Six Moon Designs Flight 30 Vest Pack Review
Weight: 26 oz
Pros: Light, breathable, vest pack makes snacks, maps, phone, etc. easily accessible
Cons: Nylon robic is more fragile than cuben fiber
Bottom line: My choice for light-and-fast backpacking with resupply points every 5 days or less
I’ve owned two versions of this pack and I can see the improvements from the first version to now. The original Flight 30 was released in 2014 and it was my first experience with a vest pack. I loved it, but after a few months, plastic pieces started poking out and scratching me up. SMD was happy to do a repair and send the pack back to me. Since then, I’ve purchased the 2018 Flight 30 and it’s a clear improvement on the original.
Instead of the majority of the weight of the pack sitting on the hips, the two sternum straps and vest harness pull weight onto the sternum. This allows a higher distribution of weight and a more upright posture, leading many backpackers to find themselves hiking in a more comfortable position that reduces strain on the back. I had some issues with rubbing on my lower back in hot, humid weather while using the original pack, but not so far with the 2018 version. The snug fit and higher weight distribution, along with the vest harness, allow the pack to cradle the body. This keeps the Flight in place when jogging or scrambling better than any pack with shoulder straps I’ve ever owned.
When the old was new
The unique approach SMD takes towards its gear design is what I appreciate most about the company. I believe they were the first company to introduce the vest-style pack to the backpacking community. The Gatewood Cape is another fantastic niche item, combining a poncho with a tarp at 11 oz. I haven’t seen similar items from other companies.
Nylon robic is more fragile than DCF (Dyneema) and will tear more easily. I tried to come up with a DCF pack arrangement this summer that did the things that the Flight 30 does because I was going through rough terrain, but I made some big weight compromises to get there. I took a 30 oz pack and added about 6 oz in accessories to make maps, food, water, etc. as accessible as it would be with the vest pack. The Flight would have been 10 oz lighter for the same functionality. Maybe it would have ended up with a few more holes, but I complicated my pack choice for about a half day’s worth of food weight penalty. I have tape. Keep it simple.
2014 pack on L, 2018 pack on R
