Ultra Ohm

A: UltraStretch™ Mesh is built for maximum abrasion and cut resistance. A technical fabric, UltraStretch™ Mesh is a 4-way stretch mesh woven with the highest quality fibers for performance and longevity.

A: The suspension hoop used in the Ohm is a minimal solution in helping you transfer load between shoulder and hip. If you imagine an upside ‘U’ you get a sense of how the hoop is positioned and how it functions. The upper arch of the ‘U’ ties into the shoulder straps, while each leg of the ‘U’ ties into the hipbelt. These points of contact allow for a range of suspension flexibility while being rigid enough to support loads up to 30 lbs. In addition, because the suspension is located to the periphery of the pack body, the backpanel is ‘soft.’ This results in a pack that can handle a load and does not dictate your body’s movements — but rather responds to how you move.

A: The bane of many ultralight packs is the lack of adequate compression. They work great when they are fully loaded (and therefore relatively stable in terms of load control), but suffer when the total volume is not packed. The Variable Compression System on the Ohm allows the entire pack body to be compressed no matter the overall volume of gear you have. We use non-stretch cordage as it maximizes compression and is lighter, and our 2mm nickel grommets act as cordage guides to ensure a smooth pull and stability.

A: Just about any lightweight pad (foam or inflatable) can be used for additional support and padding inside the Ohm. Three quarters and full length pads that can be folded (as opposed to rolled) work the best. If you are using an inflatable mattress, deflate, then fold it into 1/3’s or 1/5’s before inserting. We also supply a ¼ inch piece of open cell foam with the pack that works very well for those of you not carrying a sleeping pad.

Alternately, you can add a Bottom Strap Kit, a Top Y-strap Kit, or Both to carry your pad externally.

A: Yes. Smaller bear cans can fit in the pack vertically, while larger cans can be strapped to the top of the pack (externally.)

To see a chart showing what bear cans fit in what ULA packs (and how),  visit our blog post “Bears! Everything You Need to Know About Backpacking in Bear Country.“

A: Personally, we prefer to carry a smaller 20 oz bottle in the Ohm. The shorter height is more secure in the ~6″ tall pocket, and is easier to reach than a taller 32 oz bottle. In general most people can reach back and retrieve a bottle, drink, and return the bottle to the pocket without removing the pack. The top of the side pockets are angled for easier access, and are keep under tension with non-adjustable 1/2″ elastic.

A: The top of the pack closes like a dry bag (also known as a rolltop) very similar to what river runners use to create a water resistant seal for their gear bags. The back of the collar is slightly taller than the front. Once you are packed, the collar can be rolled down upon itself to effectively create a barrier to water penetration. Once rolled, each side of the collar can be buckled to the sides of the pack or the two yellow buckles on the top can also be fastened to each other.

As for access, once the collar is rolled and fastened shut, you would need to unbuckle the compression straps and unroll the collar to access the inside of the pack. However, the roll-top only needs to be rolled shut when the weather dictates. If the sky is dry, the collar can simply be folded forward. Vertical compression can still be achieved by buckling the collar to the sides of the pack.