Six Moon Designs Wy’East Daypack Review

Bottom Line

The Six Moon Designs Wy’East is an ultralight daypack for minimalist hikers who want plenty of space for gear-intensive day hikes or ultralight overnighters. That’s why we added it to our list of the best hiking daypacks of 2025.

After 250 miles of dayhikes and overnights in the Colorado Rockies, Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer’s favorite thing about this pack is its versatility. It’s light enough to carry over long distances but cavernous enough to haul bulky gear for winter day hikes, thanks to its 30-liter capacity. The thick, adjustable foam shoulder straps and removable waist belt allow for customization. So does the soft foam backer pad, which doubles as a sit pad for breaks on the trail. Its flexibility shines on lightweight day hikes and short overnighters. 

During testing on steep, rocky trails and forested paths, it handled light loads well without compromising comfort. However, this pack has some quirks. For example, the foam backer lacks rigidity for heavier loads, and the hydration reservoir compatibility isn’t the best. We also find accessing the sit pad awkward when the bag is fully packed. But if you’re an ultralight hiker, none of these will be dealbreakers. This pack delivers when it comes to a large capacity for day hikes and overnight adventures.

Comfort

For an ultralight, larger-capacity daypack, the Wy’East is a comfortable pick. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer used this pack from summer to winter for shorter day trips with larger gear hauls and overnight adventures with an ultralight setup. The thick, adjustable foam shoulder straps conformed well to his body type and provided decent cushioning without compromising flexibility. He could adjust the sternum strap and waist straps, too. We found the soft foam backer added extra padding and protected our backs from bulky gear. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer loved removing the foam backer to use it as a sit pad to keep his bum off the ground during break time.

The downside of this design? The foam backer is soft, but it may not provide enough structure to carry heavy loads comfortably. Our testing also revealed this bag didn’t match the ventilation of other packs, which made it less comfortable on hot and humid days, especially on tough routes with lots of ascent and descent. The wider shoulder straps also were a bit uncomfortable for Ian after 5 hours or hiking with a fully-loaded bag of around 23 pounds. That said, these comfort tradeoffs won’t be a problem for folks who prioritize a lightweight day pack.

Organization

The Wy’East’s pockets garnered mixed reviews from our testers. We found the shoulder pockets were the perfect size for a snack bar, satellite device, and a chapstick but not wide enough to fit a phone. The removable hip belt includes small pockets – which did fit our iPhone and Android. This model also has a top “brain” pocket with a zipper and a key clip for easy access to smaller items, but it was too flat and slim for holding much except smaller items. The hidden zippered pocket inside is a nice touch, but it’s in an awkward spot for access when the bag is loaded to the top.

In spite of these drawbacks, this 30-liter pack was one of our testers’ favorites for winter and shoulder-season adventures where carrying gear is important. Its main compartment and generous front external pocket provided plenty of room to stash our jacket and hat. However, we needed to pack carefully because of the pack’s limited structure. Ian likes running a stretchy cord through daisy chains when possible for an extra place to stash a midlayer or a puffy jacket when not in use. He found this bag could be rigged for any adventure with its eight daisy chains, trekking pole loops, and ice axe loop.

User-Friendliness

This daypack’s straightforward design shines if you love simplicity on trail. The cinch-top closure and brain clips are easy to secure, providing flexibility for different load sizes. Deep side and front pockets allow for quick access, keeping water bottles and jackets within reach. Shoulder strap pockets offer convenient storage for snacks or a phone, making it easy to grab essentials without removing the pack. Overall, the lack of zippers and unnecessary straps adds to its appeal for ultralight hikers who prefer function over frills so you can focus on the trail instead of fiddling with your gear.

That said, if you prefer a more traditional pack design, some features could be more intuitive. For example, the hydration reservoir system isn’t our favorite – the pocket only fits long and narrow bladders. Threading the drinking tube through the tiny holes is cumbersome, and there’s nowhere to secure the nozzle on the shoulder straps, leaving it to dangle awkwardly. 

This pack may feel too stripped down for users who value extra functionality, but the Wy’East is fairly user-friendly for a large, ultralight bag.

Weight and Compressibility

Weighing only 1 lb, 9 oz, this daypack strikes an excellent balance between capacity and minimalism. Its 30-liter volume is impressive for such a low weight. The nylon Robic fabric keeps the weight down and offers solid durability without adding much bulk. 

Despite its plentiful pockets, the profile remains slim and light, even on longer hikes. It still folds down easily for storage in a trunk or gear room. The main support comes from a sit pad, so it can be rolled into a fairly small package for storage or travel. For example, we packed this bag into luggage for a trip to Vancouver, Canada, for a weekend backpacking trip.

On the downside, the Wy’East doesn’t have side compression straps, so it’s limited in how small it can shrink. Without these, it can feel awkwardly bulky when packed full. Also, folks who prefer the classic structure of a daypack may find this one too light, too big, and a bit too floppy for many use cases – especially if you stick with shorter hikes and more casual outings. For ultralight hikers and minimalists, however, this combination of space and weight is a standout feature.

Durability

Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer found the Wy’East highly reliable after bushwhacks and tough trails. His pack continues to look like new after sitting on rough dirt, dragging over rocks, and bumping against trees. Thoughtful construction, including double-stitched seams and only two slim zippers, reduces weak points. Strong clips and sturdy cinch cords are resilient, and even the stash pockets and water bottle sleeves are reinforced to stand up to frequent use.

That said, the Wy’East is not invincible. Our stitching is beginning to fray where the shoulder straps are attached to the frame. Ian also patched a small puncture on the left side from a sharp rock in Rocky Mountain National Park. For rough, multi-day treks with heavy loads, a more robust option might be necessary. That said, we’ve used this bag over 250 miles, and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. If you’re looking for a dependable lightweight pack, this design balances weight and longevity effectively.

Should you buy the Six Moon Designs Wy’East Daypack?

The Wy’east daypack is a good choice for ultralight hikers who want a versatile, low weight pack with a large capacity for larger gear hauls and short overnights. Its 30-liter size is perfect for long day hikes or quick overnight trips, especially if you already have a minimalist kit. However, this pack isn’t the best choice for those who need heavy-duty support for large or awkward loads. Additionally, smaller-framed hikers might find the wide shoulder straps uncomfortable. But if you’re looking to drop your base weight for day hikes or short overnights, the Wy’East delivers as a versatile, ultralight, large pack that’s ready for adventure.

What other day packs should you consider for hiking?

For option options, please browse our guide to the Best Daypacks for Hiking.

REI Trail 25 Review: The REI Trail 25 pack shines for folks seeking a durable, versatile bag for day hikes and urban adventures at a much lower price.

Mystery Ranch Gallagator Review: We prefer this pack for its smaller, highly efficient design on hikes where quick access to gear and organization are key.

Gregory Zulu 30 Review: The Gregory Zulu 30 is perfect for hikers tackling heavy loads in cooler seasons or folks who prefer a traditional, highly durable pack with best-of-the-best carrying comfort.