ULA Dragonfly Review

More on the ULA Dragonfly

What I like

• Crazy light for how tough it is. The 30 L weighs 1.8 lb, the bigger one about 1.9 lb
• Ultra fabric that feels more rigid and durable than other Ultra bags I've seen. Matte, low-key, no branding
• Huge stretch mesh water bottle pockets and a big stretch mesh front pocket that holds its shape
• Top brain pocket is perfect: on top of everything, easy to reach, water-sealed zip
• Frameless and squishy, so it fits budget airline sizers if you don't overpack
• Surprising capacity. No filler padding, what you see is what you get inside
• Real laptop compartment, raised off the bottom with padding on both sides
• Made in the USA. Every time I pull it out I feel like I could get rid of everything and live out of it

Watch for

• Very contoured straps. Most bodies will like them, smaller frames might not
• No load lifters, and no pull tabs at the bottom of the main zips
• Laptop edges are a bit underprotected on the sides
• Stiff, austere look and feel isn't for everyone
• Sternum strap and top handle feel generic for a bag this special

Specs

• Two sizes: 30 L (pass-through version) and about 36 L
• 30 L about 1.8 lb, bigger size about 1.9 lb
• Ultra fabric with Ultra/Lycra stretch mesh, water-sealed zips
• Frameless, optional hip belt, made in USA

Where I've covered it

• 31 Travel Backpacks Compared! at 24:53
• Perfect Lightweight Travel Bag? ULA Dragonfly at 0:00 (full review)