Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. It carries great and is absolutely loaded with features. I returned a new Hyperlight 3400 I bought in the Spring to REI, which I found substantially less comfortable than the SwiftX when packed with a full load. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. Shop our wide selection now! I know about 2 dozen former Starlite owners whod buy it in an instant. The vest harness has significant benefits. Gaia GPS Navigation App:Save 20%. The Six Moon Designs Swift X is 45L backpack which is a good size for lightweight backpacking or thru-hiking if you carry a low volume load. When I leaned sideways it slipped out and I had to catch it. The main compartment is 40L with a 9L extension collar. As Ive slowly replaced my initial heavy backpacking setup with quality and ultralight gear, a pack was one of the final pieces of the puzzle. It looks like six moons updated everything on this pack except their now tired shoulder straPs. The Swift X shoulder straps are S-shaped (on the Regular Flight Shoulder Yoke), so theyll be comfortable for women as well as men. This is accomplished by raising or lowering the shoulder yoke to increase or decrease the distance between the hip belt and the tops of your shoulders. OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! Thank you for this great product! The 49L capacity is enough for a multi-month thru-hike or a luxurious overnight trip. Thanks for the help making the thru-hikers dream backpack even better. We may request cookies to be set on your device. For all but the most rugged endeavors, they are interchangeable and you should pick the color you like better. I had my rain jacket and pants, first-aid kit, hat, the zip-off legs from my pants and some snacks in there. The ends of the hoop rest on the base of the hip belt, transferring the weight to the hip belt. I chose the vest harness because I love the locked-in feeling of shoulder straps that expand across my chest. I couldnt think of any better pack, then Six Moon comes and surprises us!! 15% Off New Customer Discount with Coupon Code SECTIONHIKER15. In fact, you can watch the full video of this review right here: Six Moons Designs Minimalist V2 Ultralight Hiking Backpack, ONE BAG to Rule Them AllThe North Face One Bag Review, Ultralight vs. Ive have owned A LOT of packs over theyears: Gregory, Arctyex, REI, Dueter, Osprey, Gosomer Gear, Hyperlight Mountain Gear, Lowe Alpine . We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. While it is sufficient for securing taller items like an umbrella against the side of the pack, its really not that great from a compression standpoint. Ill give it a try, and oh my goodness, no lie, no exaggeration, this is THE most comfortable pack I have ever worn! ULA Circuit Backpack:Higher volume capacity with stronger materials. Furthermore, the versatility of this pack allows backpackers to fluctuate their weights and use this for heavier weekend trips as well as minimalist thru-hikes. But I had to see if it could take more traditional loads, so I maxed it out at about 40 pounds. The minimalist truly adjusts perfectly for me. I put a camera lens in the hip belt pocket, and the pocket seemed to push the lens Into my hip, forcing me to move it. I am fairly large chested, but because the rest of my frame is small, it works for me, but I can see that it would be really uncomfortable for someone with a large chest and back. While the LiteSkin and XPac fabrics are essentially waterproof, the Swift X pack is itself not because the seams are not taped like they are in many Dyneema DCF backpacks. With that one caveat, I think the Swift X is an easy pack to like and Im excited to see that Six Moons is updating its product line with more durable and waterproof fabrics like XPac and LiteSkin. A few other things worth mentioning is this is a top-loader pack with no way to access the bottom without unloading everything else on top, which is pretty typical of minimalist/ultralight packs. Adjustable torso lengths are a rarity on ultralight-style cottage manufacturer packs, but Six Moon Designs has offered backpacks with them for years. Subscribe to get emails when new articles are posted to AdventureAlan.com, Best Backpacking Gear of 2022 | Staff Picks, Hammock Gear WanderLust Kit for Hammock Camping Review, Hammock Gear WanderLuxe Kit for Hammock Camping Review, JetBoil Stash Review | Best Backpacking Stove, Cooking and Lightweight Backpacking Stoves, Trail Designs Kojin Ultralight Alcohol Stove Review, Sawyer Micro Squeeze Filter & Smart Water Bottle Adapter, Lightweight Hikers Guide to REI Anniversary Sale 2021, 12 Tips for Your First Backpacking Trip of the Year, Ensure Success on your Big BackpackingTrips, Be the first to review Six Moon Designs Swift X Backpack. The hip belt has size options and is removable. However, they also offer a Flight Shoulder Harness or Flight S-Curve Shoulder Harness, which are both more similar to a traditional pack. The strap system makes the compressibility of this pack amazing. Because of this, I recommend testing it out for an overnight or two before embarking on a longer trip. Almost to a fault, for instance, I couldnt figure out why the hip belt has four straps instead of just two, but apparently it is to help with articulation and forming to each individuals hips. You can also change some of your preferences. Exterior pockets:Theres no need to use accessories such as attachable shoulder straps, hip pockets, or fanny packs if you purchase this pack. There are so many accessible pockets; my only problem is finding enough stuff to fill them with. But tell me what you think. "Used the Minimalist v2 with vest on a two night. Love the Versa Flow water filter you recommend. It is made using 3 layers of 210 denier fabric making it not only waterproof but very abrasion-resistant. I anticipate more packs using harnesses like these in the future. This pack is modeled after their more expensive Swift X pack, which uses lighter material. Ive been testing the Swift V over the last few months in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. And this pack is very very affordable! Despite being called the Minimalist, this pack provides all the comforts of much heavier packs. SMD makes some nice product. The side pockets have an elastic cord running through the top seam that locks in place to prevent tall bottles from falling out when you bend over. Thats one of the reasons I like Granites gear Blaz60 or Crown2 for bear can carries. Gossamer Gear Mariposa:Good for hikers carrying extra bulky items that take up space like bear cans comfortably. With a removable hip belt and three different shoulder strap/harness options, theres a way to tailor this pack exactly to your liking. But if you can get your load out that small, you will love the feel, the features, if not the look of this pack. The Six Moon Designs Swift X has an adjustable length torso, two shoulder strap style options, and multiple hip belt sizes so you can dial in the personalized fit which is a rare commodity across the lightweight and ultralight backpack spectrum where fixed-length torso sizing is the norm. Adjustable torso length + sliding sternum straps:These two features combined make it easy to fit this pack well to any body. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. And because every long-distance hiker is different, it has a lot of configurations to suit your specific comforts and offers a remarkable amount of extra storage space. Theres enough room to bring extra creature comforts for an overnight trip or to carry everything I need for a multi-day/week thru-hike. Use it for a shelter, dont consider it for a pack folks! The canister also fits vertically if desired. They are great for people who want a perfect fitting pack and dont fall into the broad size ranges that other manufacturers sell. I kind of liked the can inside so it was in the middle of my back instead of up by my head so my center of gravity was lower. I didnt get to pick the color, but even the gray, the only other color it comes in, doesnt look that good to me. The Swift X is available in a grey LiteSkin LS07 or a blue XPac VX07. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. The exterior pockets add a lot of quick access storage solutions. Had lots of extra gear/weight as I had three kids along. And there are all these pockets and compartments on the vest, but if you put anything too large in there, it will push into your chest. Both pockets are covered with the same dense stretch mesh used on the front and side pockets. Once I took the time to learn my pack, however, we bonded like two long-lost friends. The hipbelt is also backed with spacer mesh and lightly padded, which is advantageous on a lighter weight pack like the Swift X because you get a better form-fitting hip wrap than a heavily padded hipbelt. This site uses cookies to provide you the best experience. Philip Werner February 14, 2022 Backpack Reviews, Ultralight Backpacking Gear Reviews. Free Shipping and Returns. All of the shoulder weight was transferred to my core, and even then it didnt even feel like weight; it just felt like my pack was giving me a nice hug! If having a barrel chest, or big stomach, I can see where the vest harness might be a problem, but I find the vest harness far more comfortable than traditional pack straps. Alan Dixon and AdventureAlan.com, 2000-2021 | All Rights Reserved. The hipbelt had two tiers of adjustment with a center buckle so it can fit all different hip shapes and curves, from flat male hips to more angled womens hips, equally well. The Six Moon Designs 49L Swift V is the perfect pack for a lightweight backpacker who wants a pack light enough to move quickly, without sacrificing features. CAMPSAVER.COM: Free Shipping and Free Returns on Purchases of $49 or more. Your email address will not be published. If you are still unsure, please contact us by emailing store@sixmoondesigns.com. Brief excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Alan Dixon and AdventureAlan.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. While VX21 is waterproof the packs themselves are not water tight. Solid review, expect for the line about cuben fiber packs being a more durable option. Are you willing to try the vest harness? The Minimalist V2 offers several adjustable straps and tensioners to ensure a stable, comfortable fit. And there have certainly been times when a 40L pack just wouldnt cut it for me. When configured as frame-less, the highest recommended base weight is 8lbs / 3.5k and maximum weight not exceeding 25lbs / 11k. Whatever its for, I found it just as easy to grab two straps at a time to adjust the hip belt, so no complaints there. Meanwhile, the chest pockets comfortably carry enough snacks for hours and other knick-knacks like chapstick, sunscreen, and bug spray. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ad9447bda4e3dfebe53c1cc29b10f3a5" );document.getElementById("je705695a8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Get 15% Off Your First Order. We recommend using a50L Pack Liner. A little while back Six Moon Design asked me if I would be interested in reviewing one of their packs. Its made with a waterproof laminate fabric called XPac thats become popular among the cottage backpack makers because its a more abrasion resistant and lower cost that Dyneema DCF. Not the strongest material:This pack is so affordable because of the Robic Nylon 100D material. Compressibility:The roll-top design is popular amongst thru-hiking packs because of how compressible it is. Carried this weight easily. Two 4-Way Stretch Pockets that hold 500ml soft bottles, Six points of suspension between the pack and user, Eliminates sway or bounce when walking or running, Transfers some of the load to your core, Helps to eliminate sores on your shoulders and hips, Helps to reduce back pain after long days on trail, Provides extra storage pockets and quick-access options, Designed to accommodate people with narrow shoulders that have a larger chest area, Weighs ~2oz less than Flight Vest Harness, Adjustable Torso Length because one size does not fit all Three Shoulder strap Style options - Shoulder Harness, S-Curve or Vest Harness Five Exterior Pocketsso you only have to unload your pack when its time to set up camp. Please include your overall height, torso length, and weight. TREAD LABS INSOLES: As good as custom orthotics at a fraction of the price. My torso measurement is 15", just in case that helps anyone. When my load is light, it easily compresses down to the size of a day-pack. Now my total weight on this pack was only around 25 pounds. The accessible pocket situation is truly phenomenal. Very comfortable so far. Except maybe the pack volume. I found the Swift X quite comfortable to use myself. Like, I tried to put a water bottle in the vest pocket, but it was just uncomfortable. New Customer Discount. I felt like I could leave the hip belt a little looser and still barely feel any weight on my shoulders. The chest straps and hip belt are full of pockets, and the design of the pack is extremely well-thought-out. Unless otherwise noted, products are purchased with my own funds. Check out this video by Six Moon Designs if you are unsure which harness will suit you best. Carried this weight easily. So this pack may not be full-featured with pockets, zippers and compartments everywhere but its certainly not minimal. It almost feels like an extremely large running vest, which is great for moving quickly and covering serious mileage. Thanks for all of your reviews. Furthermore, the torso height is fully adjustable so whenever something feels off, theres a way to fix it. Have not used on an outing yet but have been packing it and even wore uphill hiking on treadmill with some gear. It fully hugs my chest and gives me a locked-in feeling. Its nowhere near as strong, lightweight, or water-resistant as something like Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF). The Swift X has an adjustable length torso, two shoulder strap style options, and multiple hip belt sizes so you can dial in the personalized fit which is a rare commodity across the lightweight and ultralight backpack spectrum where fixed-length torso sizing is the norm. Please make a rain cover for it. Removable Delrin Stay:This pack uses a Delrin Hoop Stay suspension system, which is fully removable as well. I am 4'-10", 135lbs and have had a heck of a time finding a decent pack that would fit my small frame and not weigh a ton. Save big on Exos/Eja, Atmos/Aura, and Stratos/Sirrus Backpacks. Theyre padded with foam and covered with a wicking spacer mesh for added comfort. Best fits someone 5'7" or shorter and/or someone who has a torso length of 14 - 17". 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If you make a purchase after clicking on these links, a portion of the sale helps support this site at no additional cost to you. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. Many movingpieces:In all honesty, it took me a while to wrap my head around how this whole pack system worked. Most versatile pack with both shoulder strap & vest harness options, durable, proven design 10 years in production. Theyre 3 wide with a rail-based sternum strap for easy, non-pinching adjustment. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Thats really what you need. Who knows. The stay bends and ends at the waist, in a way that transfers the majority of your weight onto your hips. It comes with a removable Delrin Hoop Stay Frame and hip belt for maximum load days. Great review Philip. GOSSAMER-GEAR: Take 15% Off all Gossamer Gear Backpacks, Tents, Tarps, Trekking Poles and Accessories with Coupon Code "SECTIONHIKER22". There are also two straps on each side to tighten it down, which helps get the perfect fit. Traditional BackpackingPros and Cons of Ultralight Backpacking , This Trend Could Revolutionize Sleeping Bags. This design feature makes carrying heavy loads more comfortable and reduces pack sag. For a long trip, I had to put a BV500 inside the HMG3400 vertically because it just wouldnt fit horizontally. NIce review as always. Thanks for calling out the shoulder strap issue. I got both the flight vest and the s-straps and adore the vest. My gear is light but bulky, so I need a large pack. You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. 40L is going to be a tight space for a lot of backpackers. Using the Delrin Hoop Stay and hip belt together increases your load carrying capacity by approximately 10 lbs*. My name is Katie (Gallon Smash) Kommer. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I have recommended this pack a few times now. Thanks Philip. The harness can be adjusted to fit just about any torso length, and if you just dont like the vest, they also sell traditional shoulder straps that you can switch out. This is attributable to the modular nature of Six Moons product line which lets them use the same shoulder yokes and hip belts across multiple backpacks. Price:Six Moon Designs gear consistently offers very competitive prices. Hi! Removable hip belt: The hip belt has two large pockets, comes in three different sizes, and is fully removable. This pack is called the minimalist, but I didnt really find it all that minimal. It also hugs your body, so when you have a light load you can run or jog without your pack bouncing around behind you. Alan Dixon and AdventureAlan.com, 2000-2021 | All Rights Reserved. For product reviews: unless otherwise noted, products are purchased with my own funds. Info is hard to come by & I suspect a lot of people would be interested. On a week outing in the North Cascades my friends with Osprey and Gossamer Gear packs all complained of pain on the top of their shoulders after several days. horizontal load)? 60F is about the warmest weather Ive hiked in with this pack, and I got a little sweaty on my back and on my chest under the vest, and it felt like I might get really sweaty in warmer weather. The Minimalist V2 comes in the standard Robic nylon or our new VX21 fabric. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. Therefore, it is still recommended that you line your pack with a trash compactor bag and use waterproof stuff sacks to protect essential items when hiking in wet climates. A Y-strap is included, however, that drapes over the top of the roll-top and can be used to secure items on top like a foam pad. Because of this, I wanted a pack that would carry a 10-15 pound base weight comfortably. While its not the lightest pack on the market, the intersection of weight and price make it a perfect choice for lightweight backpackers who have multiple investments to make. I dont consider myself truly ultralight, as I bring a pillow, camp shoes, and stove on absolutely every trip in the backcountry. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. Compressibility:I like running down hills, especially on the final day of a backpacking trip. The vest harness has hoards of pockets and distributes the weight extremely well across my hips/back/shoulders. Vest harness:I love love love the running vest style chest harness. Hip belt pockets are cavernous. So less leaning forward to balance a back-heavy pack. I used the SwiftX for two weeks of backpacking Summer 2020, and love the vest harness. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. (Checkout our Pro Tip on pack pockets were big fans). I do not receive compensation from the companies whose products I review. Plus, when Im climbing a hill, I find my hands often wander to the big areas that offer grip across my chest. With a nearly empty pack, it hugs my body well enough to run back down the trail. However, without the hip belt or Delrin Stay the bag is significantly lighter. Required fields are marked *. Just the right amount of frame. While the Y-strap should be sufficient for carrying a bear canister on top of the main compartment, its hard to get a secure attachment without further augmentation, in part because the strap webbing is so narrow. I probably just need to get over it, but if they could find a way to make this pack look good, I wouldnt see any reason to carry a different pack ever. Added their 10+ pound pack to mine. But they intrigued me with their unique vest harness system, something Ive never really seen in a backpacking pack. I absolutely love it. Required fields are marked *. While Id like to see the shoulder strap pockets enlarged, I dont consider their current size a showstopper unless youre wedded to carrying electronics or other personal items on your shoulder straps. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. The Swift X hipbelt also comes with two generously sized hip belt pockets. So you do sacrifice a few ounces, but for a pack thats well under $250 with tax, its an amazing budget option. The Minimalist is the only ultralight, frame-less pack on the market with an adjustable torso length. Now at 35+ lb, minimalist still comfy. Highly recommend. And its incredibly affordable at just $210 US. While the Swift X has a few quirks which I discuss above, its quite a comfortable and easy pack to use for extended day hikes, overnights, and multi-day backpacking with a recommended max load of 25-30 pounds. As mentioned previously there is a Y-strap that runs over the top of the strap to secure bulky items on top, but it works best when the main pack back is stuffed full so you have a proper shelf to rest gear on before strapping it down. You have to yank down on the cord to lock it in place, which wasnt obvious to me when I started using the pack.

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