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Gear Review: New Reimagined Windrider 40 By Hyperlite Mountain Gear

The Windrider 40 has long been a favorite among ultralight hikers- and now it’s better than ever. With new Dyneema® Woven fabric and a reworked strap system, this pack is stronger, more breathable, and more comfortable for big miles.

Gear Review: New Reimagined Windrider 40 By Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Traversing the Colorado high country with the updated Windrider 40! The new design from Hyperlite is ultralight, capable, and built for big miles as you'd expect, with some updated features that we really like.

The Windrider 40 has long been one of the most beloved ultralight packs in the backpacking world, and Hyperlite Mountain Gear just gave it a meaningful refresh. With a new harness system, updated back panel, and all-new Dyneema® Woven Hybrid fabric, the latest version of the Windrider 40 keeps everything we love and improves the rest.

Backpacker climbing a rocky ridgeline wearing the Hyperlite Windrider 40, with mountain peaks in the background.
Loaded up and climbing high! Putting the Windrider 40’s comfort and fit to the test on big elevation days.

Learn more about what makes Hyperlite Mountain Gear awesome here!

Check Out the New Reimagined Windrider 40 By Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Standout Features

  • New Dyneema® Woven Hybrid Fabric for enhanced durability
  • Redesigned shoulder straps for a more ergonomic, body-hugging fit
  • Air-textured back panel improves breathability
  • External mesh pockets that made the Windrider a legend
Close-up of the new side mesh pocket design on the Hyperlite Windrider 40 backpack holding a Smartwater bottle.
Redesigned mesh pockets offer improved durability and smarter bottle access without sacrificing weight savings.

What’s New in the Windrider 40 (2025)

These updates aren't minor tweaks, they're a proper evolution. And that's pretty excited in the outdoor gear world!

The biggest change is the switch to Dyneema® Woven Hybrid fabric. Unlike the traditional Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), this woven version adds abrasion resistance while maintaining a high strength-to-weight ratio. It’s 10x more abrasion-resistant and 5x more tear-resistant, which means this pack is ready to take more of a beating on rough trails or rocky scrambles.

Hiker raising trekking poles while wearing the new Windrider 40 pack, hiking through alpine meadows.
When your pack fits right and the trail feels good, it's a glorious thing!

Then there’s the new harness system. The shoulder straps are now more sculpted and padded, hugging the body better and offering a noticeable improvement in comfort during long miles. The back panel also received a major upgrade: it’s now made from air-textured mesh, which dramatically boosts airflow and reduces the swampy back feeling we all know too well.

Windrider 40 Specs

Specification Details
Volume 40L internal capacity + external mesh pockets
Weight From 30.1 oz (Medium)
Material Dyneema® Woven Hybrid Fabric
Recommended Load Up to 40 lbs
Sizes Available Small, Medium, Large, Tall
Hip Belt Pockets Yes, 2 included
External Storage 3 mesh pockets
Hydration Sleeve Compatibility Yes
Made In USA
Graphic showing the performance benefits of Dyneema® Woven Composites, including abrasion resistance, dimensional stability, durability, waterproof protection, and resistance to mechanical stress.
The new Dyneema® Woven Composites material offers top-tier performance, combining durability, abrasion resistance, waterproofing, and long-term pack integrity.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
New Dyneema Woven fabric is ultra-tough and weather-resistant Premium price point
Revamped shoulder straps add serious comfort
Classic external mesh storage for quick-access gear
Still minimal and streamlined
Rear view of Hyperlite Windrider 40 backpack showing new shoulder straps and padded hip belt system.
The redesigned shoulder straps and hip belt make the Windrider 40 more comfortable and supportive than ever.

Final Thoughts

The Windrider 40 has always been a go-to pack for ultralight backpackers, thru-hikers, and weekend warriors alike. This latest iteration proves that Hyperlite Mountain Gear isn’t simply resting on its legacy, but they’re pushing it forward and continuing to innovate.

With the upgraded fabric, better harness system, and same iconic design, the 2025 Windrider 40 is tougher, more comfortable, and more dialed-in than ever before.

If you loved the old Windrider, this version will feel like home, but built even better with noticeable changes that make sense.

Check Out the New Reimagined Windrider 40 By Hyperlite Mountain Gear

My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.

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