Ok, I am probably beating a dead horse, but I am going to give it a try anyways. First thing, i have been reading several post from WB for the past six months about UL packs listening to others views and opinions on the packs (specifically ULA, MLD, SMD, and Goss Gear). I am leaving out Zpacks. (I think what they produce is great, but I am not ready for a semi disposable pack---and I don't mean to step on anyone's toes if I have).
Currently I have a Large Osprey Atmos 65 (I am 6'1" @ 190lbs 34"waist). Nice pack, especially when the wife is going. But for me on a 3 day solo, It is too much pack. I literally have every strap tightened all the way down. I have cut my base weight down to 9.0 lbs (without the weight of the pack). With my Atmos and small weight/volume everything shifts down to the bottom, consequently giving the feeling of having a few bowling balls stuck on the top of my rear end. I haven't tried not putting the sleeping bag in a stuff sack (leaving it out of a stuff, so it takes up more volume), and I may try that in the future. I also plan on taking everything I have to the store to see what volume bag at minimum I can get away with. I am thinking I can surely get into a 30 L but I will wait to see.
Currently some Items that are included in my base weight are;
Neo Air Large
Thermarest Pillow medium
M. Hardware bag (35*f, Long)
**Unfortunately, I don't plan on taking these out. Luxury or not, there is nothing like a good sleep on the trail and waking up FEELING like I slept. I don't plan on changing that
So to the current questions:
I would really like to hear from folks who have experienced both (with or without, brand vs brand, big volume vs small volume, etc)
1-Hoops/stays vs none?
2-Sleep pad pocket inside or outside? Maybe a stupid question with the neo, on the outside, but a sit-lite pad on the outside could be added, or if a 1/8" EVA pad could be used here, I currently use one of those. If you use a neo air, where do you put it in our pack? I normally roll mine up and cover it with an extra shirt.
3-Looking at these brands and particular models:
ULA Ohm
ULA CDT
GG Mariposa
GG Gorilla
MLD Prophet
MLD Burn
SMD Swift
If you have had a couple of these packs and could do a little comparison , that would be awesome!
The volumes/weights of the packs are biggest/heaviest from top to bottom (for the most part). The prices of the packs are roughly the same (except for the CDT and Swift). I would prefer to have hipbelt pockets, i just like them. and I realize that Hip belt pockets are an option ($38) to the MLD, which will put this pack at the highest $$ pack.
I do like that fact that the MLD can be compressed down to a 1200 cubic in (19 L). That is pretty neat.
I do like the compression of the OHM, it is like making a nice little dense brick on your back. that has to be nice.
I like to optional wing belt for the SMD totaling 120 ci.
Sorry for such a long post, I was trying to give as much info as I can to hopefully receive the best HELPFUL information I can.