The ULA Photon is a 35L pack. It is the little brother to the ULA CDT pack which is a 54L pack. Other than size the main difference is that the Photon is J straps and the CDT pack has S straps. It is frameless with roll-top closure. There is a Y-strap on top to carry large items such as bear canister. There are 2 hip belt pockets but they are a little smaller than we would like. It will not hold our cell phone. The large front pocket gives easy access to items such as a tarp or snacks that you may want to have access to prior to arriving at camp. The pack has ice axe retention loops that will hold trekking poles. The front and side has large mesh pockets that hold large water bottles. The side and top has compression straps.
The pack weights 1lb6oz. It has a base weight of 10-12lbs and max weight of 18lbs. Base weight includes everything you carry except for water and food. The back pad is removable and weighs 1.9oz.
The main body of our pack is made of xpac material. With this pack, you have the option of xpac material or ULA 400 robic. The base price is $160. You can customize the color and fabric for an additional $70 and add embroidery for $15. We chose x50 multicam alpine with lemon tart shock cord and buckles. There is no hydration sleeve but you can add that on later.
The pack is 100% made in the USA. The company is located in Logan, UT. The customer service is outstanding. I was looking at a few different packs and actually decided on this pack because of the customer service. The company never took more than 15 min to respond to questions I had. Others took weeks.
Smalls and Talls Outdoors 