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Six Moon Designs Starlite Backpack
Long Term Report
| Reviewed By: | Andrew Mytys |
| Email: | amytys@gmail.com |
| Date Published: | September 28, 2004 |
| Update History: | None |
Product Information:
| Manufacturer: | Six Moon Designs (http://www.sixmoondesigns.com) |
| Item: | Starlite Backpack |
| Year of Manufacture: | 2004 |
| MSRP: | $145 |
| Size: | Accommodates torsos from 18 to 24 inches (46 - 61 cm) and waists from approximately 30 to 50.5 inches (76cm to 128 cm). |
| Listed Weight: | 32 oz (907 g) |
| Weight as Delivered: | 30.1 oz (853 g), including:
. Pack, 21.8 oz (618 g)
. Back Stays, 4.9 oz (139 g)
. Padded Hip Belt, 3.4 oz (96 g)
Updated shoulder straps decrease pack weight, above, by 0.2 oz (6 g) |
| Rated Load Capacity: | 35 lbs (16 kg) |
| Rated Volume: | 4100 cu/in (67 l):
. Main Bag, 2600 cu/in (42.6 l)
. Extension Collar, 450 cu/in (7.3l)
. Pad Pocket, 450 cu/in (7.3l)
. Left Mesh Pocket, 200 cu/in (3.2 l)
. Right Mesh Pocket, 120 cu/in (2 l)
. Front Mesh Pocket, 280 cu/in (4.5 l) |
| Warranty: | Lifetime, excluding abuse, damage due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, product alteration, and normal wear and tear associated with usage. |
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The information in this Long Term Report of the Six Moon Designs "Starlite" Pack is to be taken in addition to my
Initial
and
Field reports.
Product Description:
The Six Moon Designs Starlite backpack is created with lightweight and ultralight hikers in mind - though it weighs a scant two pounds (0.9 kg), the Starlite is designed to comfortably carry up to 35 pounds (16 kg) and support the storage needs of outings extending beyond a week in duration. The Starlite incorporates features such as a full suspension system, adjustable torso sizing, and convenient external mesh pockets, amongst other attributes, in its quest to "strike the right balance between weight, durability, price, and features." The Starlite ships with an Owner's Manual that outlines the pack's features and highlights such topics as the suspension system and sleeping pads that are compatible with the Starlite, in addition to suggested methods to pack the Starlite, care and maintenance procedures, and product warranty information.
If At First You Don't Succeed, Try Again:
In my
Field Report,
I highlighted the fact that the Starlite's load lifters failed to support the pack's weight while carrying weights in excess of 30 pounds (14 kg). After examining my report, Six Moon Designs quickly changed their design and sent me two updated sets of shoulder straps for evaluation. The first set of straps was identical to those initially received with my test pack, save for redesigned load-lifters. The second pair of shoulder straps had the same changes in place to the load lifters, in addition to being almost twice as wide as the originals. I was surprised to note that the wider straps weighed 0.2 oz (6 g) less than the originals. The sternum strap on the wider shoulder straps differed from that found on the original straps as well, in that it was not removable. I was please to see that there were no seams running along the inside of the wider shoulder straps, so chafing, especially when worn directly against the skin, was no longer a concern. The backs of the wider shoulder straps came covered in the same DriGlide material that's used in the pad pocket - this material is designed to keep the wearer cool and comfortable in hot climates. Upon initial inspection of the DriGlide backing, I was concerned with respect to its durability - the material is stretchable and is not fitted tightly. I could pinch it between my two fingers and lift it away from the strap. Would chaffing be an issue as a result of this surplus material? The wider shoulder straps also had D-rings sewn on to their front and I was able to slide my hydration tube through them, providing easy and convenient access.
Taking the New Straps Out For a Spin:
I was excited to try the new straps out that Six Moon Designs provided. I wanted to provide the manufacturer with feedback as quickly as possible so that they could address any further issues with the pack. So, I loaded up the Starlite with the maximum weight that it's rated to carry (35 lbs or 16 kg) and hit the trail. After hiking for 25 miles (40 km), I was satisfied that the load-lifters were working as designed. No slippage occurred, and they remained positioned throughout my hike as I had initially set them.
That said, two new issues appeared:
- There is a length of webbing that runs between the bottom of the pack and the shoulder strap. The webbing on my initial pack had its ends left untouched, rather than folded back and tacked onto itself. With enough pressure on the webbing, it slid out of its tri-glide and I suddenly found the weight of the pack supported on just one shoulder. While moving on a flat trail, this event simply took me by surprise. At the same time, I was thankful that I wasn't crossing a river on a fallen tree or navigating on the edge of a cliff - situations where a sudden loss of balance could result in great injury.
- On the narrower set of shoulder straps - those with a removable sternum strap - the sternum strap dislodged itself from the shoulder straps on two occasions. On the wider straps, which came with a non-removable sternum strap, this was not an issue.
Six Moon Designs to the Rescue:
Six Moon Designs was extremely responsive in tackling my issues. I shipped my pack back to them and had it retrofitted with the changes necessary to ensure that the problems I experienced wouldn't happen again. My issues were centered on components that attached to the main pack and were completely removable (shoulder straps, lengths of webbing, sternum strap). This translated into a quick turnaround from Six Moon Designs, and I had an updated pack within a week. Furthermore, Ron Moak, the owner of the Six Moon Designs and a long distance hiker himself (AT 1977, PCT 2000), is committed to cascading changes made to my pack into all packs to be shipped and any returned for repair. Being a relatively small company, Six Moon Designs is able to make changes in production at almost a moments notice. More importantly, the company is willing to do what it takes to address customer concerns. Ron has told me that he's "about as responsive a manufacture as you’ll find. I’ll stop production runs, re-manufacture products and whatever else it takes to insure that we provide a solid product." Everything I've seen from Six Moon Designs has supported this statement. I encourage readers to review the
Manufacturer Comments
with respect to Six Moon Designs' response to specific issues found during BackpackGearTest's six-month review of the Starlite Pack.
Life After Getting My Issues Resolved:
Once all the bugs in the pack's design were worked out, I could concentrate on evaluating the pack over longer trails and extended periods in the field. My thoughts are as follows:
- Durability - A pack is a very personal product to me, and once I find one I like I want it to last many seasons. The Starlite I am testing has developed a few holes in its bottom after what I consider "normal" use. I'm not one who's known to toss around backpacks - I tend to carry my pack on my back all day, taking it off only when I stop for lunch or to break camp. When I remove my pack, I try to find a spot that is free of rough or jagged surfaces, slip the pack off my shoulders, and set it to the ground. In my opinion, the 420 denier pack cloth used in the Starlite's construction is fine for the pack's sides, but a tougher material should be used for the pack's bottom. The holes on the bottom of my pack are quite small and do not pose concern in terms of losing gear or having the bottom of the pack fall out. Still, I've applied a few duct tape patches to the bottom of my pack in an effort to prevent my small holes from expanding.
Stitching remains solidly in place, and there's no noticeable wear to the shoulder straps or hip belt. The DriGlide material on the back of the pack has stained a bit from absorbing sweat and body oils, but the material's texture remains uniform across the entire back panel. Zippers continue to function smoothly as well. Outside of the stains on the back panel, there are no lasting blemishes on the pack. Straps and webbing are in "as-new" condition, and adjustment of their length continues to be smooth. Quick release buckles also function as when new. I'd also like to point out that I carried the Starlite off-trail for over 100 miles (160 km), much of which could be characterized as "bushwhacking." Outside of a hole being ripped in the large, front mesh pocket, the backpack survived unscathed. I frequently pulled handfuls of broken twigs and needles from the mesh pockets, evidence that they had indeed come into contact with the thickets I moved through. I was not expecting these pockets to weather such abuse as well as they did, and am pleased with the results.
- Suspension - I used the Starlite as both my backpack and daypack. I found that it cinched down well around small loads and, providing I placed some sort of a pad into the Starlite's pad pocket, it rode very comfortably when holding less than 15 pounds (7 kg) of weight. In fact, at such low weights I found I didn't even need to use the hip belt as the wide, padded shoulder straps provided all the comfort I needed. The shoulder straps supplied an ample amount of padding for the upper weight limits of my testing (35 pounds or 16 kg) as well, and their contoured design fit my body well - I didn't notice any discomfort due to rubbing or chafing. When carrying loads of up to 25 pounds (11 kg), I found that stuffing either my
POE Insul Mat
or Cascade Designs Therm-A-Rest Ultralite pad into the Starlite's pad pocket provided the padding and support needed to carry the pack's weight comfortably. When packing weights ranging from 25-35 pounds (11-16 kg), I found it best to place my 3/4 length Cascade Designs RidgeRest pad into the pad pocket - it provided the ideal mix of rigidity and padding I needed to comfortable manage the load.
Curiously, I did not find that the Starlite's stays added a significant benefit to its comfort when carrying heavy loads. My experience was that the stays simply gave a "different" feel to the pack, but not necessarily better. When carrying weights of 35 pounds (16 kg), this "difference" was appreciated as it became yet another way to tweak the pack while I carried it. I concur with Six Moon Designs' position that the peak weight carried in the Starlite should be 35 pounds (16 kg).
The Six Moon Designs Starlite, coupled with its hip belt and a Cascade Designs 3/4 length sleeping pad, weighs just over two pounds, or slightly less than a kilo. In this configuration, it will comfortably carry up to 35 pounds (16 kg). For potential customers who can actually sleep comfortably on the RidgeRest, it's a fantastic combination. Personally, I sleep terribly on a RidgeRest. However, using a RidgeRest in the Starlite's pad pocket is more comfortable than if I combine my
POE Insul Mat
with the Starlite's optional stays. The stays weigh 4.9 oz (139 g), versus the RidgeRest's 9.5 oz (269 g). I feel the extra weight of the RidgeRest is worth it, however, as I often find myself carrying in excess of 25 pounds (11 kg) in the Starlite - while my base pack weight is under fifteen pounds, the addition of three liters of water and a few days of food quickly makes up for the difference. Stays are a single-use item, but the RidgeRest becomes an added luxury as it provides a reliable sit pad in even the roughest conditions, conditions that might puncture my inflatable pad. In conditions where temperatures fall below freezing, the RidgeRest can augment my inflatable pad and provided added insulation. If I were purchasing this pack, I would forego the optional stays and use my resources towards the purchase of a closed cell pad like the RidgeRest.
I also found the Starlite's hip belt to be comfortable, whether I was packing for a dayhike or pushing the upper weight limits of the pack. The sternum strap rounded out the suspension nicely, and I was able to use it to hold the shoulder straps in place at the tips of my shoulders, to either side of my neck, and everywhere in between. I also appreciated the adjustable torso sizing feature - being able to adjust the torso size setting on the pack allowed me to create a fit that felt tailor made for my body.
- External Mesh Pockets - I really enjoy the level of access that the external mesh pockets provided to items that I like to retrieve often access or quickly. This includes items such as my rain poncho, waterproof socks, gaiters, wind shirt, knit hat, gloves, and knee brace. They also allow storage where wet items can dry, and give me a place where I can isolate items I don't necessary trust or want near my sleeping bag, such as liquid fuel, sharp stakes, and my backpacker's trowel. I also keep my toiletries, first aid kit, and water bottle in them. For general backpacking on developed trails, I can't see why anyone wouldn't want such pockets on their pack.
External pockets on packs do require a bit of care when traveling with the pack, however. On one occasion when I was flying with the Starlite, I had to store it underneath the seat in front of me. I slid it under the seat with the shoulder straps and hip belt against the floor. When retrieving my pack after landing, the top mesh pocket kept catching on the seats mechanics. Thankfully, I quickly noticed what was happening and carefully extracted the pack, avoiding any rips in the pocket. I quickly learned that, while in transit, it is best to take a moment and ensure the Starlite is positioned with its large mesh pocket against flat and unabrasive surfaces.
- Bungee Cord - I didn't really find myself using the Starlite's bungee cord. As a lightweight backpacker, the space provided by the base pack and external pockets proved to be more than enough for me. While Six Moon Designs suggests using the bungee cord for compression, I didn't find that it was necessary to do so in order to maintain a high degree of comfort, even when carrying a pack that was near empty.
- Zippered Sleeping Pad Pocket - This is the key feature in keeping the weight of the Starlight down. Padding provided for the wearer's back is provided solely by what the wearer chooses to place in this pocket. I found a 3/4 length RidgeRest pad by Cascade Designs to work best, from a suspension standpoint, and it was pretty comfortable as well. Six Moon Designs claims that the pocket's DriGlide back material helps to keep the wearer cool and comfortable in hot climates - I didn't notice any real difference in terms of the amount of sweat or "coolness" on my back from that of packs I've worn in the past.
- Dry Bag Closure - I found that the dry bag closure system for the pack's main storage area worked well. However, its unidirectional quick release buckle continues to annoy me, as does the Velcro running across the entire length of the pocket's opening. The main issue I have with the Velcro is that its hooks tend to catch many of my long-sleeved hiking shirts, fleece tops, and gloves, creating snags and pills on my clothes as I work myself free from the grasp of the hooks.
- Missing Features - I would really like to see the Starlite incorporate a pocket inside the back of its main storage compartment for hydration bladders. When hiking with the Starlite packed at less than full capacity, my Platypus would often sink into the deep recesses of the pack, causing a situation where there was very little slack in the hydration tube for me to use while drinking. Being able to ensure that hydration reservoirs stayed positioned against the wearer's back would be a welcomed feature. The width of such a pocket should be such that it would support wide bladders, such as the Platypus 1.8 liter reservoir that measures 7.5 inches (19 cm) wide.
My Final Thoughts on the Starlite Pack:
Glancing over Ron's
Manufacturer Comments,
it appears that he has addressed the bulk of the issues I've highlighted with the Starlite. I'd still like to see a hydration pocket included as a feature on this pack. It appears as if the 2005 model Starlite will be even lighter than what I tested, as the material used in the extension collar and main pack body will change to a lighter weight fabric. I also note that Six Moon Designs is staying with the existing 420 denier pack cloth for the pack bottom. I'd really like to see this material changed to something a bit more durable, even if as an option provided at an extra cost to customers. Personally, I'd rather have a pack that weighs an ounce or two more and shows little if any wear after a season of hiking then a pack made of less durable materials that finishes a season patched in duct tape with thoughts of replacement on my mind. Of course, there are many hikers who's primary concern is weight - they seem to feel that a savings of 1 or 2 ounces (28 - 56 g) really will make a difference in how much stress their bodies endure over the course of an extended hike. Having options with respect to the material used in the construction of the pack bottom would accommodate both schools of thought.
Overall, I feel that the Starlite is an excellent choice of pack for customers who need a lightweight backpack that's large enough to carry up to a week's worth of gear and designed to comfortably support loads in the 25-35 pound (11-16 kg) range. On outings where I didn't need so much space, I'd just pack my sleeping bag at the top of the main pocket and let it freely loft up, expanding to fill out the body of the pack.
Personal Biographical Information:
Backpacking Background:
I live in Michigan and have been hiking seriously for 15 years, although I've camped
since I was 6 years old. I consider myself a lightweight hiker. I carry the lightest
gear I can get my hands on which will provide a comfortable wilderness experience and
adequately support the goals of my trip. Unless my goals are time/distance oriented,
my pace is always slow. I rarely exceed 1.5 miles (2.4 km)/hour. I rest frequently,
hike long days, and enjoy whatever nature throws my way.
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