Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider 55L Backpack for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

8.8
out of 10
7 Positive, 0 Mixed & 1 Negative
from 8 Reviews
Retail Price:
$365.00
Used Value:
$219.00
Sale Value:
$328.50

At two pounds, Hyperlite Mountain Gear's 3400 Windrider Backpack is one of the lightest backpacks equipped to handle weekend trips. Despite its ultralight weight, the Windrider is surprisingly comfortable and durable for long hikes. Its Dyneema Hardline suspension system includes spacer mesh foam at the shoulder straps, back panel, and waist belt, and there are supportive aluminum stays that you can remove for even less weight.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear made this pack out of the same Dyneema fabric used to catch climbers when they fall, so you know it will last for seasons. The Windrider also has a roll-top closure and taped seams for reliable protection in wet weather. There's an internal sleeve styled for hydration reservoirs, and a loop designed for ice axes. The Windrider also has external mesh pockets, zippered waist belt pockets for valuables, and top and side compression straps for a secure load.

Specifications

Access:
roll-top
Claimed Weight:
[white] 2lb, [black] 2lb 1oz
Compression:
yes, top and sides
Dimensions:
10.5 x 34in
Hydration Compatible:
yes
Ice Axe Carry:
yes
Manufacturer Warranty:
1 year
Material:
Dyneema
Pockets:
3 external mesh, 2 zippered waist belt
Recommended Use:
ultralight backpacking
Shoulder Straps:
sewn-in spacer mesh, 3/8-inch foam
Support/Suspension:
Dyneema Hardline, removable aluminum stays, padded back panel
Volume:
55L (3356cu in)
Waist Belt:
yes

Full Reviews

8
Pack was delivered quickly and as advertised. Lightweight, durable and functional. Pockets on hip belt could be bigger. Barely held an iPhone with a thin cover. Small inconvenience that was easily overcome.
James C., backcountry.com
June 29, 2019
2
I purchased this pack in Jan 2019, assuming it would have the upgraded hip belt pockets that HMG introduced in early 2018. It does not. Unfortunately, I cut off a couple of superfluous straps, so I can't return it, can I? I didn't realize the pockets were different until after that fact. But I thought I would warn others of this. One star here is defined here as 'straight up sucks', so thats what I am giving it. The pack itself is a 4 stars, 5 with the new hip belts.
Aaron D., backcountry.com
February 2, 2019
10
Coming from a nearly 5lb Osprey Aether 70L pack, this is absolutely night and day improvement. I don't feel any 'sacrifices' were made to save the 3 lb, but there were some definite gains after adjusting packing style. Positives: - most of the things the other reviewers have said. - I got the new version with larger hip pockets! Single pocket fits a cellphone (not huge one), sunglasses (no case), lip balm, sun stick, and a small knife with ease - comfy (less sore points than previous pack) - can reach side pockets with (little) acrobatics - side pockets fit 2 smart water bottles each when pack is full and they don't fall out Negatives: - back sweat level 11 after 5 minutes of hiking on a warm day. Just a note: this pack is NOT waterproof. Bottom is not seam sealed and in heavy rain water collects in the front pouch and is held against that unsealed seam. The marketing (and other reviews) lead me to think it was far more waterproof than it is. 2 hours hiking in heavy PNW rain and I had a couple tablespoons of water in it. Buy some liquid seam seal and spend the time treating it right and you'll be good to go. It's a triple seam and is HARD to get to.
Basil V., backcountry.com
July 6, 2018
10
This thing is the best. Hauls like a champ. Practically waterproof. I swear it's critter proof. Ridiculously lightweight. Surprisingly comfortable. I'VE WASHED IT OUT WITH A HOSE and it dried practically instantly. The hip pockets are a little small and would be better if they were ever so slightly larger and had fabric lined inside that kept your sweat from seeping into them (gross, but inevitable.) [Side note: your sweat does not get into the pack itself because its cuban fiber, huge plus in keeping down hiker stank compared to other packs.] Conveniently, my huge phone fits securely in the elastic chest strap loop if that's something you're concerned about. It proved to be super easy access for listening to music/audio books/taking pictures while hiking! The side mesh pockets could be better angled or have a side access port to make it easier to grab your water bottle (a la osprey). But that is me being nit-picky! Not make or break qualms. I like that it is white so you can see everything inside. The mesh pockets are also great for drying things out and keeping soggy wet or dirty items separate. It's roll top--so no chance of zippers breaking. The compression straps on the side are at the perfect height to secure my tent poles and a 1l smart water with a sawyer attached (they will not fall out even when you bend over.) I love this pack so much. I'm 6ft tall with a 17 inch torso, so right in between sizes, I bought the medium because I was able to get it on sale, but probably should have gone with the small as I wear my packs relatively high on my hips. That being said I hiked ~1300miles with it comfortably so it clearly worked out okay.
Mae R, backcountry.com
April 10, 2018
10
I bought this pack without a whole lot of expectations. Turns out to be the closest thing I've ever found to the old-school do-everything mountain rucksack. The roll-top keeps out rain and snow, as well as the occasional sand-storm. It also has the unexpected benefit of letting it scrunch down into a great day pack, and then expand all the way up to a decent backpacking pack. It's the truest do-anything pack that I've used in a very long time. You definitely lose convenience from being a top-loader, but for me the simplicity and water resistance make up for it. The external mesh pockets hold more than you'd think, and aren't as delicate as I'd feared. They've put up with some pretty rough treatment and so far so good. It's not 100% waterproof, since there are two tiny drain holes in the bottom, but I've used it in the rain and things stayed bone dry. Dropped it in the Shaksgam River and nothing got in during that brief dunk. Have used it in the Sierras, Trinity Alps, and most recently a full month in the Chinese Karakoram. So far, so good. I'm totally satisfied.
Alpinelight, backcountry.com
October 27, 2017
10
This is my first ultralight pack, and hopefully my last. Made from a very light weight , high tech material (Cuben Fiber) it's seems quite tough. The roll top closure is a smart design that ensures its waterproof. Hyperlite's moto is everything you need and nothing that you don't , I feel that's a perfect way to describe this pack. The padded hip belt is minimal, but works well. I carried 23 lbs about 40 miles and have no complaints, other than I should have gone ultralight sooner !! I would highly recommend this pack.
Travis Smith, backcountry.com
September 12, 2017
10
I'm thrilled with this pack. I switched to Ultra lite backpacking with this pack is awesome! I switched from. Gregory Baltoro 75L which I'll keep for my heavy hauler, but this pack handles big loads but at 2lbs instead of 5lbs your packweight & back will be thanking you. If your fear is going to the big name packs cause ultralights don't have a frame. This one carry's as well as they do because of the aluminum stays in the bag act as the frame & put the weight on your hip belt. Super comfortable! I loaded the bag up of 30 and 40 pounds it carries like a champ can't wait to go out to Zions with 20 lbs of my new lighter gear
David S., backcountry.com
May 7, 2017
10
Hyperlite continues to impress me with their craftsmanship and attention to detail. True to it's brand name, this backpack is the lightest 55L pack I've ever lifted. I am 5'7" and the Medium frame fits me well. Hip straps are comfortable, and I love that the chest strap placement can be changed with little effort. I have yet to take it on a longer backpacking trip, but I am looking forward to it after a few weekend getaways!
Hannah Dhonau, backcountry.com
February 13, 2017