πŸŽ’
Ultralight Pack
$275

Six Moon Designs

Six Moon Designs Swift V

The Swift V uses a Delrin hoop rather than metal stays, a design Six Moon Designs has refined over several generations. It is the heaviest pack in this ultralight group at 38 oz, trading weight for a frame that flexes with the body.

Price
$275
Capacity
50 L
Weight
2.38 lbs
Best For
Hikers who want a flexible hoop frame and a conventional fabric

Specifications

Type
Ultralight Pack
Frame Type
Internal Frame
Capacity
50 L
Weight
2.38 lbs
Max Recommended Load
Not specified by the manufacturer
Torso Fit
See manufacturer sizing
Material
100D Robic nylon with Ultra Stretch pockets
Back Panel
Delrin hoop stay frame
Warranty
Manufacturer warranty; terms not published
Raincover Included
No
Fits BV500 Bear Canister
No

Features

Hipbelt Pockets

Pros

  • βœ“The Delrin hoop flexes with body movement instead of resisting it, which suits uneven terrain.
  • βœ“100D Robic nylon is a conventional woven fabric that is far easier to field-repair than Ultra laminates.
  • βœ“$275 is mid-range for this segment and below most Ultra-fabric packs.
  • βœ“Ultra Stretch external pockets hold shape better than plain mesh.
  • βœ“50 L covers a bear canister and several days of food.
  • βœ“Six Moon Designs has one of the longest track records among cottage makers.
  • βœ“The hoop frame has no stays to bend or lose.
  • βœ“Hipbelt pockets included.

Cons

  • βœ—At 38 oz it is the heaviest pack in this ultralight comparison group.
  • βœ—100D Robic is less tear-resistant than gridded or laminate fabrics of similar weight.
  • βœ—Not waterproof, unlike the Ultra-fabric packs at this price.
  • βœ—No published maximum load figure.
  • βœ—A Delrin hoop is less rigid than aluminium stays under heavy loads.
  • βœ—No adjustable torso.
  • βœ—Warranty terms are not published in detail.
  • βœ—Limited retail presence for in-person fitting.

Compare the Six Moon Designs Swift V

πŸŽ’
$350
Ultralight Pack

Six Moon Designs

Six Moon Designs Swift X

4.7(42)

The Swift X is the X-Pac version of Six Moon Designs' Swift, using the same Delrin hoop frame as the Swift V but in a waterproof laminate. At 38.8 oz it is heavier than most packs in this segment, which is the cost of the hoop and the fabric.

50 L2.43 lbsX-Pac laminate with Ultra Stretch pockets

Weight

2.43 lbs

Capacity

50 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Best for: Hikers wanting a flexible hoop frame in a waterproof laminate
View details
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50
$275
Ultralight Pack

The Gorilla 50 is the Mariposa's smaller, symmetric sibling β€” 50 liters, under 2 lbs, and the classic 'second pack' people buy once their kit shrinks. It keeps the sit-pad back panel and Robic durability in a cleaner silhouette.

50 L1.95 lbsClassic Second Pack

Weight

2.0 lbs

Capacity

50 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Best for: Dialed three-season kits that no longer need 60 liters
View details
Durston Kakwa 55
$279
Ultralight Pack

Durston Gear

Durston Kakwa 55

4.81(1,003)

The Kakwa 55 is Dan Durston's disruptively priced ultralight β€” under 2 lbs, a 45 lb load rating, and a 2026 update with a redesigned hipbelt, all starting around $200 in UltraGrid fabric. It has become the value benchmark every new UL pack gets measured against.

55 L1.94 lbs45 lb Rating at $200

Weight

1.94 lbs

Capacity

55 L

Frame

Internal Frame

Also in 40 L

Best for: Value-hunting ultralighters who want the best specs-per-dollar in UL
View details