PROUDLY DESIGNED, CUT & SEWN IN UTAH.
First Look: The Node – A New Dual Purpose Solution
At ULA, we’ve always been rooted in long distance hiking — but the inspiration for the Node came from a different kind of movement. The daily transitions. The miles we log between work, travel, and trail. The commutes. The quick hikes. The red-eye flights and 3-day weekends. The question was simple: What would a pack look like if it was built for everything outside the thru-hike but still felt like home when you got off trail?
“The Node is designed as a fully featured EDC bag for professionals and the willfully vagrant alike. We wanted something with a roll top for better closure and weather resistance for dual use.”
– Peter, ULA Owner
The result is the Node: a purpose-built EDC and day hiking pack designed with our signature ULA-built durability, trail-tested functionality, and just enough structure to keep your everyday gear dialed.
The Concept: Minimal Volume, Maximum Function
“There are a million EDC packs out there. But most of them can’t handle real trail time — and most hiking packs are overkill for daily life,”
– Jeremy, ULA Lead Designer
Jeremy and the team set out to bridge that gap. The goal wasn’t to chase ultralight at all costs or to build a techy, overbuilt urban carry. The Node had to be efficient, organized, and rugged enough for real use, without shouting for attention.
What makes the Node stand out is its ability to do more with less — staying compact and low-profile while still delivering true outdoor-grade features and organization that supports actual gear, not just a laptop and some pens.
New Features
The Node has some new features not seen in our Day + Travel pack line up before. Namely it uses a roll-top closure for flexible volume management — letting you expand or compress as needed. The roll top is anchored by a buckled compression strap with a webbing garage to keep loose ends tidy, which gives it a clean silhouette whether you’re loaded up or packing light.
Zippered Front Pocket with Zipper Garage
A low-profile front pocket includes a zipper garage, shielding your zipper from wear and keeping the weather out. It’s ideal for items you need to grab without opening the main roll-top compartment.
Three Internal Sleeves for Layered Organization
Inside the Node, you’ll find three distinct sleeves:
- A dedicated padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 14″ MacBook Pro
- A static sleeve made from ultra-durable 210D UltraGrid — great for documents or flat items
- A stretch mesh sleeve to hold chargers, notebooks, or gear kits
Together, these sleeves give you modular, layered organization so you don’t have to dig for what you need.
Stash Pocket Tabs + Internal Modularity
Want to customize your carry? Internal anchor tabs let you attach a ULA stash pocket or other accessories to the interior of the Node. Keep valuables out of sight, separate electronics, or create a system that works the way you pack.
External Reinforced Drainage Ports
New to the design of the Node is reinforced bottom panels for exterior pockets which include drain ports for when you catch yourself in weather for extended periods of time.
Material Choices: Built for the Real World
We chose our most premium and reliable fabric offerings in Ultra 400X and Robic Nylon. Both offer real durability, weather resistance, and carry comfort. The right one for you depends on how (and where) you’ll use your Node.
Ultra 400X
Weight: 572g (20.17 oz)
Best for: Maximum durability + water resistance
Ultra 400X is built from UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) with a 400-denier woven face. It’s extremely abrasion-resistant, highly tear-resistant, and has inherent water resistance thanks to its laminate construction. Ultra is known for its strength-to-weight ratio, and it maintains structure without being stiff. It’s the go-to for those who want a “buy it for life” material — especially if you plan to push the Node hard on trail, travel, or weather-heavy commutes.
“Ultra holds its shape beautifully, even under load. It’s super durable, structured, and doesn’t absorb water.”
– Jeremy, Designer
Robic Nylon
Weight: 594g (20.95 oz)
Best for: Urban use + value-focused durability
Robic is a high-tenacity nylon that’s been a staple in ULA’s pack lineup for years. It offers excellent abrasion resistance, soft hand-feel, and rugged dependability at a lower cost than composite fabrics. It flexes more easily than Ultra, which gives the Robic Node a slightly softer, more “lived-in” feel — great for EDC users who carry laptops, books, and day-to-day gear more than backcountry loads.
“Robic has been bombproof for us. It’s the same stuff we’ve used on thru-hiking packs. And it still looks great after years of use,”
– Peter, Owner
The Use Case: One Pack. Any Day.
The Node will be the smallest pack in our entire line-up and can handle your daily carry and still fit under airline seats or in crowded subways. It also fits overnighter needs like a tarp set up, lightweight quilt, and sleeping pad for those random overnighters outside.
It’s the perfect solution for:
- Traveling light with carry-on gear and electronics
- Day hikes with snacks, insulation, and a water filter
- Bike commuting with a laptop and rain shell
- Creative professionals carrying tech + camera gear
- A daily driver that’s versatile enough to be your everything bag.
Coming Next Week
Everything you need for a better time outside.
Honestly that is what the ULA Dragonfly 36 was for me.
I hiked through Vietnam and Thailand, worked and hiked in Japan and then worked in the US before returning home.
My only wish was that the hip belts would have a better attachment method because I find them floppy.
Thanks Jon, that’s great to hear! Thanks for taking the time to leave us some feedback! – Garrett
A slide through with velcro like the Circuit would be nice and would not have to be invented.
It’s got the same hip belt attachment system as the Packrat and Dragonfly.
I am so excited! Need one
Thanks, Fran! We can’t wait to release it. Jeremy put a lot of care into this one.
Looks good. Interested.
Thanks, Leo! We can’t wait to show it off.
Glad to hear it!
I just got my packrat and while I am loving it so far, I wished it had a roll top. Seems like I should have waited a week or two!
Glad to hear you’re enjoying the Packrat, if you find yourself wanting something a little smaller with the roll top, the Node is it.
Look awesome! I really like day bags. Three things I’ll be looking for, that would make me consider:
1. The option for a side access zipper to the main pocket, which would affect waterproofing and possibly change laptop entry placement but could really help if it was to be used as a camera bag, and
2. The option for a hip belt. I know that hip belts add weight and complication, but I won’t really consider any multipurpose day bag without a hip belt (or option for one).
3. Load lifters, which have become super essential for random supply stops with water weight or what have you that really overload a small pack but is only for a quick trip back to base.
Looking forward to seeing what it looks like!
+1 to a side access zipper to the main compartment! I would immediately buy this if it had that.
Thanks for the feedback! – Garrett
I’m already so happy with my Dragonfly Ultra 30l for traveling . So what else ? 😅
That’s great to hear you’re enjoying your Dragonfly!
Interesting. Hope you made it easy to get inside the pack, and it’s not all through the roll top.
It is 100% roll top.
Exactly what I’ve been waiting for! Always thought the Packrat was like 85% of the way to the perfect toss around bag. Better weather resistance is huge, and the organization features sound well balanced. Love the static sleeve idea and all the strap management touches! Can’t wait to see more pics… seems like yet another thoughtful, simple, full function design. You guys are the best!
Thank you so much for the feedback, Jefferson! Those are some of the exact reasons it exists!
How many liters will this bag be? I see you say it’s smaller than the packrat.
Hey Matt, this will be 20 liters