Six Moon Designs Swift V vs Six Moon Designs Swift X
Quick take: The Six Moon Designs Swift V costs $75 less; the Six Moon Designs Swift V is lighter (2.38 vs 2.43 lbs).
| Spec | Six Moon Designs Swift V | Six Moon Designs Swift X |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $275 | $350 |
| Rating | — | 4.7★ (42) |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
| Weight | 2.38 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 | 100D Robic nylon with Ultra Stretch pockets | X-Pac laminate with Ultra Stretch pockets |
| Back Panel | Delrin hoop stay frame | 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
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.
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.