Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction Backpack Long-term Review
July 19, 2024
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Our verdict
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction is one of our favorite Dyneema backpacking packs because of its balance of quality, durability, and water resistance.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a small outdoor gear manufacturer based in Maine. We found that HMG backpacks are made with an attention to detail that makes it worth paying a premium for their gear. The ultralight Junction backpacks — available in 40L and 55L sizes — excel at ease of use, durability, and for their well-designed pockets.
While not everyone wants or needs a Dyneema pack, HMG has perfected the art of working in this fabric to create a pack that will serve you well on the long haul.
Specs
Price: From $349
Capacity: 40L and 55L
Weight: 30.3 - 32.2 oz (40 L); 31.6 - 34.4 oz (55 L)
Max Recommended Weight: 40 lbs
Main Body Pockets: 1 large front pocket
Water Bottle Pockets: 2 (each holds 2 Smart Water bottles)
Hip Belt Pockets: 2 zippered
Shoulder Strap Pockets: No, but can purchase separately
Load Lifters: No
Compression System. Yes
Roll Top Closure: Yes
Material: White: DCH50 (Main Body) & DCH150 (Bottom), Black: DCH150 (Main Body & Bottom)
Gender: Unisex
Ice Axe/Trekking Pole Attachment Point: Yes
Bear Canister Capability: A full-size bear can (such as a BV500) fits vertically inside or horizontally on the top of the pack.
Torso Lengths: Small (15-17"), Medium (17-19"), Large (19-21"), Tall (21"+)
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What we liked
Liz Thomas wearing the HMG Junction in northern California on the PCT. Photo courtesy Liz Thomas.
Overall durability with the ability to last a thru-hike
Water resistance
Simple, sleek, and ultralight without anything extra you don't need
What we didn't like
Mesh develops holes
Side compression works, but could be better
Price
Comparison table
| BACKPACKING BACKPACK | MSRP | VOLUME (L) | MATERIALS | WEIGHT (LBS) | MAX LOAD (LBS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction | $349 | 40, 55 | DCH50 (main body) and DCH 150 (bottom), or DCH150 | White: 1.9 Black: 2.0 | 40 |
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest | $379 | 50 | DCH50 (main body) and DCH 150 (bottom), or DCH150 | White: 1.9, Black: 2 | 40 |
| Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider | $349 | 40, 55 | DCH50 (main body) and DCH 150 (bottom), or DCH150 | 1.9 | 40 |
| Six Moon Designs Swift X | $375 | 56 | LiteSkin LS21 or EPX 200 | 2.4 | 35 |
| Gossamer Gear Mariposa | $315 | 60 | 100 & 200 denier Robic high-tensil strength nylon | 2.0 | 35 |
Materials
We tested the HMG Windrider on a thru-hike of the Ouachita Trail. It uses the same fabric as the Junction. HMG does more volume in DCF and DCH than other brands. Photo by Mike Unger.
While not everyone will want a backpack made of Dyneema Composite fabric (formerly known as cuben fiber fabric), many backpackers find it to be a top priority.
While HMG is not the first backpack manufacturer to use the Dyneema Composite Hybrid (DCH) fabric, they do more volume in Dyneema Cuben Fiber (DCF) and DCH backpacks than any other company. That volume has allowed HMG to refine the process to an art.
What is Dyneema?
DCF is a rugged sailcloth that is abrasion-resistant and waterproof enough to be the fly on a three-season tent. One store that sells DCF fabric by the yard claims that it has a strength-to-weight ratio that is 15 times stronger than steel. That balance of weight and performance is one reason why this fabric has become quite popular for use in backpacks.
The three HMG packs we considered (the Junction, Southwest, and Windrider) are made of Dyneema Composite Hybrid Fabric, which is similar to DCF but has an even higher resistance to abrasion, UV, and chemicals.
We like the DCH fabric on the Junction (also found on the Southwest and Windrider) because it is waterproof, puncture-resistant, and resistant to abrasion.
Waterproofing
Unlike other brands, HMG seam seals over 90% of their seams. While HMG warns that the pack is not 100% waterproof, our Junction kept our gear dry after months of day-to-day use in rain, hail, snow, and the “car wash effect” (when wet brush gets you wet while hiking, even when it isn’t raining).
Durability
The durable bottom of the Junction on the PCT near Truckee.
We know many people who have gotten multiple 2,000+ mile thru-hikes out of their HMG packs (we put in 1,000 miles on the Junction with barely any signs of use).
Mesh
While it isn’t enough to sway our decision, we find the mesh on the Junction to be lacking. It's not stretchy enough and snags easily. And, it's too mesh-y. We prefer a tighter weave mesh on the pockets. We're not alone – the mesh is consistently considered the least favorite part of an HMG pack among users. Multiple long-term users we interviewed with thousands of miles and multiple thru-hikes on their HMG packs said that the mesh isn’t its strong point.
Design
The HMG Junction on the PCT near Mt. Ashland. Photo by Liz Thomas
HMG’s Windrider and Southwest have been ultralight thru-hiker standards for several years. After testing different models on thru-hikes, we like the design of the Junction the best. The Junction’s design is a combo of the best of the Southwest and Windrider — and before it existed as its own model, a design similar to the Junction was one of the most popular custom design requests.
Front mesh
The Junction features a mesh front pocket that makes it easy to dry out gear like wet socks.
Side pockets
The HMG Junction bottles keep things secure.
The Junction has solid fabric side pockets that keep water bottles or water bladders and filters in place better than the other models. Those pockets are also more durable when bushwhacking or walking on narrow, overgrown trails.
Volume
The Junction is available in two sizes: 40 L and 55 L (2400 c.u. and 3400 c.u., respectively). Each pack has a 9.8L (600 c.u) volume in external pockets. The Junction doesn't come with shoulder pockets, but they can be purchased separately for even more capacity.
Frame and max load
The Junction straps have less padding than other packs, but still seemed to relatively comfortably carry a 160-mile long without resupply food carry.
The Junction has a minimalist frame. HMG says the Junction 40 can handle 40 pounds. However, based on our testing, we’d err on the side of 30 pounds. We think 30 pounds is a reasonable load for most summer backpacking for hikers whose base weight is below 10 pounds.
The HMG Junction doesn't have load lifters like we see on a few other lightweight packs, like the Six Moon Designs Swift X or Gossamer Gear Mariposa. We talk more about that below.
Weight
The 40L version of the pack itself weighs under two pounds (30.12 oz for the white version; the black version uses a thicker fabric that brings the weight up to 31.8 oz).
Fit / Suspension System
The HMG Junction on the PCT south of Kennedy Meadows, CA. Photo by Mike Unger.
The HMG Junction is a unisex pack that comes in four torso sizes. The belt comes in a single size, fitting waists 28” and up (the small size pack fits 26” and up).
Frame
The Junction has contoured aluminum removable stays with a foam back panel pad. Compared to other DCF or DCH packs I found that it kept my back relatively cool and handled the weight well.
Hip Belt
The hip belt pockets could fit larger phones.
We found the hip belt pocket situation on the Junction to be on point. Our tester found the pockets to be generously sized, easily holding cameras, phones, snacks, sunscreens, and lip balms — no fanny pack required!
Shoulder Straps
The HMG Junction in Oregon on the PCT. Photo by Mike Unger.
No load lifters
HMG packs are designed to carry comfortably without load lifters, which is a point of contention among hikers. Some hikers — even lightweight or ultralight hikers — find a benefit to load lifters, saying they prevent shoulder knots and bruising. Others think they’re a relic of traditional backpacking backpacks. If you know you like load lifters, try the HMG pack fully loaded in your house before committing to it (don't worry — they have a great return policy).
Features
Roll-top enclosure with Y-compression straps on the HMG Junction.
Roll-top Enclosure
The HMG Junction uses a multi-strapped compression top we found confusing at first, but once we got a hang of it we thought it was pretty clever. The roll-top closure system has side compression straps, which offer vertical compression. It also has a Y-strap compression that adds compression while also helping secure gear (such as if you were carrying a bear can on top). This Y-style roll-top enclosure, also found on Mountain Laurel Designs packs, increases compression.
The roll-top enclosure is held together with Velcro. While Velcro is not an uncommon closure mechanism in a hiking pack (Zpacks also uses Velcro), we find that it easily gets caught on clothing items. Although they’re no longer in production, we miss the magnetic enclosures found in the Katabatic Onni.
Side Pockets
Close-up on the side pockets of the HMG Junction.
The pack has two large side pockets. Each pocket will hold two 1L Smartwater bottles plus some snacks. We were easily able to reach a water bottle while on the move. Straps also help cinch the pockets in place should you want to secure something, as we did with the Vargo Bot cookpot whose diameter was smaller than the pocket.
Mesh Front Pocket
Although we didn't have issue with the mesh, we ran into other thru-hikers who had some tears.
There is a huge (9.8L) front pocket — one of the largest of any of the packs we've tested to-date. While the sizing of the pocket is great, HMG’s mesh is not very durable. In fact, it’s more like netting than mesh.
Compression Cords
There are compression straps on the sides of the pack for securing an umbrella, tent poles, or hiking poles. While we could secure our vertical items, we think HMG should consider improving this in the future.
Attachment Options
The handy orange whistle sternum strap buckle on the HMG junction.
There is an ice axe attachment loop centered on the front of the pack. In addition, there are removable gear tethers on the shoulder straps for a water bottle pocket or phone pouch (sold separately). HMG has some of the best shoulder phone pockets available because they are waterproof, lightweight, and secure easily to any pack (not just those made by HMG).
How we tested and long-term durability
Treeline Review editor Liz Thomas used the Junction on a long section hike of the PCT.
Treeline co-founder Liz Thomas used the Junction 40 on a late-season 1000-mile southbound section hike of the PCT. She had several long food carries, including one 160-mile section without resupply as well as days of rain and snow. She reports that the DCH fabric showed almost no visible signs of wear and remained waterproof. (Note: despite being waterproof, we strongly recommend you use additional methods to protect your gear. See our section on how to keep your gear dry).
Liz’s experience is consistent with that of users we interviewed who had multiple thru-hikes on the HMG Windrider or Southwest.
Liz was impressed by the Junction’s quality construction and workmanship. It had no visible signs of wear other than discoloration — which of course happens with a white pack. Ironically, a dirty HMG pack has actually become a sign of pride among distance hikers.
The only noticeable wear on the HMG Junction we tested was two small punctures in the mesh fabric on the outside. But these small punctures were easily repaired with a piece of Tenacious Tape. (Note: we consider Tenacious Tape an essential item to carry on every backcountry trip. See our story on Essential Backpacking Accessories).
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction vs. HMG Windrider
Capacity: 40, 55
Weight: 1.9
Cost: $349
Max load: 40
The Junction is our favorite of HMG's ultralight backpacks, including the similar and popular Windrider and Southwest. The volume, front pocket, and side water bottle pockets on the Junction make it the best combo of the Windrider and Southwest. The reinforced sides mean it's abrasion-proof where you need it and lightweight everywhere else.
We tested the HMG Windrider on the thru-hike of the Ouachita Trail (see our Trip Guide to the Ouachita Trail). Like the Junction, it’s also available in 40L and 55L volumes, as well as a 70L volume.
The main difference is the Windrider uses mesh for the front pocket and the side pockets whereas the Junction uses mesh in the front pocket only. We prefer the DCH fabric for side pockets. It’s a minor quibble, but the sides are an area of the pack that is susceptible to rubbing against brush on narrow trails. The fabric found on the Junction adds some durability and more secure storage space.
Compare prices of the HMG Windrider
40 L
55 L
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction vs. Southwest
Capacity: 50
Weight: White: 1.9, Black: 2
Cost: $379
Max load: 40
We also considered the Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) Southwest. They’re very similar packs — also available in 40L and 55L volumes. The main difference is that the Southwest uses a DCH front and side pocket compared to the Junction’s mesh. Like many backpackers, we think the Junction’s mesh front pocket is more useful for drying gear.
We also prefer the mesh front pocket of the Junction because it’s less likely to pool rainwater or trap pine needles and leaves.
Compare prices of the HMG Southwest
Similar Backpacking Backpacks
Zpacks Arc Haul 60
Capacity: 60
Weight: 1.3
Cost: $400
Max load: 40
The Zpacks Arc Haul 60 is an ultralight backpack with a 60L capacity. Constructed of Ultra 200 or Robic, this pack weighs 21 oz This is lighter than the Mariposa, and costs significantly more. Plus, hip belt and shoulder strap pockets are not included.
View the Zpacks Arc Haul 60
OSPREY EXOS/EJA 55 PRO
Capacity: 55
Weight: 2.1
Cost: $290
Max load: 30
The Osprey Exos 55 Pro (large) has 58 L of volume and weighs 35 oz. The Eja has 55 L of volume and weighs 33 oz. Both packs are constructed of 100D nylon and cost $290. The ventilation on the Eja is excellent.
Compare prices of the OSPREY EXOS/EJA 55 PRO
Exos
Eja
Capacity: 60
Weight: 2.0
Cost: $315
Max load: 35
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa is an ultralight backpack with 60 L of capacity (36 L in the main body). The main body is 100D Robic. The large size weighs 34 oz and costs $285. Pockets in the shoulder straps cost extra.
Read our in-depth review of the Mariposa for more information.
Compare prices of the Gossamer Gear Mariposa
Capacity: 56
Weight: 2.4
Cost: $375
Max load: 35
The Six Moon Designs Swift X is made of water-resistant X-Pac VX21 or Liteskin LS21 instead of DCF. All of the materials are water-resistant with X-Pac being more durable, in our experience.
Its other major difference is the harness system and load lifters that help carry balance and carry heavier loads than the HMG Junction. The Swift X is for backpackers seeking a mid-size pack with a quality suspension system that can comfortably carry moderate (and occasionally heavier) loads over long distances. You can read our long-term review of the Six Moon Designs Swift X here.
Compare prices of the Six Moon Designs SWIFT X
About backpack comparisons
Side-by-side comparisons of backpacks can be tough, since each manufacturer may measure volume differently (see Treeline’s backpack volume test). Also, some manufacturers may not include hip belts or shoulder pockets in their standard design. The pockets and other accessories are not included in the pack’s weight or cost, which can also affect comparisons.
Pack material plays a key role in a backpack’s weight and durability. For instance, SMD’s Swift X uses 210D X-Pac, a very durable material, while Osprey’s Exos/Eja 55 Pro uses 100D nylon, which is lighter but not as durable.
See more backpacking backpack gear reviews in our guide to The Best Backpacking Backpacks.
Why you should trust us
Mike Unger is a Double Triple Crowner — he has hiked the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail not once, but twice (he's actually hiked the PCT three times, the most recent being a sobo hike)
In addition, he has backpacked numerous other on-trail and off-trail routes, including the Pacific Northwest Trail, Blue Mountains Trail, Great Divide Trail, Arizona Trail, Ouachita Trail, Oregon Desert Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and Mogollon Rim Trail. Over the course of his backpacking, he’s purchased and owned an embarrassingly-large number of backpacks.
Mike has tracked and researched pack technology for the past 20 years. He's notoriously extremely hard on his gear, which makes for a good gear tester.
Mike Unger is not and has never been a sponsored athlete, ambassador, or influencer for a backpack company.
You can read all of Mike's stories on his author page.
