View Full Version : Gossamer vs. ULA packs
Trajectory
06-04-2007, 12:15
Wize ones,
Which is a more comfortable pack, a Gossamer or ULA? Gossamer clearly has ULA beat on weight. However, what about overall support and the ride in general? Which is easier on the bones carrying 25-35 pounds wet?
I'm looking at the higher capacity packs, let's say the Mariposa vs. the Circuit or Catalyst.
i have no experience with ULA packs, so i really can't compare the two. i can say that in the year that i've carried a mariposa i've been generally happy with its performance. the only down side is that gossamer recomends that you don't sit on the pack which was a real shift in behavior for me. with my old lowe contour when it was time for a break, i'd just drop it to the ground and take a seat. old habits are hard to break.
Depends.
The ULA gear is a great pack for people who want more of a traditional pack, but still want to go light. Need support? Have a base pack weight of 16-17 plus lbs? (And less on the AT: need to haul lots of water and/or food?) then go with the ULA gear. The ULA gear tends to be beefier and more durable (hence the little bit more weight)
Sub-15 lbs base pack weight? Frequent resupplies? Can get away with using a sleeping pad as a frame sheet? Don't beat on your gear? Then go with the Gossamer pack.
Both are great companies with fantastic people.
Figure out what gear you are using, how you plan on using the pack and take it from there.
Brian at ULA offers a lifetime warranty and as a result, he makes his packs more durable and hence heavier. If you carry heavier weights, then the ULA packs (especially the Circuit and Catalyst with a true suspension) will carry it easier then the Gossamer packs. However, Brian likes to design his packs to carry higher off the butt then some people are use to and not everyone likes that.
The gossamer packs are better for the ultra light people as they are lighter and you can remove the strap padding and replace it with clothing/gear to save even more precious ounces. However, you do need to take better care of it as it isn't as durable as more main stream packs. Like many lightweight pieces of gear, if you treat it right, it will last you many years, if you don't, it will quickly end up in the trash.
Most people who own either one like their gear choice. You just need to know what you want to do with your pack before you decide who to go with.
Depends.
The ULA gear is a great pack for people who want more of a traditional pack, but still want to go light. Need support? Have a base pack weight of 16-17 plus lbs? (And less on the AT: need to haul lots of water and/or food?) then go with the ULA gear. The ULA gear tends to be beefier and more durable (hence the little bit more weight)
Did you mean PCT?
Did you mean PCT?
No, I meant OTHER than the AT. I just worded it poorly. Sorry for any confusion. Should have said "less of a concern on the AT"
No, I meant OTHER than the AT. I just worded it poorly. Sorry for any confusion. Should have said "less of a concern on the AT"
Yeah, I think the Catalyst is a great PCT pack Which is why I got it. Good for Winter condition packing on the AT. I probably will need a smaller pack in Summer months. (AT) I haven't done either trail but I am wanting to go with the AT or Long Trail before the PCT because of the needed LD hiking experience I need before the PCT.
Maybe the Colorado trail is in my future, I don't know. :-?
I work in IT so it is day to day... I think you know all about that. :)
I suspect that few people have experience with multiple models from both companies; I do own one pack from each company but hesitate to generalize. I have a ULA P2 and like it a lot, quite comfortable for me, just substantially heavier than my new GG Mariposa Plus. In the brief time I've used the latter, I don't like the way the shoulder straps hang on me as well as the ULA P2 straps hang, but this isn't a big deal as I try to carry most of the weight on my hips.
So my initial impression at least is that this one particular GG pack is a little less comfortable for this one particular person than the noticeably heavier one particular ULA pack (a model they're not even selling any more). What that means in general terms ... who knows!
I'm definitely sticking with the Mariposa Plus --- the comfort difference isn't large, whereas the weight savings is clear and substantial, just about exactly 2 pounds if you don't count the 3.5 oz foam back padding for the GG that I also pull out to sleep on.
Brian Lewis
Rebel, with a Cause!
06-05-2007, 00:37
I have a GVP G4 and a ULA P2 ( the old Catalyst model )
This year I started from Springer with the GG G4 with 21 Lbs. It carried well but i didnt like the GG Nightlite Pad, it was just too thin for the shelters. If you load it with more than 25 LBs ( Example with 4 to 5 days of food and a liter and a half of water ) then it will put the weight more on your shoulder.
After about 30 days out, I switched to the ULA P-2 carrying 25 Lbs and the difference was noticable. It carried much better and even though it was 2 to 3 Lbs heavier ( the increased Pack weight and a Big Agnes 22 OZ Mummy air core pad ), I was alot more comfortable with it. With 4 days of food and water or more the ULA was definetely better by far.
So I'll use the G4 for short section hikes and the ULA P2 the rest of the time. I am currently trying Ultra Light now as well, with a tarp, GG sleeping pad and 2 days of food. Total weight is about 16 Lbs. The G4 carries this very well.
As far as durablity, the ULA P2 wins hands down. I was constantly worried about the GG G4 blowing a seam or tearing a hole. Not so with the ULA, very bomb proof pack.
I hope this helps ( my opinion is to get the ULA Catalyst, you will love it )
Y
I work in IT so it is day to day... I think you know all about that. :)
Oh god yeah. They laid off another team that sits right by me.
I work in alarge company now. I miss my small company with the downtown Boulder office, dogs walking through and knocking off eaarly so we can watch Empire Strikes Back on DVD. Sigh. I hate working in Dilbert Land. :)
Oh god yeah. They laid off another team that sits right by me.
I work in alarge company now. I miss my small company with the downtown Boulder office, dogs walking through and knocking off eaarly so we can watch Empire Strikes Back on DVD. Sigh. I hate working in Dilbert Land. :)
They might "release me" tomorrow. Probably be for the best. I am tired of it.
cutman11
06-05-2007, 20:36
My Pack is a ULA P-2...I will not be looking for another pack in this lifetime....nuff said.
I had the pleasure of the company of an AT thru hiker at my home on Sunday night, then slacked him on Monday. He was using an Osprey Atmos 65, and was blown away by the weight, size, and quality of my ULA Conduit (and the rest of my 8 lb summer base weight gear for the LT).