6MD Traveler?

[Camping Dave]

Anybody have experience with the Six Moon Design Traveler?

http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=59

[wandering_bob]

Yes. See my review at http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=18222

Superb pack!:banana

[Camping Dave]

Is it basically the same as a Starlite, but 1oz heavier? And for that extra ounce I get front panel loading instead of top loading, and a top pocket?

[kytrailman]

i got the essence and love it. great quality and functionality.

[wandering_bob]

You could say that. The Traveler was based on the Starlight, but uses the panel-loading as opposed to the top loading of the Starlight. They both use the same suspension system, hip belts, stays, and external mesh pockets.

The Traveler's capacity is 400 cubic inches less than the Starlight as the panel loading design does not allow for an extension collar, and it was designed to fit in the overhead storage bins of aircraft. To make up for this, it has a double daisy chain on a flat top which allows you to secure much larger objects on top than would be possible with the roll-top design of the Starlight. You supply your own aftermarket straps of whatever length and style you need.

I find a panel loader to be much easier to pack and access than a top loader. I have found only one thing about the Traveler that I'm not wild about, and it is a design limit (not a design error). The front mesh pocket, while possessing the same capacity as that on the Starlight, has a zippered opening (I believe the Starlight's is elastic). Consequently, it can not open as wide because one half of that zipper is sewn to the front panel so it restricts the maximum dimension of whatever you put in there. My Gatewood Cape will just fit through (without repackaging it). Once in the pocket, the gusset expands nicely. Pack this pocket carefully since you have to move every time you open the access panel on the pack.

Note that the Starlight has a bungee cord system on its front panel. Logic suggests that if you filled the front mesh pocket, you would reduce the capacity of that bungee system, so it's probably a wash.

[wandering_bob]

Re: the Essence

I've tried them both. To me, the downside of the Essence is that the shoulder straps are fixed whereas the Traveler (and Starlight) have fully removeable/adjustable suspension systems that can accomodate a wide range of torso lengths.

Size your pack to the load it has to carry. Because of the zippered closure, panel loaders can not take the degree of "overstuffing" that a top loader can accomodate. A blown zipper can be a serious problem on the trail vs. a blown side-seam which can be sewn up with a needle and dental floss (you do carry a repair kit, right?).

[doodah man]

Anybody have experience with the Six Moon Design Traveler?

http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=59


Dave,<O:p</O:p
I have three SMD packs, the Starlite, Traveler, & Essence. My favorite is the Traveler. What wondering_bob posted is in line with what I found. (with one addendum that there are two compression straps that take most of the load off the zippers when everything is buttoned up.) I did 300 miles in '07 on the AT and used the Starlite. I liked the roll top design for wet weather. The pack was a joy to wear, so when the Traveler came out, I got one because I prefer a panel loader. Last September, I did the JMT (plus some extra) using the Traveler. I did it nobo starting with ten days food from Horseshoe Meadow (20 some miles south of Whitney). The Traveler has the same suspension as the Starlight and was very comfortable even with that heavy starting weight. My only (slight) issue is that the mesh used in the side pockets could be more robust. I have had to repair a few tears that resulted from a couple stumble & tumbles while off trail. doodah-man