Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22 Review

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22 review you’ll find here is based on a full year of real use: day hikes, photography trips, and desert overnighters. If you’re going ultralight, carry heavy camera gear, deal with back issues, or just want to stop being weighed down on trail, here’s everything you need to know before you buy

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22 Review

I purchased my Elevate 22 after eyeing it for a very long time. At exactly 1.2 lbs, the weight (or rather, the lack of it) was immediately noticeable. And receiving this pack motivated me to get out and hike. When a piece of gear makes you want to use it before you’ve even loaded it up, that’s always a great sign.

HMG Elevate 22 Specs (Size M)

Spec	Details
Size	M
Volume	22L
Load Capacity	25 lbs
Material	DCH50, Dyneema Stretch Mesh UL, DCH150
Weight	17.7 oz | 502 g
Back Width	10.0″ | 25.4 cm
Height (Fully Unrolled)	31.5″ | 80.0 cm
Top Circumference	31.0″ | 78.7 cm
Bottom Circumference	28.5″ | 72.4 cm
Made In	Mexico

Minimalist Design, Maximum Purpose

If you’re used to Osprey packs, the inside of the Elevate 22 might feel really plain at first, but that’s intentional. Inside the main compartment, there’s just one loop. No pockets, no sections, nothing extra. I added a carabiner to that loop so I can hang my water bladder and clip my ID and car keys while I’m hiking.

Of course, weight savings come from removing things, and it works beautifully. My primary use for this bag is hiking and overnight summer backpacking. But one of the reasons why I wanted a light bag is also because my camera gear is really heavy, and I love carrying my big Sony mirrorless camera lenses in the main compartment on and off trail. They feel genuinely safe in there, protected by the Dyneema fabric from the elements in a way that traditional nylon simply can’t match.

The roll-top closure adds serious weather resistance. Someone even asked me once why I was carrying a dry bag. But the roll-top can also become a minor inconvenience, so I make sure everything I need while walking is accessible externally before setting off. At the same time, though, roll-top closure is great when you need to pack a lot inside, as it’s more flexible and expandable than zip closures.

Storage & Organization

While the Elevate 22 lacks in interior organization, it more than makes up for it externally:

• Two side pockets that expand generously: large enough for big water bottles, a tripod, snacks, or extra clothing, with straps to secure taller objects in place.
• A front center stretch-mesh pocket: I use this for my backcountry waste kit and medical first aid kit, keeping them accessible without opening the main compartment.
• Multiple shoulder strap attachment points for hanging extra gear.

I’ve added a capture clip here for my Sony mirrorless camera body. Note: With heavier lenses, the added weight does create shoulder pressure over long distances, but that’s a camera carry trade-off, not a bag flaw.

You can also add on a shoulder pocket and a bottle pocket that also attaches to your shoulder strap.

On-Trail Performance

The Elevate 22 is primarily my day hike pack, but I’ve also used it for a desert overnighter, loaded with a 55°F sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, 3L of water, and food for dinner and breakfast only. It handled the load impressively well for its size.

I have back issues, and ultralight gear isn’t just a preference for me, it’s a necessity. Every ounce I don’t carry is one less ounce aggravating my back. The Elevate 22 at 1.2 lbs gives me real peace of mind before every hike, and I’ve had zero issues with stability or load distribution within its intended range.

Pros & Cons of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22

If you’re wondering if the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22 is worth it, here are my honest pros & cons breakdown after one year on trail.

Who Is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22 Review For?

Anyone who needs a light pack. Whether you’re a serious ultralighter, a trail photographer wanting your gear genuinely protected, someone with back issues who needs to minimize carried weight, or just someone looking for the best ultralight 22L daypack, the Elevate 22 delivers. It’s not ideal if you need back ventilation, and while organization is minimal, a few stuff sacks solve that instantly. For everyone else, it’s hard to beat.

HMG Elevate 22 vs Osprey Talon 11 vs Big Agnes Ditch Rider 32

Before Elevate 22, my two go-to daypacks were the Osprey Talon 11 and the Big Agnes Ditch Rider 32, the Ditch Rider being my most-used of the two.

Both are great packs in their own right, and I liked each of them for different reasons. But switching to the Elevate 22 made one thing immediately clear: nothing compares to it in weight and weather protection.

The Talon 11 and Ditch Rider 32 are both nylon with DWR treatments, functional, but DWR wets out eventually. Dyneema doesn’t. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22 genuinely walks like a dry bag on trail, and once you experience that, it’s hard to go back.

That said, there is one thing I genuinely miss from both the Talon 11 and the Ditch Rider 32: a small front zip pocket. It’s a simple feature, and yes, it adds weight, but it’s incredibly handy for small items you want easily accessible. It’s a trade-off I’ve accepted with the Elevate 22’s minimalist design, but worth mentioning if you rely on that kind of quick-access organization.

Note: Ditch Rider 32 is discontinued but included as a direct personal comparison.

	HMG Elevate 22	Osprey Talon 11	BA Ditch Rider 32
Weight	17.7 oz / 502g	1.4 lbs / 0.65kg	1.9 lbs / 0.85kg
Volume	22L	11L	32L
Material	Dyneema	Nylon + DWR	Nylon + DWR
Weather Protection	Exceptional	Good	Good
Back Ventilation	No	Yes	Yes
Interior Organization	Minimal	Good	Good
Best For	Ultralight, photo, bad back	Fast & light day hikes	Longer day hikes

My HMG love doesn’t stop at daypacks. My backpacking pack is currently the Osprey Eja 58, which has been a workhorse for six years, but it’s starting to fall apart. When the time comes to replace it, I’m seriously eyeing the HMG Southwest 55 and Junction 55.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22 Review: FAQs

Is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22 worth it?

Yes, especially if weight is a priority. At 1.2 lbs with 22L of capacity and Dyneema weather protection, it punches well above its weight class for both day hikes and light overnighters.

How does the HMG Elevate 22 compare to Osprey daypacks?

Coming from the Osprey Talon 11, the Elevate 22 wins on weight and weather protection by a significant margin. The Talon 11 wins on back ventilation and interior organization. If you’re an Osprey Talon or Tempest user considering the switch, the Elevate 22 is a compelling ultralight upgrade.

Is the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22 good for photography hikes?

Yes. The Dyneema main compartment protects lenses from the elements exceptionally well. The shoulder strap attachment points also allow you to add a camera capture clip, though heavier lens combinations will add shoulder pressure on longer hikes.

Can the Elevate 22 be used as an overnight backpacking pack?

For a minimalist overnighter, yes. I’ve carried it on a desert overnight with a 55°F sleeping bag, tent, sleeping pad, 3L of water, and food for two meals. Pack light, and it handles the job well.

Is the HMG Elevate 22 good for people with back problems?

Absolutely. Minimizing pack weight is one of the best things you can do for a sensitive back on trail. At 1.2 lbs, the Elevate 22 is one of the lightest options in its class and has been a genuine relief for my back issues.

What is Dyneema and why does it matter for a daypack?

Dyneema is an ultra-strong synthetic fiber that’s lighter and more weather-resistant than traditional nylon. In the Elevate 22 it effectively functions like a dry bag on trail, something no DWR-coated nylon pack can match long term.

How does the HMG Elevate 22 handle camera gear?

Really well. I carry a Sony mirrorless body and heavy lenses in the main compartment regularly. The Dyneema fabric protects gear from the elements better than traditional nylon, and the shoulder strap attachment points let you add a Peak Design Capture Clip for your camera body. Just know that heavier lens combinations will add shoulder pressure on longer hikes.

Final Thoughts on Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22 Review

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22 is the real deal. A year in, it remains my go-to pack for day hikes and light overnight trips. The only reason it doesn’t score a perfect 5 is the lack of back ventilation, something I genuinely miss from my Osprey days, especially on hotter hikes. But here’s the thing: I’ve accepted that trade-off completely. When you embrace the ultralight philosophy, every feature removed is a gram saved. For day hikes and desert outings, the ventilation issue doesn’t outweigh everything else this pack does brilliantly. If you’re serious about going light, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22 belongs on your back.