Here is how these two backpacks compare on the numbers. Both are solid; the right one depends on the specs you care about most.
| Gregory Focal 58 | Six Moon Designs Minimalist V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 66✓ | 63 |
| Capacity | 58 L | 59 L |
| Weight | 2 lb 10 oz | 2 lb 9 oz✓ |
| Rated load | 35 lb | 35 lb |
| Fabric denier | 100 D | n/s |
| Price | $270✓ | $285 |
| Type | Backpacking | Ultralight |
| Frame | Internal | Internal |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Focal 58 in blue, Minimalist V2 in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. Capacity is shown for context and is not scored, since more volume is a sizing choice rather than better. GearScore is the overall rating (0 to 100); re-weight it on the full backpack comparison. Prices are current MSRP.
The Gregory Focal 58 against the Six Moon Designs Minimalist V2 is a study in priorities. The Focal 58 wins on price, and the Minimalist V2 pushes back on low weight.
The Focal 58 is $15 cheaper. The Minimalist V2 is 1 oz lighter. On the default GearScore the Focal 58 leads 66 to 63.
Pick the Focal 58 if you care most about price, which makes it the better call for getting the most for your money. Pick the Minimalist V2 if low weight matter more to you, or you are focused on counting grams on long miles.
The Six Moon Designs Minimalist V2. It is 1 oz lighter than the Focal 58.
The Gregory Focal 58. It is $15 cheaper than the Minimalist V2.
The Gregory Focal 58, 66 to 63 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the Focal 58 for price, or the Minimalist V2 for low weight. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.