ULA Equipment UltraGrid Nexus vs ULA Equipment UltraGrid Ohm
Quick take: The ULA Equipment UltraGrid Nexus costs $30 less; the ULA Equipment UltraGrid Ohm carries more (55 vs 40 liters); the ULA Equipment UltraGrid Nexus is lighter (1.3 vs 1.9 lbs).
Which one to buy
The Ohm's extra $30 buys a frame and 15 L. Both ULA packs are built in UltraGrid, come in the same four torso sizes from 15 in to 24+ in, and have hipbelt pockets. The UltraGrid Nexus is frameless, 40 L and 1.3 lbs complete, rated to 25 lb with comfort fading quickly above that. The UltraGrid Ohm adds an internal frame, 55 L and a 30 lb rating at 1.9 lbs, with a 3/4 roll-top, a sewn-in Y-strap for lashing gear on top and bellowed UltraGrid side pockets.
If your total load, food and water included, stays under 25 lb, the Nexus is the lighter, simpler pack, and it strips to 18 oz. Its Venom Mesh pockets and phone-sized hipbelt pockets are nice touches. Once longer food carries push you toward 30 lb, the Ohm's frame earns its 0.6 lbs. Neither is meant for heavy loads, and neither is built around a bear canister.
ULA Equipment UltraGrid Nexus
For low-base-weight hikers whose loads stay under 25 lb and who want the lightest option at 1.3 lbs.
ULA Equipment UltraGrid Ohm
A good match for lightweight backpackers carrying 20-30 lb who want a framed 55 L pack under 2 lbs.
| Spec | ULA Equipment UltraGrid Nexus | ULA Equipment UltraGrid Ohm |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $219.99 | $249.99 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs | 1.9 lbs |
| Max Load | 25 lbs | 30 lbs |
| Torso Fit | Sized S/M/L/XL (S 15-18, M 18-21, L 21-24, XL 24+ in) | Sized S/M/L/XL (S 15-18, M 18-21, L 21-24, XL 24+ in) |
| Material | Challenge UltraGrid with Venom Mesh | UltraGrid |
| Back Panel | Frameless | Internal frame suspension; panel construction not specified |
| 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 | ULA lifetime warranty | ULA lifetime warranty |
Pros & cons
ULA Equipment UltraGrid Nexus
- ✓18 oz stripped is light for a 40 L pack with a hipbelt.
- ✓Large hipbelt pockets sized for current phones.
- ✓Challenge UltraGrid is a reinforced fabric that holds up to brush.
- ✓$219.99 is modest for a cottage frameless pack.
- ✓Venom Mesh pockets are stretchier and tougher than standard mesh.
- ✗Frameless, so comfort fades quickly above 25 lb.
- ✗Only one colour offered.
- ✗Weight varies by 3.5 oz with configuration, so listed weights need reading carefully.
- ✗No adjustable torso or ventilated back.
ULA Equipment UltraGrid Ohm
- ✓$249.99 for a framed 55 L pack under 2 lb is low for the cottage market.
- ✓UltraGrid's grid reinforcement resists tears better than plain ripstop.
- ✓Dual Robic hipbelt pockets.
- ✓A sewn-in Y-strap over the 3/4 roll-top gives a place to lash gear on top.
- ✓Four torso sizes.
- ✗30 lb ceiling is 5 lb under the Circuit, so the Ohm suits trimmed kits.
- ✗The frame description on the maker page is brief.
- ✗No adjustable torso within a size.
ULA Equipment UltraGrid Nexus vs ULA Equipment UltraGrid Ohm: common questions
Is the Ohm's frame worth $30 and 0.6 lbs over the Nexus?▾
If your loads reach toward 30 lb, yes. The frameless Nexus is rated to 25 lb and comfort fades quickly above that, while the Ohm's frame carries up to 30 lb and adds 15 L of room.
Do the Nexus and Ohm fit the same torso sizes?▾
Yes. Both come in S, M, L and XL covering torsos from 15 in to 24+ in, with no adjustment within a size, so measure before ordering either one.