Core Features & Their Use Cases

25.5L Main Compartment

• This volume is ideal for a laptop and daily gear (charger, lunch, notebook), or a shell, insulation layer, snacks, and water for a day hike. The Packrat doesn’t have bulky internal dividers or overbuilt padding, so you can adapt it to what you’re carrying that day. The main compartment features a laptop sleeve and zippered pocket along with a sil-nylon extension collar.

Padded Internal Laptop Sleeve

• Fits most 15” laptops, including MacBook Pros and similar-sized PCs. This sleeve sits against the back panel and adds some structure to the pack, making it comfortable to carry heavier items without sagging. This is a great place to store a 3L water reservoir if you like having a hydration straw while hiking.

UltraStretch™ Mesh Front and Side Pockets

• These are the quick-access zones—for a water bottle, sunglasses, gloves, a wind shell, or snacks. The stretch mesh is tough and low-profile, with solid retention. The front pocket works well for stashing something wet or muddy that you want to keep out of the main compartment. The entire mesh pocket panel features an elastic binding at the top to keep all of your things secure and in place.

S-Curve Shoulder Straps with Removable Sternum Strap

•  The straps are modeled after our larger packs—wide and lightly padded for comfort under load. They’re designed to contour to the body and distribute weight more evenly than narrow, straight-cut straps often found on commuter bags.

Flat-Packable Design

• The Packrat packs completely flat, which makes it a great travel companion. You can bring it in your luggage, use it as a secondary bag, or toss it in a vehicle without it taking up much room.

Modes of Use

Work Mode

The Packrat is great for those with an active commute to the office or coffee shop, or anyone that wants quick access to their gear. The internal storage compartments are large enough to fit things like keys, wallets, laptop chargers, or spare hard drives in a zippered pocket, while the laptop sleeve boasts enough room for a 16 inch Macbook Pro. The main compartment can easily fit an insulating layer as well as a shell inside with room for your lunch, a spare change of clothes for the gym, or that really big book you carry around so people know you’re smart. The full wrap around stretch mesh leaves plenty of space for your water bottle

If you’re on the move a lot—biking, working remotely, hopping between coffee shops—this is a lightweight solution that still feels durable.

Trail Mode

On the trail, the Packrat is ideal for day hikes, peak scrambles, or even as a summit pack on longer backpacking trips. It carries well, breathes well, and doesn’t get in the way. The mesh pockets let you separate wet gear or trash, and the internal volume is enough for layers, food, and any other gear you might need while out. It’s also a solid option for short overnight trips if you pack light. Those that are familiar with tarps and live in more mild climates will find that the Packrat can fit a 30 degree quilt, food, shelter, and sleeping system just fine. 

Urban / Commuting

The Packrat is low-profile and structured enough to fit into an urban commute. It fits under airplane seats, in crowded subway cars, and on bike rides without feeling sloppy. The top access is quick and simple, and the silhouette fits right in without looking tactical or overly techy.

Dayhiking / Overnighting

If you’re hiking for the day or doing an ultralight overnight, the Packrat holds its own. The wide shoulder straps handle heavier loads better than most packs in this size range, and the side mesh pockets are great for hydration. You can lash a pad or shelter to the front pocket or stash your tent poles on the side and employ the Packrat hip belt wings for extra support

Fabric Options

We offer the Packrat in a few different fabric configurations—each with distinct performance and aesthetic qualities. We offer Ultra, X-Pac, and Robic as the main body fabrics, UltraStretch mesh for the mesh pockets, a foam enforced haul loop, and a silnylon roll top closure.

X-Pac VX21 – 15.5 OZ

• What it is: A laminate fabric made from a 210D nylon face, a waterproof film, and a reinforcing X-grid.
• Why it matters: It’s abrasion-resistant, lightweight, and holds its shape. Great for urban or mixed-use where weather resistance and structure are key.
• Look and feel: Slightly glossy, structured, and available in standout colorways like Mulberry and Coral for more visibility and style.

420D Robic Ripstop Nylon – 16.4 OZ

• What it is: A rugged workhorse fabric with a polyurethane coating. It’s not technically waterproof, but it’s water-resistant and built to take a beating. This is the same material we use on our thru-hiking packs and it lasts plenty of hikers thousands of miles.
• Why it matters: This version of the Packrat is built to handle rough trail and travel abuse with a unique recognizable grid pattern that ads to its charm.
• Look and feel: More matte and textured. It has a classic pack feel, and it breaks in well over time.

Ultra 200X – 14 OZ

• What it is: An ultralight, ultra-tough composite fabric from Challenge Sailcloth, made with a UHMWPE (Dyneema-like) fiber grid and film laminate.
• Why it matters: This is the lightest and most weather-resistant version of the Packrat. For ounce-counters and those in wet environments, it’s the most technical option.
• Look and feel: Crinkly, very lightweight, with a high-performance look. This is for people who want the lightest and strongest available.

Read more about Robic vs. Ultra fabrics.

In Summary

The ULA Packrat is an intentionally simple and durable daypack. No gimmicks, just smart design backed by years of experience building gear for people who actually use it.

If you want one pack that can handle the commute, the trail, and everything in between—this is it. Tell us in the comments what colors and fabrics you’d like to see the packrat in!