Daybreak Ultralight Daypack—5/5 stars based on 188 reviews
• Prism Pack—5/5 stars based on 34 reviews
• Ultamid 2 Ultralight Pyramid Tent—5/5 stars based on 86 reviews
• Ultamid 4 Ultralight Pyramid Tent—5/5 stars based on 54 reviews
• Ultamid 2 Insert With DCF11 Floor—5/5 stars based on 33 reviews

You read that right: perfect scores across the board. Buyers particularly love how versatile and feather-light the brand’s backpacks are, as per this very satisfied customer: 

“Lightweight and extremely comfortable. Somehow has a frame, but you can’t feel it at all. The thing i like most is how you can sort of customize the size of the bag depending on how much stuff you have inside of it.”

The fact that the backpacks are durable and reliable for long-term use is also a major draw.

On Hyperlite’s Facebook page, where the brand receives an overall rating of 4.8/5 stars based on 184 reviews, one commenter noted that “I carried a Hyperlite all summer, from Georgia to New York, these packs are game changers. I’ll never carry a pack with a brain or zippers ever again.” 

YouTube reviewers also couldn’t help but give props to these packs. One said, “This thing is so cool, it’s got everything right on the outside, all your sharp stuff isn’t taking up interior volume and potentially going to damage your other gear … I was blown away by how user-friendly this backpack is.”

Some customers have had issues with late deliveries, but this is certainly due to problems arising from the pandemic. Hyperlite’s new manufacturing facility in Mexico should allow the brand to pick the pace up again soon. 

Is Hyperlite Mountain Gear Worth It?

If you’re planning to trek long distances and want to reach the finish line in good time with minimal hassle and discomfort, then this brand is the way to go. Based on the feedback that this Hyperlite Mountain Gear review surveyed, the brand’s products are reliable, easy to use, and suited for many different environments.

The only downside that we can see is the relatively high price point, but if you’re a dedicated outdoorsperson looking for equipment that you can rely on year after year, then the investment is well worth it.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Promotions & Discounts 

At the time of writing this Hyperlite Mountain Gear review, there are no promotions or discounts available on the brand website. That said, If you’re a professional working in an outdoor industry in the US, Canada, Europe, or the UK, you can score exclusive deals on Hyperlite gear through the brand’s Pro Program.

Where to Buy Hyperlite Mountain Gear 

You can buy Hyperlite gear through the brand website, hyperlitemountaingear.com. The brand’s products are also available at a number of retail partners worldwide; you can find them using the retailer locator on the Hyperlite website.

FAQ

How comfortable are Hyperlite Mountain Gear packs?

Hyperlite’s packs feature padding on the back, shoulder straps, and belts that work with a frame that puts the load closer to your center mass. This means you don’t have stuff inside the bag poking at you, and the weight is kept close to your body so it won’t tip you over.

In short, these packs are very comfortable, and built to reduce fatigue over long treks.

Is Hyperlite Mountain Gear waterproof?

Hyperlite’s gear is water-resistant, but not waterproof. While the Cuben fiber materials are totally waterproof, the seams where the parts are stitched together are not, even though they are covered in special tape to reduce the chance of leakage. For this reason, Hyperlite recommends buying pods for the stuff you store inside your bag.

What is Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Shipping Policy?

Hyperlite ships orders via FedEx and USPS to anywhere around the globe, with free US shipping on orders over $200. International customers are on the hook for any applicable local tariffs, taxes, or additional fees.

Shipping options and delivery windows are indicated below; note that ship times may still be affected by the pandemic. Fees for expedited options will be calculated at checkout.

US:

• USPS Priority: 2-3 business days
• FedEx Ground: 5-7 business days
• FedEx Express Saver: 3 business days
• FedEx 2-Day: 2 business days
• FedEx Standard Overnight: next day before 4:00pm
• FedEx Priority Overnight: next day before 10:30am

International:

• FedEx International Economy: 2-5 business days
• FedEx International Priority: 1-3 business days

What is Hyperlite Mountain Gear’s Return Policy?

You can get a refund or exchange on any unused piece of gear if you contact customer service within 30 days after you bought the item. The best part is that you can still return it after that period ends and receive store credit. Returns for used gear are handled on a case-by-case basis.

All Hyperlite products come with a 1-year warranty that covers you against manufacturing defects, assuming you haven’t modified anything yourself (and kept the receipt). This allows you to get a refund or exchange, or send the defective item back to the brand for repair, which takes about 2 weeks.

How to Contact Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Got any more questions after reading this Hyperlite Mountain Gear review? You can get in touch with the brand’s head office via the following methods: 

• Phone: 1 800 464-9208 (Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm EST)
• Request form on brand website
• Mail to:
  

Hyperlite Mountain Gear

40 Main Street, Suite 13-120 

Biddeford, ME 

04005

---

Check out similar brands you may enjoy:

4Patriots

Muck Boots

GSI Outdoors