ULA Ohm

Hello,

I'm also interested in the Ohm and the Gorilla.

Not to hijack the thread but how do you find the hipbelt on the Gorilla. I've read lots of good things about the hipbelts on the ULA packs and a good hipbelt is an important feature for my next pack. Another thing i'm a bit concerned about is the sizing of the Gorilla. The sizing works with 4 inch increments, which seems quite a lot.

The ohm also seems sturdier.

George,

I cannot comment on the durability issue or hipbelt comfort of the Ohm in direct comparison against the GG Gorilla as I've never had hands on experience w/ a ULA Pack….ULA does have a legion of fans that praise the packs for their comfort, design, and durability.

Pertaining to the Gorilla, the fabric is 210D Nylon and feels very durable. The Gorilla has a precurved/bent aluminum frame where the Ohm uses carbon fiber. Although unlikely (your body would probably shield the carbon fiber frame from a fall) the carbon fiber upon taking a hard direct hit may break where as the aluminum would probably just bend and have to be bent back…just speculation so take it as such…..
Hipbelts…the hipbelt on the Gorilla is wide and comfortable w/ the foam inserts.
Torso range. Having a 17.5" torso, I initially ordered the medium (16" – 20") which was too big. With the hip belt in correct position the shoulder straps did not cup my shoulders leaving a two inch gap between the back of shoulders and strap contact. The small (13"-17") fits great.
I like features of both:
Fabric Durability: Equal – possibly a slight nod to the Ohm
Frame: Gorilla w/ precurved frame
Compressability: Ohm has individual dual side compression; Gorilla has one compression strap on each side but loops for additional shock cord.
Load Lifters: Ohm – Gorilla doesn't have them
Shoulder straps: The Gorilla has wider shoulder straps but it will have and narrower strap option later this year; in appearance, the Ohm looks to have comfortable shoulder straps.
Back Pocket: Gorilla and the stretch pocket

Cheers,
Christopher

David Ure wrote: This is the same size that I have and in fact, I have the same feeling about the shoulder anchor straps. I think I might be between sizes. Certainly let us know about the medium. Thanks,

David,
I received the medium Ohm the other day. I would have to say that although it fits my torso, the large still feels better. The medium does seem to hug my body better, with a little less sway than the large does. (test weight 17lbs)

But the shoulder straps also put slightly more of the load on the shoulders too. The shoulder strap load lifters are about level with, to maybe an 1/2" above my shoulders.

Where as with the large Ohm, the load lifters straps are a good 1-1/2-2" above my shoulders and thus do a better job of lifting the shoulder straps up off the shoulders.

If the large's shoulder strap anchor points were one inch lower the fit would probably be perfect for me.

Two changes that I'd like to see, would be a padded mesh lumbar area, and slightly wider padded hip-belt ends. (1.75" wide)
Oh, and 1" wide hip-belt webbing straps, rather then the current 3/4 wide straps

All in all, still a great pack though.

I 2nd your two changes. I end up deciding to go with the GG Gorilla instead of the Ohm. The 2 issues that I had with the Ohm were the hip belt digging into my stomach, with might be solved by using a wider strap, and that I couldn't really get the pack to stay put in my lumbar region. Tightening the hip belt enough to keep it from sliding down made the hip belt uncomfortable. Leaving the hipbelt slightly looser allowed it to slide, pulling the hip belt into my stomach and making in uncomfortable. I think a padded mesh lumbar area would help it 'stick' to my back. I really liked the Ohm otherwise, it actually transfers weight a little better than the Gorilla, allowing it to carry more weight, but the Gorilla is more comfortable to me overall at the weights I'd be carrying 80% of the time. And I can't justify keeping two packs with so much overlap. I wish I could.

Thanks Michael.

I loaded 27 lbs (includes a bunch of water) in the Ohm and walked around for an hour. Very comfortable – the pack really hugs the back. As far as a lumbar pad, I did put a 1.7 oz cut sit light GG pad in the pad holder and it did make a difference. I am really impressed with this pack so far. I will have a 7 day trip in the next 3 weeks including much rock climbing with the pack so I will report back as to its load stability.

Where do shoulder straps have to be ? I always thought shoulders straps needed to have no gaps between strap and back.

I've got a granite gear virga regular, 18-20 inch torso. The shoulder strap go around my shoulders very nicely with almost no gap.

In John photos there's a gap of about 2 inches (maybe even a little more). Is this normal with this kind of pack ? Or frameless packs for that matter.

I've got a Mld Zip which has the same almost 2 inch gap and it's anything but comfortable, pulling on the front of my shoulders.

What you mention on shoulder strap gap, would probably be correct for most users. Some probably prefer the S. Straps to ride higher, while some might prefer them lower.

Also, many might fall in between sizes, where although the straps might seem too high, its actually more comfortable for that person.

Some might prefer more weight on the hips, and some might like a little more of a balance with slightly more weight on the shoulders.
I currently have both size Ohm packs a medium and a large. With the size medium, I get a beautiful wrap up my back, and over the shoulders with absolutely no gaps.

But, it seems to put slightly more pressure on top of my shoulders, compared to the large. I'm currently debating as to which size pack to keep. I emailed my fit concerns to ULA recently, and I'm waiting to hear as to what they feel should be the best fit with regard to how the shoulder straps fit?

I used to think that having the shoulder straps level with, to just slightly below the tops my shoulders was a better fit.
But now, after a few years of carrying different types of light-weight packs, I believe like you have mentioned, that it is probably better to not have any big gaps in the shoulder straps.

Realize too, that John's picture might be with a lightly loaded pack, and as his load weight increases, the pack will then ride slightly lower, bringing the shoulder strap anchor points lower possibly too.

I am trying to decide between the MLD packs with the pack lid and yours with the load lifter straps. The Ohm would be perfect for me if there was a simple top lid with a single zippered pocket (like the MLD Option). Can one be fitted? Can you make me one?

Thanks,
Chris

This has kind of been mentioned, I couldn't really find a clear answer. I'm curious in knowing what users of both the '09 Jam2 and the Ohm feel in terms of load transfer at 25 lb., which does a better job? I met a thru hiker last week on the G.E.T who was using Brian's new Ohm and I was surprised by the short hipbelt wings on his pack, other than that detail the pack looked great as all the ULA packs do. The user stated that the load transfer was sufficient but felt it didn't provide the nice wrap around the front of his waist he was accustomed to. Do the hipbelt wings extend further around the waist on the Jam 2 than the OHM, and if so, does this provide better load transfer over the Ohm even without the suspension hoop?

Fit will vary from user to user, but for me personally, I do not get a full wrap around my waist with the hip-belt on Ohm.

It actually puts most of the pressure at the front sides on my hips. I get big gaps, at the rear corners of the hip-belt. I get a better wrap around fit, when the pack is empty, but once I load it, I then don't get the same fit. This may be from me using a 4 section folded Z-rest that is 10.5" wide inside against the back-panel.
Then I insert my down quilt into the bottom of the pack, so I'll have a soft surface against my back. This probably stiffens this area up enough so, which then takes away from the hip-belts ability to wrap around my hips.
I still need to experiment with different pads inside against the back panel. (I like a 4 section Z-rest for a sit-pad, the best) I'm thinking a single GG sit-light pad might help with getting a better fit from the Ohm's winged hip-belt. This will probably lessen the load transfer though, having a less stiff back panel.

No experience with the Jam-2 though, but I thought a few of my Ohm fit findings might help you. Note, that these are just my personally findings, and other Ohm users may find that the hip-belt gives them a better fit than myself.

"I still need to experiment with different pads inside against the back panel."

Hi Michael,
I custom cut a piece of 3/8" blue Ensolite closed cell foam and use it as a back pad on my Ohm. It cushions my back and its flexibility allows the pack to conform to my back/hips very nicely. A very comfortable pack for me. The foam weighs ~.8 oz and doubles as a sit pad around camp.

Hi Tom,

What size did you cut the pad to? I thought, about cutting the pad at the bottom, so, its just wide enough to cover my lumbar area., which might just do the trick. Like Casey from ULA has mentioned to me: Maybe the Ohm, just isn't the right pack for you?
IMHO, if you put a small padded mesh lumbar pad on the Ohm, with a Velcro strip for a removable hip-belt, the Ohm would be even more of an awesome pack, of course this would add more weight too? You could have the Lumbar pad hinged, where its sewn into the bottom of the pack, but then attached with a 1" wide Velcro strip across the top. This way you could pull the lumbar pad off and down, making it easier to repositioned or change hip-belts. You could also have an internal sleeve in the lumbar pad to exchange or swap different types or thicknesses of foam. This would also allow the hip-belt to give you a complete wrap around your hips. (think Gossamer Gears system with their removable hip belts on their Mariposa, Gorilla, and Miniposa)

"What size did you cut the pad to?"

Hi Michael,
I cut the pad to ~12" x 18", to slot into the diagonal retaining straps sewn in my size medium Ohm at the top and to run down to the bottom of the pack interior. When fully, or even partially, loaded the pad is completely stable. I have also folded my GG thinlite in 3's and slipped it in there as well when I loaded my Ohm up with my complete kit for a test carry. There was plenty of room and the two pads made for a very comfortable carrying experience. I think going much beyond the simple pad
insertion the pack was designed for risks over engineering and adding unnecessary weight. My 2 cents.

I cut a section of Ridgerest to fit in my OHM. Works great and the ridges feel good against my back.

Yep, I had an old cut down, 11" wide section of Ridge-Rest, back when I had a GG Mariposa and was experimenting with it. I took this pad, and taper cut the end to somewhat match my lumbar.
Seems to work much better with a thinner pad, than a doubled thicker pad. This must have to do with the external, carbon fiber frame. I wonder how well the Ohm would carry, without any pad at all?

I got my new Ohm last week and posted a review in the review sections.

I think it is great… load transfer and comfort are right on for me. As others have mentioned, the back can get a little warm.

30lbs should be no problem in the Ohm. I can't speak to the Jam2. I have a friend with an '06 or '07 Mariposa… good pack as well but I like my Ohm better (more stable, better compression, etc).

This pack is similar in design to my prior pack, a Mountainsmith Ghost (which is very comfortable) but is nearly a pound lighter, even with the extras (hip belt pockets). Careful packing (I place my pad against the back) has kept the back comfortable for me.

The only improvements I can think of would be to utilize lighter weight fabrics which could save several oz, but this would certainly reduce the ability to stand up to wear and tear and would probably be contrary to Brian's philosophy.

I'll be taking it out on a 3 day trip at the end of the month.

i just ordered this yesterday as a birthday present for myself, im really excited.

Hi folks,

Wondering how Ohm owners are experiencing the Ohm hip belt, especially the hip buckles and very narrow webbing? I'm particularly interested to hear from anyone who has also used a 2008 style Conduit?

I ordered the Ohm in medium, which is a superb fit for my back length. I loaded it up at home and immediately felt a lot of pressure/soreness from the hip fins, buckle and narrow webbing, causing pressure and discomfort around my hip bones.

My instinct was to request the hip belt to be swapped over with an 08 Conduit style hip belt, which I've tried and know fits me like a glove and is very comfortable. Looking at both packs side by side it looks, on the surface, like this would be quite an easy swap to make.

ULA are not able to do this, but are offering to swap the Ohm belt for the larger size. (I have quite a short back length – but larger waist)

ULA's comment on the two belts is – 'The thinner profile (of the new Ohm belt) wraps around the hipbone better, and the thicker foam adds cushioning and support. The buckle assembly and adjustment is much more 'accurate' with regard to micro adjustments and it does a better job at holding the adjustment where you want it. The 1.5" buckles are not as reliable with keeping a consistent tension from experience.'

Are any Ohm users finding discomfort from the current hip belt? or have any 08 Conduit users experienced problems with the 1.5" buckles? The Conduit seems a well regarded pack and I haven't heard any reports of hip belt problems with it before?

I love everything else about the Ohm and have payed a heck of a lot in shipping, taxes etc to get it to the UK. I guess I'm just a bit uncertain about whether the size large Ohm hip belt will really fix it for me and want to feel a bit more confident before I spend even more to ship it back for the offer of the same belt but in size large etc etc.

Thanks folks, any views/advice on the belt's relative performance in your experience greatly appreciated.

I only tested the Ohm at home, but ended up choosing the GG Gorilla instead because the Gorilla has a comfier hip belt. My problem was specifically with the buckle specifically digging into my stomach. The narrow webbing was also an issue, but less so. The wings didn't bother me at all and I found them to be comfortable.

I found that if I wore the belt lower on my hips, this alleviated the problem to a large degree. With the Gorilla, the top of the hip belt comes slightly over the top of my illiac crest, which is my understanding of how a hip belt is to be worn, i.e. the illiac crest should lay on the centerline of the hip belt. But with the Ohm, I found the belt most comfortable when the top of the hip belt wing either was aligned with the top of my illiac crest or even just a little below it. Perhaps with the narrow profile of the hip belt lower on the hips is actually the correct place?

My Ohm was a medium with the standard medium belt.

I too prefer the hip belt on the 2008 Conduit. In fact I like it so much better to the 2009 hip belt that I ordered a 2008 Conduit as a back up to the one I already had. I do wish the wings were a little wider and longer to aide to the comfort of the pack. And yea, the thin straps to bother me.

I should have known since I have a Relay with the same set up.

All in all, I prefer the 2008 Conduit to the 2009 model.

Roger,

That's a lot of enthusiasm for the Conduit!

Were you able to order a 'retro' Conduit with the 08 hip belt or did you already buy it before they switched to the new system?

First of all, why do people on this site respond to me as Roger? Second, yeah I really like the '08 Conduit. I saw the changes to the pack on the ULA website and didn't really care for them. So, I called Jeff at MRO and asked him what model he had in stock. When he told me the '08 I ordered one.

What a great pack. I can't say enough about the '08 Conduit. I say. If it fits you get one. Too bad it changed.

The only thing I would have changed on it, would be to add a bungee to the front.

I emailed Casey/Brian and tried to offer them a lot of money to make me a 2008 Conduit, but no luck :(

Ooops,

Apologies Robert and thanks for your reply.

No problem.

I used the Conduit all spring, summer and early fall last year. I can't say enough good things about it. I also love me '08 Circuit. It's just very big for most of my summer trips. The only thing I wish was differnet on my Circuit would be to have the bungee on the front of it like the '09 model. The Circuit is the most comfortable pack I have ever used.