You can definitely go wrong with either system. A pack is all about fit. Which one fits you? That's the one to get.... not what somebody else says they like.
If both fit equally well, you get the luxury of choosing the better feature set. Here, the best thing to do is take your gear to the store, and pack them both as though you were heading out for a typical trip. With these two packs, that may not be possible, so you'll have to do a "virtual" packing by what's on the website.
You're trying to figure out which pack fits your packing style, which is driven to a great extent by how you hike: do you need pockets for camera gear, snacks, route-finding equipment (GPS or map and compass), water bottle, water filter, and other things you use a lot while you're walking? Do you want a lid pocket to keep all the little stuff in? Or are you the type who doesn't get into the pack much during the day, and doesn't need pockets?
If you could post how you pack and use your pack during the day, maybe some of the folks who use these two packs could give you an idea of which works better. (I'm not familiar with either pack.
Mandated food storage? Bear canisters are a frequent joy killer when it comes to ultralight backpacks. But they are absolutely necessary where they are required, and don't let the ultralight extremists tell you otherwise.
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"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities. In the expert's mind there are few." Shunryu Suzuki
You have gotten the key questions (weight, style, destination, and above all, fit). I have no experience with the pads mentioned nor with ULA packs, but I have a modified (for fit) MLD Burn (a smaller version of the Exodus). I'm just getting back on the trail after a lengthy health break and I carried it with 26 lbs. on a long day (because I carried some gear for a partner). I was very tired (my first time out in two years), but not any concern at all with the pack...it carried beautifully, even overloaded. Barely noticed I had it on.
The other plus factor is dealing with Ron. Along with several other "cottage makers" He's one of the good guys. Very experienced, innovative, thoughtful and helpful.
The downside is that he does his own manufacturing and his work is popular. Wait times in spring can run a couple of months. I found it was well worth the wait.
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
We still need to know the weight you plan to carry. These packs won't support as much weight as a fully framed pack. Maybe 25 lbs. A similar pack with stays (such as a Six Moon Designs Starlite) or a ULA Circuit will support up to the low 30's.
Edited by OregonMouse (04/06/1202:44 AM)
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
I have using the Ula Airx for a while now, and this is by far the most comfortable backpack I have used. The pack is relatively large (I have packed for a 2 week trip carrying all my food and this was no problem at all) The large volume of the pack has both pros and cons, like everything else. I typically do not need that much space, but the pack is relatively compressible. My typical weight range is about 22-30 lbs for 3-5 backpacking trips and this pack handles this weight with such ease and comfort that i forget that I have it on. The pack moves very well, and the Kylmit sleeping pad creates an "airy" feeling in the backpanel which provides exceptional comfort. Anyways, backpacks are all personal. Some work great for some and not others. The ULA Airx is my go-to pack from anything from an overnighter to a thru-hike of the PNWT. Cheers!
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