Six Moon Designs Swift V vs Six Moon Designs Minimalist V2
Quick take: The Six Moon Designs Swift V costs $10 less; the Six Moon Designs Minimalist V2 carries more (59 vs 56 liters); the Six Moon Designs Swift V is lighter (2.24 vs 2.68 lbs).
Which one to buy
These are close siblings: the same modular harness and hipbelt system, the same Delrin hoop idea, hipbelt pockets on both, and Robic nylon that isn't waterproof. They are rated the same way too: Six Moon gives both 35 lb with the hoop in and 25 lb run frameless. The hoop flexes with your body on rough ground, though it gives up some rigidity to aluminum stays near the top of that range.
The real difference is room: the Six Moon Designs Minimalist V2 has 59 L against 56 L, split between a 40 L body, a 9 L extension collar and 10 L of exterior pockets. Both torsos adjust from 16 to 22 in. Six Moon gives a weight for each component, so you know what stripping each part saves.
Bear canisters are the one place the Swift is simpler. A canister fits inside the Swift's 56 L standing vertically with soft goods around it. Six Moon only describes strapping one on top of the Minimalist under its lid, so whether one fits inside the 40 L body is unproven. If you hike where a canister is required, check that before ordering.
Otherwise the Minimalist gives you 10 L more volume for $10 more, at about 7 oz more weight (2.68 lbs against 2.24, each with the standard harness).
Six Moon Designs Swift V
Worth it if you carry a bear canister inside the pack on most trips and want the lighter, $10 cheaper pack.
Six Moon Designs Minimalist V2
For thru-hikers who want 59 L and published component weights that show what stripping each part saves.
| Spec | Six Moon Designs Swift V | Six Moon Designs Minimalist V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 | $260 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 56 L (41 L body + 10 L collar + 5 L pockets) | 59 L |
| Weight | 2.24 lbs | 2.68 lbs |
| Max Load | 35 lbs | 35 lbs with the stay (25 lbs run frameless); 15 lb recommended base weight |
| Torso Fit | Adjustable 16-22 in | Adjustable 16-22 in; harness S/L, hipbelt S/M/L |
| Material | 100D Robic nylon with Ultra Stretch pockets | Robic nylon with 4-way stretch pockets (EPX200 option) |
| Back Panel | Delrin hoop stay frame | 3D mesh contact panel over a removable Delrin hoop stay |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | Warranted to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship (no time limit stated); excludes accidents, wear and tear, rips and tears | Warranted to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship (no time limit stated); excludes accidents, wear and tear, rips and tears |
Pros & cons
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.
- ✓$250 ($275 with the vest harness) is mid-range for this segment and below most Ultra-fabric packs.
- ✓Ultra Stretch external pockets hold shape better than plain mesh.
- ✓56 L has room for several days of food, though Six Moon Designs does not confirm bear-canister fit.
- ✓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 35.9 oz with hoop stay, standard harness and hipbelt it is one of the heavier packs 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.
- ✗A Delrin hoop is less rigid than aluminium stays under heavy loads.
- ✗Limited retail presence for in-person fitting.
Six Moon Designs Minimalist V2
- ✓Adjustable 16-22 in torso on a sub-$300 cottage pack; most ultralight makers sell fixed torso lengths.
- ✓35 lb rated with the Delrin hoop in and 25 lb with it out, so one pack covers resupply-heavy stretches and stripped-down days.
- ✓Modular harness: standard or S-Curve shoulder straps at $260 or a vest harness at $285, with three hipbelt sizes bought to fit.
- ✓59 L total including the 9 L collar and 10 L of exterior pockets is more volume than the Swift V for $10 more.
- ✓The integrated top lid straps a bear canister on top, which the roll-top Swifts cannot do as neatly.
- ✓Component weights are published (Robic body 25.1 oz, stay 3 oz, large shoulder harness 7.5 oz, medium hipbelt 7.2 oz), so you know exactly what stripping each part saves.
- ✗42.8 oz fully built is heavy against frameless cottage packs of similar volume, which run 16-20 oz.
- ✗Robic nylon is not waterproof; the EPX200 laminate build costs $100 more.
- ✗No hydration sleeve, only dual hose ports.
- ✗Bear-canister fit inside the 40 L body is not stated; Six Moon Designs only describes strapping one under the lid.
Six Moon Designs Swift V vs Six Moon Designs Minimalist V2: common questions
Does the Minimalist V2 fit a bear canister as well as the Swift V?▾
Not as clearly. A canister fits inside the Swift V's 56 L standing vertically. Six Moon only describes strapping one on top of the Minimalist under its lid, so whether one fits inside the 40 L body is unproven.
Can both packs run without the hoop?▾
Yes. Six Moon rates both at 35 lb with the hoop in and 25 lb run frameless, so either can be stripped for light stretches. The hoop flexes with your stride but gives up rigidity to aluminum stays near the top of its range.
Which harness should I choose on these Six Moon packs?▾
Both packs use the same modular system with a vest or standard harness. The vest takes an adjustment period and costs $25 more; order the standard straps if you want a conventional feel.