ULA Pack

UL, Lew, or anyone else who has used ULA Packs,
What do you think about the Amp? Looking at it, it is about the size pack that I like to carry. Not to big, not to small. I like having a pack that is "just the right size", because it keeps me from adding a bunch of stuff that I don't really "need" on the trail. This helps keep weight down not only in the weight of the pack itself, but also in the amount of crap I cram into it. So, let me know what any of you guys think about this pack, and Thanks!

willky:
It's funny that you ask about the Amp. I am probably going to order one either today or tomorrow. It is a great looking 10.5 oz. backpack. I think it would be great for an overnight or 3-4 day hike.
It should really help in your 12-step "crap-aholic" program!
UL

Haha, exactly. Thats why I usually don't carry a pack over 2400 cu in. I may just wait till you get yours and check it out. Heck I might try to make one.

Oops!
Brian is starting a hike on 8/1/08, so he's not taking any pack orders until December. He's hiking the length of Idaho, north-south, so he's not going to be in his shop until late fall.
I was able to get the last large AMP that he had in stock.
UL

I love my ULA Catalyst so I am sure I would love the Amp also...

Lew

I have been looking into getting a ULA as well. Do you all really like them? I was also looking at the Mariposa Plus from Gossamer Gear and the Thompson Peak from Fanatic Fringe. Is the ULA a better pack than these?

Dwight

I have been lusting after a gossamer gear whisper for quite some time. However, I have seen a ULA pack that UL owns (he can tell you the model because I don't remember), and it was pretty sweet too. The guy who makes the ULA packs puts a lot of attention to the details. I'll probably end up buying the whisper first since they're discontinued, but the ULA amp might not be far behind. As for the rest of the GG stuff, I've never heard anything bad about any of it. And that goes the same for the ULA products too. Lew also has a ULA pack too. As for the Fanatic Fringe packs, I don't know anyone who has one, but I'm going to check them out. Is he a hanger on HF? I think I've seen someone by that name on there.

To answer your question, my advise would be to figure out which one meets your needs/wants the best, because it doesn't look like you can go wrong with the quality of any of these companies.

Since we're on the subject, have any of you ever delt with Zpacks? They make some super light packs out of cuban fiber, but durability does seem to be an issue with such light fabrics.

I absolutely like the my ULA Pack and will bring it for a show and tell at the tarp clinic. This is my first somewhat UL pack even though it is the heaviest he makes at 49 oz. I had bought two other packs before settling in on this one (first pack Gregory Palisade second Osprey Atmos 50 osprey is for sale by the way). I have only used mine once when I did Eagle Rock Loop in May. I was carrrying 20lbs and it was great. Brian at ULA is the Customer Service Dept and is excellent.
Lew

The one that I showed those who were at the Hicker Fest was the ULA Conduit. It weighs 21.0 oz. and will comfortably carry about 20-25 lbs. It's the one that Scott Williamson used when he did his PCT yo-yo a couple of years ago.
I've read some good reviews regarding Gossamer Gear packs. Some of them come with a caveat as far as durability goes. That's the trade-off when you try to get the weight down below a certain level.
Fanatic Fringe and Zpacks are also some good ones, but I'm not as familiar with them.
Another company to look at is Mountain Laurel Design. Their website is www.mountainlaureldesigns.com. He's got some great lightweight gear too.
UL

willky1 wrote: As for the Fanatic Fringe packs, I don't know anyone who has one, but I'm going to check them out. Is he a hanger on HF? I think I've seen someone by that name on there.

No, Fanatic Fringer from Hammock Forums used to use their stuff. He told me to go wit the mariposa plus from GG.

Thanks guys for all the advice. There was a guy who had to return his ULA Catalyst because the shouldeer straps were sewed on askew, and then a lot of people began to notice it. Brian from ULA corrected everyones very quickly.

Oh the insanity of trying to figure out which gear is beast for you, maybe I will have my wife sew me a G4 pack .

Dwight

That would be the most cost effective. I've gotta find someone around here (Conway) who is good at sewing, so that I can make my stuff look a little nicer.

If she's going to make you a pack, you better start hitting up the dollar bin at wally world. It usually takes a while to find good stuff in there, but I guess that's part of the fun of it. Good Luck!