MLD Ark & Exodus Packs

Just pulled my Exodus (black, ripstop version) out of the mailbox. It reminds me very much of a heavier duty version of my ULA Conduit but without a rolltop closure. One of these two packs will have to be sold, or sent to daypacking duty, and my initial thought is that the Exodus will be the keeper. I was pretty impressed with the Conduit with a 12-15lb load once I figured out how to adjust it properly for me; but I'm hoping the Exodus will work out better.

Once I get my gear cleaned up and dried out from my weekend trip I will load up the Exodus and give some insight in to how it carries.

I'd appreciate a comparison between the Exodus and the Conduit. Both are at the top of my list for a light weekend pack.

I too am interested in a comparison.

A few questions:

How old is your Conduit? Is it the newer 2008 version?

Is the Exodus w/ the ripstop fabric more durable? I always thought that the Conduit with its Dyneema fabric was tougher.

How do the volumes compare between the two packs? Both are listed as 3200 cu in but the Exodus volume does not include the 200 cu in extension collar.

How is the fit of the packs? Is the sizing true to what is listed online?

Did you get the lid for the Exodus?

Does the black fabric make it hard to see inside the pack? Does it make the pack especially hot?

I have the older Super Zip (old version of the Exodus) and my wife has the Conduit and the main differences besides weight is that the ULA is more cushioned to hold great weight more comfortably and the fabrics seems sturdier. That being said the MLD is not no means fragile.

Anyone else have info on these two packs? Any info would be extremely helpful.

Peter –

I have an Ark on order, which should arrive in the next couple of weeks. I looked hard and long at the Ark/Exodus, the ULA Circuit, and the GG Mariposa Plus before ordering the Ark, and I'll soon know if my decision was a good one.

Cool! The Ark looks like a beautiful pack (even more so than the Exodus) but it is just a bit too long to fit my very short torso so I am stuck w/ the Exodus (not like it is a bad pack to be stuck with). It would be great to hear about your experience w/ the Ark.