Photos: Travis Reill

Are you a hip pack or a backpack person? Or do you fall somewhere in between, wanting the secure fit of a backpack without the sweat and overheating it brings? Summer rides are hot, and keeping your back and shoulders free is generally more comfortable. But, no matter how awesome a hip pack is, I have yet to find one that rides as securely as a backpack.

Despite its unconventional look, Arctos seems to have the solution. Arctos sent me their Swift 6.2 pack at the beginning of spring, and I’ve put it through its paces since.

---

Arctos Swift hip pack key specs

• 6L size, 2L bladder / fits riders 5’4″ to 6’5″
• Price: $159.99
• Buy from Arctos

---

Most hip packs, even when snug, ride down. The shoulder straps keep the Swift pack sitting high.

It looks unconventional, but it is so comfortable

Is it a backpack? Is it a hip pack? Is it somehow both? The Arctos Swift 6.2 pack is essentially all of those things, which is potentially why Arctos refers to their products as “packs,” rather than “hip packs” or “backpacks.”

But the Arctos Swift is undoubtedly somewhere between a hip pack and a backpack, which definitely turns some heads. The hybrid look leaves many asking, “Why not just get a backpack?” Personally, I haven’t ridden with a backpack for years. They are hot and leave my back drenched with sweat. I’ll always opt for a large hip pack for big adventures. 

Two large zipper pockets on the front, two zipper pockets on the side, with two mesh pockets directly on top of them.

That said, hip packs aren’t perfect. While I’ve had quite a few hip packs that have worked well, I have never used one that stays as secure as a backpack does. This seems to be the same line of thinking at Arctos and the design of their “packs.” We essentially see a very traditional-looking, albeit large, hip pack with mesh backpack straps attached.

Hands down, the Arctos Swift is the most comfortable pack I’ve used. I believe that much, if not all, of this comfort is due to how secure the pack is. It doesn’t move or shift like a traditional hip pack, which can lead to fatigue and discomfort over time. And yes, you will get some sweating around the straps, but they are so well-ventilated that it is nowhere near the sweaty-back days of riding with a backpack.

Snacks, tools, pump, jacket…I never felt pressed for space with the Swift pack, even with 2L of water on board.

A lot of room for big rides

The Arctos Swift 6.2 pack is an easy go-to for big adventures. Arctos dubs the Swift as a 6-liter pack, with two of those liters saved for the included water bladder. A quick side note: In some instances, bladders for a “hydration pack” are sold separately. I think that is dumb. I appreciate Arctos includes a bladder with the pack; this is how it should be. As far as bladders go, this one seems high-quality, and I have not experienced any leaks or issues.

With four liters of storage space remaining, the Swift pack can hold quite a bit. I easily fit a windbreaker jacket, multitool, flat tire kit, snacks, phone, keys, and a wallet in my pack, usually with room to spare. 

The main body of the pack has two large zippered compartments, each internally divided into separate pockets. The largest compartment houses the bladder, which has a detachable hose that is looped in along the shoulder straps and secures magnetically at the chest. In my opinion, the bladder system works well. 

The pack offers plenty of practical storage. The side zipper pockets are perfect for storing your phone, and easy to access.

Each side of the Swift pack has a large zipper pocket — great for storing a phone — along with a nearly-as-large mesh pocket. Both are easy to access, with the mesh pocket being a great place to stash a snack bar or gummies.

Along with the pockets, Arctos added loops on the pack and straps to secure additional items, such as a helmet. I didn’t use these as the helmet stays on my head, even during a climb, and there is so much room inside that I didn’t need the additional outside storage.

While drinking from a bladder hose may not be my preference, Arctos’ system works well. The hose magnetically attaches to the chest strap and has an on/off valve.

My biggest gripe isn’t necessarily Arctos’ fault

Once I realized how secure and comfortable the Swift pack was, I quickly got over my hesitation regarding appearance. But, there is another aspect of the pack that I didn’t get along with: I don’t like hydration packs.

I hate trying to suck water through a hose while I’m breathing heavy. It’s more work and adds to my exhaustion. But I absolutely recognize that this is a “me” problem, not an Arctos problem.

Absolutely zero leaks during the entire test time.

Simply put, I’m a water bottle guy. While I understand the convenience of water on the fly, most of the time I don’t mind stopping for a second to get a drink and take in the view. And unless I want to remove the bladder completely and have two bottles sticking out the top, Arctos doesn’t offer a water bottle option for the Swift pack. I’ve used other hydration packs before that also included traditional water bottle holders, and I would have loved to see that on the Swift. If that were the case, I would have ditched the bladder and benefited from the full potential of six liters of storage.

I’m also someone who puts electrolyte mix in my water bottles. In my experience, it is a chore rinsing out any bladder and something I just frankly don’t want to deal with. I drank straight water when using the Arctos Swift. 

Performance should outweigh looks

Especially on big rides, I really liked how the Arctos Swift pack performed. Yes, it definitely has an unconventional look, and if I’m being honest, it’s one I wasn’t necessarily thrilled about. But, when you’re 15 miles, 3,000 feet, and halfway into a backcountry ride, who the hell cares what it looks like?

Jeff had a similar take on the Crankbrothers Trail Speed Lace Vent shoes he just reviewed. Ultimately, he noted that, especially where he lives, a well-ventilated shoe in the summer outweighs any qualms over the looks. 

I agree. Obviously, there is going to be some fashion faux pas line that we decide we don’t want to cross. But for me, the Arctos Swift pack doesn’t cross that line, and its comfort and performance, even with a bladder system, far outweigh its unconventional look.

Pros and cons of Arctos Swift hip pack

Pros

• Incredibly comfortable and secure
• Easily stores everything you need
• Highly ventilated mesh backpack straps
• Well thought-out bladder system

Cons

• Although ventilated, you’ll still get sweaty where the straps are
• No compartments to hold water bottles
• The look will dissuade some before they even try it

Bottom line

The Arctos Swift 6.2 pack may not be what I reach for on my everyday, shorter trail rides, but it is an easy go-to for longer, backcountry adventures.