Six Moon Designs Swift V vs ULA Equipment UltraGrid Ohm
Quick take: The ULA Equipment UltraGrid Ohm costs $0.01 less; the Six Moon Designs Swift V carries more (56 vs 55 liters); the ULA Equipment UltraGrid Ohm is lighter (1.9 vs 2.24 lbs).
Which one to buy
Load is the cleanest way to split these. ULA rates the UltraGrid Ohm at 30 lb, and Six Moon Designs rates the Swift V to 35 lb with its hoop and hipbelt, or 25 lb run frameless. If your heaviest food carries push past 30, the Swift has a little more headroom. If they don't, the Ohm is the lighter, simpler pack at 1.9 lbs for 55 L.
The frames feel different. The Swift's Delrin hoop flexes with your body, which helps on uneven terrain, though it gives up rigidity to aluminum stays at the top of its range. Fit works differently too: the Swift V's torso adjusts across 16-22 in, while the Ohm comes in four torso sizes from 15 in to 24+ in, with no adjustment within a size, so measure before ordering.
The fabrics pull in opposite directions. The Ohm's UltraGrid resists tears better than plain ripstop. The Swift's 100D Robic is less tear-resistant and not waterproof, but far easier to patch in the field. ULA backs the Ohm with a lifetime warranty; Six Moon warrants the Swift V to the original owner against defects, with no time limit stated. Both have hipbelt pockets.
The Swift has two more practical points: its 56 L holds a bear canister plus several days of food, and it offers a vest harness as an option. If you need one in the Ohm, test-fit it before a permit trip.
Six Moon Designs Swift V
Worth it if your loads sometimes run past 30 lb, you want a vest-harness option, or you value fabric you can patch on trail.
ULA Equipment UltraGrid Ohm
For lightweight backpackers whose kit stays under 30 lb and who want tougher UltraGrid fabric, four torso sizes and a lifetime warranty.
| Spec | Six Moon Designs Swift V | ULA Equipment UltraGrid Ohm |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 | $249.99 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 56 L (41 L body + 10 L collar + 5 L pockets) | 55 L |
| Weight | 2.24 lbs | 1.9 lbs |
| Max Load | 35 lbs | 30 lbs |
| Torso Fit | Adjustable 16-22 in | Sized S/M/L/XL (S 15-18, M 18-21, L 21-24, XL 24+ in) |
| Material | 100D Robic nylon with Ultra Stretch pockets | UltraGrid |
| Back Panel | Delrin hoop stay frame | Internal frame suspension; panel construction not specified |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | 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 | Warranted to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship (no time limit stated); excludes accidents, wear and tear, rips and tears | ULA lifetime warranty |
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.
ULA Equipment UltraGrid Ohm
- ✓$249.99 for a framed 55 L pack under 2 lb is low for the cottage market.
- ✓UltraGrid's grid reinforcement resists tears better than plain ripstop.
- ✓Dual Robic hipbelt pockets.
- ✓A sewn-in Y-strap over the 3/4 roll-top gives a place to lash gear on top.
- ✓Four torso sizes.
- ✗30 lb ceiling is 5 lb under the Circuit, so the Ohm suits trimmed kits.
- ✗The frame description on the maker page is brief.
- ✗No adjustable torso within a size.
Six Moon Designs Swift V vs ULA Equipment UltraGrid Ohm: common questions
Is the Ohm's 30 lb rating a problem compared with the Swift V?▾
Only if your heaviest days exceed it. Six Moon rates the Swift V to 35 lb with its hoop and hipbelt, so the Swift has slightly more headroom for long food or water carries.
Which fabric holds up better, UltraGrid or the Swift V's Robic?▾
UltraGrid's grid reinforcement resists tears better. The Swift V's Robic is less tear-resistant and not waterproof, but it's a woven fabric that's far easier to field-repair than laminates, which matters on long trips.
How do I choose a size for the Ohm versus the Swift V?▾
The Ohm comes in S, M, L and XL covering torsos from 15 in to 24+ in, with no adjustment inside a size, so measure first. For the Swift V, the torso adjusts across 16-22 in, and Six Moon offers a choice of vest or standard harness; the vest takes some getting used to.