ULA Equipment ULTRA Photon is the perfect backpacking pack-style daypack
The ULA Equipment Ultra Photon is an exceptional, full-size ultralight daypack and/or fastpack, effectively a miniaturized version of their frameless CDT backpacking pack. It has all of the right features, including the full suite of external storage as well as the waterproof durability and weight savings of Challenge ULTRA Fabric. What a pack! Shop now.
- Weight: 18.9 oz
- Price: $280
- Materials: Challenge ULTRA 200/400
- Back Panel: Foam back panel
- Main Compartment Volume: 20L
- External Volume: 15L
- Pros: Ultralight. Waterproof fabric. Extra durable. Best-in-class materials. Full external pockets suite. Backpacking pack style. Full size removable hip belt. Great user experience.
- Cons: Expensive. Difficult to access bottom of main compartment when full.
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Compare to more great options in our guide to ultralight daypacks.
Construction & Features
The ULTRA Photon is a 35L roll top pack constructed with Challenge ULTRA woven composite waterproof fabric; stronger, lighter and more durable than Dyneema (DCF). High exposure zones like the bottom and side pockets are reinforced with ULTRA 400, while the side walls and top of the chassis get ULTRA 200 for weight savings. ULTRA is the current best-in-class material, and the perfect textile for this pack.
Photon’s roll-top chassis main compartment holds 20L, while the full suite of exterior storage offers an additional 15L. We love daypacks that are sized-down versions of backpacking packs, including all the pockets – and that’s exactly what you get with the Photon. However, we note that it’s larger than your average daypack, sized both for fastpacking and day hiking. This is a particularly great pack when you need extra gear. The front Ultra Stretch Mesh pocket is massive and expands to hold even more gear. The side pockets are sized for two 1L bottles each. You also get the top Y-strap, and bottom straps for a sit pad, as well two 1L hip belt pockets if you so choose.
The ULA Equipment ULTRA Photon is a frameless backpack with a foam insert to add structure and block lumps. It features an aerated spacer mesh panel on the lower half of the back, and ULTRA fabric on the top half. Despite the minimalism, it’s comfier than it sounds and will conform nicely to your back.
Last, you get all of the normal ULA trimmings, including exceptionally well-made, comfy, and durable s-curve shoulder straps and the full on backpacking pack hip belt – optional and not counted in the total 18.9 oz weight. All of the buckles, cords, clasps, cinches, and webbing is top notch; everything about this packs looks and performs high quality – highly recommended!
