I’m planning to take the last step in my lighten-up process and buy a new backpack. I’m currently using a Granite Gear Precipice (like a Vapor Trail, but beefier), and have narrowed the search down to the MLD Ark/Exodus and the ULA Circuit. I briefly considered the Vapor Trail, but its lack of any pockets and that silly extension collar just don’t work for me. The Mariposa Plus and SMD Comet are excellent designs too, but I use a water bottle and prefer access on the left side - so these packs as offered don’t make the cut.

Here’s some background that outlines my question...

1) Even after upgrading my other gear, I tend to fill up my 3200 cubic inch (3lb, 4oz) Precipice, and with a base weight of just under 15 pounds I’m quite happy and comfortable even though I’m not technically UL. Sure, I’ve got the Contrail tarptent, Western Mountaineering Caribou bag, Firefly stove and Titan kettle, O2 Rainshield raingear, and POE Max Thermo pad (the BA Clearview, even with a Gossamer Gear 1/8” pad, was too cold for this sleeper), but I also regularly carry a 1-pound folding chair, fishing gear, nice Thermarest pillow and some other luxuries, so I don’t see myself ever getting a base weight down below about 12 pounds. I marvel at how some of you guys can drive base weights down into the single digits, but that is not a place I see myself going.

2) It seems to me that the ULA Circuit is a well-regarded pack that bridges the gap between mainstream packs and ultralight packs (bu including stays, padding, etc), while the new MLD Ark/Exodus has some really great features but is more of a true ultralight design.

With that background information, I guess my question is - could the MLD Ark/Exodus be too UL for me? It’s a clean, appealing design (and 2+ pounds lighter than the pack I use now) but if I’m not a candidate for it I should know that before I step off the cliff and buy one. The ULA Circuit shaves 1+ pounds off my current pack weight, but it probably carries as comfortably as my Precipice does now and looks like it might win in the durability department too.

Such a dilemma. Do my BPL comrades have any input to provide?

Cannot comment on the MLD but I have the Circuit.
When I use this one my total weight is around 20-25 lbs, but I have carried just over 30 lbs in it and it was still OK with that. At the lower weight, up to 25lbs it is very comfortable. Keep in mind that a lot of the cubic volume is in the pockets. My Contrail and occasionally rain gear and aqua shoes end up in the front pocket, on the side pockets I have anything from 1/2 liter to 1.5L in each one. I would prefer the top closure of the Catalyst but overall I really like it.
Franco

I have never used an MLD pack and have carried the ULA Circuit loaded with about 30lbs. I also own a ULA Conduit and have used it for several years now.

If you've decided that the weight difference between the two packs doesn't mandate you buy MLD over ULA then I would base your decision on three factors- durability, availability, and comfort.

The Circuit is going to be more durable than the MLD, even if you get the Ark/Exodus in the heavier fabric option. The Dyneema fabric ULA uses is nails-tough (though MLD uses Dyneema on the back and bottom of the pack). In 99% of normal trail hiking, however, the MLD is probbly plenty tough. Ron Bell says he uses 75 bartacks on the Ark pack!

Getting a ULA pack might not happen until December as Brian Frankle is on his annual sabbatical. You might be able to track one down at one of the retailers posted on the ULA site.

The Circuit has a full frame suspension and might be more comfortable to you with your usual pack weight. With 15lbs base weight, you probably wont notice it too much on your average long weekend hike. But how often does your pack weight approach or exceed 30lbs? If that happens frequently (and you have no intention of dropping some weight from your base pack weight) then I'd start to think about waiting until December for the Circuit.

If you want to try both and plan or plan on pulling the trigger before December you can always buy the Ark or Exodus and use it for a few hikes. If it doesn't fit your needs you can post it for resale here. In good condition it will have an excellent resale value.