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An updated classic, that now comes in a variety of configurations, meaning you get a pack , tailored to you.
Six Moon Designs says:
Streamlined and efficient, the Swift X is designed to go where you go. The Swift X is a modern take on a time-tested design. Over 10 years ago, we designed the Swift. Ten years later, we’ve added some modern upgrades to create the Swift X. Constructed from lightweight, durable fabric, the Swift X joins our premium Zero-G line. This ultralight backpack’s simple, modular design means it easily configures to become your perfect pack for any adventure, be it a quick overnight trip or a calendar year triple crown. The Swift is now offered in a VX21 and LS21 fabric weight. Both fabrics added only 1 oz of weight to the pack for 210 denier Material Weight. When compared to the 70 denier Material Weight of the VX07 and LS07, this added durability for the 1 oz weight penalty seemed like a no-brainer to us. For those counting grams, the VX07 and LS07 are still extremely durable, but those looking for an even burlier ultralight pack should consider the VX21.
Overview: The Swift X is designed to be lightweight, durable, and comfortable. Because we want the pack to be comfortable, the pack weight will vary depending on the configuration. Configured as a Frame-less pack with Pack Bag and Shoulder Straps, The Swift X comes in at 26 oz. / 737 g. In the Standard Configuration with added Stay and Hip Belt, The Swift X weighs 36 oz. / 1021 g. With the Vest Harness, you get additional stability in your load carrying and it brings the weight up to 37 oz. / 1049 g.
Pack organiization: The Swift X provides ultimate functionality in a simple design. This ultralight backpack has a single roll-top main compartment that holds 38L with an additional 6L extension collar. A Y-strap secures the load top and provides a convenient and easy attachment point for a bear barrel. Intentionally designed, the Swift X gives you easy access to snacks, your phone, maps, and all those little things you need to keep close at hand. You’ll find you won’t even have the need to take the pack off until you hit camp at the end of the day. The side water bottle pockets are made from 4-way stretch woven mesh. They are designed so that you can grab items easily while on the go. Inside the main compartment, there is a zippered pocket for your wallet to keep it safe and secure and easy to access at the first sign of a burger joint.
Versatility: The Swift X comes in a variety of configurations, so you can get the perfect fit for you and your needs. You can choose from a standard shoulder yoke or flight vest yoke. Each come in 2 sizes. The Swift X also comes with a removable hip belt available in 3 sizes. Between the adjustable torso length, removable hip belt, harness options, and removable Delrin Hoop Stay, The Swift X can be dialed in to your exact preferences. Each configuration ultimately changes the weight of the pack from 26 oz. at its lightest to 37 oz. at its heaviest. While the material used in the Swift X is waterproof the, packs themselves are not water tight. We recommend using a 50L Pack Liner.
Our Verdict
First off, this is an incredibly comfortable pack and the amount of customization to fit each individual’s body type is very impressive. The shoulder straps and hip belt are huge, so weight is distributed well across your entire core, not just the hips and shoulders. The pack sits incredibly well thanks to this, which means you’re not stopping to readjust the pack to relieve pressure spots.
The bag comes in 2 main configurations, a shoulder harness, which is more of a traditional backpack set up, and the vest harness, which is more akin to a runner’s vest. Both incorporate large pockets capable of storing a mobile phone, camera, a small water bottle etc. It’s nice to see that these come as standard, and are not something you can purchase as an extra. The vest setup comes with additional pockets, 6 more in total, which gives quick access to a variety of additional storage. It also has an additional sternum strap, giving the feeling the pack is “locked” to your body, eliminating sway or bounce as you move. This, of course, may not be to everyone’s taste, which is why they also do, the more traditional shoulder straps.
The bag itself is essentially one huge space, that has one internal zipped mesh pocket to keep keys or a wallet safe, and is quick to access. 2 mesh side pockets provide ample room for water storage, easily accommodating 2L in each pocket if you require. I would have like to see, one of the pockets extend up the bag some more, so that you have room to keep your shelter on the outside of the pack, but I’m nit-picking. The rear pocket is a 4-way stretch material and is fantastic for storing items you need quick access to, such as snacks, or wet weather gear, its really quite impressive how much you can fit in it. It has one “ice axe strap” that most people will use to attach trekking poles, and they are very securely held in place thanks to the re-attachable compression straps.
Most backpacks in this category are very minimalistic, sacrificing the “bells and whistles” to keep weight down to an absolute minimum. This bag however has been able to keep a lot of the features and this is what makes this bag so user-friendly and also incredibly light. A fantastic weekend trip bag, that I could also see myself taking away for a few weeks at a time.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Adjustable Torso Length
- Three Shoulder strap Style options (Shoulder Harness, S-Curve or Vest Harness)
- Three Exterior Woven Pockets so you only have to unload your pack when its time to set up camp.
- Rear Pocket
- Two Side Pockets
- Breathable and Durable 4-way Stretch Material
- Large Shoulder Strap Pockets to keep things close at hand
- Removable Hip Belt
- Minimal Contact Back Panel
- Top Loading with Dry Bag Closure
- Internal Zippered Stash Pocket for your wallet and other small necessities
- Multiple Point Cord Compression System to keep your load stabilized no matter the size
- Single Ice Axe or Trekking pole attachment point
- Two layers of material in key point to strengthen the pack and prevent holes.
- Dual Hydration Ports
- Removable Hydration Bladder
- Sliding Sternum Straps on Vest and Shoulder Harness
- Delrin Hoop Stay for added support on those heavy load days.
HARNESS OPTIONS
Vest Harness
Six Moon Designs’ unique vest harness supports a 6-point connection between the pack and your body. There are several advantages to this system:
1. It fully locks the pack to your body, eliminating sway or bouncing when you walk or run.
2. Instead of all of the weight of the pack resting on your shoulders and hips, the vest harness transfers some of that weight to your core. This reduces and eliminates sores from developing on the shoulders and hips.
3. The vest harness comes with extra pockets, providing additional quick access storage options.
Vest Harness Health Benefits
Because the vest harness spreads the load-bearing to the core, most hikers find it reduces back pain.
Founder Ron Moak discovered this first hand. After a bout with cancer, Moak found that he could only handle a couple of hours of hiking before needing to stop due to severe back pain. A vest harness redistributed the weight he was carrying on his shoulders and hips to his core, allowing him to walk more upright. This additional support allowed him to hike longer distances with less pain.
That’s why the first pack he designed incorporated the vest harness.
If you’ve found yourself unable to backpack as easily and as long as you once did, you may want to seriously consider the vest harness. We make no claims that the vest harness is a miracle cure, but it did help Moak get back to really enjoying backpacking again. And we hope it might help you, too.
Standard Shoulder Straps
There are several reasons you might choose a Standard Should Strap Harness:
1. If you’re used to carrying a traditional backpacking pack and aren’t from the running world, you will probably be comfortable with standard shoulder straps.
2. If you are a full-chested woman or broad-chested man, you might find the vest harness constricting. In this case, the S-Curve shoulder straps could provide a better hiking experience.
3. The standard shoulder straps are easier to slip out of if you want to take an extended break without the weight of your pack
Specifications
Weight
- Weight of pack with Shoulder Harness (Large) and hipbelt (medium): 915g
- Weight of pack with Vest Harness (Large) and hipbelt (medium): 990g
General
- Suspension: Flight Series
- Torso sizes: 16" - 22" | 38 - 56 cm
- Dimensions: 11"W X 7"D X 22"T
- Maximum load: 35 lb - 14 kg
- Maximum load uses: 15 lb - 5.5 kg or less
- Uses: Lightweight Backpacking, Long Distance Backpacking
Volume
- Body: 2319 ci - 38 L
- Extension collar: 366 - 6 L
- Exterior pockets: 305 - 5 L
- Total volume: 2990 ci - 49 L
Material & Construction
- Pack Body: LiteSkin LS07, LS21
- Body Contact: 3D Mesh
- Pockets: 4-Way Stretch
