MLD, Zimmerbuilt, HMG, Zpacs, ULA Packs

I haven't owned anything from Zimmer except for pack straps, but I've owned 1 or 2 packs from all the rest of these companies.

My opinion is that in terms of craftsmanship, ULA, MLD and HMG are a step above Zpacks. Zpacks quality is fine, but the other brands are clearly a step up (i.e. nicer sewn seams). The sewing on HMG, MLD and ULA products is all very well done. The design of ULA packs is perhaps a step up in refinement (i.e. attention to small details like bias tape) but it's really too close to call.

None of these brands have the same "professional" refinement that you'd find on a pack from a bigger maker like Osprey. That's not to say they aren't great packs, they're just not fancy. Maybe Zimmer is there but I don't have enough experience to say. Regardless, I wouldn't buy a pack based on this. Buy a pack made of the right materials for your usage and with the right frame if applicable.

I have (or have had) all but the ZPacks. The Zimmerbuilt is probably the best, then MLD, the ULA, then HMG. I have a Zimmerbuilt and a ULA. I had an MLD at one time but didnt like the fit, the quality was very good though. My wife tried an HMG and didnt keep it due to a fit issue, not quality. I have some other Z Packs gear, though not a pack, and though I have no quality issues, I am not sure if they are on the same league as the ones above, though perfectly serviceable.

I own the ULA ohm 2.0, and it is my go to pack. The craftsmanship is superb all around. The fit, and supsension system is even better. In my opinion at least. My one con is the mesh on the outside pocket. It is a bit fragile, and i have a hole in mine. But, with that said, that pocket is great, and streches amazingly large. I can't comment on the other companies.

Not to make things more complicated, but I'd add katabatic to that list. I've owned packs from mld, hmg, gossamer gear, and tried out packs from smd & ula. I've been using a katabatic for the last little bit & the quality/fit/finish is as good as anything I've seen from big or small pack makers. I'd rate the stitching and patterning a cut above the other cottages, although I dont remember the detes of the ula packs clearly.

Which Katabatic pack is it and what other details do you have? I saw they released some new packs recently.

Have or have had Zimmerbuilt, MLD, Zpacks, Gossamer Gear, and ULA. The packs have held onto is a custom 2500 to 3200 ci Zimmerbuilt Cpac material framed Pack with detachable padded waist belt, w.detachable pockets, with detachable 400 ci front pocket. Used it Sierra High Route hike couple years ago, performed flawlessly. Plan to use it this August return trip. 21 ounces with frame stripped, 29 ounces with everything. Replaced a long time used ULA Circuit, also comfortable well made pack,just outgrew it sort of speak as my kit got smaller and smaller.

Have had zpacks Zero small that used on JMT hike with bear food container 3 years ago, with base weight w. Container 10 pounds. Lightest pack used, but not sure this would hold up unless take exceptional care, sold it. Stitching not as good to me as Zimmerbuilt, or ULA, or MLD, or even GG.

My go two warm weather pack is a MLD Newt, 1700 CI. Took it on barge and bike trip last summer in Germany and France, bunch of day hikes, then walking all over Paris for 5 days. Use it on mild weather 1-2 night backpacking trips, with base weight and food and water no more than 15 pounds. This is a well made frameless pack. Somehow it just makes me smile…

Like ULA packs,besides the cuircuit have had an old P-1, the pack that became the CDT, and another frameless pack they made in theearlyhears,cannot remember the name..

I would also add Katabatic to that list. I have the Helios 55 and the quality and design is up there with the larger REI brands (Osprey, Gregory, etc).

Steve

MLD packs> zpacks…. packs? haha, I only can compare a prophet to a zero and the prophet is amazing. Can't go wrong with any of those packs if it suits your needs.

Like the other posters, I have also had pretty much all of those products at one time or another and agree they're real close to each other except Zpacks which is a bit below. I would just decide what features you like, what fits best and then look at price. Although Zpacks sewing is a bit less, it's still plenty good enough.

Ryan

I have owned or my friends have used many of the above backpacks with the stand outs being MLD, Zimmerbuilt, and ULA but I would submit Elemental Horizions is one step above them all. His attention to detail in the finished product I have found to be second to none, just look at his finished seams. Workmanship aside Elemental Horizions was able to match the materials to my usage, I live in Texas and I tend to go off trail when I am in Colorado or Wyoming, so the durability of an all dyneema x pack was perfect for me. I have owned a kalais for the last three years and have just ordered an Aquilo for longer trips and for myself I have never found a pack which carried my load so comfortably.

John

I have two ZPacks packs and have no complaints about quality. Maybe some of the other brands discussed above have prettier stitching or are otherwise more pleasing to the eye. I don't know. But if a ZPacks Pack otherwise meets your specifications, don't be dissuaded. My packs are light, comfortable and functional. If they eventually show signs of wear I will repair them.

Where does GG fit in the mix?

GG = Gossamer Gear OR GG = Granite Gear?

All of my Gossamer Gear experience is pretty old 2006-2009 and I would rank them about the same as zpacks. My SMD experience would rank them lower although (I have had some seam failures) I really like their designs (a 2010 Swift is my favorite frameless pack) Other peoples opinions may vary.