Six Moon Designs All Day Carry (ADC) Adventure Travel Pack Review
Hiking the Camino de Santiago with the Six Moon Designs All Day Carry backpack. Photo by Becky Haynam.
December 6th, 2024
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Our Verdict
The Six Moon Designs All-Day Carry Pack is a revolutionary travel pack that can function as a backpack, suitcase, or urban tote with ease.
It features waterproof zippers, an adjustable torso, plenty of straps, compartments, and pockets.
Its versatility makes up for any concessions made to function in so many different modes. If you’re looking for one bag to do it all, this is it.
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Specs
Pack volume: 35L (AD) and 45L (ADC+) versions available
Pack weight: 35 to 51 ounces (depending on size and fabric)
Carry-on compatible: yes
Suitcase style: yes
Shoulder strap: yes
Grab handles: yes
Removable hip belt: yes
Stowable shoulder straps: yes
Adjustable torso: yes (fits 14-22" torsos)
Suspension: internal
Maximum load: 35 lbs
Rain cover: add-on
Laptop sleeve: add-on
Best for
Hiking the Camino de Santiago with the All Day Carry backpack. Photo by Becky Haynam.
Adventure trekking
Camino de Santiago
Hut-to-hut hiking
Urban use
Ultralight travel
How we tested
I used the ADC+ as my carry-on and only suitcase for a weeklong trip to Alaska. This group trip involved moving from campground to campground, loading luggage into and out of a trailer, and more. I also used it as my only suitcase on several work trips and a monthlong visit with family.
What we like
The suspension system on the Six Moon Designs All Day Carry backpack makes it ideal for travel where you'll be walking for hours per day. Photo by Becky Haynam.
The suspension makes carrying your pack through the airport and on long days of travel more comfortable. This is also what makes it shine for hut-to-hut hiking as well.
The internal straps help hold things in place, especially if you’re using packing pods or stuff sacks.
The fabric is durable.
It has waterproof zippers.
The inclusion of a side handle as well as a haul loop make it easy to maneuver into overhead bins on planes, or use with the hip belt and shoulder straps stowed.
What could be better
If the main compartment is full, it’s difficult to access exterior compartments, specifically the mesh dividers inside the half-zip storage pocket.
The side water bottle pocket is hard to access while wearing the pack.
When laid flat in suitcase mode, it’s very floppy without anything in it. This can make packing a little bit of a hassle, as well as using it when things are in the external pockets but the main compartment is fairly empty.
Features
Materials
The material on the Six Moon Designs All Day Carry is highly water resistant, as seen on a rainy day hike in the Pacific Northwest. Photo by Matt Reed.
The ADC and ADC+ both come in three different material options. We'll describe the fabrics below.
Bottom line: if you plan to use this pack for significant periods outside (as opposed to general travel) and can afford the Challenge Sailcloth option in the ADC+, which are significantly more expensive than Robic nylon, it's worth it. You'll get a longer-lasting, water-resistant, and overall better functioning pack.
Challenge Sailcloth Ultra 200 X
Challenge Sailcloth's Ultra 200 X is an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene material, or UHMWPE. Dyneema and Cuben Fiber are commonly known examples of UHMWPE fabrics that were commonly used in backpacks and tents. It's waterproof to 200 PSI and UV resistant. Challenge Sailcloth claims that it is 15 times stronger than steel, gram for gram. It's rated to 4,400 abrasion cycles, making it highly abrasion resistant. It's also made from recycled materials.
This is the most expensive ADC option. We like packs made from Ultra because it's water resistant, does not absorb water, tear resistant, abrasion resistant, and does not stretch.
Challenge Sailcloth EcoPak EPX 200
Another fabric option from Challenge Sailcloth, the EcoPak EPX 200 has the same waterproof rating as the Ultra 200 X. However, abrasion is only rated to 500 cycles versus Ultra's 4,400 cycles. EPX 200 isn't as strong as Ultra 200 X, either.
While not as expensive as the Ultra 200 option, it's heavier than both Ultra 200 X and Robic Nylon.
Robic Nylon 200D
A standard pack fabric for decades, Robic nylon is the least expensive ADC option. While it's not waterproof and may absorb water, it is water resistant. It's also very tear and abrasion resistant, making it an excellent pack fabric. It will stretch slightly.
Fully zippered main compartment
Top view of the water-resistant zippered compartment on the All Day Carry travel pack. Photo by Matt Reed.
Unlike most backpacks, the main compartment has a full clamshell zip, which allows it to lay flat like a suitcase. This is great for access when you’re at your destination.
Adjustable torso system
The adjustable torso system allows you to tailor the fit for maximum comfort.
Roller bag handle pass-through sleeve
While I had no use for this particular feature, it is a nice add-on to make this pack even more versatile for frequent air travelers.
Exterior pockets
Exterior pockets on the SMD All Day Carry make it easy to access snacks or guidebooks during breaks without having to dig inside your pack. Photo by Becky Haynam
Stretch pocket
The stretch pocket isn’t as flexible as a standard backpacking mesh pocket, however, it does flex enough to accommodate things like jackets. The closure at the top helps keep the contents secure during travel.
Hanging internal pocket with exterior access
I found this pocket to be very useful for all the things I wanted to keep handy, plus items like a toiletry bag that would normally be inside my suitcase, but was too bulky to fit into the internal divided mesh pockets.
Tall water bottle pocket
The water bottle pocket accommodates everything from a Nalgene to a Smartwater bottle. However, I found accessing it while wearing the pack to be difficult. On the plus side, the bottles were secure during travel and I never had to worry about them falling out when hoisting the pack into an overhead bin.
Shorter side pocket
The side pockets lay flat which is nice when not in use. You don’t have to worry about them snagging on things and they hold the contents snugly. If you plan to use the suitcase handle, you will want to make sure whatever you put in this pocket doesn’t impede use.
Trekking pole mounts
This is a nice feature that has the hiker in mind. However, I did not use them because I only used this bag for trips that were “one bag” carry-on only trips, and trekking poles are not allowed through US Transportation Security checkpoints. If you plan to obtain trekking poles at your destination (or bring with you, for example on train travel), these mounts work well for attaching poles.
The various shoulder strap pockets and hip belt pockets on the ADC.
Shoulder strap pockets (2)
The shoulder strap pockets are perfect places to tuck snacks, headphones, earplugs and other small items you may want to access easily throughout your day. The drawcord closures keep them secure. I was pleased that they are large enough to hold a phone.
Hip belt pockets (2)
The hip belt pockets are generously sized. They will hold your phone, snacks, hand sanitizer, lip balm, wallet, boarding passes, etc. Zippered closures ensure nothing gets lost.
Zippered compartment above shoulder straps
Fits the optional laptop sleeve or hydration bladder. I used this pocket for my laptop without the added sleeve and it worked well. I wouldn’t recommend putting small items in here because they will sink to the bottom and be hard to access unless the pack is empty.
Flight suspension system
The suspension system on the All Day Carry makes it more suited for days of walking where you'll be going uphill. Photo by Becky Haynam
What really levels up this travel pack is the inclusion of Six Moon Designs Flight Suspension system from their backpacking line, making this a functional backpack, rather than just a travel pack with straps added.
The shoulder straps come in two sizes and the torso adjusts to accommodate most people.
Load lifters keep the pack weight close to the body for more comfort.
The Flight suspension system includes a sternum strap.
Hip belt
Close-up of storage on the Six Moon Designs All Day Carry pack. Photo by Matt Reed.
The hip belt isn’t thickly padded, but it’s comfortable enough with light loads of under 30 pounds..
Lockable YKK Aquaguard exterior zippers
Waterproofing on the exterior, as well as on the zippers themselves.
The waterproof zippers were excellent in Alaska when my pack was getting loaded and unloaded in the rain. Everything stayed dry. I would recommend pairing the ADC with a pack cover if you plan to use it for hut-to-hut or Camino-style hiking.
Main compartment
The Clamshell opening on the All Day Carry Travel pack and straps secure your belongings. Photo by Matt Reed.
Clamshell opening
While I find the clamshell opening to be useful for unpacking, the lack of structure in the pack can make it hard to pack it when it’s open.
Divided mesh area
The divided mesh is great for keeping small things organized, however, they have to be flat or very small or there isn’t enough room for them when you try to zipper the main compartment closed.
Compression straps
I found the compression straps to be essential for keeping things in place when packing the main compartment. I do wish there were one or two that ran longitudinally as well.
Internal zippered area
This is a nice small zippered pocket that can be used to store flat things like a spare set of travel documents, maps, compass, magazines, etc. Bear in mind that you can’t easily access it when the main compartment is fully packed.
Half-zip storage compartment
This was the pocket I had the most issue with. When the rest of the pack was full, this pocket was hard to reach into, especially for anything that was at the bottom. I prefer to carry all my toiletries in a case, rather than in little pockets, but if you don't, this will be perfect for you. The many dividers are great for organizing toothpaste, glasses cases, deodorant, toothbrush, etc.
I kept my cables, battery pack, and other electronic items in the small zippered compartment here. If you are using this for work travel or commuting, the pen sleeves and key clip are nice touches.
Alternate carry options
I mostly wore this as a backpack. The grab handle was useful getting it into the overhead bin on the plane. I definitely recommend stowing the shoulder straps and hip belt if you’ll be using it primarily as a suitcase for prolonged time in order to keep them from getting snagged on things. This is easy enough to do with zipper and velcro closures.
Accessories
Laptop sleeve
Passport pouch
Zip pouches
Shower cap pack cover
Packing pods
Performance in the field
Jane Tiskoff on the Camino de Santiago wearing the All Day Carry pack. Photo courtesy Jane Tiskoff.
Durability
I’ve used this pack on five trips so far and I haven’t noticed any wear and tear with the Challenge Sailcloth EcoPak EPX 200 fabric. This option seems robust and durable enough to last for many trips.
Comfort and fit
The Six Moon Designs All Day Comfort fits well and is comfortable enough to wear day after day on a distance walking trail like the Camino. Photo by Becky Haynam.
Weight distribution
As with any backpack, how you load it matters. Keeping most of the weight in the main compartment and higher up the back will make it more comfortable.
Ventilation
I haven’t had to use it in hot conditions, but I suspect that it might get uncomfortable in high humidity.
Interior organization
I recommend using it with the SMD packing pods or with stuff sacks to keep things organized. The two mesh zipper pockets are great for small and/or flat things.
Functionality
This pack fits easily in an overhead bin on a plane. The dimensions are well within flight standards, making it easy to travel with. Having a haul loop and a side handle make getting it into and out of overhead bins easy.
The depth of the outside pockets can make it easy to lose small items, and if the main compartment is very full, the outer pockets are hard to use due to compression. I wish the outer zip pockets also had full zippers so you could open them flat as well.
Versatility
I’ve used this for several work trips and it easily accommodates my laptop, notes, and merch, as well as clothing and accessories. It’s also a great commuter bag that can transition from the office to the gym with ease.
While I haven’t hiked with the ADC+, I think it would be possible based on the comfort while wearing it all day during long travel trips. My only complaint there is the difficulty of accessing the side water bottle pockets.
ADC vs ADC+
The ADC+(45L) is 10L bigger than the ADC(35L). If you want something for weekends or to use in combination with other luggage, the ADC is probably adequate. There are small loops on the exterior of the pack that you can use to compress it when it’s not full.
Other travel packs to consider
Cotopaxi Allpa
Pack volume: 28L, 35L and 42L versions available
Pack weight: 4.2 lbs (42L)
Carry-on compatible: yes
Stowable shoulder straps: yes
Stowable hip belt: yes
The Cotopaxi Allpa is a roomy and well-thought-out travel pack that fits easily in overhead bins. However, it's significantly heavier than the ADC or ADC+. Read our in-depth review of the Cotopaxi Allpa for more info.
28L
35L
42L
Pack volume: 30L or 36L
Pack weight: 1.9 lbs (36L)
Maximum load: 25 lbs
Carry-on compatible: yes
Stowable shoulder straps: no
Removable hip belt: yes
Similar in weight to the ADC and ADC+, ULA's Ultra Dragonfly has less capacity. It's also only rated to a maximum weight of 25 pounds, versus 35 pounds with the ADC and ADC+. This would limit it for some people or longer travel and/or trips.
Osprey Fairview / Farpoint 40L Pack
Pack volume: 40L, 55L , 70L, 80L
Pack weight: 3.5 lbs (40L)
Carry-on compatible: 40L and 55L only
Stowable shoulder straps: yes
Stowable hip belt: yes
Osprey's Fairview (women's) and Farpoint (men's) travel packs are significantly heavier than the ADC and ADC+. In addition, with the 55L version, you'll need to detach the day pack in order to fit the main pack in the overhead bin. The larger versions aren't carry-on compatible.
Men's
Women's
About the author
National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Heather Anderson is the first woman to complete the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide National Scenic Trails each three times. This includes her historic Calendar Year Triple Crown hike in 2018 when she hiked all three of those trails in one March-November season, making her the first female to do so.
She holds self-supported Fastest Known Times (FKT) on the Pacific Crest Trail (2013) and Appalachian Trail (2015). She has logged over 47,000 foot-miles since 2003, including over 16 thru-hikes. She is also an avid mountaineer.
As a professional speaker, Heather speaks regularly about her adventures and the lessons learned on trail. She is the author of Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home (2019), chronicling her Pacific Crest Trail record, and Mud, Rocks, Blazes: Letting Go on the Appalachian Trail (2021) about her 2015 AT record. She also co-authored a guide to long-distance hiking preparation with Katie Gerber called Adventure Ready: A Hiker’s Guide to Training, Planning, and Resiliency (2022) with Treeline Review writer Katie Gerber.
You can find her online at Words From the Wild or follow her on Instagram and Facebook. You can read all her Treeline Review articles on her author page.
