New ULA Packs!

[chris]

Depends on the rest of your gear. The prototype I tested seems to be a hybrid, but that is the pack I'd recommend on the PCT. Sorry, that doesn't help at all.

On the PCT, given the long waterless stretches and some long resupply legs, I'd get the one with the bigger suspension. That is, the P2 replacement. When I hiked the PCT, the Zenith (predating the Fusion) worked mostly fine except for the 10 day resupply run through the Sierra and during the 2 gallon water carries in SoCal. So, you can certainly get away with something smaller. Volume needs depend on the user and their other gear. However, on the PCT you have other factors to consider (water and food).

[Clark Fork]

Being abroad i have very little time to surf the net, until i return in december. What do you guys who checked out the new packs think would be most suitable for a PCT thru-hike. Im in the market for a new pack as the gregory is way too big, the breeze too flimsy and small and the Ghost not suitable for the PCT

I am in planning for just the JMT-Southbound. Need to haul the dreaded bear cannister.

The write up on the new pack says the replacement for the P-2 is compatible with a bear canister. The write ups on the other options are silent on whether or not a bear canister will fit.

Anyone know? If not, was the P-1 large enough to take a bear canister?

Does Brian have someone answering e-mails at present?

Clark Fork in Western Montana "Where seldom is heard a discouraging word."

P.S. Spent this afternoon appraising some land. I had to hike around looking for corner posts. It is my birthday and I could not think of a better way to celebrate than to hike and get paid for it at the same time.

[chris]

Brian is back from the Hayduke now. The prototype I tested would take a bear cannister easily.

[A-Train]

That is exactly what I feared. As much as I´ve always liked the P2 or equivalent, i´ve always considered it too heavy, tho i guess the PCT is a different beast from eastern trails. I´ve been leaning more towards a 20-25 oz pack, but i guess 20 lbs of food on a resupply, plus gear plus water would exceed the pack weigh limit. I remember even packing the Ghost past its max on the AT, and having an unpleasant run on a couple of the stretches (specifically daleville to waynsboro).
In general my gear is pretty paired down (WM Ultralite, 3-4 ridgerest, alcohol stove, titanium pot, aquamira, six moons single man tent etc. but i guess that doesnt all matter once you consider water and resupply

[tlbj6142]

That is exactly what I feared. As much as I´ve always liked the P2 or equivalent, i´ve always considered it too heavy, tho i guess the PCT is a different beast from eastern trails. I´ve been leaning more towards a 20-25 oz pack, but i guess 20 lbs of food on a resupply, plus gear plus water would exceed the pack weigh limit.

Here are the specs of the 3 bigger ULA packs... Catalyst: 43oz, 4600ci, Internal frame, optional dual-stay framesheet (not sure what the difference is between internal frame and dual-stay framesheet), 30-40# loads. $225 Circuit: 32oz, 3700ci, Internal supension loop. 25-35# loads, $175.............Ahhhh!!!Why can't I put inline carriage returns in my postings!!!!!!!

[chris]

If you want a 20-25 oz. pack, I'd go for the P1 variant. I used such a thing, with expanded volume, on the GDT and loved it. I needed extra space for extra food and gear given the location. If I didn't take the prototype on the PCT, I'd take the P1-X. With the way the top closure has been re-designed, I'd guess that the P1 equivalent would take bear canister (but only a guess).

[sierraDoug]

Brian continues to slowly update the website pages. The order page is started, but not accurate as of right now. Funny way to update a website, but keeps me visiting to see when he'll have it all up.

[Lilred]

Brian continues to slowly update the website pages. The order page is started, but not accurate as of right now. Funny way to update a website, but keeps me visiting to see when he'll have it all up.

If you send Brian an email, he'll respond to you right away. A co-worker of mine just did that and was able to order the new pack.

[A-Train]

I emailed Brian and got my email shot back at me. Anyone have his real email. I checked his site and it wasnt that one, thanks

[chris]

I emailed Brian and got my email shot back at me. Anyone have his real email. I checked his site and it wasnt that one, thanks

Try info@ula-equipment.com

That is how I usually get a hold of him and sent him an email a little while ago. I don't think Brian has personal email account. Or, at least, I don't know it.

[chris]

I've posted a review of the Catalyst prototype that I tested this summer. You can find it in the Gear Reviews section.

[Jerm]

I am in planning for just the JMT-Southbound. Need to haul the dreaded bear cannister.

Anyone know? If not, was the P-1 large enough to take a bear canister?

Clark, I took the P-1 on the JMT-SOBO this summer. Perfect size, could have even gone a little smaller. I thought about taking/cutting the extension collar out. It will hold a bear can at the bottom horizontal. But due to the pack being narrower at the top, it can only go vertical there. The narrower opening makes it a little difficult to get the can in there. You have to put it in vertical then flip it on its side. Don’t forget to put something under it. I wore two small holes in the bottom of my pack from the can being at the bottom and sitting it on all the rocks out there.

I love the huge pocket on the front of the bag. I am able to put all my small things in it, as well as my windshirt and rain jacket. That way the inside of my bag holds only my sleeping bag and bivy, clothes bag, and food bag. The tarp and ground cloth go in the side pockets with a water bottle each. I wish that the new pack comparable to the P-1 had one as big. It looks a little smaller.