Noob needs help picking between the ULA Ohm 2.0 or Circuit.

"From what I understand both the Ohm 2.0 and the Circuit could fit my needs but that the Circuit has additional support and is better for weights in the mid and upper 20s. I'm guessing a typical 2 to 3 day trip shouldn't be more than 20 to 25 pounds so would it just be wise to buy the Ohm and eventually grow into a Circuit if need be?"

As far as weight goes, My total pack weight rarely goes over 25lbs, and I find the Ohm 2.0 is fine up to that weight. I've had no need to push it further than that.

If you think you're going to go over 25lbs on fairly regular basis, I'd suspect the Circuit would be a better fit for you although I've never owned one.

Don't hesitate to email Chris at ULA. In my experience, he's quick to respond.

Thanks for your reply. I'll definitely be getting the Ohm 2.0.

I'm in California and many of the places I go require me to carry a bear can. The Circuit might be better in this case but otherwise, the smaller ohm makes sense for weekend trips.

I packed my Ohm 2.0 for an 8-day trip through the Sierras last summer, including a Garcia bear can. We had to bail out after 4 days, but the Ohm handled the load splendidly when the load was the heaviest.

If you plan on using bear canisters I would buy both packs and see which fits the can best. Just send the lesser home.

You may find this thread of use to you: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=91405

I previously had an Ohm 2.0 and now own a Circuit, I much prefer the circuit. The suspension and padding on the circuit is much better for the additional weight (of the pack) its well worth it, it's just far more comfortable overall in my opinion.

Honestly, I think if you're not sure which one to get, get the Circuit. The weight difference is not substantial, and the Circuit is a lot easier to (ab)use especially for a noob. I've owned both packs, btw, and we currently have three Circuits in the house. :)

I personally think a 15 pound base weight is too heavy for an Ohm. Five days of food and some water is pushing 30 pounds at that point, which is well over what I found comfortable in my Ohm. (In fairness, I had the original not the 2.0.)

I do prefer some of the Ohm features, like the stretchy mesh front pocket and the drawstring closure, so on my current Circuit I got those features as custom options.

Both are good packs and will serve you well.

I could probably get my 15 pound base weight down a bit. I'm including a fly rod, (heavy Orvis BBS) fly reel, a plastic orange trowel as opposed to a titanium one, a Kleen Kanteen as well as a CambelBak bladder, and a Jetboil Minimo. So in all honesty I could get under 15 pounds comfortably but initially I'm not planning on doing long treks, more base camping with short local hikes. Essentially I want to base camp and fish most of the time I'm out so weight is of a concern to me but not enough to avoid taking a few luxuries. If I was to go on extended hikes and be moving most of the time I could definitely leave the fly gear at home.

Here's a link to a 3 day gear list I put together. http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=24835 There are definitely some things that could/need to be added/subtracted/switched out but overall it's what I believe I would like to take on a 3 day trip.

The Ohm 2.0 is definitely desirable but I like the versatility of the Circuit. Not sure if I'll be using a bear can soon but I'd rather have the space to take one if the need arises. Either way I don't think I can go wrong and if the bag turns out to be too big or too small I'm sure I could sell it if need be.

Thanks for all your replies by the way, they are greatly appreciated.

I ordered a Circuit as my first pack and quickly sold it for an Ohm 2.0, which I've used for over 2 years. I have pushed the Ohm to the limits and beyond, including 1 year of overseas travel and a JMT with a bear can. I was at 32 lbs at MTR with 8 days of food and 4 liters of water (just for fun). I don't find it comfortable over 30 lbs, but some people do.

I think the Circuit is a better choice for a few reasons: the padding on the back, full robic instead of silnylon on the sides, the aluminum stay, plus a bit more volume in case you need to carry a bear canister. I think the extra ounces on the Circuit go a long way.

If I had to do it again, I would get the Circuit and customize it with the Ohm side pockets. ULA's prices for custom work are extremely reasonable. If you decided to get the Ohm, I would customize it and get full robic instead of the silnylon sides. A few ounces there adds much more durability. I have 3-4 patches on the sides of my Ohm.

This is backpackingLIGHT but I'll commit heresy and say that there are other things to consider here other than weight.

As I mentioned before, I don't hesitate to recommend the ULA Ohm 2.0 to anyone who's committed to making the transition to ultralight backpacking. I found that it was a lot larger than what I was expecting and I have yet to come close to filling it to capacity, that includes a time when I had to carry my daughter's sleeping bag and some of her gear after she sprained her ankle on the trail.

With all that being said, I was committed to going UL. I made a goal for myself to get my baseweight under 10lbs and I kept plugging away at it until I go there. As I dropped pack weight, I also made sure to buy gear that wasn't bulky and packed small.

While a worthy goal, UL is not for everyone and there's not a single correct way to backpack. As far as I'm concerned, she/he who has the most enjoyment without ruining the experience for others and the wild, wins. Whether you do that with a 30lb pack or a 15lb pack is for you to decide.

So while as a ULer, I've found it impossible for me to fill my Ohm to capacity (including beer and gear for other people), it's certainly not impossible. If you are on the threshold of going UL but are not quite there yet, perhaps the Circuit is the way to go. Between the two, we're talking about a difference of 10 ounces, and you'll end up with a great pack either way.

I would recommend for you to post a gear list and list the weight for each item, as it would be easier for us to give you an informed suggestion after reading through it.

"I think the Circuit is a better choice for a few reasons: the padding on the back, full robic instead of silnylon on the sides, the aluminum stay, plus a bit more volume in case you need to carry a bear canister. I think the extra ounces on the Circuit go a long way."

+1 to all the above.
For a minimal weight gain and increased comfort (in my opinion) the Circuit is a great choice for a do-it-all pack.
One option I'd get on the Circuit would be an additional compression strap on each side to help compress/cinch down smaller volume loads.

If you plan on continuing to drop your base weight – go with the Ohm. Its a great pack and can handle up to 30lbs on occasion. The Circuit will be overkill if you drop a few more pounds. If you're done trimming weight the Curcuit is probably a better fit for you.

Ryan

15lb base weight, I'd get the Circuit. Also, if you start venturing into southern Utah, you may shed base weight but you'll generally be carrying more water. My base weight is 11lb but 30lb trailhead weight isn't unusual in the Canyons; an extra gallon of water for a dry camp or a cache is 8lb right there.

I've tried both (the original Ohm in my case) and the Circuit is a little wider, which makes it easier to pack those really dense weights like water caches closer to your body.

FWIW, my trailhead weight is typically in the 20-23lb and it's really comfortable with the Circuit. There's no award to be won for squeezing your gear into the smallest pack it will fit into.

I ordered both and tried them at home and sent one back. ULA is really easy to work with and very accommodating about sending you other sizes, different hipbelts, etc. to get the right/best fit for you.

Ken Bennett summarized my feelings exactly. When I read the title of this thread, before reading any of the text, I immediately said to myself "Circuit". Heck, some would suggest that if the word "noob" is anywhere near the truth, that the Catalyst is the pack that is most certain to work out. But if we're talking "noob" in the context of an ultralight community, then Circuit seems like the logical answer to me.

Everybody has made some great points. I've taken everything into consideration (again) and it seems the Circuit may be the best choice for me at this time. Being a novice and having a base weight that hovers around 15 the Circuit seems to be that right fit between size and functionality. It has enough space for essential gear and luxuries in northern Utah and similar environments, room for additional water in the desert and the ability to fit a bear can might I need one.

I definitely will be getting the all robic and I do like the idea of adding the pockets from the Ohm.

Down the road when I have quite a bit more experience under my belt and my gear list is dialed in I can always consider purchasing an Ohm but it sounds like for now the Circuit is best for my needs.

Enjoy! I just took a friend out for her first time backpacking. She loved her brand-new Circuit.