Jason Merrill 
In the spring of 2014, Six Moon Designs unveiled their innovative Fusion pack series, a collaborative effort between Ron Moak of Six Moon Designs and Brian Frankle, the founder of ULA. This announcement in 2013 sparked considerable excitement among the backpacking community, and I was among the enthusiasts keen to discover the fruits of this partnership.
Residing in the southwest, I often trek through desert terrains where managing water weight is crucial. My quest for a compact yet robust backpack led me to the Fusion 50, which seemed to tick all the boxes: a sturdy frame and suspension system, all within a weight range of around 2 ½ pounds. My gear is typically lightweight and compact, but the addition of over 17 pounds of water necessitates a more substantial pack than the average frameless option.
Fusion 50 Backpack Specifications:
- Main Bag: 2300 cubic inches
- Extension Collar: 450 cubic inches
- Exterior Pockets: 300 cubic inches
- Total Volume: 3050 cubic inches or 50 liters
- Pack Body: 420D Robic™
- Body Contact: DriGlide™
- Side Panels: 210D Robic™
- Pockets: 4-way stretch
- Weight: 36 oz.
- Torso Sizes: 15″ to 22″
- Pack Dimensions: 11″W x 6″D x 22″T
Using the Fusion 50 Pack
After logging about 65 miles with the Fusion 50, I’ve tested its mettle against the demanding desert landscape, laden with significant water weight. At 5’7″ and 165 pounds, I opted for a medium hipbelt and regular yoke. With some adjustments, including bending the aluminum stay and fine-tuning the straps, the pack conformed well to my frame. The adjustable torso feature, allowing for fine-tuning beyond small, medium, and large settings, is particularly beneficial.
Out of the box, the pack weighed in at 39.6oz, slightly above the advertised 36oz. While this discrepancy was a minor annoyance, it wasn’t a deal-breaker, especially considering the potential weight reduction from trimming excess straps.
The craftsmanship of the Fusion 50 is evident upon inspection. It’s a step up from Six Moon Designs’ previous offerings, with a more feature-rich and complex construction. The stitching is flawless, and the build quality suggests it’s made to endure.
Aesthetically, the green/white color scheme has been met with mixed reactions. While I’m indifferent to the color of my gear, preferring functionality over style, I acknowledge that for those who value aesthetics, the color choice might be a point of contention.
Other Fusion 50 Key Features
- An integrated spine connecting directly to the hip belt
- Top loading with a dry bag-style closure
- A minimal contact, no-sweat back panel
- A dual-density hip belt available in three sizes
- An interior zippered stash pocket
- Seven exterior pockets
- A compression system that doesn’t interfere with pocket access
- Dual webbing tie-downs, ice axe loops, and hydration ports
- A contoured cut with adjustable torso length
- Compatibility with bear canisters
- 420 high tenacity nylon Robic fabric
- Bound seams for added strength
- Load lifters and a sternum strap
- Multiple hip belt and shoulder yoke sizes
The hipbelt is a standout feature, offering comfort, support, and impressively large pockets. The double side compression straps effectively tighten the load, and the stretch mesh used for the side pockets has proven durable, even accommodating two one-liter Smartwater bottles with ease.
In summary, the Fusion 50 has more pros than cons, with its hipbelt, compression system, and adjustability being particularly praiseworthy. While I’ve yet to fully test its capabilities on high water weight trips, my initial experiences have been promising.
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