ULTRA Cicada EWP
$349.99
MADE IN THE U.S.A.
FREE U.S. DELIVERY OVER $50
LIFETIME WARRANTY*
TUNE-UPS & REPAIRS*
DESCRIPTION
Built by the most trusted name in ultralight backpacking, the ULTRA Cicada brings ULA’s signature durability, reliability, and design ethos to everyday carry. For over two decades, ULA has been the go-to brand for long-distance hikers who count every ounce and need their gear to go the distance. We took that same trail-proven commitment to function and toughness and reimagined it for life in motion—whether you're commuting to the office, catching a flight, or posted up at your favorite coffee shop.
The ULTRA Cicada is a sleek, front-loading backpack designed for seamless organization. The Cicada features four quick-access exterior pockets—two smaller zippered stash spots, a larger front compartment and a hidden passport pocket in the false backpanel—keep your essentials safe and at hand. Inside, a padded laptop sleeve with a false bottom protects your tech from drops, while two static mesh zippered pockets, and a full-height UltraStretch mesh sleeve keep your gear tidy and accessible. The Graceful pen holder blends into the front panel so the small things stay put.
Designed with travel in mind, the ULTRA Cicada features a luggage pass-through and hidden passport pockets for smooth, secure transitions. A breathable mesh back panel and padded haul loop deliver all-day comfort, while hip belt attachment loops offer a more supportive carry when needed. This version of the Cicada has two external, angled UltraStretch mesh hydration pockets for quick-grab hydration on the move.
Finished with rugged YKK Aquaguard zippers and a Silverado 210D UltraGrid liner, the Cicada is a minimalist daily pack backed by the same lifetime warranty as our thru-hiking packs.
The ULTRA Cicada daypack is compatible with our Removable 1" Hipbelt for enhanced load stability.
From trail-tested to city-ready—ULA’s reliability now fits under the airplane seat.
Color(s): Black Beauty
Material(s): ULTRA 400TX, UltraStretch Mesh, 210D Liner, YKK AquaGaurd Zippers
MEDICAL WARNING: Magnetic Sternum Straps feature magnets - please seek physician approval for use with pacemakers, ICDs, insulin pumps, stents, or other implanted electro-medical devices.
AT A GLANCE
WEIGHT: 28.2 OZ | 799.5 GM
VOLUME: 1,342 CU IN | 22 L
MAX LOAD: 25 LBS | 11 KG
VOLUME BREAKDOWN:
Main Body: 1,220 CI | 20 L
Large Front Pocket: 61 CI | 1 L
Small Front Pockets: 30.5 | 0.5 L (Each)
DIMENSIONS:
Outside: 18″ x 11″ x 5″
Outside Big Pocket: 14.5″ x 7.5″ x 0-1.5″
Outside Small Pockets: 6.5″ x 7.5″ x 0-1.5″
Stealth Passport Pocket: 8″ x 7″
Inside: 18″ x 11″ x 4.5″
Top Inside Mesh Pocket: 7″ x 8.5″
Bottom Inside Mesh Pocket: 7″ x 9″
Laptop Sleeve: 15.5″ x 10″
Laptop Sleeve Zipper Opening: 10″
FEATURES
- ULTRA 400TX Fabric
- Front Loading
- Luggage Pass-through Sleeve
- Carry-On Compliant
- Exterior Accessible Padded Laptop Sleeve w/ False Bottom
- FOUR Quick-access Exterior Pockets: 2 Small + 1 Large + Hidden Passport Pocket
- 2 Interior Static Mesh Zippered Pockets
- 2 Exterior angled UltraStretch™ Mesh Side Pockets
- Full-height Interior UltraStretch™ Mesh Sleeve
- Pen Holder
- Padded Haul Loop
- Breathable Mesh Back Panel
- ULA Signature S-Straps
- Removable + Adjustable Sternum Strap
- 1″ Fixed Hipbelt Attachment Loops (Hipbelt Sold Separately.)
- Rugged YKK Aquaguard Zippers
TECHNICAL FABRICS
ULTRA
ULTRA™ represents a new paradigm in weight and durability. Constructed with an optimal blend of UHMWPE (Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) and high-tenacity polyester, this tight weave is laminated with an eco-friendly adhesive to Challenge RUV™ film. The result is an incredibly strong, ultralight, and waterproof to 200 PSI textile. ULTRA™ is the ultimate ultralight fabric, with the strength to go the distance in the most demanding environments.
ULTRA 400TX
Ultra400TX is a next-gen laminate built for people who push gear to its limits developed by Challenge Sailcloth. At the core is a 400-denier UHMWPE ripstop — one of the strongest fibers on the planet — woven into a recycled polyester face that shrugs off abrasion while keeping weight crazy low.
The TX laminate adds a waterproof film and backing that delivers >200 PSI hydrostatic resistance, low stretch, and increased tear strength, all while maintaining a clean, structured feel that packs like a dream. It’s quiet, tough, and feels premium
Ultra400TX is also 100% PFAS-free, so you’re not trading performance for environmental safety. If you’re looking for something that rides the line between ultralight and overbuilt, this is it. It’s made for packs that go the distance, take a beating, and still show up ready for more.
ULTRASTRETCH™
UltraStretch™ is an advanced 4-way stretch mesh woven with the highest quality fibers for performance and longevity. Made from a woven blend of Nylon 6-6, Lycra®, and Ultra-PE and coated with C0 DWR.
Weight: 5.5 oz/yd², 186 gsm
Tear Strength: Warp 10,124 cN/ Fill 12,120 cN
Abrasion Resistance: 20,000+ cycles
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING…
2 reviews for ULTRA Cicada EWP
LIFE IN MOTION.
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
This is my new EDC bag. Love it for many reasons including the weight/material, pocket placement and functionality, simplicity in design, USA made, exterior water bottle pocket(s), and clam shell design. However, I purchased it to carry my 16″ Dell laptop in the top-loading computer pocket, but unfortunately, it does not fit. The top-opening is simply to small and the depth is too shallow. A 16″ Mac might work fine, but not the more robust Dell. I’m kept it and will continue trying to adjust by carrying the Dell smaller interior mesh pocket, which actually does works to bad – just unable to remove it from the top zippered computer pocket. If I had a smaller laptop, this bag would be perfect! Time will tell.
CicadaBuyer (verified owner) –
Loving this pack so far. It feels like it takes a lot of the best stuff from the Dragonfly (materials, lightweight, good bottle pockets, simplicity) and blends it with something like a Goruck GR1 (form factor, good EDC size, big ol’ grab handle on top.) Water bottle pockets are a big win for this pack, so I’d recommend the EWP version. They are nice and stretch, as well as basically invisible when not in use.
The front panel is beautiful to look at, but a bit convoluted pocket-wise. I am still figuring out the best uses for it…I don’t love it or hate it. Same with that secret stash pocket on the back panel. Sure, I could throw a passport in there which is nice for travel, but for EDC I’m still pondering what to do with it.
On the other hand, that hybrid laptop and main compartment access pocket on top is honestly freakin’ great. I can easily drop in or remove my laptop, or just reach over it and grab my rain jacket without having to open the main compartment zipper. Easily my favorite feature of the pack by far. The laptop sleeve is nice and padded with some suspension to protect your big fancy MacBook. 16″ MBP fits with ease.
Internal layout is pretty straightforward, I like that there’s an extra mesh sleeve if I want to carry another large device with my laptop such as an iPad. Capacity feels just about right for a flexible work or EDC bag at 22L, maybe even a hair on the large side for a minimalist setup. However I think the extra space can come in clutch and makes it more usable in colder weather.
It lacks a quick access pouch like the beloved top pocket on the Dragonfly which is so great for travel, but I don’t really find myself missing it that much for EDC purposes. The front panel pockets plus that hybrid access opening mostly compensate for it.
Overall this pack checks the right boxes as a one-and-done EDC or work bag. Looks beautiful IMO, weighs less than two pounds, the harness is comfortable, it won’t soak up anything you spill on it, and overall it has versatile access at a good size. I think it maybe has a couple more pockets than it really needs, but not so many that I’m turned off from using the bag.
The worst ding I have against this bag is the price. I’m not sure why it’s significantly more expensive than the Dragonfly. But obviously I spent money on it, so if you love ULA, MiUSA and want a quality EDC/office workhorse, then like me you won’t mind shelling out the cost of a GR1. Plus that money is going to ULA and their awesome products/customer service 🙂
I’ll give it 5 stars because it scratches that itch for me in what I want out of a pack.