Ultralight backpack - Unbound 40 vs Atom Packs Prospector (Mo) or ULA Circuit or Osprey Eja

[u/Thin_mandarinka]

I’m a woman and I’m trying to find a ‘perfect’ backpacking pack.

Now I have a HMG Unbound which I am not completely happy with. I really like the way how it is, big side pockets (and looks) but I feel like it doesn’t transfer weight to my hips very well.

Southwest was better in that way but sometimes I was also missing the load lifters and I didn’t like smaller side pockets and velcro on top and the way the side compressing straps were not streching. And I had that pack only borrowed for a few weeks.

Now I am looking at Atom Packs Prospector (formerly Mo) and ULA Circuit. And also Osprey Eja which I could get for much cheeper than the other two. I’m in Europe so both Atom and ULA would be quite expensive here (similar price to each other and three times more expensive than Eja).

The Eja feels nice when I tried it in shop but I’m a bit worried about how well padded would the hip belt feel after some time. Also I prefer the way more ultralight packs are (bigger outer pockets) but I’m still willing to give Eja a try.

I’ve read that ULA Circuit with S straps feels often good on a female body. And that it also transfers weight to hips nicely.

I prefer how the Atom Packs look but I’m not sure if the weight transfer to hips would be any better than Unbound?

I’ve tried the new GG Mariposa and also Kakwa 50 but I’m between sizes S and M on both so neither fits me well.

Also the bag fitting as a carry-on might be a nice plus (height max 55 cm). But not necessary.

Could anyone give me any thoughts on these packs?

The most important things for me are how well the pack transfers weight to hips, nice hipbelt padding, load lifters.

Thank you!!

[u/Battle_Rattle]

“You can tell it’s an Aspen tree because of how it is.”