Good deal. I found a contractor bag or similar works well as a pack liner. I use the Circuit quite a bit when Joan and I backpack together. Excellent pack!

Went to Feather Friends store in Seattle and tried out the CDT, Circuit and Hyperlite Mountain 3400 Northrim back to back with weights ranging from 17 lbs to 30 lbs. The CDT was comfortable up to 17 lbs (like you stated) and could do 20 lbs. In short, I came home with the Circuit. For just a bit more weight, it was so comfortable all the way to 30 lbs. The HMG stay needed adjustment was bent into my shoulder, noticeable from 20 to 30lbs. The Circuit distributed the load better just the right width. Gives me a greater flexibility in carrying extra load. The only concern I have is keeping content dry compared to the dyneema on the HMG. It has been really wet this Winter in PNW. I do have a poncho and the HMG pods and stuff sacks I can use. Thanks again for pointing me back to ULA. I had a Ohm 2.0 in 2017 that I used for couple of years then sold to try the HMG 2400.

I think you’ll like it. Definitely a work horse pack.

Thanks Paul. I’m going to try it out.

It holds up well. I used it o the New Mexico loop for over a month for example. And still using.
I don’t pack it any differently for 1 night or 6 nights other than the food. Here’s my solo pack list:
https://pmags.com/mags-gear-list

I have to make some slight updates, but the kit is overall the same.

Hey Paul, can you give an update on how well CDT is holding up? How do you pack for 5/6 day trip? I’m planning to do the Wonderland trail, 93 miles with lots of elevation gain, around Mt Rainier this Summer 2021. I have a McHale pack ready but I’m considering a lightweight pack for total weight under 15 pounds. I got to try the CDT at a local store and love how well it distributes the load evenly across the back and shoulder.

I’ve found that folding my Thermarest Z-Lite in half and using it as a back-pad inside the pack works phenomenally. Not only does it thoroughly seem to stiffen the pack, but it also add several inches of rigid padding directly between your back and the gear. So far, so good!

I’ve only used the ULA CDT as a day pack for ski touring. Depending on the gear you can take, the ULA should be OK as a serviceable (if larger) day pack.

Live in PNW. Been doing a lot of day hikes and planning to do more through hikes starting with the Wonderland trail and climbs.