ULA Conduit $125
-weight: 20 oz-Main compartment: 2,100 ci.
-Overall: 3200 ci.
-Uses a sleeping pad for support
-hydration sleeve
-optional backpad
Mariposa Plus $155
-weight: 20 oz w/everything, but could be stripped to 13oz
-Main compartment: 2,900 ci.
-Overall: 4200 ci.
Frame
-has carbon fiber stays for support
-comes with a sitting pad that is used for cushioning and support as well as something to sit one at camp
-can further reinforce with sleeping pad
-Lots of shock cord and mesh pockets
-can stuff clothing in straps for padding, or jsut use their standard foam.
Downside
Quoted from the website:
"Your Mariposa Plus pack is constructed of lightweight materials. One of the tradeoffs of designing with extremely lightweight materials is durability. The design and materials have been tested over hundreds of trail miles, but your Mariposa Plus pack requires a higher standard of care than other packs. The Mariposa Plus will not last as long or endure the same abuse as other packs. If you want it to last, you need to ‘baby’ it. With the best of care it may still need to be repaired or replaced after a few months on the trail."
I guess ^^^ is the main reason for this post. I feel like the packs are almost the same, but the Mariposa has a few more features and a little more room at the cost of durability.
Would anyone who has used either of the two packs care to add their 2 cents and thoughts on each. I'm unsure as to which to go for.