UL 45
| Page Type | Gear Review |
|---|---|
| Object Title | UL 45 |
| Manufacturer | REI |
| Page By | Stehekin Country |
| Page Type | Feb 7, 2005 / Feb 7, 2005 |
| Object ID | 1252 |
| Hits | 3979 |
| Vote |
ActivMotion™ suspension keeps load balanced as you move; adjustable yoke, linked shoulder straps and hipbelt improves stability and comfort
Shoulder straps link behind the hipbelt, so load stays balanced even when you extend your arm overhead
Ultralight backpanel frame system is designed to carry the load with a minimum of parts and very little weight
Backpanel slides easily on pack's single center frame aluminum stay to fit torsos of varying lengths; mesh-covered to allow ventilation
Hipbelt angle can be adjusted on both sides to deliver the best fit; hipbelt sports two mesh pockets (one zippered) for easy access
Internal compression system pulls the load in with one tug, eliminating external straps and buckles; collar cinch-cord further stabilizes contents
Fully cinched internal compression cord and collar cinch cord turns front pocket into a daypack-size compartment for day trips and peak bagging
Inner sleeve holds your hydration reservoir (sold separately); dual ports allow tube to route over either shoulder
Zippered top pocket and large mesh side pockets let you stash items for quick access
Comes with simple, lightweight tool attachments and water-resistant external zippers
Revolutionary lightweight nylon is infused with silicone for strength and water-resistance; tough double-ripstop nylon is used in high-wear areas
Recommended load weight is a maximum of 36 to 40 lbs.
Reviews
Viewing: 1-3 of 3 |
The Defiant One - Mar 24, 2007 10:00 pm - Voted 4/5
UL 45
I got the UL 45 on sale for something like $15. It's the only 'ultralight' pack i've owned or used, so this review is not comparative, merely objective. I've used it on 5-6 trips ranging from overnight to 4 days and it has been more durable than i'd expected. we did some bushwhacking through manzanita and it came out without being torn. Once I was rained on with it and it wasn't all that water-proof, more water-resistant. It beaded up for 20 minutes or so, then started to soak through.
It works great with my other gear for light and fast trips. I use a bivy sac and 1lb sleeping bag mostly so my "house" only weighs 2 lbs when i'm out. I've carried it comfortably with 23-25 lbs for 20+mile days without a problem. I'd guess this was approaching the limit of what you can carry comfortably, however, as i packed it heavy once and it didn't carry well.
Great for what it's designed for. Look for it on sale.
I wouldn't use it for mountaineering, just 2.5 season ultralight fast-packing.
It works great with my other gear for light and fast trips. I use a bivy sac and 1lb sleeping bag mostly so my "house" only weighs 2 lbs when i'm out. I've carried it comfortably with 23-25 lbs for 20+mile days without a problem. I'd guess this was approaching the limit of what you can carry comfortably, however, as i packed it heavy once and it didn't carry well.
Great for what it's designed for. Look for it on sale.
I wouldn't use it for mountaineering, just 2.5 season ultralight fast-packing.
Krishna Dole - May 9, 2007 6:41 pm - Voted 5/5
Love it
I have the '06 model of this pack, and have used it for backpacking and mountaineering. The most I have carried with it was gear for 4 days plus a full compliment of rock and ice climbing paraphernalia.
Pros:
* Light! Yet it really keeps the load off your shoulders (unlike other ultralight packs).
* Reasonably comfortable. I was surprised to discover I could carry over 40 lbs. with it.
* Cheap, and you can always return/exchange it.
Cons:
* Not durable. However, the new model looks better.
* You will probably need to bend the stay to get it to fit, and most people do not know how to do this. The new model uses a different frame system, so I can't comment on that.
* If you have a particularly long torso the large may not be tall enough for you.
Pros:
* Light! Yet it really keeps the load off your shoulders (unlike other ultralight packs).
* Reasonably comfortable. I was surprised to discover I could carry over 40 lbs. with it.
* Cheap, and you can always return/exchange it.
Cons:
* Not durable. However, the new model looks better.
* You will probably need to bend the stay to get it to fit, and most people do not know how to do this. The new model uses a different frame system, so I can't comment on that.
* If you have a particularly long torso the large may not be tall enough for you.
Viewing: 1-3 of 3 |
Bignick - Feb 12, 2007 6:24 am - Hasn't voted
UL 30