The backpacking model that thru-hikers know and love, Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG), has just lately damaged the mould of their tried-and-true light-weight packs with a brand new, frameless possibility: the Contour 35. This powerhouse pack is designed to hold precisely what seasoned long-distance backpackers want for protected and environment friendly journey whether or not on a thru-hike, a faspacking journey, or a leisurely day journey.
I used to be excited to get my fingers on this pack and provides it a whirl this summer time.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 At-a-Look

Picture through
MSRP: $329
Weight: 16.2 ounces | 459 grams
Supplies: Dyneema Composite Cloth (DCF)
Inner quantity: 35L
Exterior Quantity: 6.5L
Nation of Origin: Mexico
Circumstances of Use

Guiding on Katahdin with the Contour 35.
I used this pack primarily for guiding in and round Baxter State Park in Maine in the course of the early summer time months. I put it to the check by way of harsh climate, rock scrambling up Katahdin, and delicate path walks.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 Options
Light-weight Development
Constructed with HMG’s signature DCF cloth, this pack excels in sturdiness and affords an unbelievable strength-to-weight ratio. The fabric feels inflexible to the contact and, as with their different packs, is extraordinarily abrasion-resistant. By conserving the design minimal, HMG was capable of preserve the overall pack weight down to only over a pound.
Beneficiant Storage Choices
Although the design of this pack is easy, it doesn’t skimp on storage. The Coutour 35 options two stretch shoulder strap pockets, aspect water bottle pockets (every of which may accommodate as much as two 1L Smartwater bottles, a stretch backside pocket, and the standard mesh entrance panel pocket with a number of lashing factors.
All of this further storage provides as much as a further 6.5L of capability on high of the 35L inner quantity.
Ergonomic Design
The Contour 35 is designed with a frameless again panel, with contoured seams to imitate again form. The padded shoulder straps are comfy to put on all day, and even with out load lifters, they carry effectively.
Hip Belt Non-obligatory
This pack comes with a 1″ detachable webbing hip belt, with an choice to buy a padded hipbelt with pockets for much more storage. Robust the hip belt will assist preserve the pack from bouncing if working or jogging, it received’t do a lot to distribute the load.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 Professionals
Glorious Storage
Although the principle compartment is simply 35L, the exterior storage provides as much as a further 6.5L of capability which can assist significantly on longer carries. Taking cues from different fastpacking-specific corporations like Nashville Pack & Tools by together with built-in options like shoulder strap pockets and the underside pocket are glorious additions to an already strong design.
I’d be hard-pressed to make use of a pack that didn’t have shoulder strap pockets at this level, as I discover them to be extremely helpful for storing objects like snacks, my telephone, a compass, my Zoleo, chapstick, sunscreen, and no matter else I would like fast entry to.
Characteristic-Wealthy
Along with the superb storage choices and extra pockets, there are extra options on this pack than first meet the attention. For instance, the pack comes with a one-inch detachable hipbelt that may assist preserve jostling to a minimal, and a padded hip belt with pockets may also be bought individually.
I personally used the padded belt and located it very helpful and comfy. One other characteristic that I used to be joyful to have, and which most different packs don’t, is a stiffener on the roll-top closure. This further stiffness retains the pack open and secure whereas loading, so that you’re not consistently preventing with it whereas packing up.
Lastly, there are a number of compression straps across the pack — on the closure, on the aspect pockets, and aspect panels — which assist cinch the pack down and guarantee every thing is tight and safe, which is very necessary if transferring quick.
Sturdiness
The Contour 35 makes use of DCH50 and DCH150 on its predominant panels, that are sturdy, tear-resistant, and extremely waterproof supplies. DCH is a hybrid materials product of DCF with a further face cloth to guard it from abrasion (sometimes 50D or 150D polyester woven cloth) leading to an ultralight and ultra-durable materials that’s perfect for packs. All seams on this pack are sealed as effectively, which helps retain construction and preserve moisture out.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 Cons
Odd Quantity Alternative
There aren’t many packs out there with an inner capability of 35 liters — and for good purpose. 35L is true between what a cushty light-weight thru-hiking pack can be (~40L) and a daypack or fastpack (~30L).
Maybe this was a aware alternative on HMG’s half to enter an untapped market, however the result’s that it finally ends up being a bit too massive for day hikes and a bit too small for many thru-hikers — until your package is extraordinarily dialed and doesn’t embody a lot of voluminous objects like down jackets, quilts, insulated pants, and so on. And with a most really useful load of 25 kilos, most hikers couldn’t carry greater than 2-3 days of meals anyway.
Curious Closure
As an alternative of a Y-strap closure with a buckle, HMG has oddly chosen to make use of a single strap with an aluminum G-hook on the Contour 35. I suppose the argument may very well be made {that a} G-hook is extra sturdy than a buckle, however in hundreds of miles of utilizing buckles I’ve by no means had a difficulty and they’re far simpler to work with, particularly if dexterity is a matter in chilly climate.
Having a single strap over the roll-top closure can be curious, because it doesn’t enable for a really safe maintain on something that may be positioned exterior of the pack, like a foldable sleeping pad or a bear canister. Maybe this was completed for weight financial savings, however the utility of a Y-strap appears value it to me.
Last Ideas
The Countour 35 is HMG’s first foray into frameless packs, and as standard, they’re making a giant splash. This easy but feature-rich pack checks many containers for these with a dialed package trying to go quick and light-weight, or those that need a bit further quantity for day hikes or shorter in a single day adventures. Although I query some design selections, the Contour 35 is a strong providing from considered one of at present’s finest pack producers.
Store the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 Backpack
Comparable Packs
Nashville Pack & Tools Co. “The Cutaway”
- MSRP: $316 (straps bought individually)
- Weight: 13.9oz
- Capability/max carry load: 41L/30lb
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Gossamer Gear Quick Kumo
- MSRP: $190
- Weight: 21.5oz
- Capability/max carry load: 36L/25lb
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Pa’lante Packs Joey
- MSRP: $240
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- Capability/max carry load: 24L (inner)/Unlisted
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 was donated for function of evaluate
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