View Full Version : 2009 ULA packs - anyone?
thejackal
12-05-2008, 14:12
I've been holding off on purchasing a Conduit for a long time. I see ULA has done some redesigns for 2009 and at least on the website, they look good. The Conduit's cheaper as well which is nice. I feel like it is competing directly with the GoLite Jam2.
Has anyone purchased/used any of the new ULA packs?
taildragger
12-05-2008, 14:49
I've got an 08 model and can say nothing but good things (circuit).
However, with it being the new season, it will be hard to get any news as to which year is better. I'd just go with it if you are looking at ULA packs, they are bomber and a sweet ride.
I used a ULA circuit on the Pacific Northwest Trail this year and loved it. You can see a mini review of it at:
http://cwillett.imathas.com/pnt/gear.html
In brief: Perfect pack for those who have a lightweight kit (sub 20 lbs w/o pack) or push long resupply legs (more than a week). If you carry an ultralight kit (sub 10 lbs w/o the pack) and resupply every 3-5 days, you should probably get a smaller and lighter pack.
I've been holding off on purchasing a Conduit for a long time. I see ULA has done some redesigns for 2009 and at least on the website, they look good. The Conduit's cheaper as well which is nice. I feel like it is competing directly with the GoLite Jam2.
Has anyone purchased/used any of the new ULA packs?
I have the 08 ULA Conduit and 08 GoLite Jam2. Like the ULA better!!! Think it's a better designed pack for my style of hiking. Also, feel I've received better customer service from ULA. Maybe, it's because I get the feeling ULA is a smaller hands on attention to detail build-it in the basement type company where I can talk directly to the friendly knowledgable I live it/I make it owner who always make the time to promptly answer any questions/concerns I may have.
Don't really know what's going on with GoLite? Seemed they lost their way a bit. I used to be excited to see what cutting edge light wt./UL gear they would come up with next. They don't seem cutting edge anymore. Seems they don't have the same focus anymore! Would like to see them be more productive and competitive again.
Passionphish
12-06-2008, 07:31
I will second the 08 circuit! Best damn pack I have ever owned!!!
And I have owned many...
I have one of the 09 Conduits arriving in a couple of days.
thejackal
12-06-2008, 12:33
yeah, so do I!
I am torn between the ULA Conduit and Six Moon Designs Essence. SMD is currently out of stock.
Any feed back/comparisons.
The conduit is a great pack...and so is smd.Take your pick in packing.
My ULA Catalyst is the best made pack of the nine packs I've ever used.
skinewmexico
12-07-2008, 13:04
The Jam2 is being redesigned for 09, and getting heavier.
I really dislike commenting about brands rather than models, however as a happy user of the Circuit ( can't remember ever having seen a bad review on this one...) and the Amp I am confident that providing the Conduit fits you and you stay within the intended use ( around 25 lbs or less) you should be happy with it. Besides I rather buy from Brian (nice guy....) Henry or Jack than from Brand.Inc.
Franco
I decided to order an Amp with all the options (except for the custom "Trailname Embroidery") for someone in the family to put beneath the tree.
Based on what other reviewers have said, my gear should all fit with food and water for long weekends. If I want to use it for week-long trips I'll have to slim down my gear list a bit to remain within the 20 lbs guideline.
I debated waiting for the Ohm (rumor has it making an appearance starting next year), but decided not to wait since the Amp looks so close to what I want (and it will help drive me to a lower pack weight).
I would enjoy a report on the Amp. After you get a chance to dirty it a bit.
I would enjoy a report on the Amp. After you get a chance to dirty it a bit.
OK, but it will be a while given it's winter ... I'm planning on using this for weekend hikes in the shoulder/summer seasons. I will post a "first impressions" when I get it and play around with loading my gear.
If you are considering the Amp, you might want to check with ULA about availability. Brian has been changing around his product lineup for 2009.
OK, but it will be a while I will post a "first impressions" when I get it and play around with loading my gear.
Appreciate it.
I had to upload some pics to Photobucket so I took the opportunity to link this pic from there.
The Amp has been my day pack and I have used it for some overnighters but at the moment it gets used to curry fruit and veggies back from the market, I regularly have 10-12 kg (22-26 lbs) of food inside, the market is about 1.5 miles away ( I don't drive)
Hiking it's OK up to about 8 kg (17 lbs)
Franco
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/odds/ULA-Amp.jpg
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/odds/Inside-the-Amp.jpg
Fine pics. Thanks!
Answered some questions. Those look like fine side pockets.
Both for the pics above, and for your comments about the Amp when you first received it. Your pictures (and those at backpackgeartest.org) sparked my interest in this pack a while back.
This will be my first ULA pack. I've heard many good things about Brian's packs, and am confident that it is a well designed & fashioned item.
Have you experienced any durability issues with having "pushed a toe over the line" in regards to the max suggested load weight?
I'd be very interested in hearing about any long-term issues that have cropped up.
Franco
The Amp in your pic has more Dyneema ripstop than the one on ULA's website. Is yours the new offering or the old style?
Sorry that I have hijacked the tread...
I have several packs, the one I use the most now is the Circuit.
The Amp in those pictures has an optional front pocket attached. I rarely use it now. (it was from the first run, in fact I suggested the retail price for it...) )
I do not recommend using it above the optimum weight specified by Brian. I carry heavier loads back from the market but would not do so in the bush...
The back padding is provided by my PO Max Thermo folded inside .
This w/e I had on the first day 13 kg inside the Circuit (5 l of water) it was OK but when I went down to 22 lbs it was just right ( as I never bothered to take it oof when we stopped)
My mate had the SMD Starlite with a few pounds extra, that convinced him that he needs a beefier ( IE proper frame) pack for his NZ hike (10 days) . He had sore shoulders well after we camped.
Franco
Just noticed on a different forum that Petras also had 12 kg in his Starlite...
In that case , don't carry 12 kg in your Starlite...
Franco
http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/process#forumtop (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/process#forumtop)
catfishrivers
12-08-2008, 22:30
I'm definitely considering the Catalyst.
I've been thinking about the Conduit for a bit now and I'm wondering about what options y'all think are worth the weight? I'm an inexperienced hiker planning a 2010 thru and I'd like to get my gear essentials pretty soon so I can try 'em out in different conditions. What do you folks with more experience see as worthwhile from the optional add-ons:
<table bgcolor="WHITE" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="470"><tbody><tr><td align="right">http://www.ula-equipment.com/order_pics/black_arrow.gif</td> <td align="left">Interior Backpad</td> <td align="right"><input name="-PK_CON|Interior Backpad|1.1|5" value="checked" onclick="CalculateTotal(this.form)" onfocus="this.blur()" type="checkbox"></td> <td align="right">1.1 oz</td> <td align="right">$5</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right">http://www.ula-equipment.com/order_pics/black_arrow.gif</td> <td align="left">Hipbelt Pocket- R</td> <td align="right"><input name="-PK_CON|Hipbelt Pocket- R|1.2|12" value="checked" onclick="CalculateTotal(this.form)" onfocus="this.blur()" type="checkbox"></td> <td align="right">1.2 oz</td> <td align="right">$12</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right">http://www.ula-equipment.com/order_pics/black_arrow.gif</td> <td align="left">Hipbelt Pocket- L</td> <td align="right"><input name="-PK_CON|Hipbelt Pocket- L|1.2|12" value="checked" onclick="CalculateTotal(this.form)" onfocus="this.blur()" type="checkbox"></td> <td align="right">1.2 oz</td> <td align="right">$12</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right">http://www.ula-equipment.com/order_pics/black_arrow.gif</td> <td align="left">Internal Stash Pocket</td> <td align="right"><input name="-PK_CON|Internal Stash Pocket|1.1|5" value="checked" onclick="CalculateTotal(this.form)" onfocus="this.blur()" type="checkbox"></td> <td align="right">1.1 oz</td> <td align="right">$5</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right">http://www.ula-equipment.com/order_pics/black_arrow.gif</td> <td align="left">Hydration Sleeve</td> <td align="right"><input name="-PK_CON|Hydration Sleeve|1.4|5" value="checked" onclick="CalculateTotal(this.form)" onfocus="this.blur()" type="checkbox"></td> <td align="right">1.4 oz</td> <td align="right">$5</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right">http://www.ula-equipment.com/order_pics/black_arrow.gif</td> <td align="left">Right Water Bottle Holster</td> <td align="right"><input name="-PK_CON|Right Water Bottle Holster|0.4|2" value="checked" onclick="CalculateTotal(this.form)" onfocus="this.blur()" type="checkbox"></td> <td align="right">0.4 oz</td> <td align="right">$2</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right">http://www.ula-equipment.com/order_pics/black_arrow.gif</td> <td align="left">Left Water Bottle Holster</td> <td align="right"><input name="-PK_CON|Left Water Bottle Holster|0.4|2" value="checked" onclick="CalculateTotal(this.form)" onfocus="this.blur()" type="checkbox"></td> <td align="right">0.4 oz</td> <td align="right">$2</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right">http://www.ula-equipment.com/order_pics/black_arrow.gif</td> <td align="left">Handloops</td> <td align="right"><input name="-PK_CON|Handloops|0.8|2" value="checked" onclick="CalculateTotal(this.form)" onfocus="this.blur()" type="checkbox"></td> <td align="right">0.8 oz</td> <td align="right">$2</td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="right">http://www.ula-equipment.com/order_pics/black_arrow.gif</td> <td align="left">Trailname Embroidery</td> <td align="right"><input name="-PK_CON|Trailname Embroidery|0.0|15" value="checked" onclick="CalculateTotal(this.form)" onfocus="this.blur()" type="checkbox"></td> <td align="right">0.0 oz</td> <td align="right">$15</td> <td> </td></tr></tbody></table>
My newb thoughts:
Interior backpad: isn't it designed to use your sleeping pad? Save the weight.
Hipbelt pockets: Hmm. sounds convenient. but at 1.1 oz per, can't you just reach back a bit for the pockets behind you.
Internal stash pocket: I don't know what this is.
Hydration sleeve: no thanks.
H20 holster: if it comfortable and convenient, might be worth the weight. Anybody know how the design of these works?
Handloops: I don't know what this is.
Trailname embroidery: This is downright silly. Use a sharpie to "embroider" your name.
My apologies for any newb ignorance displayed.
Alligator
12-09-2008, 21:43
Hipbelt pockets are real handy. I added them to packs that don't have them. I put my camera, snacks, sun hat in there. In the winter, I put a warm hat, gloves in there.
There are pictures on the site of most of those options. I am giving serious consideration to the ULA Conduit and the SMD Essence.
taildragger
12-09-2008, 21:52
I'd get the hip pockets, they really do come in handy. I wouldn't get any of the other options unless you use a bladder.
TwoForty
12-09-2008, 22:12
I was going to buy a Conduit as soon as he opened up since I've been wanting one for a while. I think I'll wait for some photos of it though. I love the rolltop opening on my Catalyst and I am not sure I'd like the new drawstring top on the Conduit.
Petr
For a very good reason there are now packs from "mainstream" manufacturers that use some sort of hip belt pockets. They are very useful because you can zip them up (IE relatively safe) and don't need to be an acrobat to pick small items from them. I store on one side my Leatherman Squirt, headlamp, monocular, bandanna, camera and mini tripod. On the other side my GORP ( that must be my survival food because I always come back with more than I eat in a day)
I have the bottle holsters and never used them, but after having had to ask my mate to pass me my own bottle several times I think that next time I will use them. (I usually can reach them, so not sure why I had problems in my last trip)
For the other options I think like you do, but some may like their trail name done professionally .
Franco
FamilyGuy
12-10-2008, 00:55
I would avoid the bladder. Bladders always seem to work horridly with frameless packs as they tend to curve the backpanel (sleeping pad) in an uncomfortable manner. Otherwise I would also, as discussed above, get the hipbelt pockets as they are very large. The inside pocket is also super convenient. Get that as well!
I would avoid the bladder. Bladders always seem to work horridly with frameless packs as they tend to curve the backpanel (sleeping pad) in an uncomfortable manner. Otherwise I would also, as discussed above, get the hipbelt pockets as they are very large. The inside pocket is also super convenient. Get that as well!
I've got the Catalyst with the bladder option but took it out because it is more efficient to just lay my platypus across the top of load that's in my pack and run the tube out of the side of the pack. Works like a charm and it's easy to get to the platypus to refill it.
I totally agree with the great quality of the ULA packs - my son and me both use Catalysts and they're hands down the best packs we've ever bought. The service and support is very good too.
I bought a used ULA Circuit (2004? 2005 version), so maybe things have changed, but before you order the bottle holster, I would ask them the distance between the top and bottom elastic cords when they are attached to the pack. Their webpage picture shows two cords about 4" apart, which would most probably securely hold a 20-ounce bottle. On my pack, however, when the cords are attached they are 8.5" apart. 20-ounce bottles, which is the size recommended, are only 8" in height, thus making it virtually impossible to secure a bottle to the pack strap in the manner shown in the picture on their webpage.
Perhaps the pack straps have been reconfigured in a way to make the bottle holster usable, but on my Circuit it simply doesn't work.
Other than this one issue, I really like the pack. The hipbelt pockets are extremely useful and I would make that a definite feature to add. I also like the internal stash pocket because I tend to lug around lots of small, useless crap that would otherwise get lost.
ofthearth
12-11-2008, 14:21
I've got the Catalyst with the bladder option but took it out because it is more efficient to just lay my platypus across the top of load that's in my pack and run the tube out of the side of the pack. Works like a charm and it's easy to get to the platypus to refill it.
I totally agree with the great quality of the ULA packs - my son and me both use Catalysts and they're hands down the best packs we've ever bought. The service and support is very good too.
I've got a Cat. and also lay my bladder across (inside the pack) the top. Would be neat if there was a way to put it across the top outside so I had a better idea how much water I had left. Service was great.:sun
I've got a Cat. and also lay my bladder across (inside the pack) the top. Would be neat if there was a way to put it across the top outside so I had a better idea how much water I had left. Service was great.:sun
Now there's a good idea....
Right now I strap my sleeping pad across the top on the outside of the pack.
Both for the pics above, and for your comments about the Amp when you first received it. Your pictures (and those at backpackgeartest.org) sparked my interest in this pack a while back.
This will be my first ULA pack. I've heard many good things about Brian's packs, and am confident that it is a well designed & fashioned item.
Have you experienced any durability issues with having "pushed a toe over the line" in regards to the max suggested load weight?
I'd be very interested in hearing about any long-term issues that have cropped up.
Smart forward looking Question. I can't personally respond about using the Amp, but I do own the 08 Conduit. I have over 2200 miles on it. It still looks new - no rips, tears, holes, in fabric or mesh, all stitching is intact(nothing unraveling), hip belt and shoulder harness is stiil as solid as the day I received it, zippers all run freely, side pockets still tighten up and hold gear like new, and snaps and buckles all work freely. One thing I was a little concerned with, although I have no problems with this on my pack, is where the over the top strap connects with the top of the back mesh pocket. Seems like a high stress pt., particularly if U R in the habit of really stuffing(overstuffing) the rear mesh pocket. I just realize this and don't overstuff the back pocket. ULA/Brian Frankel has addressed this concern by spreading out the stress by using a Y strap in this area.
Only for short mile hiking days(less than 20 miles) have I temporarily overweighted this pack's designed load limit range(when hauling extra H2O on the PCT). I start to feel the added strain in my shoulders and on and in the pack when I do overweight this pack. Use the pack for what it was designed for and U should experience no problems!
So, to answer U succinctly, yeah, U can push a toe over the line in reagards to overweighting, just don't do it on a regular basis or leave the toe across the line too long or U will be more likely to hear snap, crackle, and pop!
TwoForty
12-12-2008, 03:06
Smart forward looking Question. I can't personally respond about using the Amp, but I do own the 08 Conduit. I have over 2200 miles on it. It still looks new - no rips, tears, holes, in fabric or mesh, all stitching is intact(nothing unraveling), hip belt and shoulder harness is stiil as solid as the day I received it, zippers all run freely, side pockets still tighten up and hold gear like new, and snaps and buckles all work freely. One thing I was a little concerned with, although I have no problems with this on my pack, is where the over the top strap connects with the top of the back mesh pocket. Seems like a high stress pt., particularly if U R in the habit of really stuffing(overstuffing) the rear mesh pocket. I just realize this and don't overstuff the back pocket. ULA/Brian Frankel has addressed this concern by spreading out the stress by using a Y strap in this area.
Only for short mile hiking days(less than 20 miles) have I temporarily overweighted this pack's designed load limit range(when hauling extra H2O on the PCT). I start to feel the added strain in my shoulders and on and in the pack when I do overweight this pack. Use the pack for what it was designed for and U should experience no problems!
So, to answer U succinctly, yeah, U can push a toe over the line in reagards to overweighting, just don't do it on a regular basis or leave the toe across the line too long or U will be more likely to hear snap, crackle, and pop!
What do you think the comfort level is for 20 mile days? What pad do you use with it?
By snap, crack, and pop, you mean your body and not the pack right? I have downright abused my Catalyst and it is in great condition. None of the main seams have busted.
The Conduit is very comfy when I stay within the loaded wt. range for which it was designed. No problema hiking 30+ mile days comfortably. I think Scott Williamson used a Conduit on his recent record breaking PCT thru-hike while averaging mid 40 mile hiking days. I'm not sure of his avg. carrying wt., but knowing Scott I'm sure he was lite/UL. When U start packing it with 30+ lbs. it makes the pack increasingly less comfortable and puts added strain on the packs construction, materials, and your body. Can U overload it and get away with it, yeah, but also realize U will be exposing U and it more to the above conditions.
I use a ProLite 3 Shortie folded into three equal sections. Slide it into the inside of the pack next to your back and slightly inflate. The inside of the pack has two elastic cords that keep the pad from inching out of place. ULA's website has pics of this.
Use any gear outside of the range for which it was designed for very long and human bodies can start to ache uncomfortably(or worse) and things like seams and stitching on backpacks can go snap, crackle, and pop!
I try not to abuse my gear.
I have the 2008 Conduit model which is basically the same as the 2009 except the hipbelt pockets came standard then. I found the two hipbelt pockets on the 2008 to be extremely handy, but I suppose it could be trimmed to one on the 2009. The internal stash pocket kept all my ready essentials together in a fixed (but removeable) spot near the top of the pack instead of in a storage sack in the pack. Money, first aid stuff, etc. The bottle holster is excellent for keeping a bottle within reach on the front of the pack strap. One will be sufficient. The rest I didn't find a use for. I used a GG Nightlite pad inside the pad pocket until late last year, then changed to a pack wall perimeter configuration and filled the interior with my gear.
The Conduit is my go to pack for three season hiking of up to 5 day stretches. I'll be using it again this year, first on a Colorado Trail thru and then on a re-do of the Long Trail.
Greentick18d
12-13-2008, 04:50
The 09 Conduit looks like a combo of some new stuff, the older Conduit, and the Relay (which is now gone from the line up). Appears to weigh what the Relay does/did but with much more volume.
Got an 06 Circuit that is my main pack. I have made some gear upgrades since and it is actually too voluminous now but I love it so much that I cant see replacing it anytime soon. I really dig all the exterior pockets and the hipbelt pockets.
Relay is my overnighter or warm weather pack.
Gotta love when you get a personal email from the owner thanking you for your order. In fact, my mom ordered me an Amigo water filter last year and he asked her if it was for me!
TwoForty
12-14-2008, 03:01
Has anyone gotten their hands on an 09 Conduit yet? Could we get a photo of the new drawstring closure?
Thanks!
My new Amp arrived on the doorstep the other day. I waited patiently until the kids were not around, then opened the box and showed my wife the new gear.
First impressions: unbelievably light and very well made. All attachments (R & L hipbelt pockets, front pocket, interior stash pocket, and hydration pocket) were attached and look quite serviceable. The hydration pocket appears to have more volume than I was expecting. The website said it will fit a 2L bladder, but it looks like it will fit my 4L Dromlite bladder just fine (need to test this).
Material and stitching look solid. Pack appears larger than I was expecting based on the cubic inches quoted ... should be straightforward to load my base gear into. Compression system (which sold me on the pack) looks like a neat design.
So much for the good! The bad comes in because my wife, who doesn't understand about new gear, smiled when I said that I needed to load some stuff into it for testing volume & weight. She calmly plucked it from my hands and said that I'd see it again on Christmas.
Worldwide
12-28-2008, 21:18
I have just ordered a 2009 ULA Conduit from the great people at Mountain Crossings ( Neels Gap ). Once I receive it I am gonna try it out for 500-1k miles before my PCT attempt. I will post the pro's and con's, but from what I am being told these things are the cats pajamas. Well the '08 ones were
Worldwide
I have just ordered a 2009 ULA Conduit from the great people at Mountain Crossings ( Neels Gap ). Once I receive it I am gonna try it out for 500-1k miles before my PCT attempt. I will post the pro's and con's, but from what I am being told these things are the cats pajamas. Well the '08 ones were
Worldwide
I have the 08 Conduit, bought it from Winton at MTX-ings, great pack, but I don't have pajamas with cats or pajamas for my cats. :)
Maryelle
12-28-2008, 22:01
I have been waiting patiently for 2009 to order a ULA Circuit. Carried an almost 6 pound Kelty on a section hike last spring and vowed to go much lighter. I am wondering if I will be able to carry our Double Rainbow tarptent in the outside mesh pocket in the back. That mesh bag on the outside is the only thing I like about the heavy Kelty. It's great to read all the good reviews of ULA packs and Brian's service
88BlueGT
12-30-2008, 17:57
I ordered my 09 Circuit a few weeks ago but due to some miscommunication its arriving late :/ hopefully it should be here in a few weeks, I cant waiiiiiiiiiiiiiit!
88BlueGT
12-30-2008, 17:58
woops, meant few days***
thejackal
12-30-2008, 21:42
I got the 09 Conduit and will hopefully get to try it out this weekend. I have to figure out how I'm going to attach my snowshoes. But anyway, it looks good and I really like the hip pocket.
Regarding the top that someone asked about, it does close with a drawstring. There is a little bit of fabric above the level of the drawstring. If your pack is really full, then you would fold or roll over that bit of fabric at least once and then there is a strap that you would buckle over that and pull tight. Let me know if that doesn't make sense. I don't have the ability to post a photo at the moment...
Thanks everyone for the input.
Maryelle
12-31-2008, 19:14
I just found a great article about Brian's ULA business with pictures even of his garage where the packs were made as late as 2005. I hope they still are made in his garage behind his house. Love this story. http://bschool.washington.edu/ciber/PDF_WORD/Neupert_UltraLight_Adventure_Equipment.doc (http://www.goodsearch.com/Redirect.aspx?type=1&url=http://rc10.overture.com/d/sr/?xargs=15KPjg1l1St5auwuf0L%5FiXEbqUkwwB4Z23hr5ufOV %2DbqFfg3ZoJ%5FYuPa7By%5FVIb%2D1mmwamzvbi%5FNQWOqz 2nv2UEwiNW1KBEf381JqVmYZvZ%5Fz6Ga13vqNpmrv%5Fz9NDe SNXcrKDSZ%5F9iL%2DaLdbvbilGqdBcmV7MrLM9maDvm7RCVfm BhwwXswGIN8pA4Kg%5F0JTOK4xYEL9VaYuUy2LSMJZf1I42w7X 7YXwMb3rhvDZS%5FR7fei4q9evSL9Zb7Pfu%2DvvuBoSC%5Fq1 BFRHWtKEhrHHzlTrfmPY6YSLG5sIN1gtaD%2D6%2DNVWoyU526 POK0rbFfYMwqGGiSO3pJw%2E%2E)
Owners of the Conduit: is there a sternum strap?
Thanks.
I have a P2. I've been looking at the new ULA packs, but so far haven't found a real reason to buy a new one. The P2 is an excellent pack and shows absolutely no wear (other than a very small hole in the front mesh pocket - hardly noticeable since it's mesh :D), even after 4 or 5 year's use. The most comfortable pack I've ever hiked with, but, to be fair, I also hike much lighter than I used to. 100% satisfied.
Regarding options, as other have said, the hip pockets are very much worth it. The bladder sleeve works well and is removable for when you don't need it.
A Gossamer Gear Torso length NightLight pad works excellently as a frame sheet in the P2.
I will probably convince myself to get either a Conduit or Amp sometime in the not too distant future.
The Conduit does have a sternum strap.
Has anyone used the 08 and 09 ULA Conduit versions yet? I would appreciate any comparisons and pros/cons of the newer version in real world use or even initital impresssions. Thejackal have U seen the old style hipbelt pockets. How do the new removable(?) pockets compare to the 08 version's hipbelt pockets? Any thoughts?
thejackal
01-15-2009, 13:06
unfortunately, i have no experience with the 2008 version and no basis for comparison. the hip pocket works well but i have not removed it.
i haven't had the chance to really break the pack in yet but i can say that so far, i'm really happy with it.
I just found a great article about Brian's ULA business with pictures even of his garage where the packs were made as late as 2005. I hope they still are made in his garage behind his house. Love this story. http://bschool.washington.edu/ciber/PDF_WORD/Neupert_UltraLight_Adventure_Equipment.doc (http://www.goodsearch.com/Redirect.aspx?type=1&url=http://rc10.overture.com/d/sr/?xargs=15KPjg1l1St5auwuf0L%5FiXEbqUkwwB4Z23hr5ufOV %2DbqFfg3ZoJ%5FYuPa7By%5FVIb%2D1mmwamzvbi%5FNQWOqz 2nv2UEwiNW1KBEf381JqVmYZvZ%5Fz6Ga13vqNpmrv%5Fz9NDe SNXcrKDSZ%5F9iL%2DaLdbvbilGqdBcmV7MrLM9maDvm7RCVfm BhwwXswGIN8pA4Kg%5F0JTOK4xYEL9VaYuUy2LSMJZf1I42w7X 7YXwMb3rhvDZS%5FR7fei4q9evSL9Zb7Pfu%2DvvuBoSC%5Fq1 BFRHWtKEhrHHzlTrfmPY6YSLG5sIN1gtaD%2D6%2DNVWoyU526 POK0rbFfYMwqGGiSO3pJw%2E%2E)
They still are. I ordered a Catalyst last weekand it's scheduled for delivery from UPS today. I can't say enough good things about Brian, his crew or his product.
skinewmexico
01-15-2009, 13:56
I am wondering if I will be able to carry our Double Rainbow tarptent in the outside mesh pocket in the back.
I have a double rainbow, and I think it will fit fine.
SmokeEater
01-15-2009, 14:27
:bananaJust got my 09 Catalyst in the mail yesterday. Cant wait to get out on the trail with it!:banana
:bananaJust got my 09 Catalyst in the mail yesterday. Cant wait to get out on the trail with it!:bananaDoes it smell purty? :eek: Mine is out for delivery now, just waiting on the UPS driver. :D
SmokeEater
01-15-2009, 14:33
Mine got at my house really fast. It came a day early. So it was kinda like christmas when I opened my front door.
I spoke too soon. Mine was just delivered. It's kinda hard to type and hug your new pack at the same time. :D It needs a name. I thought about naming it after my first ex-wife, cause she was always on my back, too. :eek:
The gearheads have spoken! U R all like a hoard of divorced women from a self-help group seeking solace by finding a Gucci pocketbook on sale. Despicable.
Now, if I could only get my new pack,
Franco I know it's been a while, but did U get all that gear(in the Pic), including the hammock and underquilt, into that AMP?
Alligator
01-20-2009, 23:51
My Conduit arrived today. Very nice workmanship. I've been working my way down in pack sizes over the years. The mesh is a little stiffer and less stretchy than the pockets on the Vapor Trail I had. It's got nice wide shoulder straps. The hip belt pockets are decent size as well. I could fit my trifold wallet (just for comparison) and camera into one, with room for an energy bar at least as well. I went with the hydration pocket and the flat organizer pocket. I could fit my 2.5 and 3 liter platypuses in it and there are exit ports on each side. The flat pocket will fit some maps, but not all. The pad holder fits my full length t-rest. The hip belt tightening works like my Aether 60, where you pull the straps toward center instead of out to your sides. I've always liked that design. Overall, I like it a lot. Gotta wait until it gets warmer though before I get to test it out.
I would enjoy a report on the Amp. After you get a chance to dirty it a bit.
Here it is; better late than never! I did not use the Amp in the field, but ended up returning it. See below for details.
CRAFTSMANSHIP: Excellent
OPTIONS PURCHASED: both hip pockets, hydration sleeve, internal stash pocket, external front pocket
WEIGHT: slightly below what was expected with all options (about 0.5 oz different). I ordered a size M/L, so I was pleasantly surprised that it was on the low side for weight (on my scale).
VOLUME: large enough for all my gear for 3 season hiking. Room for 3-4 days of food pretty easy, but with my base weight of 15 lbs, adding food and 2L of water would push it above the max weight limit. Would need to carry less water and use a tarp instead of my Rainbow Tarptent if going for more than an overnighter.
Front pocket: held my poncho and had plenty of room left over.
Outside pocket (left): held my Rainbow Tarptent vertically (under compression ties).
Outside pocket (right): held my Snow Peak 700 with canister stove/fuel/kitchen stuff inside.
[Pockets were a stretch, but they fit]
Main bag: held my down bag, clothes and ditty bag. This was just a hair below where the expansion collar started, so there was room for my food bag food above this.
Hydration pocket: held my 4L Dromlite with about 2L water (what I might realistically carry).
Hip pocket (left) held camera
Hip pocket (right) held misc stuff: knife, bugnet, whistle, lighter (just stuffed misc. things in there for sizing). Roomy pockets.
FIT: I ordered the M/L, and if fit my 21-22" torso pretty well. I wore it around the house for an hour or so, loaded with about 18-19 lbs. Pack was comfortable at this weight with one notable exception. For me (barrel chest, "thick" torso), the shoulder straps were uncomfortable. The strap width was a bit narrow but that was not a problem ... the strap went over the top and front of the shoulders, but then ended in a plastic buckle where a piece of string was attached that went the rest of the way down to the bottom of the pack. Ingenious, but the buckle pressed into my side just at the start of my armpit. Wasn't bad at first, but after an hour it was annoying and I could tell that hiking with it would be very uncomfortable (for me).
HIPBELT: Fit well.
I appreciate the customer service I received from Brian & Casey, and ended up sending it back because of the shoulder strap issue. For others of slimmer build this may not be an issue.
I really like the design of the Amp, and am unhappy that it didn't work out for me. My current plan is to order an Ohm; I'm just waiting to see some pictures of the shoulder straps and hipbelt arrangements. The weight limit looks to be a better match for how I hike, and I'm expecting the shoulder straps to be a better fit for my torso.
It is my understanding that the Amp is no longer available from ULA, but that an updated version may possibly be coming out in the future (a Relay/Amp hybrid).