Katabatic Onni review

Thanks for the review.

“…and stay that goes to the bottom of the pack unlike the HMG packs which stop right above the hip belt…”

I owned a HMG Porter 3400 back in ’15 and the metal stays went from the very bottom, hip belt included, to the top where the shoulder straps are sewn. Are they different now?

Maybe I wrote it up wrong – all I know is that the two gag stays dug into my lower back and they could not have if they went down to the bottom.   I hear others say the same

Just checked my HMG 3400.  The stays go all the way to the bottom of the hip belt.

ok – thanks

I still like the Katabatic better than the HMG.  Will probably take a lot of flack for this point!

I have the Katabatic Onni v40 so same basic design as yours but different material.  On this point

“Also the shock cord that tightens the side pockets lives inside the pocket and is hard to access when hiking; Id move it so is more easily accessed from the outside of the side pocket.”

Are you sure there isn’t a loop of material the shock cord can go through that is outside the pocket as well?  From the website the picture #3 of 5 (https://katabaticgear.com/shop/onni-liteskin-50l-backpack/) seems to show a loop right on the seam between the side pocket and front pocket that is for the shock cord?

I actually called Katabatic and they said they designed the side pocket closure this way and no alternate.  It’s not a huge deal but I’m coming off a ULA ohm with infinitely better side and hip belt pockets.  Also with regard to hip belt pockets I now realize the problem- the material is very stretchy but the zippers are too tight (ie.  don’t stretch) to allow larger items to fit in easily.

Still a great pack and plan on bring it on my 500 mile at section hike later this yr.

I will add that I love my Onni v40.  I went with it after having and selling my zPacks Arc Blast.  The combination of durable material and quality design and workmanship are all major factors for me.  It fits with my general trend of stepping away from Ultralight products that are not durable and don’t perform well under stress (ie  Shelters that don’t perform well in storms and backpacks that don’t hold up)

Paul, the ULA Circuit is on my list of possible packs as well as the Onni. What makes you say the pockets are infinitely better on the Ohm? Given the pockets, is everything else that much better on the Onni?

Also, anyone: what are the main differences between the V40 and the LiteSkin other than weight?

I can’t comment on the V40 but love the Liteskin.  it is tough enough, lightweight and has a nice supple feel to the touch.  As far as the pockets go, when the Onni’s hip belt is attached and under tension, the zippers do not have enough space when unzipped to take full advantage of the large amount of size they can actually hold.  If you loosen the hip belt, then you can fit things in the pocket.  The Ula pockets are best in class (IMHO) but I like the Onni better than the Ohm mostly due to the metal stay and support.  The Ohm has a lightweight hoop for support and no metal stay to transfer weight to hip belt.  I used the Ohm for a lot of years its also a great pack though

I also don’t like the side pockets as such as the ULA packs. the water bottles flop around; you can see this in other you tube reviews for the Knik are pockets

I hope to do a you tube review in a couple of weeks. I still like the pack

Thanks for the info, Paul. Look forward to seeing the YouTube review.

“What makes you say the pockets are infinitely better on the Ohm?”

ULA has the magic combo when it comes to wide pockets IMO. They are large, accessible and cinch down easily. I’ve owned their Catalyst, Circuit, CDT and Ohm. The Ohm’s pockets are the best of them, at least for me. They are placed low on the pack and huge yet not floppy.

I did not care for the pockets on my Knik, particularly when loaded with one 1 liter Smartwater bottle. I found them to be far too floppy. They’d probably work much better with two bottles or a short, squat bottle. In fairness, I don’t know if the pockets on the Onni have the same design as the Knik.

I don’t understand your question.  I am agreeing with you the ULA side and hip belt pockets are the best I have seen and way better than the Katabatic

I liked the Omni 65 so much I also bought the Omni 50.  Great packs.