Test Report ULA Ohm

Before this year's PCT Section Hike, it quickly became clear that I wanted to test one of the ÜLA backpacks from the chrispacks range.

The CDT and the Ohm with rolltop were shortlisted. I finally decided on the Ohm with rolltop, mainly because of the more stable hip belt and the option of carrying a bear canister. Also, the recommended maximum load of 10kg for the CDT would not always be enough for me if the stage was longer (more food!) or if we could only refuel water rarely.
The ÜLA Ohm was perfect for this trip; with my average load of approx. 12kg (including water, food and gas), it carried very comfortably, and I (almost) never had tension in my shoulders and back. After six weeks on the trail, the backpack still looks almost like new, and the pockets and zippers are still completely intact.
All ÜLA backpacks also offer a few practical features such as a small valuables compartment, a hydration bladder compartment and side compression straps. Weight fetishists can easily remove these to save a few more grams, but I found them all quite practical and enjoyed using them. I found the hydration bladder compartment particularly helpful, as it allowed you to slide the hydration bladder into the fully packed backpack without having to unpack it completely or halfway.

A great advantage of ÜLA backpacks is the wide range of different sizes. There are different back lengths, different hip belts and two different shoulder strap shapes. The perfect fit is guaranteed for everyone!

I had the Ohm in back length S, XS hip belt and S shoulder straps. The light grey color is quite practical, as you can find things in the backpack faster.

The Ohm is also available without a rolltop (only with a drawstring). Then the backpack is even lighter, but not quite as easy to compress and should definitely be used with a rain cover.

 

Weight: 1035g

Volume: 63L (including outer pockets)

Price: 299.95



Advantages:
- Very comfortable carrying system
- Lightweight, but still robust
- Large hip pockets
- Large side pockets with drawstring to better secure water bottles etc.

- Mesh pocket for wet tent etc.

Disadvantages:
- The seams are not waterproof; either take an additional rain cover or waterproof bags for sleeping bag, clothes.

 

ÜLA was founded in 2001 by Brian Frankle. The backpacks are 100% made in Utah (USA).