Backpack Advice: HMG and ULA

I have an Ohm 2.0 and like it. My base weights are about the same as yours and I think the Ohm is almost perfect for those weights. I use it for my winter and shoulder season trips. It might be a little big for summer but is doable. You really don't know its there when under 20lbs. I have never used a HMG but have heard good things about them. If money matters the Ohm is hard to beat.

Thank you for the insight Kevin. When it comes to price the ULA is the clear winner! The Ohm may be a little large for summer but I large is ok. I also thought that with the Ohm you could always remove the hip belt when the pack weight is low for summer overnights.

I wonder how the weight transfer of the two packs compares? It seems that many people say the HMG is capable of 30 lbs comfortably but I am confused as to how that is. The frame system between these two packs isn't all that different is it?

Is the hip belt removable on the current versions of the HMG Windrider/Southwest Backpacks?

I have an original ULA Ohm (not the 2.0) and an HMG Southwest 2400 that I got last year. Both are great packs. The HMG does not have a removable hip belt or load lifters. Like you, I have always liked having load lifters to pull the pack in close to my back but I honestly don't miss them on the HMG. I can't explain why the HMG carries like it does but it carries great. I've never had more than about 18 lbs. in either pack so I can't speak to how they would compare with 30 lbs in them.

Yeah, I don't plan on carrying 30 lbs but with water and 5 days of food on occasion I will be over 20 lbs. That won't be typical as my trips usually are one to three nights on average.

In my opinion, the Ohm is going to win in all categories except carrying loads close to 30lbs. It also does that fairly comfortably, but the HMG will have the edge at those weights. Price, durability, weight, and features are in the Ohm's favor IMO.

Ryan

I've owned packs from both companies and don't think you can go wrong either way. There are tradeoffs with both packs, load lifters being the thing I miss the most on my HMG pack.

Have you looked at the Katabatic Gear packs? I feel like they offer the best of both worlds from the ULA and HMG packs at similar price points. The Helios line has great features (load lifters and spacious pockets), two fabric options, carries up to 40 lbs, and the quality is top notch. I picked up a pack from them and have been very happy with it.

Thought about adding some load lifters to my HMG. Came to realize that I don't need them. They don't really lift the load. While they can help to cinch up the shoulder straps tighter, they really make no difference on carrying. Twenty bucks got me a removable belt added.
I've had my Porter for a couple of years and it's held up well. Some of the seam tape peeld off when I left wet clothes in it. It shows no abrasion. No stressed seams. It does have a few blood stains from bush whacking. It's been a nice pack. Now in the market for a smaller pack, I'd go to Nathan at Cascade, Zimmer, or get a 2400 HMG.

All good insight. I appreciate all of you sharing your experiences. I feel that on paper the Ohm 2.0 is coming out on top but I am still really drawn to the HMG for whatever reason. I may just have to order both and compare together.

The Katabatic packs look really great. Are there any reports on performance? I know they are relatively new. The Helios 40 and 55 interest me.

Another concern I have with the HMG is the hip belt wrap. Does anyone have a measurement for the lumbar pad on the HMG's (The distance between the 2 hip belt wings)? I have a small waist (29/30) and belts that are set wide apart can be troublesome. The ULA looks like it would wrap very well, but I can't tell on the HMG.

The lumber pad for my removable belt is 9" x 5". It wraps around well.
I opted for the HMG because I wanted a cuben hybred fabric, ULA wanted an extra hundred, I believe, and it was a lighter weight cuben.
I like it. I like the weight on my hips. I think a smaller pad along with load lifters would throw more weight on the shoulders. It cinches well enough to the body for when you're going through rougher country. The majority of the time on the trail though, I leave my shoulder straps loose. It's one of the benefits of LW.

The lumber pad for my removable belt is 9" x 5". It wraps around well.
I opted for the HMG because I wanted a cuben hybred fabric, ULA wanted an extra hundred, I believe, and it was a lighter weight cuben.
I like it. I like the weight on my hips. I think a smaller pad along with load lifters would throw more weight on the shoulders. It cinches well enough to the body for when you're going through rougher country. The majority of the time on the trail though, I leave my shoulder straps loose. It's one of the benefits of LW.
I'd email both parties. They're both quick to respond as well as patient.

I've used both of these packs a lot (well my Ohm is the 1.0).

The Ohm is a little bit bigger and has much better side pockets, better compression system, better rear pocket and a better frame. The Windrider is waterproof which is a big plus in some environments, but other than that I like the Ohm much better.

I've used my katabatic artemis about 10 times for backcountry ski day trips, and i love it so far. I've tested it with heavier loads compared to my hmg ice pack and a gg gorilla and preferred it over either with heavy or light loads. I'll be taking my first multi day trip with it later this week, so I'll get back about how it handles a cold weather backpacking load with ski safety equip etc.

so far my likes–

comfortable wing shaped hipbelt wraps around your hips in the right way to avoid sagging

excellent stretchy hipbelt pockets, easy to use, can fit a lot, and disappear when not in use

frame system with load lifters is very effective at transferring the load to the hips

the zip back pocket can fit a lot of gear and makes it easy to access. Perfect for keeping a puffy or rain shell close at hand, or for climbing skins. The vertical zip does a good job of keeping things secure while you dig around for other stuff.

The compression system also works incredibly well and functions equally under or over the side bottle pockets

The burly pack material

"The Windrider is waterproof which is a big plus in some environments"

that's the only thing that tempts me away from my much-loved Ohm 2.0