Swift V Hiking Backpack
An ultralight affordable backpack perfect for a thru-hike or weekend in the woods
50L Pack | Best for:
- Thru Hiking
- Bushwhacking and off trail travel
- Price conscious hikers
Pickup available at 8250 Southwest Nimbus Avenue
Usually ready in 24 hours
Swift V Hiking Backpack
Robic Nylon Gray / Vest Harness - Large / Flight Hip Belt - Large
8250 Southwest Nimbus Avenue
8250 Southwest Nimbus Avenue
Beaverton OR 97008
United States
NOVEMBER 2022
Pack Updates
- Interior pockets are now deeper allowing for a secure place for your passport, wallet etc…
- All the stretch pockets have been upgraded to ultra-stretch
- The pack now has 2 additional side straps so you can attach and secure the roll top either up top or on the side.
- Six Moon Designs Logo and Pack name are now on a small woven label, and no longer silk screened to the woven stretch pockets
Before
After
Streamlined and efficient, just like the Swift X, but with a more budget-friendly price.
35.96 oz - 1019 g Hiking Backpack
The Swift V is modeled after the popular Swift X. Over 10 years ago, we designed the Swift. Ten years later, we’ve added some modern upgrades to create the Swift X. And now we introduce the Swift V for the budget-minded hiker. The 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.
Overview
Modeled after the Swift X, the Swift V uses the same design but is constructed out of the more cost-effective Robic™ nylon fabric.
The Swift V still has all the features and benefits so many hikers love in the Swift X. It provides ultimate functionality in a simple design. It has a single 41L roll-top main compartment with a 10L extension collar for those resupply days. A Y-strap secures the load top and provides a convenient and easy attachment point for a bear barrel.
In the Standard Configuration with added Stay and Hip Belt, and shoulder harness, The Swift V weighs 37.7 oz. / 1069 g.
With the Vest Harness, you get additional stability in your load carrying and it brings the weight up to 36.1 oz. / 1023 g.
Pack Organization
Intentionally designed, the Swift V 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 Swift V uses Six Moon Designs’ Fast and Light suspension system, allowing you to carry heavy loads with ease. That means you can crush those high mileage days in comfort.
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.
With the Swift V, you don’t have to sacrifice quality and intentional design just because you’re on a budget.
Versatility
The Swift V comes in a variety of configurations, so you can get the perfect fit for your body, and you can configure it for a variety of adventures. You can choose from a standard shoulder harness or vest harness. Each comes in 2 sizes.
The Swift V 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 V can be dialed in to your exact preferences. Each configuration ultimately changes the weight of the pack.
We recommend using a 50L Pack Liner.
Suspension
Frame Configuration
The Swift V features a Delrin Hoop Stay Frame.
Delrin Hoop Stay Frame Features:
- Transfers load to the hip belt
- Makes carrying heavy loads more comfortable
- Reduces pack snag
- Increases load carrying capacity by ~10 lbs | 4 kg
Recommended Base Weight: 12 lbs / 5.5 kg
Maximum Weight: 35 lbs / 15.8 kg
Frameless Configuration
The Swift V has the option to be configured without the use of the Delrin Hoop Stay Frame.
Frameless Features:
- Decreases pack weight by 3 oz / 85 g
- Great for fastpacking or super ultralight backpacking
Recommended Base Weight: 8 lbs / 3.5 kg
Maximum Weight: 25 lbs / 11kg
Harness Options
Shoulder Harness
✓ Traditional backpack shoulder straps
✓ Two 4-Way Stretch Pockets that hold 500ml soft bottles
✓ Sliding sternum strap
✓ Covers less torso area
✓ Weighs ~2 oz less than vest harness
Vest Harness
✓ Six points of suspension between the pack and user
✓ Eliminates sway or bounce when walking or running
✓ Transfers some of the load to your core
✓ Helps to eliminate sores on your shoulders and hips
✓ Helps to reduce back pain after long days on trail
✓ Provides extra storage pockets and quick-access options
S-Curve Harness
✓ Designed to accommodate people with narrow shoulders that have a larger chest area
✓ Two 4-Way Stretch Pockets that hold 500ml soft bottles
✓ Sliding sternum strap
✓ Avoids covering chest for more comfort
✓ Weighs ~2oz less than Vest Harness
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 points 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.
Specifications
General
Flight Series
16" - 22" | 38 - 56 cm
11" x 7" x 22" (WDT) | 28 cm x 18 cm x 56 cm
Gray, Green
35 lb | 14 kg
15 lb | 5.5 kg or less
Lightweight Backpacking
Long Distance Backpacking
Materials
Volume
2502 ci | 41 L
610 | 10 L
305 | 5 L
3417 ci | 56 L
Weight
18.4 oz | 522 g
3 oz | 85 g
7.5 oz | 212 g
7 oz | 199 g
35.9 oz | 1018 g
This product is rated 4.9 of 5.0 stars.
It has received 15 reviews.
- SLShane L.Verified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 stars3 weeks agoGreat Pack In Many Ways, But...
I'll start by saying I'm a huge SMD fan. I have and regularly use two SMD tents. Because my old pack is near the end of its life, I wanted to try a SMD backpack. So I purchased this SMD Swift V with the vest harness.
First, the positives: It's extremely well made. I could tell immediately that this pack is high quality, (just like the other SMD gear I own). Also, the flight vest is great! I love the fit, comfort level, and the various pockets. I also like the zip pocket inside the main compartment of the pack. Overall this pack is very comfortable to wear and I was seriously hoping it would work for my needs.
However, as much as I like it, it doesn't quite fit my needs. First, there are a ton of straps on this pack. There are front hip belt straps, back hip belt straps, many vest straps, and two top straps to close the pack. You can't really just take this pack off and put it back on without adjusting quite a few straps. I'm a minimalist, so the fewer straps, the better, in my view.
Also, another negative is that I can't reach water bottles from either side pocket when I'm wearing the backpack. Finally, this pack is lightweight, but there are other packs out there for a similar price that weigh less.
Anyway, yes, this really is a great pack in so many ways. I'm sure it'll be great for a ton of people. But, for the reasons I mentioned, it's not exactly what I was looking for.
- TWTom W.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 year agoGreat so far
I've only worn the pack for 2 weeks now while training locally in Florida for the PCT this year. I've worn it with ~16 lbs of gear in it and wow is it comfortable and it distributes the weight very well. Once I've put some more miles on the pack I'll probably make a YouTube video review about it.
- DCDan C.Rated 5 out of 5 stars2 years agoMost comfortable pack EVER!!!!
This pack is by far the most comfortable backpack I have ever owned or used ever. I am 49 years old, 5’11’, 240 pounds and broad shoulders. I was concerned that the flight vest may not fit due to my width but it adjusts so well that it fits perfect. It feels more like it is supporting my back without limiting movement rather than a typical pack where you feel weight on your hips or shoulders. I bought it specifically because of my fused lower back and troubles I had been having with my other (name brand) packs. I saw many reviews of people with back issues liking SMD flight vest equipped packs. I emailed SMD a few times and they answered all the questions I had. Super nice people to deal with and very helpful in making my decision. I only wish I had gotten a Six Moon Designs pack previously. I could have experienced a lot less pain years ago. Lol
Love the pack, the simplicity and function. It’s also very light and cost effective which made the decision even easier.
- ARAmanda R.Rated 5 out of 5 stars2 years agoVery Comfortable!
I am a small human and sometimes it's hard to find a pack that fits properly. The Swift V is soooo customizable, it finally happened. I can adjust the flight vest harness and the hip belt where I want them. I am 5'2" and 115 pounds. I have the Small Flight Vest Harness and Small Hip Belt.
I find the vest harness extremely helpful for the extra pockets. It securely fits my sunglasses (which are constantly otherwise broken on trail). I also use one pocket to collect all my food wrappers that I eat on the go. It's helpful to have a dedicated pocket there which can also hold a little extra in case I come across trash along the trail.
The Hip Belt was surprisingly comfortable even when I purposely loaded the pack with extra food to see how it would react. The material feels great and I like how wide it is to disperse the weight.
There is also plenty of space to fit everything a thru-hiker needs inside this pack.
- MDMorgan D.Verified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 stars3 weeks agoHigh quality pack, just would not recommend for a minimalist
The swift V is a well made pack, I got the regular shoulder straps. But in my opinion, being a minimalist, there's just too many straps dangling everywhere. The hip belt gets in the way and makes it hard to take the pack on and off efficiently. I did wear it recently on a 2 day trip. (Without the hip belt) and it was quite comfy just don't think it is exactly what I'm looking for.