ULA Equipment CDT vs Granite Gear Virga3 55
Quick take: The Granite Gear Virga3 55 carries more (55 vs 50 liters); the Granite Gear Virga3 55 is lighter (1.68 vs 1.69 lbs).
| Spec | ULA Equipment CDT | Granite Gear Virga3 55 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200 | $200 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Frameless |
| Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
| Weight | 1.69 lbs | 1.68 lbs |
| Max Load | 25 lbs | 25 lbs |
| Torso Fit | S 15-18 in, M 18-21 in, L 21-24 in, XL 24+ in | Unisex 18-21 in and 21-24 in; hipbelt 24-52 in |
| Material | UltraGrid reinforced double 200D recycled grid with UltraStretch mesh | Robic high-tenacity 100D and 210D nylon with Barrier DWR |
| Back Panel | Frameless with removable pad | Frameless |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
ULA Equipment CDT
- ✓ULA publishes a specific 25 lb maximum load, which most cottage brands leave unstated.
- ✓Four torso sizes from 15 to 24+ inches is far more sizing granularity than most frameless packs offer.
- ✓UltraGrid is a doubled 200D recycled grid, notably tougher than single-layer gridstop.
- ✓$200 is the cheapest ULA pack and undercuts most cottage frameless packs.
- ✓50 L is generous for a frameless pack, handling a bear canister at a push.
- ✓27.1 oz is competitive with framed packs 10 L smaller.
- ✓UltraStretch front pocket holds shape better than plain mesh.
- ✓ULA's sizing guidance explicitly covers what to do when between sizes, which is unusually careful.
- ✗25 lb is a hard ceiling and easy to exceed with water and several days of food.
- ✗Frameless construction puts the whole load on the shoulders once the pad is compressed.
- ✗No adjustable torso; the size must be right at purchase.
- ✗ULA lead times fluctuate significantly with seasonal demand.
- ✗No hydration sleeve as standard.
- ✗50 L invites overpacking past what a frameless pack can carry.
- ✗Warranty terms are not published in the way major brands publish them.
- ✗Limited retail presence, so trying one on before buying is unlikely.
Granite Gear Virga3 55
- ✓A stated 25 lb maximum load, which most frameless packs leave to inference.
- ✓1.18 lb stripped is genuinely ultralight, and the hipbelt comes off without tools.
- ✓Two torso sizes covering 18-24 in unisex, plus women's sizes from 15 in.
- ✓Hipbelt options span 24 to 52 inches, unusually wide for a frameless pack.
- ✓Robic 100D and 210D is a woven fabric that repairs easily in the field.
- ✓$200 undercuts almost every cottage frameless pack of this volume.
- ✓Granite Gear is a mainstream brand, so returns and support are straightforward.
- ✓55 L is generous for a frameless pack.
- ✗Frameless at 55 L invites loads well past the stated 25 lb ceiling.
- ✗Not waterproof, unlike the laminate packs at similar prices.
- ✗No adjustable torso within each size.
- ✗Granite Gear's site shows only sale pricing, so MSRP came from the strikethrough figure.
- ✗The stripped weight requires giving up the hipbelt entirely.
- ✗100D fabric on parts of the body abrades on rock.
- ✗Less refined than the framed Blaze 60 from the same brand.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is not stated.