Choosing My 2026 Backpack: Hyperlite Unbound vs Windrider

In this video, I compare the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Windrider 40 and Unbound 40 and walk through how I’m deciding which pack to use for my 2026 hiking season. From pocket access and durability to comfort and long food carries, this isn’t a spec breakdown — it’s about real-world usability, friction on trail, and which pack I’d regret not choosing 200 miles in. Choosing the right backpack for a long hike isn’t about specs — it’s about tradeoffs. ---------------------------------------------------------- P.S. Some of the links in this description are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. It helps support the channel at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! ---------------------------------------------------------- Ways to Support the Channel: Venmo: @colbyonthetrail ---------------------------------------------------------- Discount Codes: Tell Your Trail 12% off: ColbyontheTrail12 https://tellyourtrail.com/?ref=ColbyontheTrail12 Hilltop Packs 10% off: COLBYONTHETRAIL https://hilltoppacks.com/colbyonthetrail Backcountry Foodie 20% off: COLBYONTHETRAIL https://backcountryfoodie.com/aff/73/ ---------------------------------------------------------- My Favorite Gear: Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/4kLxv71 Titanium 750ml Pot: https://amzn.to/4kWEk5t Ultralight Stove: https://amzn.to/4kUKbbr Water Filter: https://amzn.to/4o45itc Ultralight Trowel: https://amzn.to/4iaU7Mr Summit Suds Powdered Soap: https://amzn.to/3FyXOgx Unpaste Toothpaste Tablets: https://amzn.to/3DUGIJh Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodie: https://amzn.to/4iay6gG Nike Men's Challenger Dri-fit 5" Lined Running Shorts: https://amzn.to/4kq1S2B Garmin inReach Mini 2: https://amzn.to/4kAYVML inCharge XL 6-in-1 Multi Charging Cable: https://amzn.to/41QdkMh Camera Gear: Camera Gear: DJI Pocket Osmo 3: https://amzn.to/3QVjNRi DJI Osmo Action 6 : https://amzn.to/4axDqtE Insta360 X5: https://amzn.to/4qm7qOw Sony A6700: https://amzn.to/4qkKwa5 Sony G Master 15mm f1.4 Lens: https://amzn.to/4b7pyX9 ---------------------------------------------------------- Timestamps: 0:00 – Why This Decision Matters 0:36 – Unbound vs Windrider (What’s at Stake in 2026) 2:07 – What I Actually Care About in a Backpack 3:57 – The Case for the Windrider 40 5:27 – The Case for the Unbound 40 6:34 – The Real Tradeoffs (Not About Ounces) 8:01 – How I’m Actually Deciding 9:15 – Which One Would I Regret? (Final Thoughts) ---------------------------------------------------------- #hiking #thruhiking #backpacking