Swift X Hiking Backpack
Our award winning backpack designed with thru-hiking in mind.
50L Pack | Best for:
- Thru Hiking
- Bushwhacking and off trail travel
- Triple Crown trails and long distance routes
Pickup available at 8250 Southwest Nimbus Avenue
Usually ready in 24 hours
Swift X Hiking Backpack
VX21 Blue / Vest Harness - Large / Flight Hip Belt - Large
8250 Southwest Nimbus Avenue
8250 Southwest Nimbus Avenue
Beaverton OR 97008
United States
Updated for 2023
The New Swift X
- 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, the Swift X is designed to go where you go.
38.8 oz - 1100g Ultralight Backpack
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.
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 27 oz. / 765 g.
In the Standard Configuration with added Stay and Hip Belt, and Flight Vest The Swift X weighs 38.8 oz. / 1100 g.
With the Vest Harness, you get additional stability in your load carrying and it brings the weight up to 40.2 oz. / 1151g.
Pack Organization
The Swift X provides ultimate functionality in a simple design. This ultralight backpack has a single roll-top main compartment that holds 41L with an additional 10L 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 harness or vest harness. 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 27 oz. at its lightest to 40 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.
Suspension
Frame Configuration
The Swift X 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 | 4.5 kg
Recommended Base Weight: 12 lbs / 5.5 kg
Maximum Weight: 35 lbs / 15.8 kg
Frameless Configuration
The Swift X 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 cm - 56 cm
11" x 7" x 22" (WDT) | 28 cm x 18 cm x 56 cm
Heather Grey, Black, Coyote Brown, Blue
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
21.3 oz | 604 g
3 oz | 85 g
7.5 oz | 212 g
7.0 oz | 199 g
38.8 oz | 1100 g
This product is rated 4.7 of 5.0 stars.
It has received 35 reviews.
- EMEmil M.Rated 4 out of 5 stars2 years agoThis is BIG
Just got this pack in the coyote brown VX21, with the standard shoulder straps bc the vest wasn’t available to me. The pack is not exactly ULTRAlight but a typically sturdy and versatile lightweight SMD pack. If you know SMD, you know what to expect. One thing that did surprise me, though, is, compared to my SMD Fusion 65 (1st gen) this supposedly 40/45/49 liter pack is an absolute GIANT. I assumed the Swift would sit/fit in between my Fusion 65 and my 30’ish liter SMD DayBreaker (now Wy’East) but it’s definitely bigger than the Fusion. I’d be interested to learn how these sizes are measured (thought I knew but seeing these two next to each other has left me confused). That said, I’m not at all unhappy with the pack, just surprised with the size(ing).
Second thing I’ll say is there’s a lot of excess strapping. But I’ve actually put that to good use (I think) so instead of trimming it I’ve tinkered a bit: (1) I’ve redone the yellow paracord to run across the front pocket as well as sides, and (2) more importantly, and ingeniously if I do say so myself, I’ve run the shoulder straps through the extra attachment points otherwise reserved for the vest harness by running them diagonally across the back (through the hip belt attachment gap). This way the pack should sit closer to my back, like the vest (remains to be tested in the field but maybe try this hack if you, like me, wanted the vest but could only get hold of the standard yoke).
- SSEVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2 years agoLove it!
This pack was so comfortable. I bought with the standard type shoulder straps and they were fine. Hip pockets easy to negotiate and held quite a bit. 4 night, 3 day trip on the Three Capes trail at bottom of Tasmania (Australia). Did not have to carry tent nor sleeping mat but I know exactly where they'll fit for next trip.
- DLdaniel lynch d.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2 years agoExtremely Satisfied
I upgraded from the Flight 30UL. 20 lbs is MUCH comfier with the swift x. 25-30 lbs is still quite comfortable. I haven’t yet exceeded 30…
I have carried this pack now for three months, thru-hiking. The material has held strong, the fit is great, the adjustability is great. I am VERY GLAD to have NOT purchased a seam-sealed pack, the breathability long term is really important. 2L in each side pocket easy. I added bungee chord to the back. Tenor uke in the back mesh fits perfect. Hip belt pockets hold camera/garmin well. Comfortable/durable/affordable. Thank you Six Moons-
- GLGriffin L.Rated 5 out of 5 stars2 years agoGreat for thru-hiking and alpine climbing
Such a great pack. We used these for up to 10 day stretches making a thru-hike in the wilderness around Yellowstone, and it’s shockingly comfortable with a full bear canister (or even 2!) packed inside. Lots of straps make it easy to dry wet gear or lash things to the outside, and snug it up when it’s less full.
I highly recommend buying packing pods to keep gear organized, because this pack doesn’t contain interior pockets. A dry bag is probably a good idea too if it’ll be rainy and you’re using down, but the pack is very weather resistant. We tried the vest harness and regular shoulder straps; both are great, depending on body type.
The Swift X is also a surprisingly good alpine/climbing pack. I used it working this year’s Valdez Ice Climbing Festival and it was great! Ice tools fit on it well, and it holds a rope securely on top (although you have to loop the top strap around the rope once before clipping it, or it will slide down the pack). When you remove gear to rack up, it’s easy to snug the pack against your back for smooth climbing.
It’s versatility and durability, combined with its light weight, replaced two other packs of mine. I’m looking forward to years more adventuring with it, and highly recommend it!
- DDDuncan D.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2 months agoNew Swift X owner
I used the pack for the first time last week and absolutely love it with the flight vest. This will be my pack going forward for future treks on the AT.