ULA Ohm 2.0 vs Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50

I have a Gorilla.  I dont use it much.  I have replaced it with a GG Mariposa.  The gorilla lacks load lifters and the side pockets are of an evil design that lets thing fall out all over the place.

I can’t comment specifically about either model but I do have a ULA Catalyst and can say that it’s very well built.  The mesh used is prone to snagging but otherwise, it can take an absolute beating.  It’s a tough pack.    If I’m not mistaken, the same materials (400 Robic) carry over to the Ohm 2.0.  I felt their size recommendations were a bit on the low size.  According to their chart I was at the top end of the Med.  I have it set at the max torso length and it works well…just.  Probably should have gone with a Large.

It appears that the Gorilla uses much lighter materials but depending on your use-case and how you treat your gear that may not matter.

If anyone has thoughts on the Six Moon Designs Swift V in comparison to GG Gorilla and ULA Ohm, I would also be interested in hearing those!

I love ULA packs. Excellent side pockets, great materials, nice to order from. Excellent people. I’ve owned most of their line at one point or another and I have come to the conclusion that I don’t find their shoulder straps or hipbelts particularly comfortable. I urge you to try the Ohm out and if it’s a good fit for you then you are golden. If not, you are out for return shipping. It’s worth trying, in my opinion.

My hiking partner finds the straps comfortable. I like softer/squishier without the edge binding. To each their own.

I have an earlier 40 liter version of the Gorilla with a slightly different hip-belt. I absolutely love it – although it is a bit tight for a 5 day solo hike. I also have a Mariposa when I need to carry a bit more volume. What I love about the Gorilla is that the relatively wide and shallow profile keeps the weight close to my back. Also – due to the lack of load lifters I sized it to make sure the shoulder straps are level with/slightly above the top of my shoulders.

Buy the pack that fits best.  A few additional ounces in the load-carrying system are nothing when balanced against comfort and stability.

What I love about the Gorilla is that the relatively wide and shallow profile keeps the weight close to my back.

I recently rediscovered my Kumo (my son had claimed it for a while) and it has the same advantage of being wide/shallow. I think this makes a huge difference and GG seems to get this.

If MLD ever gets less busy I might ask Mr. Bell to make a custom Burn/Prophet hybrid that is a wide like a Prophet but shallow (or shallower) than a Burn. I’m thinking it’s called a Brophet? Or maybe a wide/shallow Zimmerbuilt Quickstep/Bigstep (Widestep, anyone?).

Wide and shallow sure makes the water bottle pockets easy to access.

big time.

I think you’ve got to order both of them and keep the one you like better. I don’t think there is any other way with packs; you’ve got to try them on, loaded, and walk around a good bit to know.

In general, the Ohm has a flexible frame and hipbelt, such that there is quite a bit of wiggle in the system. This allows for some oppositional shoulder and pelvic movement when walking, increasing comfort. The Gorilla has hipbelt and shoulder straps with more padding. The give of the thicker, softer padding also allows for some shoulder and hip movement. Personally, I did not like the way the Ohm barelled, but that can be handled with more careful packing. Otherwise, it’s sweet and the hipbelt pockets are big enough for a broadsword. I’ve never owned the Gorilla, but have worn a friend’s just a little. Someday I’ll get a Gorilla and give it a good test; my friend’s felt that good.

Your back will be a perpetually soggy mess with both packs.

I’m on my second season with the Ohm 2. I’m very petite and ULA was pretty much the only option I could find that fit me. I’ve been very happy with it. I just got back from a week-long trip with a BV500 bear can in there and had no problems with comfort. It was a solo trip and I still fit all my gear inside the pack/pockets (I hate strapping/dangling things from my pack) along with the bear can. I have many complaints about how few companies are making straps designed for women’s bodies. ULA has a curved strap option that made a big difference for me. It also feels pretty sturdy. I do a decent bit of off-trail travel and bushwhacking and there’s very little sign of wear on the Ohm so far, even after sliding on my butt down crusty granite rocks and thrashing through shrubs.

Two good points lisa r. The Gorilla 40 does not do well with bear canisters – probably due to that wide and shallow form that I like for weight distribution. Also – the fabric does not like granite – a quick slide on granite will make a nice hole in the pack (fortunately tenacious tape seems to stick to the fabric well)

I don’t think GG’s materials are even in the same neighborhood as ULA’s materials. They are much thinner. The buckles and other pieces are all undersized and feel like they are made out of a softer plastic. That said, they seem to last for an adequate amount of time for many people who are not rough on their bags. For that reason alone, I’d recommend looking at the Ohm first – if it fits and is comfortable for you then don’t look back.

That said, what pack am I using now? A GG Kumo because of the fit and comfort.