The buying question is which current Hilltop Packs Raven matches your kit: black Dyneema, printed Ecopak, or heavier X-Pac. This Raven D vs Raven ECO vs Raven X UL comparison treats the three listings as separate products.
Moon Picke compared Hilltop Packs’ current product documentation, manufacturer-listed weights, materials, carrying design, storage configuration, customization options and pricing. We did not field-test the packs. See how we evaluate and our editorial standards.
Pricing checked October 4, 2026. Prices and availability may change. All three Ravens were listed as available. A separate Raven D V4 Custom listing at $485 (printed Dyneema) was unavailable; it is not a fourth carry system.
Quick answer
BUY RAVEN D V4 IF: you want the lightest listed Raven, black 2.92 / 5.0 abrasion-resistant Dyneema, and will pay $434.50 for that fabric plus the V4 option set.
BUY RAVEN ECO V4 IF: you want the same Raven volume architecture and V4 options as Dyneema, Challenge Sailcloth EPLX200 with custom printing included, and a $22 lower list price.
BUY RAVEN X UL IF: you want VX21 X-Pac, the lowest current Raven list price ($395.50), and you accept a listed weight around 28 oz plus a slightly lower published load rating.
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Compare Hilltop Packs Raven Backpacks
Raven D V4 vs Raven ECO V4 vs Raven X UL
| Spec | Raven D V4 | Raven ECO V4 | Raven X UL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current price | $434.50 | $412.50 | $395.50 |
| Base weight (as listed) | From 19 oz; 20–24 oz by options | From 20 oz; 20–24 oz by options | Around 28 oz by options |
| Capacity | 44 / 48 / 54 / 59 L (main body + two 1 L sides + 7 L front mesh) | Same listed recipe | Same listed recipe |
| Main material | 2.92 oz & 5.0 AR Dyneema | EPLX200 (recycled polyester, C0 DWR, waterproof backing) | Heavier X-Pac VX21 |
| Frame | Frameless | Frameless | Frameless |
| Hip belt | 3″ removable padded, 1″ removable web, or none (loops remain) | Same three options | Same three options |
| Shoulder straps | 3″ wide with grosgrain daisy chain; load lifters included | Same listed strap / lifter language | Same listed strap / lifter language |
| Front pocket | 7 L open-cell mesh | 7 L open-cell mesh | Open-air polyester mesh or closed fabric stretchy mesh; 7 L in the volume recipe |
| Side pockets | Stretch pockets (up to 2× 1 L bottles each); optional side zips; V4 drain holes | Same stretch + optional zips + V4 drain holes | Adjustable pockets (up to 2× 1 L bottles each); side zips not listed |
| Bottom pocket | Optional stretchy bottom pocket | Optional stretchy bottom pocket | Listed as optional (later restated as a bottom stretchy pocket) |
| Closure | Roll-top; swapable single or Y straps on V4 | Roll-top; swapable single or Y straps on V4 | Roll-top; swapable-strap language not listed |
| Water-resistance design | Taped horizontal seams; binding-tape verticals | Same seam language; fabric waterproof backing | Taped horizontal seams; bias-tape verticals |
| Customization | Torso, belt, volume, V4 options; black only | Same plus included print on sides/front | Torso, belt, volume; white/black; print not listed |
| Warranty | 5-year fabric-based warranty against defects (brand warranty page) | Same brand fabric warranty | Same brand fabric warranty |
| Best for | Minimum listed pack weight in Dyneema | Printed Raven, recycled-polyester laminate, V4 features | Lowest current Raven price in VX21 |
Moon Picke editorial calculations based on manufacturer-listed specifications: Raven D V4 is $22 more than Raven ECO V4 and $39 more than Raven X UL; ECO is $17 more than X UL. On the published “starts at / around” ounce figures, D is 1 oz lighter than ECO and 9 oz lighter than X UL; ECO is 8 oz lighter than X UL.
The biggest difference: the materials
Volume options, frameless build, 3″ straps, load lifters, and the hip-belt menu look similar. Fabric is what you actually buy. Hilltop currently uses three laminates on three SKUs.
Raven D V4: 2.92 Dyneema plus 5.0 abrasion-resistant Dyneema
The D page lists 2.92 oz and 5.0 abrasion-resistant Dyneema. The “D” stands for Dyneema. Hilltop calls it an ultralight, high-end pack fabric and positions black Raven D as the lightest fully featured pack in its class. Standard D is black only. That two-weight sentence is not copied onto ECO or X UL. Listed starting weight is the lowest; list price is the highest. Hilltop does not publish a tear/abrasion table of this Dyneema versus EPLX200 or VX21. “High end” is brand language, not independent proof Dyneema outlasts the other two in every abrasion scenario.
Raven ECO V4: Challenge Sailcloth EPLX200
“Eco” stands for Ecopak EPLX200 by Challenge Sailcloth: 100% recycled polyester components, C0 DWR (no fluorocarbons), waterproof backing. Hilltop says EPLX200’s RUV film is more abrasion resistant, wrinkles less, and has better UV resistance than other laminated pack fabrics. That is a manufacturer claim about EPLX200 generally—not a Moon Picke ranking of these three Ravens. You also get printing (sides and front printed; pockets, back panel, straps, and belts stay black). ECO is Pro+; D uses Pro Line language that includes Dyneema.
Raven X UL: heavier X-Pac VX21
X UL is heavier VX21 X-Pac, listed around 28 oz depending on options, currently white with black accents. VX21 is the heavier, cheaper Raven laminate. The page’s durability marketing is not a published head-to-head test, so this article will not crown a “toughest fabric.”
BEST IF MINIMUM WEIGHT IS PRIORITY: Raven D V4, on listed starting weight.
BEST IF RECYCLED POLYESTER, C0 DWR, AND PRINTING ARE PRIORITY: Raven ECO V4.
BEST IF VALUE (LOWEST CURRENT LIST PRICE) IS PRIORITY: Raven X UL.
Which Raven is lightest?
| Model | Manufacturer-listed weight | Approx. grams (editorial conversion) |
|---|---|---|
| Raven D V4 | From 19 oz; 20–24 oz by options; padded belt ~18–22 oz | 19 oz ≈ 539 g |
| Raven ECO V4 | From 20 oz; 20–24 oz by options; padded belt ~22–24 oz | 20 oz ≈ 567 g |
| Raven X UL | Around 28 oz depending on options | 28 oz ≈ 794 g |
Moon Picke editorial calculations based on manufacturer-listed specifications: D vs ECO is about 1 oz (28 g)—small. D vs X UL is about 9 oz (255 g)—significant for an ultralight kit. ECO vs X UL is about 8 oz (227 g). Those gaps compare published figures, not two identically optioned packs on a scale. D and ECO also publish a 20–24 oz option range, so fully optioned D and ECO can overlap. Treat belt, zips, bottom pocket, and ice-axe hardware as configuration weight.
Capacity
Checked independently, all three use the same published volume architecture:
- 44 L: 35 L main body + two 1 L side pockets + 7 L open-cell mesh front pocket
- 48 L: 40 L + 2×1 L + 7 L
- 54 L: 45 L + 2×1 L + 7 L
- 59 L: 50 L + 2×1 L + 7 L
Hilltop says torso size does not change volume. Internally, a 44 L listing is 35 L of body plus 9 L of named external pockets. Do not compare one pack’s main-body liters to another’s total. X UL’s front pocket can be open mesh or closed stretch, but the recipe still cites 7 L. Optional bottom pockets and D/ECO side zips are extra storage not added into those totals.
Carry system
All three are frameless, with 3″ shoulder straps, grosgrain daisy chain, included load lifters, and a removable/replaceable padded hip belt. Official photos of each listing also show a sternum strap; the written lists do not specify sternum width. Moon Picke has not worn these packs and will not rank comfort.
Published load ratings differ:
- Raven D V4: comfort 25–30 lbs; max 35–40 lbs.
- Raven ECO V4: same 25–30 / 35–40 lbs as D.
- Raven X UL: comfort 25–28 lbs; max 30–35 lbs; if over 25 lbs, consider the padded hip belt.
Those are Hilltop ratings, not Moon Picke test loads. Frameless ultralight packs generally reward a controlled kit; that practice is not an extra Hilltop spec beyond the numbers above.
D and ECO document elastic cord to hold a sit pad. They do not list a foam back panel in the backpack SKU. X UL states the pack does not include back padding, with the same removable sit-pad cords.
Pockets and storage
Shared silhouette: roll-top, large front pocket with cord, stretch sides for up to two 1 L bottles each, grosgrain, removable elastic. Documented differences: D and ECO specify open mesh; X UL offers open-air polyester mesh or closed fabric stretch. Side zip pockets and V4 drain holes are on D and ECO only. Bottom stretchy pocket is optional on D and ECO; X UL lists it as optional and later restates a bottom pocket. Ice axe loop is optional on D and ECO, included on X UL. Hip-belt pockets and shoulder pouches are accessories, not included. Base architecture is the same; the deltas are V4 zips/drains, X UL front-pocket fabric, and ice-axe default.
Hip belt
All three offer a 3″ removable padded belt, 1″ removable web, or no belt (loops remain). Padded sizes: 25–30″, 30–35″, 35–40″, 40–45″, and 45–55″. X UL is the only page that tells you to consider the padded belt above 25 lbs. Hip-belt pockets are not included.
Water resistance
Waterproof fabric is not a fully waterproof backpack. None of the three claims a submersible, fully taped pack.
Shared: horizontal seams taped for increased weather resistance. D and ECO: vertical seams double sewn and binding-tape reinforced. X UL: vertical seams double sewn and bias-tape reinforced. ECO’s fabric has a waterproof backing and C0 DWR; D and X UL do not copy that sentence. Mesh fronts are not dry storage. Optional D/ECO zip pockets add openings. Moon Picke will not promise gear stays dry in any storm. A pack liner is a separate Hilltop product, not included.
Raven D V4 in this comparison
Raven D V4 Ultralight Frameless Backpack (Dyneema), handle raven-d-v4-ultralight-backpack, $434.50, no compare-at sale. Pro Line. Made in the shop in Waynesburg, PA. Intended user: lightest fully featured pack in its class in black Dyneema. V4: swapable single/Y straps, optional side zips, drain holes, all YKK hardware. Listed size: 37″ unrolled, 12″ wide, depth by liter size.
Raven ECO V4 in this comparison
Raven ECO V4 Ultralight Frameless Backpack (Recycled Fabric), handle raven-eco-v4-ultralight-backpack, SKU 6278458343609-39510888, $412.50. Printing included. Same V4 list and same 25–30 / 35–40 lb ratings as D. Pro+ line. Same Waynesburg shop sentence.
Raven X UL in this comparison
Raven X UL Ultralight Frameless Backpack (X-pac Fabric), handle raven-x-ul-backpack, SKU 8625674584321-45679601418497, $395.50. Pro+ line. Same volume recipe. No V4 “what’s new” block (no documented swapable straps, side zips, drain holes, or all-YKK sentence). Ice axe included. Front-pocket mesh type is a choice. Lower published load ratings than D and ECO.
Raven D vs Raven ECO
Closest pairing: same liters, V4 list, hip-belt menu, straps, taped horizontals, and load ratings. You choose fabric, print, and $22. D is 1 oz lighter at the starting figure, black only, Dyneema, Pro Line. ECO is EPLX200 with recycled-polyester and C0 DWR documentation, waterproof backing on the fabric, printing included, Pro+. Printed Dyneema is the separate Custom D listing at $485, currently unavailable—not the standard D page. Hilltop’s EPLX200 abrasion/UV claims are not a measured win against this specific Dyneema Raven.
Raven D vs Raven X UL
$39 and about 9 oz separate them, plus Dyneema vs heavier VX21, V4 options vs a simpler X UL set, 35–40 lb max vs 30–35 lb, optional vs included ice axe, black vs white/black. Capacity is not the differentiator. Both are frameless. X UL is the cheaper, heavier laminate Raven.
Raven ECO vs Raven X UL
$17 and about 8 oz. ECO keeps V4 zips, drain holes, swapable straps, printing, and D’s load ratings. X UL keeps VX21, front-pocket fabric choice, included ice axe, and the floor price. If you want print and V4 pockets, ECO. If you want VX21 and cash, X UL. Neither page proves which laminate survives more miles.
Price and value
Pricing checked October 4, 2026. Prices and availability may change. No sale prices on the three product.js files.
Is the Raven D worth paying more for?
The extra $22 versus ECO and $39 versus X UL buys documented Dyneema, the lowest listed starting weight, and Pro Line positioning. It does not buy extra liters versus ECO. Versus X UL it also buys the V4 option list and a higher published max. Pay that premium if those documented items matter—not because “Dyneema is always better.”
Is Raven ECO the better value?
Often, if you want the Raven V4 feature set without Dyneema’s list price: printing, EPLX200 documentation, same liters and load ratings as D for $22 less. You give up D’s listed starting ounce. That is a coherent trade, not a universal winner.
Where does Raven X UL fit?
Lowest Raven price, VX21, about 28 oz, slightly lower published load window, included ice axe, no documented V4 side zips. It is a poor “same pack, cheaper” substitute if you assumed every V4 option.
Customization
All three: torso size (if between sizes, Hilltop says use the smaller number), volume, hip-belt type and padded size, optional bottom pocket. D and ECO add V4 strap style, side-zip selection, optional ice axe. X UL includes ice axe and offers front-pocket mesh type. Color: D is black Dyneema only; ECO prints sides and front; X UL is white with black accents. Do not assume ECO print applies to X UL. Standard Raven D V4 Custom (printed Dyneema) is a different URL at $485, currently unavailable.
Where they are made, lead time, warranty, returns
Each Raven page says the pack is made in Hilltop’s shop in Waynesburg, PA.
The current lead-times page (October 4, 2026) says non-printed gear typically ships in 10 business days, custom/printed gear typically 10–15, and backpacks currently have a lead time of up to 6 months, with Dyneema shortages mentioned. Estimates change.
Warranty: 5 years against defects in materials and workmanship on fabric-based products; wear and tear excluded; defect-warranty shipping is covered by Hilltop. Returns: unused items within 60 days; buyer pays return shipping. Unused custom products in like-new condition are included in that unused-return language. Gift cards are non-returnable.
Which Raven for which hiker?
- Sub-20 oz starting spec, black Dyneema: Raven D V4.
- Print, EPLX200, V4 pockets, same liters as D: Raven ECO V4.
- VX21, lowest list price, ~28 oz pack: Raven X UL.
- Need a frame, a smaller overnight, or a daypack: other Hilltop backpacks—not silent Raven variants.
U.S. buyers should size torso carefully; these are built to order. A frameless Raven is a poor match if typical trail weight sits above that model’s published max.
FAQ: Raven D vs Raven ECO vs Raven X UL
What is the difference between Raven D and Raven ECO?
Fabric and finish, not volume. D uses 2.92 and 5.0 abrasion-resistant Dyneema, black only, from about 19 oz, $434.50. ECO uses EPLX200 with printing included, from about 20 oz, $412.50. Both list the same liter options, V4 features, and 25–30 / 35–40 lb ratings.
Raven D vs Raven X UL: which is lighter?
Raven D V4 on listed figures (from about 19 oz vs around 28 oz), about 9 oz in Moon Picke editorial calculations based on those numbers. Optioned weights can move.
What material is Raven D V4 made from?
Hilltop lists 2.92 oz and 5.0 abrasion-resistant Dyneema.
Is Raven ECO waterproof?
The fabric has a waterproof backing and C0 DWR. Horizontal seams are taped for increased weather resistance. That is not a fully waterproof backpack. Mesh pockets still exist.
Is Raven X UL waterproof?
The X UL page does not copy ECO’s waterproof-backing sentence. It lists heavier VX21 and taped horizontal seams. Do not treat it as a dry bag.
Are Hilltop Packs Raven backpacks frameless?
Yes. All three current listings say frameless.
Which Raven backpack is the best value?
Lowest list price: Raven X UL at $395.50. Closest to D’s features for less money: Raven ECO V4 at $412.50. Lightest listed pack: Raven D V4, which costs the most.
Is Dyneema worth paying more for?
You pay for documented Dyneema and the lowest listed starting weight—$22 over ECO, $39 over X UL. Hilltop does not publish a comparative durability test that proves Dyneema lasts longer than EPLX200 or VX21 on these packs.
Final verdict
Choose Raven D V4 if:
You want the lightest current Raven on the spec sheet, black Dyneema, the V4 option set, and $434.50 is acceptable.
Choose Raven ECO V4 if:
You want a printed EPLX200 Raven with the same liters and V4 features as D, and you prefer $412.50 plus recycled-polyester documentation over Dyneema’s extra ounces and dollars.
Choose Raven X UL if:
You want VX21, the $395.50 price, white/black styling, and you accept ~28 oz and the lower published max load.
Consider another Hilltop Packs backpack if:
You need a framed pack, a much smaller bag, or a different volume family. The three Ravens are not identical products wearing three labels.
There is no universal winner. Check live options and lead time before ordering a made-to-order pack in this price class.