Six Moon design Fusion vs. Paradox Unaweep for 40-50 pound loads?

Michael, that's a tough one because few if any consumers have used either pack. I had a phone conversation with Kevin Timm at Paradox where he asked me a few design questions before he went ahead with the Unaweep, but I haven't seen one in the flesh yet.

That said, my guess is that Fusion and Unaweep will carry a bit differently. Ron Moak's mention of plastic stiffeners in the belt make me assume the Fusion is more of a lumbar-pad type pack. By which I mean the structural elements terminate in the lumbar region. This obliges a certain design approach: having enough padding in the lumbar to avoid pressure from the stays or framesheet, having some stiffness in the belt to keep it from warping under heavier loads.

I've always found the lumbar approach problematic above 35 pounds because I don't have much lumbar curve, and thus have to cinch the daylights out of the belt to keep the pack from slipping down my butt. That the Paradox doesn't do that was quite the revelation for me. I built a pseudo-Unaweep for myself and used it on a tough trip a few weeks ago, and was really happy with how well it worked. A week straight of hard hiking with 35-50 pound loads and no hip bruising is a first for me.

In the absence of further info or being able to check out the packs in person, I'd base your choice around the belt type and what past experience makes you think might work best. In terms on construction quality you can't go wrong with either.

Disclaimer: I work with (not for) Paradox so I'm not without bias.

David, that was helpful because so little people have seen these packs in person. It sounds like the Paradox belt is something special. Like you, I've never carried more than 35 pounds for more than a couple days without hip/belt discomfort. Another thing is that the Paradox is much more expensive at 399 vs. SMD at 230……..but it may be worth it, if I don't feel a need to buy another pack for this niche like I've done for the last 3 years.

Michael, you might like to add the Elemental Horizons Aquilo to your list. While I have not carried it yet, there are many excellent reviews out there including Will Reitveld's on BPL, where it was awarded a "Highly Recommended" rating. I've also heard nothing but praise for the pack and Matt the designer/owner from users. I personally would get it with a Dyneema bottom for the extra abrasion resistance and durability (see their photo gallery for photos of the Dyneema packs).

A Medium Aquilo with stay comes in at only 34 ounces and a Large at 35.5 oz. According to Matt the Dyneema bottom adds about 2.5 oz to the weight, so even in Dyneema it still comes in quite light for a pack of that large volume with a highly effective stay.

I've tried on the Fusion 65 at the Bay Area GGG in January and it felt very nice – quick and easy to get a good fit between the adjustable yoke and the different sizes of shoulder/hip belts. Keep in mind that was walking around with in for only two minutes. Also liked the Flight 40.

Note that I prefer framed packs to unframed, willing to trade a little weight for effective load transfer and durability. Both of these packs are high on my list.