Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 Rucksack

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Perfect for ultralight enthusiasts dialled into their kit, it is lightweight, robust and incredibly comfortable. 

Hyperlite Mountain Gear says: 

The Contour 35 is our simplest and lightest frameless thru hiking pack, built to carry just what the super experienced long trail backpacker needs for safe and efficient travel.

The Contour 35 is our frameless thru hiking pack for the experienced long-distance thru hiker and backpacker. Pack just what you need to, load it the same way every time to create the structure and comfort found in framed packs, and strategically plan your resupplies to consistently keep your weight low.

Our Verdict

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 Rucksack is a minimalist pack designed for ultralight hikers looking to shave every possible gram off their gear. Weighing just 446g (in medium), it offers an impressive 35L capacity with an additional 6.5L of external storage. It suits those with a well-honed kit list, typically on shorter trips or in warmer weather.

The Contour 35 excels in durability and weather resistance thanks to its Dyneema fabric construction, which is both highly water-resistant and abrasion-resistant, ( but not waterproof) but allowing it to handle tough terrain. The range and ease of access to the external pockets is fantastic, offering multiple ways to access essentials without taking off your pack and  digging into the main compartment. The side water bottle pockets can carry multiple bottles, while the mesh pockets on the front and bottom are great for stashing quick-access items, such as hats and gloves, wet gear or as a good place to stash your rubbish till you pass a bin. However, the frameless design requires careful packing to maintain comfort and structure.

For experienced hikers seeking a lightweight and durable backpack with a streamlined design, the Contour 35 is an excellent choice. However, consider a larger or framed alternative if you plan for longer trips or require additional space.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• External pockets – Built in Ultralight Dyneema® Stretch Mesh shoulder strap pockets, large 100D Dyneema® Gridstop side water bottle pockets that can accommodate up to two (2) 1L Smartwater bottles each, Dyneema® Stretch Mesh bottom pocket, Ultralight Dyneema® Stretch Mesh front stretch mesh pocket with multiple lashing points
• Top closure – Roll top closure with stiffener
• Hip belt – 1″ removeable webbing hip belt, with option to purchase padded hipbelt with pockets
• Back – Completely frameless back panel, with contoured back seams to mimic back shape
• Loops – Stashable ice axe loop with ice axe keeper, top grab loop, six front loops
• Side Straps – Paracord side lashing
• Top Compression Straps – Single over the top strap with aluminum G-Hook
• Shoulder Straps – 100D Dyneema® Gridstop Shoulder Straps with integrated Dyneema® Stretch Mesh UL Pockets
• Sternum Straps – 5/8″ sternum strap allows for easy adjustments along shoulder strap daisy chains
• Sealing – Seam tape on all vertical seams and behind shoulder straps

Specifications

• Medium Weighs: 446g
• Large Weighs: 458g 
• Volume – 35L
• External Volume – 6.5L
• Load Capacity – Up to 25 lbs
• Back Width – 10.5″ | 26.7 cm
• Height – 28.5″ | 72.4 cm
• Top Circumference – 35″ | 88.9 cm
• Bottom Circumference – 32.5″ | 82.6cm

Material & Construction

• Material – DCH50, DCH150, 100D Dyneema Gridstop, Dyneema Stretch Mesh UL, Dyneema Stretch Mesh

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Ultralight Rucksack
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Rucksack