This Hilltop Packs Raven X UL review asks whether the X-Pac Raven is worth buying, and who should pick it instead of Raven D V4 or Raven ECO V4. The answer is based on the current official listing, listed weights, X-Pac VX21 documentation, V4-versus-X option differences, and live prices—not a fabricated trail test.
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 X UL. See how we evaluate and our editorial standards.
Moon Picke’s Quick Take
Raven X UL is Hilltop’s white-and-black, frameless Raven in heavier X-Pac VX21, listed around 28 oz, with the same 44–59 L volume recipe as the other Ravens and a $395.50 list price checked October 4, 2026. Best for hikers who want Raven architecture at the lowest current Raven price and will accept a heavier listed pack plus a slightly lower published load window. It is not the lightest Raven: D lists from 19 oz and ECO from 20 oz. Main trade-off: you give up documented V4 extras (swapable straps, optional side zips, drain holes, all-YKK language) that D and ECO list. Skip it if you specifically want Dyneema, printed EPLX200, or the lightest listed start. This is a spec review, not a comfort diary.
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Pricing checked October 4, 2026. Prices, configurations and availability may change.
Check Current Raven X UL Pricing
Key specs
| Item | Current listing (October 4, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Exact name | Raven X UL Ultralight Frameless Backpack (X-pac Fabric) |
| SKU | 8625674584321-45679601418497 |
| Availability | Available |
| Price | $395.50 (no compare-at sale) |
| Listed weight | Around 28 oz depending on options |
| Capacity | 44 / 48 / 54 / 59 L (body + two 1 L sides + 7 L front pocket) |
| Main fabric | Heavier VX21 X-Pac (Hilltop Packs) |
| Frame | Frameless |
| Hip belt | 3″ padded, 1″ web, or none |
| Load ratings | Comfort 25–28 lbs; max 30–35 lbs; consider padded belt if over 25 lbs |
| Color | Currently white with black accents |
| Made | Hilltop shop in Waynesburg, PA (product page) |
What is the Raven X UL?
Hilltop lists the Raven X UL as a handmade, frameless backpack in heavy-duty X-Pac VX21, aimed at people who want a durable, full-featured pack at a great price. The page also includes marketing lines such as “exceptional durability” and that it “could be the last backpack you ever buy.” Those are Hilltop sales sentences, not Moon Picke durability tests.
The Shopify listing is one $395.50 default variant; torso, volume, belt, and front-pocket fabric are selected as you order. It sits on the Pro+ line (Ecopak, Xpac, D50T at a friendlier price than Pro Line). On paper you get the Raven roll-top silhouette, load lifters, 3″ straps, a hip-belt menu, an included ice-axe loop, and a choice of open mesh or closed stretch front pocket. Mesh, stretch pockets, and grosgrain are not VX21 even when the body is.
What does “X UL” mean?
Hilltop does not print an “X stands for…” sentence the way the D page says D stands for Dyneema or the ECO page says Eco stands for Ecopak EPLX200. What the current listing does document:
- Official product title: Raven X UL Ultralight Frameless Backpack (X-pac Fabric).
- On-page heading: Raven X Ultralight Backpack.
- Body fabric: heavier VX21 X-Pac.
Editorial reading of that official naming: “X” is the X-Pac fabric family in the product title; “UL” is used as ultralight in the heading. Do not read “UL” as a promise that this is the lightest Raven—Hilltop also writes that it used a heavier VX21 and still stripped weight to around 28 oz. Do not confuse this pack with Ultra, a different Pro Line fabric Hilltop names elsewhere. This listing is X-Pac VX21, not Ultra and not Dyneema or EPLX200.
Material explained
Hilltop Packs product claim: made of a heavier VX21 X-Pac fabric; heavy-duty; used a heavier VX21 and still aimed for a crazy light pack weight.
Fabric-manufacturer claim (X-Pac / Dimension-Polyant VX21 spec, x-pac.com/product/vx21/, not restated on the Hilltop page): VX21 is described as a four-layer laminate—DWR, 210-denier nylon face, 0.25 mil polyester film, black polyester X-PLY at 22°, 50-denier polyester taffeta backing—listed at 210 g/m² (6.2 oz/yd²), with a waterproof hydrostatic-head figure on that spec sheet. Tear and abrasion numbers on that page are manufacturer lab figures for VX21, not a Raven-versus-Raven field ranking. Hilltop does not publish denier, gsm, or which VX21 colorway lot it sews. Do not assume Ocean Edition recycled-face VX21 unless Hilltop names it; the Raven page does not.
Moon Picke editorial interpretation: X UL’s material story is “heavier VX21 laminate, lower list price, higher listed pack ounces” versus D and ECO. Hilltop calling VX21 heavier is consistent with a 28 oz listed pack versus 19–20 oz starts on D/ECO. It is not proof VX21 outlasts Dyneema or EPLX200 on this backpack.
What that changes on paper: more listed pack weight than the other Ravens; a visible X-PLY grid on the official white body photos; fabric-level waterproof film on the VX21 spec sheet versus Hilltop’s pack-level “increased weather resistance” seam language. Stiffness/hand-feel is not rated on the Raven page. Official photos show a structured white body with black pocket panels.
Weight
Hilltop: depending on options, around 28 oz (about 794 g, Moon Picke editorial conversion). There is no “starts at 19 oz” figure and no ounce-by-torso chart. Belt choice, pocket options, and volume will move the scale. Treat 28 oz as a configuration-dependent around-figure, not a guaranteed empty-pack weight on our scale.
Is it actually the lightest Raven?
No. Using each current page’s listed starting/around figures:
| Model | Listed weight | vs X UL (editorial) |
|---|---|---|
| Raven D V4 | From 19 oz | About 9 oz lighter than X UL |
| Raven ECO V4 | From 20 oz | About 8 oz lighter than X UL |
| Raven X UL | Around 28 oz | — |
Those gaps compare published figures, not identical optioned packs. Even allowing overlap once D/ECO add a padded belt (their 20–24 oz ranges), X UL’s listed around-28-oz line is still the heavy Raven. “UL” in the name does not make it the lightest.
Capacity
Same published recipe as the other current Ravens, verified on this page:
- 44 L = 35 L body + 2×1 L sides + 7 L front pocket
- 48 / 54 / 59 L = 40 / 45 / 50 L body + the same 2 + 7
Torso size does not change volume, Hilltop says. Optional bottom stretch pocket is extra. The 7 L front pocket can be open-air polyester mesh or closed fabric stretchy mesh—the volume recipe still cites that 7 L pocket. On paper X UL is not a smaller Raven; it is the same liter family with a heavier laminate.
Frameless design and load
The listing says frameless. No stay is specified. That usually means lower structural weight than a framed pack and more dependence on packing the bag for shape. Trade-off, not an upgrade by default.
Hilltop ratings on this page only: comfort 25–28 lbs total trail weight; max 30–35 lbs; if over 25 lbs, consider the padded hip belt. Those are lower than D and ECO’s published 25–30 / 35–40 lb windows. Do not import D/ECO numbers onto X UL. Generic “keep your kit light” advice is not an extra Hilltop spec.
Back padding: this pack does not include back padding. Sit-pad cords are included and removable. Official rear photos show a harness and sternum strap; the written list does not specify sternum width.
Shoulder straps and hip belt
Documented: 3″ wide straps with military-grade grosgrain daisy chain; load lifters included. Hilltop’s copy says “comfortable”; this review does not repeat that as a finding. Shoulder pouches sold separately.
Hip belt is a build option: 1″ removable web, 3″ removable padded (25–30″ through 45–55″), or none with loops remaining. Feature list also calls the padded belt removable and replaceable. Hip-belt pockets are accessories with a redesign coming soon—not included. Product.js does not itemize belt adders; page price is $395.50. Hilltop explicitly ties loads over 25 lbs to considering the padded belt on this model.
Pockets, storage, closure
Base Raven layout is the same idea: large front pocket with cord, stretch/adjustable sides for up to two 1 L bottles each, grosgrain, removable elastic. Documented differences versus D/ECO pages: front pocket is a mesh-or-closed-stretch choice; ice-axe loop is included, not optional; bottom stretchy pocket is listed as optional (and restated later as a bottom pocket); side zipper pockets, V4 drain holes, and swapable single/Y strap language are not on this page. Do not invent uniqueness in the mesh pocket just to differentiate—the volume recipe still uses a 7 L front pocket.
Closure is a roll-top (official photos). Swapable V4 strap language is not listed here. On paper a rolled, buckled roll-top gives volume flexibility toward 37″ unrolled height and weather shedding—not a waterproof zipper. Dimensions: 37″ tall unrolled, 12″ wide, depth by liter size.
Is the Raven X UL waterproof?
Hilltop does not copy ECO’s “waterproof backing” sentence onto this page. It lists heavier VX21 and horizontal seams taped for increased weather resistance; vertical seams double sewn and bias-tape reinforced. X-Pac’s VX21 spec sheet calls that fabric construction waterproof at the laminate level. A waterproof film in the fabric is not a fully waterproof finished backpack. Mesh (if chosen), stretch sides, roll-top, and drain-free openings still exist. Do not assume contents stay dry in every storm. Pack liners are a separate Hilltop product, not listed as included.
Price
Pricing checked October 4, 2026. Prices, configurations and availability may change. Raven X UL: $395.50, available, no sale price. Moon Picke editorial calculations from live list prices: D ($434.50) minus X UL = $39. ECO ($412.50) minus X UL = $17. Among the three current Ravens, X UL is the lowest list price. It is not a budget backpack in absolute terms.
View Hilltop Packs Raven Backpacks
What do you gain with Raven X UL?
- Lowest current Raven list price ($395.50).
- Documented heavier VX21 X-Pac body; visible X-PLY grid on official photos.
- Included ice-axe loop.
- Front-pocket fabric choice (open mesh or closed stretch).
- Same 44–59 L volume architecture as D and ECO.
- Pro+ pricing versus D’s Pro Line Dyneema.
What do you give up by choosing Raven X UL?
Not “very little.” Verified gaps versus current D and ECO pages:
- Weight: about 8–9 oz heavier on listed starts.
- Load ratings: lower comfort/max windows; extra sentence to consider a padded belt over 25 lbs.
- V4 option block: no documented swapable single/Y straps, optional side zips, side-pocket drain holes, or “all YKK hardware” sentence.
- Material/print: no Dyneema, no EPLX200 print program on this page; color is white with black accents only.
- Back padding: explicitly none on this pack (sit-pad cords only).
You are not buying a silent clone of D with VX21 swapped in. Capacity is the shared piece; options and ounces are not.
Is Raven X UL the best-value Raven?
Lowest price is not automatically best value. If value means fewest dollars for a Raven-shaped 44–59 L frameless pack, X UL currently wins. If value means ounces, V4 zips, or print, ECO at $17 more is the closer “same architecture” spend, and D is the Dyneema spend. Qualified: X UL is the price-floor Raven, not the default best Raven.
Pros
- Lowest live Raven list price among D / ECO / X UL.
- Same published liter recipe as the other Ravens.
- VX21 X-Pac body as listed; fabric-maker VX21 sheet documents a waterproof film layer.
- Included ice-axe loop; mesh-or-closed front pocket.
- Frameless, made-to-torso, load lifters, hip-belt menu.
- Horizontal seam tape for increased weather resistance (pack-level, not a dry-bag claim).
Cons
- Heaviest listed Raven (~28 oz vs 19–20 oz starts).
- Still $395.50—not a cheap school backpack.
- Lower published max load than D/ECO; frameless.
- No documented V4 side zips / drain holes / swapable straps on this page.
- White/black only; backpacks currently listed at up to six months lead time.
Buy the Raven X UL if…
- You already run a kit inside the 25–28 lb comfort rating.
- You want Raven volume and frameless architecture at the current floor price.
- You prefer listed VX21 X-Pac over Dyneema or printed EPLX200.
- You want an included ice-axe loop and/or a closed-stretch front pocket option.
- You do not need D/ECO’s documented V4 zip-pocket path.
Skip the Raven X UL if…
- You regularly exceed 30–35 lbs or want a rigid frame.
- You specifically want Dyneema (Raven D V4) or printed EPLX200 (Raven ECO V4).
- The lightest listed Raven start is the whole point (that is D, then ECO).
- You need a much cheaper or smaller pack (Dirty 30 ECO or 24Seven).
- You cannot wait on a backpack lead time currently listed up to six months.
Raven X UL vs Raven D V4 (short)
Material: heavier VX21 vs 2.92 / 5.0 AR Dyneema. Weight: ~28 oz vs from 19 oz. Price: $395.50 vs $434.50 ($39, editorial). Key difference: ounces, Pro Line Dyneema, and D’s V4 option list versus X UL’s lower price and included ice axe. Buyer: D if listed weight and Dyneema matter; X UL if dollars and VX21 matter more.
Raven X UL vs Raven ECO V4 (short)
Material: VX21 vs EPLX200 with print. Weight: ~28 oz vs from 20 oz. Price: $395.50 vs $412.50 ($17). Key difference: ECO keeps V4 zips/print/higher load ratings; X UL is cheaper, heavier, white/black, ice axe included. Buyer: ECO for print and V4; X UL for the floor price and VX21.
| Model | Material | Weight | Current price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raven D V4 | 2.92 / 5.0 AR Dyneema | From ~19 oz | $434.50 | Lightest listed Raven |
| Raven ECO V4 | EPLX200 | From ~20 oz | $412.50 | Printed V4 Raven |
| Raven X UL | VX21 X-Pac | ~28 oz | $395.50 | Lowest Raven list price |
Alternatives
- Raven D V4: if Dyneema and the 19 oz start matter.
- Raven ECO V4: if print and V4 options matter more than $17.
- Dirty 30 ECO ($385): smaller EPLX200 family.
- 24Seven Trail (from $352): smaller trail/day pack, also listed with X-Pac VX21 & VX07 on its own page—not this Raven.
Warranty, returns, lead time
Fabric-based products: 5-year warranty against defects; wear and tear excluded. Unused returns within 60 days; buyer pays shipping; unused custom like-new is included on the refund-policy page. Lead times (October 4, 2026): backpacks currently up to 6 months. Confirm before you treat X UL as a near-term ship.
FAQ
What is the Raven X UL made from?
Hilltop: heavier VX21 X-Pac. Mesh or closed-stretch front, stretch sides, and grosgrain are specified separately.
What does X UL mean?
The title calls it X-pac Fabric. The heading calls it a Raven X Ultralight Backpack. Hilltop does not publish a one-line “X stands for / UL stands for” glossary. The fabric is VX21 X-Pac, not Ultra.
How much does Raven X UL weigh?
Around 28 oz depending on options. It is not listed as the lightest Raven.
What capacity is Raven X UL?
44 / 48 / 54 / 59 L = 35/40/45/50 L body + 2×1 L sides + 7 L front pocket.
Is Raven X UL waterproof?
VX21 is a waterproof laminate on X-Pac’s spec sheet. Hilltop tapes horizontal seams for increased weather resistance. That is not a fully waterproof finished pack.
Is Raven X UL frameless?
Yes.
Does Raven X UL include a hip belt?
You choose 3″ padded, 1″ web, or none. Over 25 lbs, Hilltop says consider the padded belt.
Raven X UL vs Raven D: which should I buy?
D for Dyneema and the 19 oz start. X UL for $39 less and VX21, if you accept ~28 oz and fewer documented V4 options.
Raven X UL vs Raven ECO: what is the difference?
ECO is printed EPLX200 from ~20 oz at $412.50 with V4 extras. X UL is VX21 around 28 oz at $395.50.
Is Raven X UL worth the price?
On paper, yes if you want this Raven shape at the current floor price in VX21. No if ounces or V4/print are why you are shopping Ravens.
Final verdict
Is Raven X UL worth buying?
Yes, if you want a frameless 44–59 L Raven in listed VX21, you will stay inside 25–28 lb comfort / 30–35 lb max, and $395.50 is the point of the purchase.
Probably not, if you wanted the lightest Raven or D/ECO’s V4 feature list.
Choose Raven D instead if Dyneema and the 19 oz start are the constraint.
Choose Raven ECO instead if you want print, EPLX200, and V4 options for $17 more.
Consider another Hilltop Packs pack if you need a frame, a much smaller bag, or a different volume family.
X UL is the price-floor Raven with a heavier laminate—not automatically the Raven to buy. Match the documented trade-offs to your kit, then order or walk away.