Testing a new Pack

“Brian at ULA Equipment out of Utah has just routed a P2 ultralight demo pack to me for a test run. (See page 83 of the latest Backpacker magazine.) This thing is really nice. It is loaded with the features usually found on larger packs yet weighs in at a little over two pounds. FORGET the Golites. This thing has a real suspension system complete with cushioned hipbelt, hipbelt stabilizers, cushioned shoulder straps and loadlifters. It features compression straps, an ice axe loop, a couple of daisy chains, two standard mesh side pockets, an optional front mesh pocket, a "hide-away" sil-nylon integral rain cover, two optional hip-belt pockets, an internal bladder pouch with hose portal, an optional zipper to access contents through the front of the bag, a real dense foam framesheet, one aluminum stay, an other available options. The harness is field customizable..ie: if you don't want the hipbelt...take it off.

I have loaded the thing with 20 pounds and am surprized at the comfort level. (I am used to a Gregory Shasta and am very picky about carry comfort). I hope to report to you folks this weekend regarding a field test.

Keeping in mind that I have a bulging disc in my neck and cannot stand too much weight on my shoulders for prolonged periods....if this doesn't work for me, don't discount it for yourself. I am really impressed so far. BTW - pack size is approx 3500. See the website at www.ula-equipment.com for more infor.

For kicks, I took the thing loaded to some buddies at REI and Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. They were all impressed.

Commercial over...sorry.”

“I have a question, stupid as it may seem... but what are daisy chains for? They seem to be on most packs. Is that a feature for winter packing? Is something supposed to be stuck in them like wet socks? I don't have a clue!!!”

“That's my next pack! What features did the one you tried have? All the ones you listed or was it the base 2lb model? I hope to have one by January. Can't wait!”

“Sounds like a real cool pack. I'm interested to hear your impressions.”

“Did a bit of research on this pack at "the other site" and on the companie's website. Seemed like a bunch of honest opinions, and none too bad. It looks to be a great pack. The company will manufacture a pack just for you, to your measurements and with all the extras you specify. You have your choice of two different fabric weight, and four colors, water bladder pouch, hip belt pockets, (one or two), rain cover, top flap, extra net pocket on back, top loader or back loader with zipper, etc. Oh, and they'll embroider yer trail name on it for $5. The water bottle pockets are huge enough to stuff your rain gear in.

Searcher, how'd you get to try out the pack? Does the company have some sort of deal were they'll let people try 'em out? What's the story?”

“I have been looking for a "lighter" alternative to my Gregory w/o the rucksack frameless design. (Did I mention my neck...:<) When I saw the P2 in the magazine I gave Brian a call and voila!!!

If this thing carries well enough for my neck...y'all should love it.”

“Pantscandy -

Daisy chains are the little loops on the front of a pack which can be used as attachment points for anything...d rings....straps (onto or into which items are attached) or other.

Sassafras -

The demo pack has the mesh front pocket, internal bladder pouch, two hipbelt pockets, the integrated rain cover (cover actually missing in action...but the feature WAS there) and the U shaped frontal access zipper. This pack is not equipped with the "overkill" fabric option, and I don't think you'll need it unless you do some serious bushwacking.”

“When someone makes an ultralight pack that I can use in the colder months that packs bulk and holds comfortable up to 40lbs of gear, then I'll be impressed and consider the purchase.”

“Buddur--how many cubic inches do you need for a winter pack?”

“Good question MaryPhil? I have a Dana Terraplane-X (5,800 cu.in.)that I use for those heavy & bulky winter treks which accommodated all the necessary gear. Although it never gets completely full, I prefer to keep all my gear inside the pack leaving nothing hanging outside. My Gregory Reality (4,350 cu.in.) cannot hold all the gear I bring on winter hikes, so the volume to your question must be somewhere around 5,000 cu.in.”

“And according to my Excel Spreadsheet of winter items and the total weight including pack is around 35-40lbs.”

“And, believe it or not, I wear around 7lbs of clothing WHILE hiking.”

“Also, my packweight INCLUDES food and water.

btw - While the "base packweight" is nice (only to gloat on with regard to how light weight it is), it never truely indicates the total weight of the pack you carry on your back.”

“This is the most posts I've ever posted in a row on any thread...EVER!”

“LOL How much does your Terraplane weigh?”

“I think I am in Buddur's range for going to zero and below.”

“on volume, that is.”

“Found it for myself-6 pounds 9 ounces. Nice pack. Not free.”

“The P2 will carry loads up to 45lb!!!!!”

“Technically it's not an ultralight pack, but a lightweight pack.

Searcher, you didn't tell how you got to test it out! Is it a top secret thing, lol?”

“Sass - How much is that pack again? I lost my issue of BPer. If the price is right, maybe I can get a good word in with Santa!”

“Starts at $150, for 3500-4000cu. Each feature costs alittle more, but not much.”

“Sassafras -

No secret at all. As I posted earlier....I just called Brian at ULA Equipment and he offered to route the pack my way.

Loaded...the pack can cost nearly $250.”

“You can now get a G4 pack for $50, size Medium and Forest Green only.”

“Sorry Searcher, I guess I was selsctively reading...somehow I skipped right over that post.

I'm afraid that with all the ranting and raving about this pack that the manufacturer is gonna get bogged down with orders and I'll have to wait forever for mine!!! WAH! =(”

“Those packs start at $150? I may look into one.

Guess I'm in a spending mood today. :)”

“Well, Sass and I ordered our new packs tonite. Cannot wait to get them!”

“Sass -

No problem. I am a little frustrated this weekend as work forced me to miss the Smokies trip and "circumstances" have left me with only a Sunday dayhike to test the P2 and log a few miles in solitude.

BTW - An inital observation. I have STUFFED this pack with everything I would take on a two night winter excursion in Tennessee. The total pack weight is 25lbs. I would NOT recommend ordering the U shaped zipper option. Two reasons. One - when the pack is stuffed to capacity, the zipper slides open a little. Two - if the zipper fails in the field, I see no easy way to provide a secondary method of closure. (ie. there are no available compression straps to reinforce the failed zipper.) I guess thats what duct tape is for.

I will take this puppy for a long day hike tommarow and report back.”

“Birch -

Forgot to mention that the current delivery time on the P2 is 4-6 weeks but they will put you on the top of the list for a $50 "expedite" charge. Brian indicated that he had one ordered on the 18th that shipped on the 21st under the "expedite" option.”

“Wow. Fortunately, (or unfortunately), we don't have any trips planned for awhile, as we're both out of vacation time. So, even if they take three months, it'll be okay.

I kinda thought that zipper might be a hazard in the field. The less there is to break the better, IMO. Neither of us chose that option.”

“Searcher, I really appreciatte your info here. I am looking forward to packing with the new pack. I am doing a 9 day trip next summer and will take this no doubt.”

“BTW, there are some changes to the pack...the base color for the pack is now blue, and the roll-down top is now a cinch string, unless you specify you want the "dry Bag" top. There's no extra charge for that type of top. Brian emailed us immediately after our order with the changes. He's cool.”