Six Moon Design Fusion Pack now on website

We still appreciate Ron making it to the CCC. It still gives his company exposure. I'm sure there are quite a few people who visit BPL that are just looking for info.
Duane

I think plenty of us are looking for a lightweight pack that can serve as a heavy hauler on long trips where resupply is few and far between and for winter trips where we are carrying heavier and bulkier loads. These could also be great packs for people with back problems and are in need of greater support. These packs are still lighter than the ULA catalyst which is one of the most popular packs used on this site (I love mine).

A question for Ron, apples to apples comparison between the Fusion 50 and Circuit and between the Fusion 65 and the Catalyst comparing space in the main compartment? Seems like some packs like the Exped Lightening is under-estimated in their size rating whereas ULA seems a little over-estimated.

I'm very interested in these packs and am really looking forward to reading reviews on them.

I'd agree with Amy – after the Ms. and me tried on the Fusion and Flight packs ourselves and watched other people do so at the Bay Area GGG in January, everyone seemed to be able to achieve a good fit quickly and easily.

The packs that seem most close to me to the Fusion series are from cottage maker Elemental Horizons. Their Kalais pack has about the same volume as the Fusion 50, and the Aquilo about the same as the Fusion 65. The EH weights are the same or lower depending on fabric choice, but the EH packs don't have the hip pockets built-in like on the Fusion pack hipbelts. The EH packs have also been praised for excellent load transfer and issued a Highly Recommended rating by BPL/Will Reitveld. Another difference to keep in mind – EH packs have to be ordered and there's a wait time, while the SMD packs will (hopefully) be kept in stock.

http://www.elementalhorizons.com/aquilo-pack.aspx

http://www.elementalhorizons.com/kalaispack.aspx

Note that I prefer trading a little weight for very good load transfer, carry comfort and more durability, and the Fusion 50/65 and Elemental Horizons Kalais/Aquilo seem to be among the best in class out there for that.

"I'd agree with Amy – after the Ms. and me tried on the Fusion and Flight packs ourselves and watched other people do so at the Bay Area GGG in January, everyone seemed to be able to achieve a good fit quickly and easily."
The question is probably: what where their back lengths ? If your back is no longer then the frame, it might be ok ? But the big question is: what if, like me, your back is longer ?

@Woubeir:

There was once a fellow named Procrustes who had found a solution to your problem….
:-)
Look it up!

OK, total length is adjusted that way but not the back length :-)

For me:
total length: 5,11 feet (so not too tall)
back length: almost 23"

But note that if you have a short torso, the Aquilo's capacity is only 50L in the "small" size, whereas the Fusion's capacity does not change relative to your torso size… for short torso people like me, that is very significant.

"But note that if you have a short torso, the Aquilo's capacity is only 50L in the "small" size"

True, but you can always ask Matthew to extend the roll top to increase capacity.

Valerie, according to Will's BPL review and others, the Aquilo has A LOT of volume – even possibly larger than the stated volume. You should just try to find people who have a Small Aquilo and ask them, and ask Matt, and like Doug said, a bit of extension collar goes a long way.

Of course having the packs side by side to fill and try on would be best. They both look like great contenders for load carrying ability.

You folks are definitely right that pack capacity is relative. That's part of the problem when you're buying over the internet with no way to see the packs "in person"…

I'm trying to sell off my Osprey packs because — although they SAY they're 62L — in practice they are MUCH smaller than my old Arcteryx Khamsin 52L (which is massive).

"total length: 5,11 feet (so not too tall)
back length: almost 23"

I assume you have abnormally short legs or you are measuring your torso incorrectly. Either way, there is no way that most off the rack packs will fit you effectively. You need to go custom.

Believe me, I was suprised too when that was measured (correctly btw). I thought first something like 20" or 21".

Have you thought about a custom pack?

ELEMENTAL HORIZONS sells packs in XLarge for torsos 23-25 inches.

I forgot about that, although I caution that I find the torso sizing of the EH packs on the shorter end to begin with. Probably just me, however.

I didn't find that to be true with mine , my GG Gorilla yes.