Ohm 2.0 vs Circuit for low loads

Since they both now have the same hip belt, carrying at those weights should be similar. I'd go with the Ohm. I had a Circuit, too large. The Ohm seems perfect for me. I have v1.0 so can't offer any other thoughts on ULA's current offerings. Better side pockets too.

How long are your trips? I just do weekends, but I can fit all my gear, plus my little boy's bag, pad, and food with room to spare in the ohm 2.0 and it carries great. But, if I were going out for more than 3 days, I think I would want the circuit for 10-15 lbs of food.

Thanks so far.

Weights I meant as total weight – including consumables.

I found that the Ohm 2.0 is pretty large for most of my hikes. It's not a big deal as I can fluff up my sleeping bag to fill the void.

I took some gear out of my daughter's backpack when she rolled her ankle. Even when I was carrying her sleeping bag, it was nowhere near full.

I've used it as a day pack. While not ideal, it worked fine.

Edit to add: As far as weight goes, can't say about the Circuit. I haven't had more than 25lbs in my Ohm but it handles up to that weight fine.

I have both the Circuit and the Ohm 2, I purchased the Circuit first but it was just too big. I then purchased the Ohm 2 and it's much better, I've used the Ohm 2 for up to 5 or so days and I'm confident I could push it a little further. Remember that the Ohm 2 does not have the lumbar pad that the Circuit has, having said that I've had no problems with discomfort in that area.

Just to add, I think the most I've carried in it would be around 21lb's or 9.5kg and it handled that fine.

Danny

In the off season, the folks at ULA will do special orders. They made me a skinny Ohm 2, which has b been great for 1, 2 night trips. I'm still able to slip in a barricade canister upright when required..

Thanks a lot for the comments. I'm really looking forward to use one of these. Just not as easy to get it and ship it back from Japan, hence the questions.

As far as lumbar pads go – I have never tried a pack where that was comfortable for me. Perhaps my back is strange, but I always felt I got a better, more close riding fit (sticking to my back) without one.

For you guys that carried around 20# in the Ohm – does that weight mostly ride on your hips?
How well does the compression work when used as a day pack?

Thanks in advance.

I always carry the pack exclusively on my hips, the shoulder straps are almost just for balance. The compression system works very well, I've gone on training hikes with just a 4 season tent and a few bits and pieces inside for weight and I could compress that load without problems.

Danny

The ohm 2.0 is fine with less that 25 pound loads. I fold up my z-rest sleeping pad and stick it there as extra frame/cushioning.

The ohm and circuit have similar volumes, the circuit is only slightly bigger. I think I would go with the ohm if I planned on carrying extra water often.

"For you guys that carried around 20# in the Ohm – does that weight mostly ride on your hips?"

Mostly on my hips but more on my shoulders than heavier framed packs. The most I pushed it was 27 pounds at the begging of a 10 day trip and some of the weight was on my shoulders but never enough to make my shoulders sore.

I only have two days of use with mine…. pack never over 23lbs but it carries pretty much just like my Catalyst with that amount of weight.

That couple of oz for the al stay that stays conformed to your back shape (once you bend it to do so), simply makes the circuit a much easier pack to pack and to use. If you are only carrying 20 lbs, do you really care about a couple more oz?

(OK, I admit it, I do too)

For my pack? Honestly I would gladly take that 300gr hit. If it was worth it.

I don't need the volume of the Circuit and like the Ohm form factor more. So was more interested in if the Circuit would carry the lower loads better, or if at 9Kg (20#) max they both carry similar.

If I can get almost full weight on my hips at that weight with the Ohm, which it does seem like, then I prefer that option.

Thanks so much for all the info about the carry, compressibility and everything else.

Ordered an Ohm. In all black.

I'm sure you will like it! If you have the correct size, the weight will be primarily on your hips, and at the weights you have listed, you will hardly feel it! The shoulder straps and load lifters will be primarily a means of keeping the top of the pack from falling backwards. Good choice!

Thanks, hope I got the sizing right.. My pack was always kind of off limits to lighten up. But if this carries well it does suddenly give me 500gr. of extra water or food on treks where it's necessary. Really looking forward to it.

All black? Did you go with cuben?

I just asked what they had lying around. Mine is their new Robic fabric in black.
Not sure if they have black cuben, but can't hurt to ask..

Wow! I love this thing.. Volume is great, especially that it is so flexible. I packed it up with a couple of different loads. It's a bit big for summer use right now, but I'm filling her up with an unstuffed Atom SV (synth puffy).

But then if you have extra gear suddenly you can throw it right on top and have that sexy top skirt blow up while still keeping the same compression going. Also with my other packs I always had water and or food in bottles hanging from my pack straps, cramped side pockets that I could never get anything in or out off, and other gear in the top lid. But now you can just throw a whole days worth of food in one hip belt pocket, your camera and little towel and compass and all your other gear you want access to in the other, and then just put two whole one litre bottles in the side pockets and still have room to spare.

Took it for a quick hike today and I chose well on the sizing, will take her out for a quick 24Km in the tropical rain tomorrow.
I don't really understand how this thing is so minimal and rides so well but thanks to all for the input.

Ito,
Let me know how the weight transfer works with 30 pounds in it. Then with 35 pounds. I know it's not really designed for loads that big, but I'm just curious how it does.

Glad you like your new pack.