Choosing the right backpack
Which backpack is best for me?
The question we often get, but not often enough, is “What pack is best for me?”, so here are some guidelines for you. The following is for the Catalyst Backpack, Circuit Backpack, Ohm Backpack, and CDT Backpack the other packs will be discussed below. Please don’t hesitate to call with any questions, Chris @ 435-753-5191, we love to talk packs, you aren’t bothering us, and maybe we’ll give you something new to think about.
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Packing a Bear Canister
Do you live in California or plan to do a lot of hiking in bear country?
If so look no further than the Circuit Backpack or the Catalyst Backpack. As you may or may not know bear canisters are required almost everywhere you’ll want to hike in CA, and only these 2 packs will haul a bear can and still give you room for your other gear. The Catalyst Backpack will hold a can the size of the BV500 or Backpacker Cache horizontally or vertically, and the Circuit Backpack will carry it vertically. Sure these canisters will fit in the other packs but take up much of the pack body and will not, repeat will not, be comfortable. The smaller canisters will also fit in all packs, but because of their diameter I guarantee they will be uncomfortable in the smaller packs.
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Choosing the correct Backpack for you gear load
Realistically how much will you be carrying?
Be honest here and count everything, then maybe add a few pounds.
- Is your load weight generally 30# s or more?
- Then the Catalyst Backpack is your best choice any type of hiking adventure.
- Yes, it’s a bit heavier, but lightness comes with a cost and that price is usually comfort. Doesn’t it make sense to have a slightly heavier pack that carries the load you will be carrying more comfortably? Yes, it does.
- Is your load weight usually under 30#s & maximum maybe 35#s?
- Then you are probably a good canidate for a Circuit Backpack.
- This is our most popular pack and with good reason, if you have your pack weight down to these levels the Circuit Backpack will perform like no other pack that we can think of.
- Is your load weight almost always under 22#s and you are willing to suffer mightily if you get up to 25 or 30#s?
- You are also aware of the fact that this pack has no back padding to speak of, a smaller waist belt, and that the belt and shoulder straps are fixed, ie, no adjustment possible.
- If all the above fits you, then you may want to consider the Ohm Backpack, but not until you come up with a good reason not to spend the extra $25 and get a Circuit Backpack. If you are hiking the PCT or the AT or the JMT this is probably not the pack for you, even though the light weight is very tempting.
- If you have a lot of experience or are a total gram weenie and plan to be at the head of the pack then the Ohm Backpack might just work for you.
- Is your load weight usually 15#? or less, occasionally up to 20#s?
- If this is you then the CDT Backpack might be what you are looking for, a basic rucksack, no frame, no load lifters, and no padding.
- You will need to use your sleeping pad for support and rigidity, and like all other packs of this type you realize that the weight transfer to the hips will be minimal but accept this in order to be light and fast.
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Choosing a Camino Backpack
When Would Carrying a Camino be Best?
You are hiking shorter distances, maybe hut to hut, maybe traveling to New Zealand to do the Milford track, and would possibly like your pack to be able to double as a convenient travel bag also. You want easy access to your gear throughout the day, maybe need to throw it in the overhead of a airplane or the back of a bus every now and then. If you want all this plus ULAs reputation for quality, lightness and durability then the Camino Backpack might just be the one for you. Out of my whole quiver of packs this one sees far and way the most use.
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Choosing an Epic Backpack
When is Carrying a ULA Epic Backpack a Great Choice?
If you plan to get wet, possibly very wet and would like to carry a packraft on your journey then carry a ULA Epic Backpack. With exceptional load carrying ability, load control and amazing versatility the Epic Backpack is the choice for adventure racers, expeditions involving water and even total off trail bushwhacking.
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