Nashville Pack The Cutaway vs Six Moon Designs Swift X
Quick take: The Six Moon Designs Swift X carries more (50 vs 40 liters); the Nashville Pack The Cutaway is lighter (1.38 vs 2.43 lbs).
| Spec | Nashville Pack The Cutaway | Six Moon Designs Swift X |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $350 | $350 |
| Rating | — | 4.7★ (42) |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 40 L | 50 L |
| Weight | 1.38 lbs | 2.43 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by the manufacturer | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | See manufacturer sizing | See manufacturer sizing |
| Material | 210D Venom Gridstop ECO | X-Pac laminate with Ultra Stretch pockets |
| Back Panel | None (frameless) | 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 | No | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
Nashville Pack The Cutaway
- ✓22 oz for 40 L is an excellent weight-to-volume ratio for a frameless pack.
- ✓The cutaway front panel lets the external mesh expand properly instead of being compressed by the main bag.
- ✓210D Venom Gridstop ECO uses recycled content without giving up the gridded tear resistance.
- ✓3 L more capacity than the Pa'lante V2 for only 3.4 oz more weight.
- ✓Made to order, so torso and belt sizing can be matched to the buyer.
- ✓Frameless construction has nothing rigid to fail.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✓Strong reputation among long-distance hikers despite being a small operation.
- ✗Frameless, so loads above roughly 20-25 lb transfer straight to the shoulders.
- ✗$350 is premium pricing for a pack with no frame.
- ✗Made-to-order means long lead times compared with buying off the shelf.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗40 L struggles with a bear canister plus a week of food.
- ✗Warranty terms are not published the way major brands publish them.
- ✗Resale and support depend on a very small company continuing to operate.
- ✗Requires disciplined packing to carry well.
Six Moon Designs Swift X
- ✓X-Pac laminate is waterproof rather than merely treated.
- ✓The Delrin hoop flexes with body movement instead of resisting it.
- ✓Ultra Stretch 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.
- ✓$350 is mid-range for a laminate pack from an established maker.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✗38.8 oz makes it one of the heaviest packs in this ultralight segment.
- ✗$100 more than the Swift V for the fabric change alone.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗A Delrin hoop is less rigid than aluminium stays under heavy loads.
- ✗No adjustable torso.
- ✗X-Pac is harder to field-repair than the Swift V's woven Robic.
- ✗Six Moon Designs' own site shows only sale pricing, so MSRP came from a review.
- ✗Limited retail presence for in-person fitting.