Backpacks

Six Moon Designs Flight UL 30 Ultralight Running Pack | Review

A super light, super stable running/hiking pack for any long-distance journeys

Why We Chose The Six Moon Design Flight 30: An innovative pack that’s perfect for speedy trail journeys

Six Moon Designs, in case you’re not familiar with them, are a backpacking brand that specialises in out-and-out ultralight kit.

This pack isn’t brand new per se, but rather an update to one of their previous designs. They’ve cut down the weight by 113g and added the potential to chop and change it by customising it with different hipbelts and harnesses of different sizes and styles that they offer.

The one we’ve tested (that’s pictured) has the Large Vest straps and Medium UL Hipbelt.

Who Is The Six Moon Designs Flight UL 30 For?

In short, this should really appeal to any fast packers out there. It’s the kind of thing that you can run big distances with, and with all your camping kit stashed inside it. It will also serve any ultralight hikers out there as well.

Materials and Construction

The main compartment of this is basically a roll top dry bag, one that will keep your kit absolutely bone dry even in monsoon conditions. It has a compression strap system, bungees for storage and then deep mesh pockets.

“All-in-all it makes for a very stable carry that doesn’t swing about or bounce too much.”

The harness is essentially a trail running vest. It conforms to the shape of your body and offers a number of adjustment options, allowing you to adjust the back length and also the height and width of the straps. A narrow yoke on the spine and 5 other connection points link this harness with the pack, all-in-all making for a very stable carry that doesn’t swing about or bounce too much – even when you’re at running pace.

The vest-like harness with its double sternum straps. Photo: Mike Brindley

We added the Medium UL Hipbelt to it. Photo: Mike Brindley

It has volume compression straps on the sides. Photo: Mike Brindley

A thin foam/mesh provides bit of cushioning on the back panel and harness and two straps.

The volume of the main compartment is 30 litres, however, with the amount of pockets and stowing options, the actual carrying capacity is far greater than that number suggests. There are, for instance, three pockets on each side of the vest – including one stretch one, a mesh dump one and then a zipped one for valuables – you then also have the big stretch pockets on either side of the front of the pack, a bungee stasher, daisy chain webbing and even ice axe lockers.

Inside the pack there’s another zipped pocket, plus points that you can attach one of SMD’s bladder pouches. This unfortunately have to be purchased separately.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, editor of Outdoors Magic

“Before the pandemic came around and thwarted my ambitions I’d had grand designs to attempt a mega 30-day mountain run this year and this was the pack that was nailed on to come with me.”

The wateproof drybag style rolltop. Photo: Mike Brindley

“It is, in my eyes, the exact kind of backpack I’d want for such a challenge; something that’s ultralight, ultra stable, ultra convenient and just the right size for managing the rest of my ultra light kit.

“This is a very impressive pack. Best in its field for fast packing, I’d say.”

“I might not have been able to get round to testing this out over a 30-day run but I have at least managed to use it for a couple of run commutes and for some quick country excursions, and I have to say I’ve been incredibly impressed with its carry system. It really is excellent at handling loads at speed, mainly thanks to how it makes your body take the main weight of the load right around your core, where of course you have that optimum centre of gravity.

“I did find getting the fit right for me took a bit of fiddling about and some trial and error as well, but once I had it nailed I haven’t needed to change it at all since.”

“The pockets are all very conveniently placed. I found myself stashing all my snacks and valuables (like my phone and wallet) across the front of the vest and in the hipbelt, with my water bottle in one of the mesh pockets on the front and my waterproof jacket in the other one. I’ve found that the 30L main compartment offers enough space for my main ultralight set up, including my Nordisk Telemark 2 tent, Therm-a-rest NeoAir Uberlite, Montbell Seamless Down Hugger sleeping bag and Primus Lite+ cook kit.”

“Unfortunately I can’t offer a verdict on the alternative harness design with the chunkier straps yet. Perhaps I’ll see if I can get hold of it for testing further down the line.

“Anyway, this is a very impressive pack. Best in its field for fast packing, I’d say.”