ULA Ultra 30L Dragonfly Adventure Travel Backpack Review
Ultralight adventure travel pack and commuter pack for one-bag trips
July 1st, 2026
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Our verdict
The ULA Ultra 30L Dragonfly is hands-down our favorite ultralight travel pack. This is the sort of pack that you try and realize what was wrong with every other pack you've tested. The Dragonfly has got everything you need, nothing you don't. It's sleek, professional, waterproof, abrasion-resistant, lightweight, and simple.
This is the sort of pack that is your constant companion. Once you have a Dragonfly, it's hard to imagine life without it.
I first saw the ULA Ultra Dragonfly on an ultralight thru-hiker train commuting in Japan and immediately inquired what it was. It's a beautiful and stylish pack. I was expecting him to tell me it was made by a niche, Japanese brand. Instead, it's by ULA, a Made-in-the-USA brand popular among thru-hikers for making comfortable, ultralight backpacking backpacks. That brand history meant the Dragonfly is as durable and comfortable as a thru-hiker's pack, with a commuter and travel-friendly capacity and modern style.
The Dragonfly is made of cutting-edge Ultra fabric with welded seams and is waterproof and abrasion-resistant. But unlike backpacking packs, the Dragonfly has an easy-to-access clamshell design and an external zipped laptop pocket. We love that the pockets are tall enough to secure our vacuum-sealed water bottle. It has shock cord on the outside to attach a jacket or travel pillow. There are zippered pockets on the outside and mesh pockets on the inside to help you stay organized.
The ULA stands out among traditional hiking and travel packs due to its light weight, sleek and professional design, and rugged, outdoor-friendly Ultra material. If you're looking for one bag to take with you everywhere you go, the ULA Ultra Dragonfly is it.
ULA Ultra 30L Dragonfly Pack
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ULA Ultra 30L Dragonfly Pack Specifications
Capacity: 30 liters (1,857 cubic inches)
Weight: 27.4 oz (777 grams)
Dimensions: 18.5" x 11" x 7"
Max Load: 25 lbs (11 kg)
Laptop Compartment: Yes, fits 15-inch laptop or hydration bladder
Hip Belt: Sold separately
Carry-On: Yes, airline-compliant
Materials: Challenge Ultra fabric, UltraStretch mesh
External Pockets: Front mesh, two side mesh, quick-access top pocket
Made in: USA
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Price: $290 for 30L, $320 for 36L
Comparison table
| TRAVEL PACK | CARRY ON? | AVAILABLE VOLUMES | WEIGHT | WATER RESISTANT? | SHOULDER STRAPS STOWABLE? | HIPBELT STOWABLE? | EXTERIOR POCKETS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ULA Equipment Ultra Dragonfly | Yes | 30, 36 L | 1.7 lb | Yes | No | Yes | 4 |
| Cotopaxi Allpa 42 L Travel Pack | Yes* | 28, 35, 42 L | 3.13 lb | Yes + rain cover | Yes | Yes | 4 |
| Six Moon Designs All Day Carry Travel Backpack | Yes | 35, 45 L | 2.9 - 3.1 lb | Yes | Yes | Yes | 10 |
| Osprey Sojourn Porter 46 Travel Pack | Yes | 30, 46, 65 L | 3.4 lb | No | Yes | Yes | 3 |
| Peak Design Travel Pack 30 L | Yes | 30, 45 L | 3.17 lb | Yes | Yes | No hipbelt | 3 |
Who is the ULA Dragonfly for?
Ultralight enthusiasts seeking the best durability and abrasion-resistance without weight penalty
One-bag travelers wanting carry-on compliance with maximum organization
Adventure photographers needing gear protection with quick access pockets
Minimalist packers who value quality construction and lifetime warranty
Tech professionals requiring laptop protection with outdoor versatility
Weekend warriors transitioning between urban and outdoor environments
Users willing to pay premium for USA-made ultralight performance
How we tested
We spent the past eight months testing the ULA Dragonfly on everything from daily walking commutes to international travel, covering seven states and three countries. We've taken the ULA Dragonfly on adventure travel including planes, trains, buses, gondolas, and thousands of miles of road trips. We tested in peak summer and in the dead of winter through rain and snow as well as hot, humid East Coast summer days.
We've one-bag traveled with this bag on weekend trips and taken it on urban adventures covering a dozen miles at a time. We've hiked in Squamish, British Columbia with this pack. We've stuffed it under the airline seat countless times, and walked conference and trade-show floors with the ULA Dragonfly. Our testers have worn it on walking architecture tours, job interview site visits, and rock climbing trips. It was our primary backpack during six weeks of travel to Montreal, New York City via train, and several conferences on the Eastern Seaboard.
We also tested this pack alongside other travel packs in our Best Adventure Travel Backpacks guide.
What we liked
Options for top entry or front-loading clamshell entry mean you can choose how to access your items, whether you're crammed in an airplane seat or sitting at a table
Front-loading clamshell main pouch opens all the way to be more suitcase-like so you can see all your items
Excellent zip organizational pockets on the outside and inside of the pack
Zip organizational pockets on the inside are mesh so you can see what is where
Sleek and clean minimalist look is stylish, modern, and professional
Most of it is made of top of the line Ultra fabric
All the mesh is top of the line fabric made by the same brand. UltraStretch is super durable, water resistant, abrasion resistant, puncture resistant, and lightweight
UltraStretch mesh water bottle pockets are tall and can fit a 64-oz water bottle with ease
External laptop pocket can be accessed separately from other stuff, keeping your laptop safe from your other gear (and also doubles as a hydration reservoir holder)
Front bungee cord on the outside means you can strap on even more stuff and still call it a carry-on
The lightest weight travel pack and day pack we’ve tested
Made in the USA
White interior to easily see power cables and other items inside the pack
Excellent haul loop fits a hand and is quite sturdy
What could be better
Price
Not suited for heavy packers
Only available in black
Features
Revolutionary Ultra fabric construction
The ULA Ultra Dragonfly is made of Challenge Ultra fabric, which is tested to be 15x stronger than steel by weight. Challenge Ultra is the same fabric used on ULA’s Circuit Ultra backpack that we love for thru-hiking and the more minimalist travel and day pack, the ULA Ultra Node. This material can handle thousands of miles and daily use, with years of wear and throwing around for 8+ hours a day.
As with the ULA Node Travel Pack, the Challenge Ultra on the Dragonfly is twice as abrasion resistant as the same-weight nylons. It’s puncture resistant, too. Challenge Ultra is also waterproof to 200 PSI. This means for most conditions, you can get away without a rain cover (although ULA does not call this a waterproof pack).
The pack also has a UHMWPE (Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) core that provides exceptional strength. It’s held together with an eco-friendly adhesive lamination process.
UltraStretch mesh pocket system
The Dragonfly, like the Node, uses what is widely considered the best stretch mesh pocket material on the market right now, UltraStretch. It’s a four-way stretch mesh that can accommodate oversized items and irregular shapes, but has impressive durability. The mesh comes with a C0 DWR coating for added water repellency of your external mesh pockets (although there’s a big opening in the top of these pockets for putting your water bottle, so obviously water can come in through that entry).
In lab testing, UltraStretch has 20,000+ cycle abrasion resistance. I've bushwhacked and crawled under blowdown trees for hours over multiple days and haven't seen a snag on this material.
Ultralight design optimized for efficiency
The Ultra Dragonfly weighs 27.4 oz, the lightest of any true travel pack we’ve tested. The Ultra Node is lighter, but doesn't have a separate laptop sleeve or zippered water bottle sleeve and opens from the top instead of a clamshell opening.
One thing ULA does that I like is incorporating shaped and featured S-straps—shoulder straps that are designed to distribute loads more efficiently. Our main tester usually carries a laptop, a heavy 64-oz vacuum-sealed tumbler, books, and lunch while using this pack for daily commutes. It also fits a weekend's worth of clothes packed in packing cubes and even a week's worth if you are smart at packing.
ULA does have the option to add components (should you want more pockets or a hipbelt) or even remove items like the sternum strap for even more weight reduction. For example, the optional hip belt attachment points mean you can add a hipbelt for additional load support if you need it.
As with the ULA Node, the haul loop on the top of this pack is fantastic. Ultralight backpacking packs traditionally should always be carried by their haul loop to avoid ripping out delicate parts. While I have full faith on all the stitching on this pack, force of habit has me always handling packs by the haul loop. It's a minor thing, but wow, I love the actually-hand-sized, sturdy, haul loop on the Dragonfly. So many travel packs have barely functional handles. The one on the Dragonfly is among the best.
Versatile organization and access
While the Dragonfly looks almost as minimalist as the Node, it actually has a lot of pockets.
From the outside, it has a quick-access top pocket with built-in clip for keys. This is the main pocket for putting stuff you'll use a lot, like lip balm and sunglasses.
Once you open the front flap, it has split internal mesh organizer pockets that help you separate gear categories. Since they're mesh, you can see what is where. Since the whole pack is made of waterproof material, it's OK that they are mesh.
Our favorite feature is the 15-inch laptop sleeve that doubles as a hydration bladder compartment. It's accessible from both the inside and outside of the pack, so you don't have to fully open it and move your laundry out of the way to access your laptop while sitting in the middle seat on a plane. Instead, you can just slip it out its external zip pocket.
It comes with top-of-the-line YKK AquaGuard water-resistant zippers that, along with the Ultra material, help with weather protection.
For times when we need extra capacity, we'll strap a jacket and portable pillow on the front bungee system. For airlines that only allow one carry-on bag, this helps us stretch what we can carry more.
Despite being a black backpack, the inside is light colored so you can better see what you packed.
Sustainability and ethics
One truly unique thing about the ULA Dragonfly is it is the only travel pack we tested (other than the ULA Node) that is made in the USA. This helps support domestic production and reduces the environmental cost of shipping.
The Dragonfly also comes with a lifetime warranty that covers material and workmanship defects.
Comfort features
The Dragonfly comes with a lightly padded back panel. It's not as bulky or heavy as other travel packs we tested, but still seems comfortable.
You can pay extra for the optional hip belt if you expect a heavier load.
Unlike other travel packs, the Dragonfly has a maximum 25 lb load capacity, which is on the low end. This is enough to carry most items for weekend trips and for ultralight adventure travelers.
Travel-specific features
One of the things we love about the ULA Dragonfly is its airline carry-on compliant dimensions. Fully loaded, it still fit under a seat while flying Frontier Airlines.
The clamshell opening means that although it is a backpack, it has suitcase-like access for packing. This is a feature that our testers loved. Though the clamshell openings are common in travel packs, it is very rare in packs this light.
Though we never felt a need to do it, the zippers on the ULA Dragonfly are lockable (though you'll have to buy your own TSA-compatible locks).
Another feature we really liked is that some of the models come with removable and replaceable logo patches. Sometimes, especially while traveling internationally, it’s better to travel more stealthily without having logos that may identify where you are from. Other times, you want to show off how cool it is that ULA makes a travel pack.
The ULA Dragonfly has compression straps that help maintain pack stability when partially loaded. These make it different from the smaller ULA Node, which doesn't have compression straps.
Performance in the field
Durability
We've used the ULA Dragonfly every day as part of our walking and train commute for almost a year. In addition, we've put in a dozen flights, including four international flights, with the Dragonfly. We've stuffed it under airplane seats, restaurant booths, and office desks. We've taken it to probably 30 different coffee shops across North America.
We've also hiked peaks in travel destinations including the Squamish in British Columbia and more casual mountains like Mont Royal in Montreal in this pack. The Ultra fabric withstands extreme use and hasn't lost its waterproofing ability.
Weight-to-capacity ratio
The ULA Dragonfly is only 27.4 oz for 30L capacity, rivaling the best ultralight options available.
Organization
Despite a minimalist and lightweight design, the organization on this pack is primo. It has a surprisingly good pocket layout. There are just enough pockets, they are in the right place, and they have excellent accessibility for getting the items you need even when your pack is stuffed.
Comfort
The ULA Dragonfly has a lightweight backpacking-inspired shoulder strap and back panel design that can handle loads up to 25 lbs. ULA is a backpacking backpack brand known for designing packs that thru-hikers can carry thousands of miles. They use the same design and technology to create lightweight straps that fit well and are comfortable with a fully-loaded travel bag. You have the option of choosing which shape of straps you'd like (S or J) to even more fine tune how they will fit. The laptop pocket is towards the back and that helps with weight distribution and not feeling like the weight of the pack is pulling you backwards.
As far as comfort goes, our main tester says he has had no issues with comfort on this pack (for context, he has tested nearly a dozen packs during the same testing period and complained about every single one so the fact he hasn't had issues is a miracle). He does say his back gets sweaty with this pack but that is (in his words) "nothing new."
Travel convenience
The ULA Dragonfly is among the most lightweight travel packs available that has a clamshell zipper design. This means you can pack and get to your stuff more easily than a top-loading backpack. The dimensions are also airline compliant to count for under-the-seat personal items.
Value
While the ULA Dragonfly is not the least expensive travel pack, it has fair premium pricing for the top-of-the-line ultralight materials, made-in-the-USA construction quality, and lifetime warranty. It's an investment, but one that looks and operates like a luxury product.
ULA Ultra Dragonfly 30L vs. similar packs
The ULA Dragonfly is the lightest travel pack we tested that still has all the features we want of a travel pack. It is much lighter weight than the REI Ruckpack 30 or Patagonia Black Hole and has a clamshell zipper design that is much more usable. It has a similar sleek look to the Peak Design Travel Backpack or Matador Travel Packs, but with a much lighter-weight fabric and more minimalist design.
Should I buy the ULA Ultra Dragonfly 30L?
Buy if: You want ultralight weight with top-of-the-line durability, want USA-made quality with a lifetime warranty, and need a versatile travel/adventure pack. Also, buy if you want a stylish and sleek commuter pack.
Skip if: You're budget conscious, prefer maximum organization over simplicity, or need larger capacity for extended trips
Where to buy the ULA Ultra Dragonfly 30L?
The ULA Ultra Dragonfly 30L is only available at ULA.
Similar products
Other ultralight travel packs and adventure-focused 30L backpacks for comparison.
ULA Ultra Node
Capacity: 20 L
Carry-on compliant: Yes
Other volumes available: 20 L
Water-resistant? Yes
Shoulder straps stow? No
Hipbelt stows? No hipbelt (sold separately)
Exterior pockets: 3
Weight: 1.2 lb
The ULA Ultra Node Travel pack is like a smaller cousin to the Dragonfly. Both are made in the USA of Ultra materials and waterproof YKK zippers and have UltraStretch mesh. However, the ULA Node straddles the line between day-hiking pack and travel pack. It is only a 20L pack, so you have to be a very minimalist packer to make this work for travel. Both packs are made of the same material and make excellent commuter packs. The Dragonfly is better suited for travel. The ULA Node is arguably better for hiking.
ULA Ultra Node
Capacity: 30 L
Carry-on compliant: Yes
Other volumes available: 30, 45 L
Water-resistant? Yes
Shoulder straps stow? Yes
Hipbelt stows? No hipbelt
Exterior pockets: 3
Weight: 3.17 lb
The Peak Design Travel pack is a sleek and modern stylish travel pack that can be used for commuting or minimalist travel. Its airline-compliant dimensions make it well suited for one-bag travelers with capsule wardrobes and who know how to use packing cubes well. It has a water-resistant material that is thicker and burlier looking than the Ultra on the Dragonfly, though we know from experience that Ultra is extremely abrasion resistant (though it is a more expensive fabric). Choose the Peak Design especially if you have camera equipment (it is designed for that use originally) or if you travel or commute somewhere wet.
This won best carry-on travel pack in our Best Adventure Travel Backpacks guide. Learn more in our in-depth review of the Peak Design Travel Backpack.
Peak Design Travel Pack
Capacity: 42 L
Carry-on compliant: Yes
Other volumes available: 28, 35, 42 L
Water-resistant? Yes + rain cover
Shoulder straps stow? Yes
Hipbelt stows? Yes
Exterior pockets: 4
Weight: 3.13 lb
The Cotopaxi Allpa Travel pack is our overall winner in our Best Adventure Travel Backpacks guide. This people-pleasing pack is neither the lightest nor the least expensive, but has great organization that works well for many travelers. It has a full clamshell opening that almost makes it like a soft suitcase. The water bottle pocket on the Allpa isn't quite as good as on the Dragonfly. The Allpa comes in many fun colors, whereas the Dragonfly only comes in black.
Learn more in our in-depth review of the Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack.
Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack
Why you should trust us / About the author
Liz Thomas is an award-winning Los Angeles-based writer and Editor-in-Chief of Treeline Review. A former Fastest Known Time (FKT) record holder on the Appalachian Trail, Liz came to Treeline Review from the New York Times/Wirecutter, the New York Times’ product review site, where she was a staff writer on the outdoor team.
She was a guest editor at Backpacker Magazine, where she is the columnist of “Ask a Thru-hiker” and instructor of their online class, Thru-hiking 101.
Liz has thru-hiked 20,000+ miles and has traveled around the world.
Our main tester used the ULA Dragonfly daily for nearly a year from walking commutes, urban hikes and city adventures, and cross country travel. He took it on a six-week car-free trip to Montreal and New York City, and two conferences including two 12+ hour train rides. He also used it on a two-week car camping road trip along California's coast that included everything from going to the theater and museums to sweaty hikes up to vistas overlooking the ocean in Big Sur.
Liz also tested the Dragonfly on everything from all-day, walking around conferences and festivals like Outdoor Market Alliance to extreme day hikes and peak bagging. She's tested it on countless flights domestically and internationally and proudly carried it to the top of the Squamish Chief in Squamish, British Columbia (and just as proudly, was able to close the zipper on this pack at the Vancouver airport with the help of a friendly Texan).
Her first book is Long Trails: Mastering the Art of the Thru-hike. The book was the recipient of the National Outdoor Book Award for Best Instructional Book, and was deemed by judges as destined to become the “Bible of the Sport.”
Liz has talked gear on Good Morning America (TV), in The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, Men’s Journal, Women’s Health, Gizmodo, and Outside Magazine.
She represented the sport of hiking at President Obama’s Great American Outdoors Initiative.
Liz’s keynote speaking engagements have included colleges and universities including Yale and MIT and on Capitol Hill, the Trust for Public Land, American Hiking Society, and BikeTexas.
You can read more about Liz at her Wikipedia page and her Treeline author page!
