You've NEVER Seen a Backpack Like This! - Six Moon Designs Minimalist V2 Review

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Minimalist V2: geni.us/0Sz9

[@DoseofDirt]

Interesting pack! I've been looking for a pack similar to this. I like the shoulder harnesses because it resembles hydration vests I use for trail running, but when you mentioned objects in there were uncomfortable I got less excited about it. But this is one I wasn't away of and am going to consider. I like gear companies that take risks with changing the design. Glad they had you do a review of it!

[@marywalker7653]

As a trail runner this excited me too! We shall see

[@NewSkiwi]

Have you thought of soft flasks in the front pockets rather bottles?

[@chriscrance1152]

Totally want to see a full review on this with showing everything about it.

[@annaharrison6818]

I'd be interested to know how to vest harness would work for people who have boobs as it looks like a pretty tight squeeze! Anyone have any experience of this?

[@AuburnAlum1977]

That was my first thought. It looks like it was designed for men.

[@scentybeast9531]

Love to see a comparison with the Six Moon Designs Swift X - it has most of these features but looks way better and features a rolltop.

[@ThePapawhisky]

It would be interesting to hear a woman review the vest strap.

[@janefreeman995]

Was thinking that... I would probably be fine but I'm small.

[@wolfelau5602]

I didn’t scan the comments to see if anyone else mentioned it but I have a Nashville Pack Co. Cutaway and they offer removable chest straps, and they have the vest straps👍🏼👍🏼 Everything you said applies to the Cutaway and it looks excellent.

[@freddukepoo3359]

I have a Mystery Ranch Bridger 65 and it has a running vest 2 strap harness and it is very comfortable. I’ve been looking for a UL pack like the Bridger and when I saw this video i was interested in getting one but not until they fix the pockets that you pointed out. Awesome review!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Haven’t ever been a big fan of the design of their packs. Color and design doesn’t always mean it’s not functional. Good stuff!

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Now that I’ve been staring at it for hours while editing footage…the looks are growing on me. But the first time I saw their packs I dismissed it immediately on looks. Aesthetics matter more than we think.

[@ROE1300]

👍 Interesting pack, thank you for the introduction. While innovative in the support design I am concerned about your comment on temperature. If you felt sweaty at 60F it probably would not work too well most of the year where I live in TX. 60F is not all that warm.

[@plantbasedhiker7962]

I have the Ultimate Direction Fastpack25l which has vest straps. I love it as it doesn't move at all and because my gear is ultralight the lack of hip belt is irrelevant.

[@Jesse-xu6wx]

Same, nothing new to see here sadly.

[@noamdemen]

I'm suprised no one ever talks about the Salomon outweek 36+8. The harnass system is very similar too this pack but the backpack is much lighter and a lot more affordable selling for about a €100,- here in Europe.

[@WilliamKapes]

I agree that their packs are weird looking. They have gotten better over time but I still just cant get past that. However I do like the vest harness style. I wound up getting the Mountainsmith Zerk 40 which also has vest straps. However I think the Zerk pockets are much better designed. The strap pockets, two on each strap, carry a ton since they are lycra with tons of stretch. I have no issues carrying a 750ml Smart Water bottle in mine on one side and my phone on the other along with snacks, headphones and drink mixes in the other strap pockets. I also removed the hipbelt and replaced it with a fanny pack. I dont wear the fanny pack tight so its just hanging off the pack in place. I really enjoy not having anything tight around my waist when hiking.

[@peterjohnson6273]

I make my own backpacks. Through numerous iterations, I've developed something similar to the suspension system on this bag. Yes, it is very comfortable.

[@retireddac]

I had been looking at other packs in the same size range. I have a few nice packs of different sizes but as I age my surgically fused back seems to appreciate the UL gear way more. I agree that this is not as attractive as other offerings but you may have sold me with the comfort. The fact that it can’t hold much weight may not matter because my old back can’t either. So it honestly isn’t the limiting factor. I will blame you directly if my wife gets upset about a new backpack. Lol Thanks for the video. I never had looked too seriously at their stuff but comfort far exceeds all other factors from my view.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

If back pain is your enemy this may be the perfect pack for you. Their founder designed this pack after having back surgery to remove cancer. He couldn’t carry traditional packs anymore but didn’t want to give up backpacking. I say it’s worth a try. And tell you wife I’m no stranger to angry comments 😉

[@retireddac]

I just received my Six Moon Designs Pack!!! I went down one size to the Swift V because I didn’t need one with that much space. You were absolutely right! This pack is night and day different as far as comfort. I have been running outside with it (which I normally wouldn’t do with a full pack) and it literally is part of your body. It stays in place even better than high end small day packs that are half the size. I really appreciate you giving a heads up about it. You have given me a tool that works far better. Thank you.

[@DonP_is_lostagain]

I've got one and have found the vest is more comfortable than the traditional shoulder harness. As for the looks, I'm not out in the woods to win a beauty contest. I do agree with your other cons though.

[@phillipnunya6793]

Looks like a lot of potential, but needs a lot of material and design refinement as well.

[@SouthernHike]

Seems like a solid option man!

[@lh3540]

I do trail running crew, I've never heard of this brand, this looks great

[@tonywillingham8109]

You need to try the Hill People Gear UTE pack. Their giant prairie belt with shoulder harness is super comfy.

[@drlehman73]

Reminds me of Hill People Gear yoke shoulder harness. HPG bags and yokes are extremely comfortable. Be curious to try this one.

[@kevans2337]

I have a 20l pack from LiteAF and I love the weight of it (12oz) but the shoulder straps are so uncomfortable for me cuz I'm 4'10 " so I'm going to add another chest strap lower making it into a modified chest harness. Thanks for the idea !

[@janefreeman995]

Hiked half of the pct with the lite af. The shoulder straps were incredibly uncomfortable! But I have a theory. The design is like many UL packs... narrow chimney style, padded thin shoulder straps and minimal hip belt. This pack is much better suited for men. I was hiking with an anatomy instructor from U of Illinois. Women have more of an indentation making across the shoulders so the thinner straps cut in and most women are built to carry more weight on our hips. We analyzed packs and mused about creating a pack for women and found three existing that were not perfect but would work better. The 6 moons design packs with the vest style (can't be too bosomy). But they are heavier packs .... around 3 lbs! frame can be removed so I don't know how much that would help. It was difficult to find customer service...may have been a covid thing. The gossamer gear G420 has wide shoulder straps and hip belt. And the atom pack. I tried on the osprey lumina 45 for women and found it really uncomfortable and noisy. My lite af pack had ripped out on the hip belt and I needed something quickly. The gossamer gear g420 was readily available and the comfort was night and day. My base weight is about 8lbs. The g420 small comes in at 20 oz but the extra weight of the hp belt with nice pockets and wider shoulder straps made all the difference. One can also remove the sit pad and and 1 of the two roll down strap options and that would bring the weight down. I carried a fanny pack with my lite af so in effect added pack weight. The design is more of a squat chimney so slightly more weight can be carried on the bottom. A feature I opted for on the liteaf was the bottom pocket and I made good use of it for the days food. Maybe a womens pack could be using the dcf material, squat chimney style, roll down, wide hip belt and vest style shoulder straps would be perfect.

[@lh3540]

Nathan and Salomon do fast packs in this style, but I think they tap out at 25L

[@robertphillips93]

Nice review -- and spot on, as far as I can tell! Picked up one of their similar models on sale, the Flight 30 w/o hip belt, and it has all the advantages of the vest you mention and the same crappy strap pockets. I can pair this with a 5-10L fanny pack to take the heavier and quick access items -- and wear it in front, back or side!

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Thanks. I’m glad others have had a similar experience.

[@pabloelsur1624]

​@@MyLifeOutdoors One quick question Steven, pls: what is your torso length? I'm not sure if it will work well with my long back.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

@@pabloelsur1624 I have a fairly long torso too at 20 inches or 50.8 cm

[@pabloelsur1624]

@@MyLifeOutdoors Thanks. Hahaha, exactly like me, 50-51 cm, weird! 🤣

[@Ali_ReBORN]

That eyebrow raise is all Giovanni Giorgio 😄

[@WhiteFeather1x]

The pack is interesting. But the vest style isn’t for me. Only because I generate a lot of body heat naturally and I can see myself sweating a lot with that on. I could see it would be awesome for someone who tends to run cold. I myself actually use Badlands backpacks or my Ruck sack for longer trips. To be more precise, I use a Alice Pack large with a modified polymer frame that works good for me

[@georgewilson1321]

if you like this pack review the montane trailblazer 44 it uses similar running style chest straps

[@ewoksalot]

You owned the women's Osprey Aura? I keep eye-balling the Atmos... I "run" hot at baseline so that venting looks great to me. If you've owned that many packs, why haven't you done a back-to-back comparison video?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Haha! I wondered if anyone would catch that. did you pause the video to get a better look? lol. Yes I do own the Women's Osprey Aura. Its my wife's pack and I have carried it before. I've not always been a fan of osprey because I don't like the way their suspension sits on my upper back. But Osprey does vent well! I haven't done a comparison because a lot of those packs are no longer being sold. People generally are interested in packs they can buy. Some are still being sold and I am entertaining some ideas like a GG Mariposa vs HMG Southwest etc. Thanks for watching. you made me laugh

[@ewoksalot]

@@MyLifeOutdoors Good point on the packs not being sold anymore not being of much interest. I guess unless there was some super cool stand-out feature that another pack or brand adopted... but I'm spitballing there. I thought I saw it in the flurry and so yeah I went back and paused it. You're the second (but only the second?) to mention that upper back issue... I'll be sure to bring in a kettlebell when I try it on LOL. Glad I gotcha to chuckle. I figure if I can make one person laugh each day I've done something right.

[@dustinvallier3728]

I was looking at this pack and a couple others that would allow me to have more stuff accessible while hiking. This was the pack I really wanted, but I ended up grabbing a SD flex capacitor on a flash sale. I’m sure I would have been happy with either, but I bet the SMD is more comfortable on the shoulders. How much extra capacity do you think there is in the rolltop? And how well did the canister ride on top of the pack?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I think the roll top is what allows you to push this pack to 50 liters in a pinch. I actually haven’t hiked with this pack and a bear can. The shot with the bear can was for illustrative purposes only. I’ll need to do some hiking with it and possibly update with another video.

[@josephhalek6075]

I'm gonna get this pack. I have read some things about the size issues. Did you get the large vest? I'm about 195 and my chest is 42-44.

[@spaceman8839]

the important question, where is it made?

[@kenyenmusic7548]

I think it looks great

[@wio2189]

It does come in four colors. Check out their homepage, Amazon doesn't have all colors of them...and the blue looks dope! Given this was your biggest negative about it, this seems like an oversight. Did you mention the weight? What suspension does it use? Thanks for the video

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I think that must have been updated recently because I went to check their website before publishing and at that time there were only 2 colors. Even now the red and blue are xpac and the green and gray are nylon. All that said I’m glad you like the blue. I’m still not impressed with the looks of this pack in any color. But it’s growing on me. Editing this video I had to stare at this pack for hours and it started looking better the more I saw it.

[@wio2189]

@@MyLifeOutdoors Thanks for your reply. Ok, I see they might have changed it. No it doesn't look that good but honestly most thru hikers might not care as they're on a tight budget. This looks like a great deal at USD 170ish. Paid double for my Atom+ but that was a custom back pack in all fairness. Happy trails

[@Ph10at]

Do you have any experience with other ultramarathon/fastpacking type packs? I came across the Ultimate Direction Fastpack 40 and it struck me as looking pretty comfortable. Seems comparable to this pack. Kinda has me wondering if this will eventually be a trend picked up by the rest of the backpacking world.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

I’m not a runner so I’ve never really used a vest before this. I’m not familiar with the FastPack. I need to check it out.

[@alden2679]

Great content

[@DrOrna]

Do you think the vest would work for women or be too constricting?

[@texmexia49]

I’m not understanding why the top flap is there. It seems like it would just be in the way of the roll top and really doesn’t add anything.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

The top flap has a small zipper pocket that is good for keys or something small (not much else). The roll top isn’t a true roll top like HMG. It basically just makes the opening smaller, So the flap helps keep the pack closed and compressed. I think it does ad function but not much.

[@texmexia49]

@@MyLifeOutdoors thank you. I guess it just seems like an extra step opening and closing.

[@texmexia49]

@@MyLifeOutdoors I’m thinking it will end up being an irritant to me. I think the Swift X may be a better option for me.👍

[@jessedewey2167]

Looks like mountainsmith zerk pack

[@saskhiker3935]

Could it last a long thru hike?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

It’s hard to say for sure but I’m fairly confident it would. Its a well made high quality pack. It’s even got a double layer of Nylon on the bottom to help with durability.

[@compellingpeople]

Steve climber has reviewed the best pack bro.

[@rooster379]

How much does the minimalist V2 weigh?

[@driftadvocate1839]

36oz

[@sierraseb3311]

I wish you had had your wife try it out. I think the pack looks fine but am concerned that the wider vest type shoulder straps would be uncomfortable for a woman, especially for a large breasted woman.

[@LegomanBunda]

Mmmmmmm breats

[@babiesfartingfire6007]

I wish hikers would try a kuiu pack

[@t10mcg]

FYI- Your link to the pack takes you to an error page.

[@justalurkr]

I'm trying to imagine how that vest harness would work with female anatomy.

[@graemehindshaw4221]

Just went to their site on this to be greeted with "We don't sell to the UK anymore because of Brexit" Thanks BREXSHIT

[@pedalingthru2719]

Nice design but for the money you would be better off with a u.l.a. catalyst.

[@shawnmoon3911]

Dude, it's pronuounced "doyter"

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

🤷🏼‍♂️ thanks

[@MarieSunesen]

I'm sure, it's comfortable for you. A flat chestet male... But for women like me... naaaaaaaah. Just don't seems comfortable.

[@VandrefalkTV]

This is what Ultimate Direction does with their fastpacks. Love 'em.

[@BillWassler]

Been wanting to try them out but they get some very mixed reviews which has made me hesitant

[@gersom3318]

I’ve switched from UT 30L fastpack to Salomon XA 35 and never looked back

[@vanCapere]

Vest harnesses are long overdue in UL packs. I am fastpacking, so it's always been an obvious choice for me. Made me design and sew my own FastPacks, since I could not find exactly what I wanted in the market. :D

[@jivangalper1791]

U sell those jawns?

[@seankirk3905]

even if you hate the way it looks you ain't gonna be looking at it much as it sits on your back there feller

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

Arc'teryx has this same "runner's vest" shoulder straps on their Aerios line. My experience with them however is that the back/frame structure isn't comfortable under a load. It works great on their 15l and 30l day pack, and their 45L backpack as long as you don't have it loaded up with more than about 20lbs. After that, it starts to lose its magic. At the other end of the spectrum Mystery Ranch packs have some of the most luxurious padding on the market, and shine under heavy loads. But the packs aren't light, or cheap.

[@HuckOutdoors]

The Vest Harness that Six Moon Designs utilizes is surprisingly comfortable. I've been using the harness with my Swift X pack the past 2 seasons and it's a great fit.

[@DaveOffGrid]

Haha I knew Huck would throw in his comments! I was just going to say Huck would probably agree with you on this video!! hahaha. I don't think SMD is competitive enough in the weight category to be considered a top contender in the ultra light space. And I agree they're butt ugly haha. But good to hear another advocate for their vest straps! I hope other companies will consider adopting this or, SMD making a lighter pack that's more visually appealing.

[@texmexia49]

Do you find that you sweat in this more than a pack with traditional straps?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Reminds me of the Zerk 40 and my Montane Trailblazer. I love running vest style pack suspension!

[@rogerhuston8287]

I don't know why more companies don't do this. Carrying the weight on the chest is SO MUCH easier than on the shoulders. I would love someone to make shoulderstraps replacement that we could use on other packs.

[@bluebellcrushedvelvet]

Can we just say a thank you for taking the time and effort to putting all the info we need in ° Celsius and kg??? Can we just appreciate on that!?? Love it 👌🏻👌🏻

[@goemboeck]

Celsius, kg, cm. I treat imperial units as goofy looking dinosaurs.

[@bluebellcrushedvelvet]

@@goemboeck loool right?? I mean, I like lots of things imperial! But the whole measurement system is absolute nonsense!! 😩😩 I don't get it, I will never get it! And secretly, I don't want to get it! 🤣🤣😅🙈🙈

[@williamwirick886]

I just got the Swift V pack from Six moons design with the vest harness. I love it. It keeps the pack close to your back and you have straps at the bottom of the vest that pull the load up and closer to you. Very comfortable. Tons of adjustment points. My shoulders never got tired and like he said I was almost looking forward to putting the pack back on.

[@forrestunderwood3174]

That is exactly the color a pack should be.

[@stylesraw]

Love Six Moons, I have been using their gatewood cape poncho tent... weighs nothing, costs nothing, very versatile setup, great company to work with, and they aren't afraid to try unique designs and new ideas. I'm a big fan.

[@flatheadfletch]

weight doesn't bother me. I don't carry weight with my spine. Hips only. Which means my legs are doing all the work. You put weight on your spine, sure your back and spine are carrying a lot of the weight. However much you put on your shoulders-spine. It doesn't take any of the weight off your legs. So why burden your spine !!!! Your shoulder straps are just for stabilization. If you put 50% on shoulders and 50% on hips you have simply turned your pack into a back brace !!!

[@marywalker7653]

What do you use most often then? Curious

[@bertnerny]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A lot of people like earth tones.

[@RoyceKitts]

It's funny you mention color. I have noticed that you can get good quality gear if you pick a color others don't like. Some serious discounts. Granted, I look like Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat but I've saved a buck or two. For me the pockets not being all that functional would bug me, but I would forget all that if I could reach my water bottle without dislocating my shoulder or asking a friend to get my bottle which is what I experience with my Gregory Stout 55L pack.

[@RoyceKitts]

I got that size because of bear cannister use in Colorado.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

A lot of my early packs were all bought outlet so I ended up with a few colors I didn’t like. And I know what you mean with dislocating your shoulder. I didn’t feel that way with this pack. I could get to my water easily without it on my chest. Thanks as always

[@AirdrieRambler]

Cracking design. Backpacks should be all weather, All Season carrying systems. That means pockets or pouches at the front so you aren't reliant on jacket pockets to act as a supplementary carrying system.

[@saskhiker3935]

I get a lot of pain in my shoulders or too much rubbing in lower back.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

This might be the perfect pack for you. It was developed after SMD’s founder had back surgery to remove cancer. He couldn’t carry a traditional pack anymore due to the pain. So if you have shoulder pain this pack might be a good alternative to traditional packs.

[@Joe-ub5rs]

I have the Flight 40, and am extremely happy with it's performance. I will say the best addition to the pack is the pods that Six Moons Designs has. It has helped with the typical issue of a top loaded pack and fills the pack evenly. It is the most comfortable pack that I currently own. I do wish the pouches on the straps were a better design.

[@chrisbrunn3480]

I love runner vest backpacks, I won't use anything else now. My current daypack is a Arcteryx Aerios 30. Almost everything I need is up front and reachable without stopping. Finding a pack that has a reachable side pockets AND runner vest style is very difficult. My style of hiking is generally 7-8 hours without stopping (maybe 30 minutes at a peak if one is on the menu) and this style really helps keep you from stopping. The only thing I added was some shock chord to attach my folding trekking poles to the vest.

[@rainbowhiker]

It's a handsome pack to my eyes. Still, twice as expensive as I would pay. Reason being is in my 2nd to last video.

[@garydehart69]

Let me ask you this question... When hiking do you really see your pack on your back?

[@cliffspicer6555]

I agree, but I also wonder why people care what colour their cars are or what the styling of the exterior is like. They never really see any of that while they drive. Aesthetics is important to a lot of people and I get why Steven discusses it. Just don't care about that myself, but I realize I am an outlier.

[@OutdoorOperator]

Gotta say I'm a fan of running vest style shoulder straps. I also would agree it's not the best looking pack 🤷

[@rwp722]

I'm not sure why the "looks" would be concerning; it's on your back. If you're concerned about how you look to others... that's a more profound issue.

[@musicguitarbackpackhiking]

I am getting this pack for my 46 th birthday . So hopefully I will be set up for my overnight by next weekend.

[@marycarter6186]

Six Moons is a great company to deal with as well. I have the carbon fiber umbrella and Lunar Solo tent, which arrived with a slight flaw in the bathtub due to being caught in a machine. Since the tent was ordered for a specific backpacking trip, I was concerned it would not be ready in time. However, after working with the good folks at Six Moons, they were able to ship my tent repaired and sealed for the trouble in plenty of time to practice set up before my trip. Familiar with riding the backpack up and cinching it tight to compensate, so this backpack is very appealing to me. Looks matter not one bit as my current Flash 45 is the color of baby poop but fits sooo well!

[@KillroyX99]

Anything over 20lb with everything is not "Minimalist". Go to a more substantial pack.

[@bryanpaul410]

I've been thinking about getting an Atlas 46 tool vest rig as opposed to my normal tool belt (working construction) and was thinking just the other day "why haven't backpack companies come up with something similar"... I know this isn't a vest but it looks like it's accomplishing the same thing, getting the weight off your shoulders and spreading it across your torso

[@woodchip2782]

It’s a good concept that I was wishing for to happen since I got my Black Diamond Distance 15 scrambling vest. My pack is not enough for more than a weekend jaunt but this one will be good for at least four days in more comfort. The only drawback is summer hiking, you’ll FEEL the heat!

[@StepAnotherMile]

Is this a framed pack?

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Yes! Can’t believe I forgot to mention that.

[@TheSeanandanj]

I was just looking at this pack! Cool review

[@seattlegrrlie]

I'm intrigued by this pack, but wow it's almost $400 and I usually don't balk at price

[@clp1]

Gotta check out Aarn packs mate, they've got a rotating shoulder and hip system that's simple, phenomenally comfortable (up to about 25lbs), and totally unique in the backpack world. Being a Kiwi company they just never marketed themselves too loudly, but the packs have been in circulation since the 90s. I own 4 Aarn pakcs in addition to several other brands (including the big boys like Osprey, Gregory, Tatonka, etc), and I'm on a design committee with an outdoor apparel company, so I have a professional interest and a bit of background on the design process for packs. 🙂

[@listeninma]

So, I've been binge-watching your videos to try to figure things out. I've been using a Mountainsmith Chimera pack for a LOT of years, which replaced a much-used YakPak (betcha don't know what THAT is!). We have a symbiotic relationship at this point, but it's time to put it to rest, as I don't think I can piece it together any more. Sigh. Looking at reality, at 62 I'd like a lighter pack. Starting to delve into my options, my head is whirling. Your guidelines are fantastic, but the thought of having to purchase and return a number of packs to test them gives me hives. Also, the budget isn't unlimited, and the Waymark has a 10 week lead that will inhibit testing. With that in mind, do you have any tips or suggestions? I'm a medium build, 5'8", 130 lb. lady, and have maxxed out at 40 lbs. carrying between long resupplies and extra water carrying, which - thank you, Jesus - haven't happened often. I have it narrowed down to (I think) the Six Moons Minimalist or Swift V, the Waymark Lt 50L, or the Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50. I suppose it's all personal preference, but do you have any comparison between the 3 of these that you could offer? Thanks!

[@rumidude]

Maybe it's just me, but I hate the feel of a pack right against my back. Since trying a ventilated Osprey Atmos 50 in 2005, I have never returned exept for once, and I almost immediately regretted that purchase. AAMOF, I sold it right after returning from my only trip using it. I also learned I don't like anything blocking the front and trapping body heat having tried a Dana Designs wet rib (now made by Mystery Ranch). Obvious I want/need plenty of ventilation and so that is one of my primary considerations whenever getting a backpack. I wish I didn't need that because it would open up a much broader range of backpacks, but I swear I will never go back.

[@philsmith2444]

I’ve been looking at this since it seems like the GG Crown2 38 is either out of stock or out of production. I’m looking for something to experiment with in place of my Osprey Kestrel 38 and the SMD isn’t as big a hit if I don’t like it LOL. The vest harness seems like a good idea, when I was still in the army about 25 years ago we got issued load bearing vests to replace the shoulder harness and belt but the LBV was HOT. The magazine pouches were also on the chest and HURT when you hit the dirt, but that’s obviously not a problem here LOL. The sweaty back is my biggest concern.

[@isabellam1936]

Well now, behold this beast of burden, decked in a cloak of allure that dances circles around the usual suspects. The pack's grin seems to stretch wider than the rest, drinking in a 40-liter capacity when its jaws cinch down to the last tooth. Of course, tastes flutter and shift like a moth in the lantern's glow, so who's to declare it the fairest of all? Hanging off the beast's back are pockets, bulging like abscesses, and tie-down straps snaking about like rattlesnake tails. Wonders of utility, these. But then there's this: the misfit, the jester in the court - a hard, discordant camera lens crammed into the belt pocket. That pocket's a cozy corner for your candy bar or phone, not a glassy, oddball protrusion. It's a circus of the absurd. The moving pictures cap off the grand parade, devolving into a whirl of madness at the curtain call. One might say they've slipped into the gutters of insanity, where reason drowns and chaos reigns. Buckle up, it's one hell of a ride.

[@countrygirl63baker64]

Agreed, this pack just looks frumpy!!!😮

[@nessaandeo7642]

Interesting construction. But how should this work with breasts? Do you think this Backpack could be carried by woman?

[@dominicniemeijer2948]

great review, unlucky it's 1002 grams... comfort is great, but for me 3-4 times the weight is not worth it tbh

[@jimdye7431]

my wife just got me the swift v for christmas, i believe that pack answers your cons. I am 5 foot 6 so i got the small vest, but i think i need the large.

[@kachiri]

I wouldn't say the pack looks too terrible. I have seen many packs that are actually ugly in my opinion. But I might say it looks boring instead of ugly. Or maybe plain. But it's not so bad, I'd be real embarrassed to wear it.

[@jodaboda1]

dang I want some nice straps for a Zpacks Arc... I don't give a damn if these look like a wonky bra. Also guessing it makes your chest all sweaty. Would be awesome if they made this in a strong stretchy mesh.

[@hawkins5560]

I love the color, but the circular front pocket is a little off-putting. But I don't think it's an ugly pack. The bear canister looks like it belongs on the pack which is good.

[@streiklauzis87]

Why do ppl own "many backpacks over the years"? Learn to think and read reviews before buying stuff. This planet is not made for you only

[@Dimitri.Schepens]

Not really unique, atelier long distance was doing this already for a while

[@jpriddle]

Lovely overview of this interesting pack. The fact that the Minimalist is framed (and optionally removable) with a hip belt and an adjustable torso size makes it unique among vest strap packs. Great to hear that it comfortably carries up to 35lbs. That’s also pretty unique. 40L seems like the right volume for this design, since it can carry heavier loads. I didn’t get SMD’s design philosophy at first, but knowing that they’re geared toward wide use cases (their other packs even have swappable shoulder harnesses) makes sense. For another vest style pack, look at Nashville Packs Cutaway. It’s geared toward more ultralight, since it’s frameless and no hip belt, but their straps and pocket system are very refined.

[@daven.7685]

Question about the vest harness: doesn’t this style of shoulder straps make it difficult to shed heat if you’re wearing a jacket? How do you handle dealing with that?

[@mtbjonny9502]

there is no perfect backpack. Everyone has to find out for themselves what is best for them.

[@Mark-gl2fz]

I had to return my six’moon pack when the wire in the harness poked through and jabbed me in the chest

[@sk-wx1cf]

Thanks for this review! I got this pack in late Fall specifically because I wanted the vest harness feature. I have a 15" torso, so appreciate the adjustability. I have not had it out on the trail yet, just a walk around the neighborhood with it loaded about 18lb. It was comfortable for that short test, and I'm hoping it will prove good on the trail. If not, I'll go back to the Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight, which I like a lot.

[@philipbuckley759]

I guess one question is how different is it than osprey that has a gap, on the back, to prevent excess sweating...

[@excursion1141]

If you own Birkenstocks or clogs, why would you care how ugly anything else is?