My perfect pack — a hybrid that doesn’t yet exist.

Sounds like Ron's line of packs at MLD to me. Have you given them a look?

Gossamer Gear gorilla is close (not dyneema, but tough fabric). But i can make you the "perfect" pack if you want.

-Tim

Yes, I have. In fact, some of my changes I listed came straight from Ron's line. For the record, I own a bivy and a custom tarp from him and use them every trip.

The main thing missing from Ron's pack line is the external mesh pocket for the pad on the back panel.

One thing I did fail to mention that Brian's ULA pack line has is how he attaches his should straps to the bottom of the front of the pack, rather than at the bottom near the hip belt. This makes all the difference, as it keeps the pack "high and tight", especially for not wanting to use a hip belt.

90% of my backpacking has been, and will probably continue to be in the high Sierra. Since bear canisters are frequently required, my perfect pack recognizes that.

Take a Bearikade Expedition and design a pack around that- using the bear can as a primary component of the pack structure. Maybe something like ULA's Arctic pack but using the bear can instead of a big dry bag, or maybe more following the Luxury Lite concept.

Am I missing something? MLD packs, do not feature an actual removable, padded hip-belt, nor do they have an external mesh back pad pocket, like a Gossamer Gear pack does.

I agree somewhat on having only the Dyneema against your back, but if you want a padded mesh back panel, you could always go with a Circuit.

Can't wait for my Ohm to arrive on Thursday! I think this will be ULA's best load hauler per weight ratio yet.

| Am I missing something? MLD packs, do not feature an
| actual removable, padded hip-belt, nor do they have an
| external mesh back pad pocket, like a Gossamer Gear pack
| does.

No, you are correct. I don't necessarily want a padded hip-belt, but I do want a removeable one. You are also correct on the GG packs. As far as I know, they are the only ones that offer the external mesh back pad pocket.

| I agree somewhat on having only the Dyneema against your
| back, but if you want a padded mesh back panel, you could
| always go with a Circuit.

I'm picky on size and the Circuit is too big for my tastes.

| Can't wait for my Ohm to arrive on Thursday! I think this
| will be ULA's best load hauler per weight ratio yet.

Very cool! Let us know how it works out for you.

I have an Ohm and GG Gorilla on order, hopefully arriving Wednesday and Thursday next week.

It would have been a slam dunk for the Ohm but for the lack of any way of ventilating the back panel. I had the same though as you, that mesh+egg crate would at provide at least some ventilation.

I had trouble deciding between the Mariposa Plus and the Gorilla, as the 3600ci of the MP is too much, and I'm concerned when I pack it up, the 2800ci of the Gorilla may be 200ci too small. (If I wanted to use it as my do-it-all 4-season pack for snow camping)

My other worry with the Gorilla is that the curved aluminum stays will not be adequate in my case in place of load lifters.

Hopefully I'll be able to find out by the end of next week.

I don't think I'm at the point where I could pack light enough, to be able to fit 7 days worth of food and gear into my Ohm or even the Circuit. I did a 5 day cool/cold weather trip with my Circuit and had just enough room.
Maybe I still pack too much clothing, but I like to stay nice and toasty on my hikes.
Plus, I still usually take too much food, but I never feel starved or hungry either.
I tried to use my Circuit for a 7-1/2 day Isle Royale trip and I just couldn't get everything packed into it. So, I ended up taking my GG Nimbus Ozone. I'm guessing my new Ohm will be my pack choice for weekend trips, and trips up to 4 days in length?

"I'm guessing my new Ohm will be my pack choice for weekend trips, and trips up to 4 days in length?"

That's a real good place to start. I have a hunch you will like the Ohm so well that you will be motivated to keep whittling your gear/food down incrementally until, first thing you know, you'll be using it for 7, 8, 9 day trips.

nm