Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 vs Six Moon Designs Swift V
Quick take: The Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 is lighter (2 vs 2.38 lbs).
| Spec | Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 | Six Moon Designs Swift V |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $275 | $275 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
| Weight | 2.0 lbs | 2.38 lbs |
| Max Load | 30 lbs | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | Sized S-L, 14.5-21.5 in | See manufacturer sizing |
| Material | 70D and 100D recycled Robic nylon | 100D Robic nylon with Ultra Stretch pockets |
| Back Panel | Removable SitLight foam pad with aluminium stay | Delrin hoop stay frame |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | No |
| Warranty | Gossamer Gear limited lifetime | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50
- ✓The archetypal 'graduation pack' — the r/Ultralight cliché is buying a Mariposa, shrinking your kit, then buying a Gorilla.
- ✓Under 2 lbs with a real stay and hipbelt, it carries 30 lbs honestly — better than frameless rivals at similar weight.
- ✓Symmetric pockets fix the Mariposa's polarizing layout while keeping generous capacity.
- ✓The removable sit-pad back panel remains one of the smartest dual-use designs in UL.
- ✓Robic fabric durability matches its big sibling's strong track record.
- ✓Mixed torso/hipbelt sizing gives semi-custom fit off the shelf.
- ✓A BV450 fits cleanly; careful packers manage a BV500 vertically.
- ✓Gossamer Gear's service reputation applies here too.
- ✗50 liters is tight for bear-canister trips or 5+ day food carries — buyers routinely wish for 5 more liters.
- ✗Same sweaty foam back as the Mariposa.
- ✗The 30 lb ceiling is real; water-heavy desert carries overload it.
- ✗Fixed sizes, online-only fitting.
- ✗Mesh pockets remain the wear point in brush.
- ✗The hipbelt is minimal and divides opinion at the top of the load range.
- ✗No lid, no organization beyond the pocket array.
- ✗Price sits close enough to the Circuit that many first-time buyers default to ULA's bigger volume instead.
Six Moon Designs Swift V
- ✓The Delrin hoop flexes with body movement instead of resisting it, which suits uneven terrain.
- ✓100D Robic nylon is a conventional woven fabric that is far easier to field-repair than Ultra laminates.
- ✓$275 is mid-range for this segment and below most Ultra-fabric packs.
- ✓Ultra Stretch external pockets hold shape better than plain mesh.
- ✓50 L covers a bear canister and several days of food.
- ✓Six Moon Designs has one of the longest track records among cottage makers.
- ✓The hoop frame has no stays to bend or lose.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✗At 38 oz it is the heaviest pack in this ultralight comparison group.
- ✗100D Robic is less tear-resistant than gridded or laminate fabrics of similar weight.
- ✗Not waterproof, unlike the Ultra-fabric packs at this price.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗A Delrin hoop is less rigid than aluminium stays under heavy loads.
- ✗No adjustable torso.
- ✗Warranty terms are not published in detail.
- ✗Limited retail presence for in-person fitting.