Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22

Rikkar Specs

The listed 17.7 oz / 502 g weight is the average weight based on a size medium.

Key Features

• Lightweight 22-liter frameless daypack
• 17.7 oz / 502 g average weight
• 25 lb / 11.3 kg load capacity
• Dyneema® Composite Hybrid construction
• Ultralight Dyneema® Stretch Mesh external pockets
• Integrated 1/4-inch foam back panel
• Removable padded minimalist hip belt
• Roll-top closure
• Single over-the-top compression strap
• Two cinchable side pockets
• Large center stretch-mesh front pocket
• Two center daisy chains
• G-hook side compression straps
• Internal hydration bladder hang loop
• Dual hydration ports
• Stashable ice axe loop
• Thumb loops on shoulder strap ends
• Designed for on-trail and off-trail use

Ultralight Dyneema® Construction

The Elevate 22 uses Dyneema® Composite Hybrid fabric to keep weight low while providing the durability and weather protection expected from Hyperlite Mountain Gear.

The combination of Dyneema® Composite Hybrid and Dyneema® Stretch Mesh allows the pack to remain lightweight without eliminating useful external storage. The main body provides protection from wet weather, while the stretch-mesh pockets give you convenient places to carry gear that doesn’t need to stay inside the main compartment.

For an ultralight daypack, the result is a particularly efficient design: there isn’t much material or hardware that doesn’t serve a purpose.

Frameless Design

The Elevate 22 uses a frameless construction, which keeps the pack simple and helps achieve its low weight.

Instead of relying on a traditional internal frame, the pack uses the contents themselves along with the integrated foam back panel to provide structure. Packing the bag thoughtfully helps create a more comfortable and stable load.

The benefit is immediately apparent when carrying lighter loads. With fewer structural components, the Elevate 22 remains flexible and moves naturally with the wearer.

It’s designed for a maximum load of approximately 25 pounds, but it really shines when packed with a lighter, efficiently organized kit.

Comfort & Carry

The Elevate 22 includes an integrated 1/4-inch foam back panel that provides cushioning between you and the contents of the pack.

The shoulder straps include thumb loops at their ends, giving you a convenient place to rest your hands during long climbs or extended stretches of trail.

A removable padded minimalist hip belt provides additional stability when you want it. Removing the belt reduces weight and creates a simpler setup for lighter loads, while keeping it installed gives you additional support when the pack is carrying more gear.

The hip belt accommodates waist sizes from 28 to 50 inches.

Storage & Accessibility

The Elevate 22 takes a straightforward approach to storage.

Two side pockets provide easily accessible space for water bottles and other frequently used equipment, while the large center stretch-mesh front pocket gives you a convenient place to stash a rain jacket, wet layers, snacks, or other gear you want to reach without opening the main compartment.

Two center daisy chains provide additional attachment points for lightweight accessories or gear.

The roll-top closure allows you to compress the pack when it’s not completely full and gives you some flexibility when carrying larger or bulkier items.

Hydration

The Elevate 22 includes an internal hydration bladder hang loop and hydration port, allowing you to carry a reservoir inside the main compartment while routing the drinking hose to the outside.

This keeps the hydration system organized without requiring a dedicated hydration compartment.

The external side pockets also provide an easy option for carrying bottles when you prefer quick access or don’t want to use a bladder.

Trekking & Technical Features

Although the Elevate 22 is primarily a daypack, Hyperlite Mountain Gear has included several features that make it useful beyond straightforward day hiking.

A stashable ice axe loop allows the pack to carry an ice axe when you’re heading into more technical terrain. G-hook side compression straps help secure the load and can also be used to attach or stabilize additional equipment.

These details make the Elevate 22 a good fit for hikers who want a lightweight pack that can adapt to different types of terrain rather than a daypack designed strictly for casual trails.

Fit & Sizing

The Elevate 22 is available in three torso lengths. Hyperlite Mountain Gear recommends choosing the pack based on torso length rather than overall height.

If your measurement falls directly between two sizes, choosing the larger size is generally recommended.

Getting the torso length right is particularly important with a frameless pack because the fit of the shoulder straps and back panel plays a major role in how the load sits against your body.

What Is The Elevate 22 Best For?

The Elevate 22 is designed primarily for day hiking and multisport adventures, but its 22-liter capacity makes it useful for a surprisingly broad range of activities.

It’s particularly well suited to:

• Day hiking
• Fastpacking
• Peak bagging
• Off-trail hiking
• Bikepacking
• Lightweight overnight trips
• All-day mountain adventures
• Technical day trips
• Minimalist travel

For hikers who already pack light, the Elevate 22 can also work for an overnight trip where gear volume is carefully controlled.

Its 25-pound load capacity gives it more flexibility than an extremely minimalist daypack, while the frameless construction keeps it light enough that carrying it all day doesn’t feel like a burden.

The Tradeoff

The Elevate 22’s biggest tradeoff is its frameless design.

A frameless pack doesn’t provide the same load transfer or structure as a framed backpack, so packing technique and total weight become more important as the load increases.

If you’re regularly carrying 20–25 pounds, a framed pack may provide a more comfortable experience. The Elevate 22 is at its best when you’re carrying a relatively light and compact load.

The roll-top design and limited internal organization also favor hikers who are comfortable organizing their gear themselves rather than relying on numerous dedicated compartments.

In exchange, you get a remarkably light pack that remains simple, flexible, and comfortable for the kind of lightweight adventures it’s designed to handle.

Rikkar Take

The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Elevate 22 is a great example of the idea that a daypack doesn’t need to be complicated to be capable.

At just 17.7 ounces, it provides 22 liters of capacity, a padded back panel, removable hip belt, hydration compatibility, multiple external pockets, and even an ice axe carry system without becoming overloaded with features.

We particularly like the versatility of the frameless design. Leave the hip belt attached and load it up for a longer day in the mountains, or remove the belt and strip the pack down for lighter missions.

The Dyneema® Composite Hybrid construction also gives the Elevate 22 excellent weather resistance without adding much weight, while the stretch-mesh front and side pockets keep frequently used gear accessible.

It’s not a traditional load-hauling backpack, and that’s not what it’s trying to be. The Elevate 22 is built for hikers who already understand the advantages of traveling light and want a simple, durable pack that can handle everything from a quick day hike to a long fastpacking adventure.

For an ultralight daypack with genuine backcountry capability, the Elevate 22 is an exceptionally well-rounded option.