The new Starlite pack has some interesting features, including the choice of a vest harness to replace the hip belt. I would be very interested to hear from anyone who has any experience with this type of harness.

Additionally, the pack can accept two stays, which give you the option of transforming the pack to a framed pack, which may be handy when switching from summer to winter accutrements.

http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/store/shopexd.asp?id=23

I am very interested in hearing from anyone who has either used this pack or more generally used a harness system similar to the Starlite's optional harness system. I have the original Europa tent, and have been very impressed with Ron's stuff. If anybody has experience with the Starlite I would welcome your thoughts.

Search this forum for "moonlite". It was the version 1.0 of the starlite. Do the same on www.backpackgeartest.org (http://www.backpackgeartest.org).

The Starlite is brand new (just announced a couple of weeks ago), so I wouldn't expect any firsthand comments, expect from Ron (the owner of Six Moon Designs) who posts here now and again.

I use last year's model. The harness is an excellent feature because of all the small net pockets that is great for storing the gear one needs to find quickly. eg....gorp, camera, maps, gloves, aqua mira water purification, compass, extra line, knife, flashlight, matches, and so on. Those little pockets hold a lot. Another feature that works well is the storage compartment for the sleeping pad. I use six panels of a z-rest. Having in that compartment leaves more room for other gear in the main compartment of the pack. Not having a frame, however, the pad really does not help shift any weight to the shoulders away from the hips. Maybe the stays will help, my model does not have that option. Carrying summer gear, this is not a problem for me. I do not miss the hip belt. When the pack got heavier with fall gear, ie. bigger sleping bag, more (heavier),clothes, including a parka, the pack gets pushed to its limit, it carries too low. I switch to a frame pack for winter. (Granite Gear Ozone) One drawback, I find, is the inability to adjust the shoulder straps. The velcro adjustment inside the back pocket does not have many options for adjustment. The left and right shoulder straps also come together to one adjustment point. They cannot be adjusted separately. I miss that option because one of my shoulders is naturally lower than the other. Nevertheless, I do like the pack very much. I'll use it for multi-day summer hikes.

The new Starlite pack has some interesting features, including the choice of a vest harness to replace the hip belt.

No harness experience. I posted my experience with the starlite (http://www.verber.com/mark/outdoors/gear/reviews/starlite.html) a week or so ago... I thought in a thread here. Someone else posted their initial experiences (http://www.backpacking.net/forums/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=geartalk&Number=41476&Forum=,f22,&Words=starlite&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Main=41476&Search=true&where=bodysub&Name=&daterange=0&newerval=&newertype=&olderval=&oldertype=&bodyprev=#Post41476)on backpacker.net

I still haven't found many reviewers using the vest harness -- seems many hikers are using the padded hip belt. Does anyone have any updates to the starlite? What are the advantages to the vest harness other than additional pockets, etc.? Is the hip belt less restrictive?

verber gave the link to my initial review of the Starlite. I have the Moonlite with the vest harness, but went back to a fanny pack worn in front.

The vest harness holds a lot, but I enjoy wearing the fanny pack right up until the time I go to bed and not have to constantly be digging my my pack for things. I still use the Moonlite with vest harness for day hikes.

My Starlite now has been used for two week long trips. It is very comfortable right up to the 35 pound capacity. The side mess pockets got some abrasion holes during the trip into the Grand Canyon, but they are still servicable.

Overall a good solid pack and I am very satisfied.