This Hilltop Packs Raven ECO V4 review asks whether the printed EPLX200 Raven is worth buying—and whether it is the best-value Raven—using current Hilltop Packs documentation, not a fabricated trail test. Moon Picke compared the live product page, listed weights, Ecopak claims, V4 options, pricing, warranty, and lead-time policy.
Moon Picke compared Hilltop Packs’ current product documentation, manufacturer-listed weights, materials, carrying design, storage configuration, customization options and pricing. We did not hike with the Raven ECO V4. See how we evaluate and our editorial standards.
Moon Picke’s Quick Take
Raven ECO V4 is Hilltop’s printed, frameless Raven in Challenge Sailcloth EPLX200, listed from about 20 oz, with the same 44–59 L volume recipe as the Dyneema D model and a $412.50 list price checked October 4, 2026. Best for hikers who want Raven V4 features plus custom print and documented recycled-polyester laminate, without paying D’s extra $22 for a listed 1 oz starting-weight gap. Main trade-off: it is still a $400-class cottage pack, frameless, with a 25–30 lb comfort window, and Raven X UL is cheaper if you do not need V4 zips or print. Skip it if you want Dyneema specifically, a frame, or the lowest Raven list price. This is a spec review, not a comfort diary.
Disclosure: Moon Picke may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Shop buttons use the Hilltop Packs collection affiliate URL supplied for this article. The Raven ECO V4 product page was used for specs and official photos. See our affiliate disclosure.
Pricing checked October 4, 2026. Prices, configurations and availability may change.
Check Current Raven ECO Pricing
Key specs
| Item | Current listing (October 4, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Exact name | Raven ECO V4 Ultralight Frameless Backpack (Recycled Fabric) |
| SKU | 6278458343609-39510888 |
| Version / status | V4, available |
| Price | $412.50 (no compare-at sale) |
| Listed weight | Starts at 20 oz; 20–24 oz depending on options; ~22–24 oz with padded hip belt |
| Capacity | 44 / 48 / 54 / 59 L (body + two 1 L sides + 7 L mesh front) |
| Main fabric | Challenge Sailcloth Ecopak EPLX200 |
| Frame | Frameless |
| Hip belt | 3″ padded, 1″ web, or none |
| Load ratings | Comfort 25–30 lbs total trail weight; max 35–40 lbs (Hilltop Packs) |
| Made | Hilltop shop in Waynesburg, PA (product page) |
What is Raven ECO V4?
Hilltop lists ECO as part of the flagship Raven series: a custom-built, frameless pack with print options, sized to torso. The page says choose it if you want a custom-printed, ultralight, fully featured pack “with eco friendly fabrics at a great price point.” That last phrase is Hilltop’s marketing copy. This review will not adopt “eco-friendly” as a Moon Picke verdict. The documented fabric facts are below.
The Shopify listing is one $412.50 default variant; torso, volume, belt, print, and V4 extras are chosen as you order. It is tagged ecopak and sits on the Pro+ line, which Hilltop describes as high-value technical fabrics (Ecopak, Xpac, D50T) at a friendlier price than Pro Line.
On paper you get the Raven roll-top silhouette, mesh front, stretch sides, load lifters, 3″ straps, and the V4 option set. Mesh, stretch pockets, grosgrain, and hardware are not EPLX200. Do not call every panel Ecopak.
What does “ECO” mean?
Hilltop states it directly: “Eco” stands for Ecopak EPLX200 made by Challenge Sailcloth. It is not a vague sustainability badge on the name alone. The same sentence describes an ultralight technical pack fabric of 100% recycled polyester components, C0 DWR (no fluorocarbons), with a waterproof backing. Compared with other laminated pack fabrics, Hilltop says EPLX200’s proprietary RUV film is more abrasion resistant, wrinkles less, and has better UV resistance.
What is verified: recycled-polyester-components claim, C0 DWR / no fluorocarbons, waterproof backing, Challenge Sailcloth EPLX200, RUV film comparison language. What is not independently verified here: carbon footprint, “better for the planet,” zero-waste, or a lab ranking of EPLX200 versus the Dyneema on Raven D or the VX21 on Raven X UL. Prefer Hilltop’s and Challenge Sailcloth’s documented attributes over green adjectives.
What is Ecopak?
For a Raven buyer, EPLX200 is a laminate used as the printed pack body. Hilltop does not publish an ounce-per-yard figure for the fabric on this page—only the finished-pack weights. Documented buyer-relevant points:
- Construction: laminated technical pack fabric with a waterproof backing and C0 DWR.
- Recycled-content claim: 100% recycled polyester components, per Hilltop.
- Water resistance: waterproof backing on the fabric is not the same as a fully waterproof backpack.
- Abrasion / UV / wrinkle: Hilltop attributes those advantages to RUV film versus other laminates—manufacturer claim, not a Moon Picke test.
- Price position: Pro+ Raven at $412.50, $22 under D, $17 over X UL (editorial subtraction of live list prices).
Print lives on sides and front. Side pockets, back panel, shoulder straps, and hip belts stay black with no grid pattern or colors.
Ecopak vs Dyneema: what changes in a backpack?
This is not a full textile essay. On the current Raven pages:
- Weight: D listed from 19 oz; ECO from 20 oz. Difference about 1 oz (28 g, Moon Picke editorial conversion of the starting figures)—small.
- Price: D $434.50, ECO $412.50. Difference $22—modest in a $400-class purchase.
- Water resistance: ECO’s fabric has a documented waterproof backing; D’s Dyneema page does not use that sentence. Both tape horizontal seams for increased weather resistance.
- Structure / feel: both are laminates with stretch pockets and mesh; Hilltop does not publish stiffness ratings. Official ECO photos show printed body panels and black harness parts.
- Abrasion: ECO carries Hilltop’s RUV vs other laminates language; D lists 5.0 abrasion-resistant Dyneema beside 2.92 oz Dyneema. No head-to-head table. Neither is universally superior on this evidence.
Weight
Configuration-dependent figures on the ECO page:
- Starts at just 20 oz depending on options (about 567 g, editorial conversion).
- 20–24 oz depending on options (about 567–680 g).
- With padded hip belt, around 22–24 oz.
No ounce chart by torso. Side zips, bottom pocket, ice-axe loop, and belt choice move the scale. Honest reading: a ~1.25–1.5 lb class pack, about 1 oz heavier than D’s published start and about 8 oz lighter than X UL’s “around 28 oz” (editorial comparisons of listed figures, not two packs on our scale).
Capacity
Same published recipe as the other current Ravens, verified on the ECO page:
- 44 L = 35 L body + 2×1 L sides + 7 L mesh front
- 48 L = 40 + 2 + 7
- 54 L = 45 + 2 + 7
- 59 L = 50 + 2 + 7
Torso size does not change volume, Hilltop says. Optional bottom pocket and optional side zips are extra and not added into those totals. On paper, “44 L” is 35 L of roll-top plus 9 L of named external pockets. Likely use without field notes: kits that fit a 35–50 L body if total trail weight stays inside Hilltop’s ratings.
Frameless design
The listing says frameless. No stay or framesheet is specified. That usually means lower structural weight, more dependence on a tightly packed bag for shape, and less internal load support than a framed pack. It is a trade-off. Hilltop load guidance on this page: comfort rating total trail weight 25–30 lbs; max 35–40 lbs. Those are manufacturer ratings, not a Moon Picke load test. Generic “keep your kit light” advice is not an extra Hilltop number.
Sit-pad cords on the back are included and removable. A foam back panel is not listed in the backpack SKU. Official rear photos show a padded-looking harness and a sternum strap; the written list does not specify sternum width.
Carry system, shoulder straps, hip belt
Documented straps: 3″ wide with military-grade grosgrain daisy chain; load lifters included. Hilltop’s copy says “comfortable”; this review does not repeat that as a finding. Daisy chain can hold separately sold shoulder pouches. Foam type is not listed.
Hip belt is a build option, not a single included/not SKU: 3″ removable padded (25–30″, 30–35″, 35–40″, 40–45″, 45–55″), 1″ removable web, or none with loops remaining. Feature list also calls the padded belt removable and replaceable. Hip-belt pockets are accessories marked “coming soon,” not included. Product.js does not itemize belt dollar adders; page price is $412.50. Padded-belt weight is the 22–24 oz note. No extra comfort-in-pounds claim beyond Hilltop’s load window.
Pockets, storage, closure
On paper, walk-up storage is bottles and wet gear: 7 L open mesh front with removable cord; stretch sides with V4 drain holes, up to two 1 L bottles each; optional zippered side pockets (left, right, or both as worn); optional stretchy bottom pocket; grosgrain attachments; optional ice-axe loop. Shoulder pouches and a roll-top fanny pack are sold separately; the fanny is listed as integrating with the Raven UL.
Closure is a roll-top with swapable single or Y straps on all V4 packs (Y typically for bear canisters). On paper that gives volume flexibility toward the listed 37″ unrolled height, compression when over-rolled, and weather shedding when buckled—not guaranteed waterproofness. Dimensions: 37″ tall unrolled, 12″ wide, depth by liter size.
Is the Raven ECO V4 waterproof?
The fabric is documented with a waterproof backing and C0 DWR. The finished pack is not documented as fully waterproof. Horizontal seams are taped for increased weather resistance; vertical seams are double sewn and binding-tape reinforced. Closure is a roll-top. Mesh front, stretch sides, optional zips, and drain holes are openings. Do not assume contents stay dry in every storm. Pack liners are a separate Hilltop product, not listed as included.
Customization
Print is part of this product, not a separate Custom SKU the way printed Dyneema is. Choose a pattern number from Hilltop’s pattern sets, or after order use “create custom pattern” / “upload your own graphics.” Sides and front print; harness and side pockets stay black. Also: exact torso (if between sizes, use the smaller number), volume, belt, single vs Y strap, optional side zips, optional ice axe, optional bottom pocket.
Price
Pricing checked October 4, 2026. Prices, configurations and availability may change. Raven ECO V4: $412.50, available, no sale price on product.js. Option surcharges are not broken out on the default variant.
Moon Picke editorial calculations from live list prices: Raven D V4 ($434.50) minus ECO = $22. ECO minus Raven X UL ($395.50) = $17. Those are modest gaps inside a $400-class category. Do not call $22 “massive savings” or 1 oz “dramatically lighter.”
View Hilltop Packs Raven Backpacks
Is Raven ECO V4 the best-value Raven?
On current numbers, ECO is the middle Raven: $22 under D for essentially the same listed V4 architecture, liters, and 25–30 / 35–40 lb ratings, plus included print and EPLX200’s recycled-polyester / waterproof-backing documentation. Versus X UL you pay $17 more and get a lighter listed start (~20 oz vs ~28 oz), V4 side zips/drain holes/swapable straps that X UL’s page does not list, and print. X UL remains the lowest list price and includes an ice-axe loop.
Qualified, not automatic: ECO is the strongest “same Raven V4, less than Dyneema” value on paper. It is not the cheapest Raven. If value means lowest dollars, X UL wins. If value means V4 features + print + a 1 oz listed gap vs D, ECO is the coherent middle. This Hilltop Packs Raven ECO V4 review will not crown a universal best-value pack.
Pros
- Listed from 20 oz—within about 1 oz of D’s published start.
- EPLX200 with documented 100% recycled polyester components, C0 DWR, waterproof backing.
- $22 below current Raven D, with the same published V4 option list and volume recipe.
- Custom print included on sides and front.
- Mesh front, stretch sides, optional zips/bottom pocket, load lifters, replaceable belt.
- Seam-tape language for increased weather resistance (not a dry-bag claim).
Cons
- Still $412.50—expensive if you expected a budget pack.
- Frameless; 25–30 lb comfort / 35–40 lb max is a hard limit for heavy kits.
- About 8 oz heavier than D on listed starts; about $17 more than X UL.
- Hip-belt pockets still “coming soon”; option prices not itemized on product.js.
- Backpacks currently listed at up to six months lead time; unused returns 60 days, buyer pays shipping.
Buy the Raven ECO V4 if…
- You already keep a relatively light kit inside Hilltop’s 25–30 lb comfort rating.
- You want Raven architecture and V4 options, not a smaller Dirty 30 or 24Seven.
- You want EPLX200’s documented recycled-polyester laminate and print, not black Dyneema.
- You accept a $412.50 cottage pack and frameless packing technique.
Skip the Raven ECO V4 if…
- You regularly carry above 35–40 lbs or want a rigid framed pack.
- You specifically want Dyneema (that listing is Raven D V4).
- You want the absolute lowest listed Raven weight (D, by about 1 oz on starting figures).
- Lowest list price matters more than V4 extras (Raven X UL at $395.50).
- You cannot wait on a backpack lead time currently listed up to six months.
Raven ECO vs Raven D (short)
Material, about 1 oz, and $22. Same liters, V4 list, and load ratings on the current pages. D is black Dyneema / Pro Line. ECO is printed EPLX200 / Pro+. Buy D if the listed ounce and Dyneema are the point. Buy ECO if print and the recycled-polyester documentation matter more than that ounce.
Raven ECO vs Raven X UL (short)
$17, about 8 oz on listed figures, EPLX200+print+V4 options versus heavier VX21, white/black, included ice axe, and a lower published max (30–35 lbs on X UL). Capacity recipe is the same. Choose ECO for V4/print/lighter listed pack. Choose X UL to spend less and take VX21.
Alternatives
- Raven D V4 ($434.50): if Dyneema and the 19 oz start matter.
- Raven X UL ($395.50): if VX21 and the floor price matter.
- Dirty 30 ECO ($385): smaller EPLX200 family, not a 44–59 L Raven.
- 24Seven Trail (from $352): smaller trail/day volume.
Warranty, returns, lead time
Fabric-based products: 5-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship; wear and tear excluded. Unused returns within 60 days; buyer pays shipping. Refund policy also covers unused custom products in like-new condition. Gift cards are non-returnable. Lead times (October 4, 2026): non-printed gear typically 10 business days; custom/printed typically 10–15; backpacks currently up to 6 months. Printed ECO is custom work—confirm the backpack line, not the generic 10–15 day printed-gear line, before you assume a fast ship.
FAQ
What is Raven ECO V4 made from?
Hilltop: Challenge Sailcloth Ecopak EPLX200—100% recycled polyester components, C0 DWR, waterproof backing. Mesh, stretch pockets, and grosgrain are specified separately.
How much does Raven ECO V4 weigh?
Listed from 20 oz, also 20–24 oz by options, about 22–24 oz with a padded belt. No ounce per torso size.
What capacity is Raven ECO V4?
44 / 48 / 54 / 59 L = 35/40/45/50 L body + 2×1 L sides + 7 L mesh front.
Is Raven ECO V4 waterproof?
The fabric has a waterproof backing. Seams: taped horizontals for increased weather resistance. That is not a fully waterproof finished pack. Mesh pockets remain.
Is Raven ECO V4 frameless?
Yes. The current listing says frameless.
Does Raven ECO V4 include a hip belt?
You choose 3″ padded, 1″ web, or none. It is a build option.
Raven ECO vs Raven D: what is the difference?
ECO is printed EPLX200 from ~20 oz at $412.50. D is black Dyneema from ~19 oz at $434.50. Same published liter recipe and V4 features.
Raven ECO vs Raven X UL: which should I buy?
ECO if you want V4 options, print, and the lighter listed start. X UL if you want VX21 and $395.50.
Is Raven ECO V4 worth the price?
On paper, yes if you want this Raven architecture and EPLX200/print without Dyneema’s extra $22. No if you only needed the cheapest Raven or a framed pack.
Final verdict
Is Raven ECO V4 worth buying?
Yes, if you want a printed, frameless Raven in documented EPLX200, you will stay inside the 25–30 lb comfort rating, and you see $412.50 as paying for V4 features plus print rather than for a Dyneema label.
Probably not, if you want Dyneema (Raven D V4), the lowest list price (Raven X UL), a frame, or a much smaller/cheaper bag (Dirty 30 ECO or 24Seven).
Best-value inside the Raven family is qualified: ECO is the sensible middle for V4 + print, not the automatic winner on dollars or ounces. Buy it for the documented fabric and feature set. Skip it when those are not your constraint.