ULA Equipment Circuit Review
Brand: ULA Equipment · Category: pack · Price: $255 - $300
Buy the ULA Circuit if you're a long-distance hiker or weekender carrying 25-35 lbs and want a pack that truly carries weight comfortably without being a traditional monster. Skip it if you're a minimalist weekend warrior or an ultralight enthusiast chasing the absolute lightest weight, as its 68 L volume and 38.5 oz weight might feel like overkill.
Specs
| Volume | 68 L |
|---|---|
| Weight | 38.5 oz |
| Pockets | Front mesh pocket, two side water bottle pockets, two hipbelt pockets, main body pocket, extension collar |
| Rain Cover | No |
| Fabric Denier | 400D Robic bottom and side pockets; Ultra version uses 200D/400D Ultra fabrics |
| Hipbelt Range | 26 in - 47+ in |
| Load Capacity | 35 lbs |
| Frame Material | Carbon fiber/Delrin suspension hoop, dense internal foam frame, single aluminum stay |
| Torso Fit Range | 15 in - 24 in |
Strengths
- Carries loads up to about 35 lbs very comfortably
- Large 68 L capacity suits long trips and bulky gear
- Strong suspension with hoop, foam frame, and aluminum stay
- Highly regarded for thru-hiking and long-distance backpacking
- Good pocket layout and accessible side/hipbelt storage
- Made in the USA and sold direct by ULA
- Available in multiple torso and hipbelt sizes for fit tuning
- Durable construction with water-resistant Ultra fabric option
Complaints
- Can feel oversized for minimalist or short-trail users
- Heavier than many ultralight packs in its class
- No integrated rain cover
- Internal organization is minimal compared with panel-loader packs
- Some users find the listed volume generous for smaller trips
- Price rises notably in Ultra fabric versions
- Best performance is under about 35 lbs, so it is not a true heavy-haul pack
Weight Vs Features
At 38.5 oz (that's just over 2.4 lbs), the Circuit is lighter than traditional internal-frame packs but heavier than many stripped-down ultralight options in its class like the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60. This weight is a direct tradeoff for its robust suspension and comfort under load. You're sacrificing a few ounces compared to the absolute lightest packs, but what you gain is superior weight transfer and stability, making it a comfortable choice up to its 35 lbs recommended load capacity. If you're counting every gram, this might not be your pack, but if you value comfort for those 20+ mile days, it's a worthy compromise.
Fit And Adjustability
Fit is king in backpacking, and ULA shines here by offering multiple torso lengths (ranging from 15 inches to 24 inches, so from very short to very tall) and hipbelt sizes (26 inches to 47+ inches). This means you can get a truly dialed-in fit, which is crucial for comfort, especially over long distances, and keeps the load precisely where it should be on your hips. Many packs offer only a few sizes or limited adjustability, but ULA's range ensures you can fine-tune the Circuit to your body, making those 35 lbs feel much lighter.
Capacity For Big Trips
With a 68 L volume (that's about 4,150 cubic inches), this pack offers generous space, making it ideal for thru-hikers, longer expeditions, or anyone who needs to carry bulkier items like a bear canister or a winter sleeping system. Many lightweight packs skimp on capacity, forcing Tetris-like packing, but the Circuit welcomes your gear without a fight. This extra volume means you won't be strapped for space if you're not an ultralight guru, though it might feel a bit cavernous if your typical trip is a single overnight with an already dialed-in gear list.
Durability And Materials
The Circuit is built tough, using ULA's 400D Robic fabric on the bottom and side pockets, which refers to 'denier,' a measure of fabric density and durability – think of it like thread count for pack material. The higher the number, the tougher it is. ULA also offers an 'Ultra' version with 200D/400D Ultra fabrics, which shaves a bit of weight and offers better water resistance, but at a higher price. This means the pack can stand up to the scrapes and snags of trail life, and you're not going to blow out a pocket or the bottom on your first big trip, unlike some delicate ultralight fabrics.
Load Hauling And Comfort
The ULA Circuit isn't messing around when it comes to carrying a load. Its suspension system combines a carbon fiber/Delrin hoop, a dense internal foam frame, and a single aluminum stay, which, simply put, means it's built to actually transfer weight to your hips and keep the pack stable. This is a game-changer if you're regularly hauling 25-35 lbs of gear, food, and water, unlike many minimalist packs that fold under pressure with anything more than a sleeping bag and a toothbrush. While some ultralight packs feel like a glorified sack when loaded, the Circuit keeps its structure and comfort, making it a reliable choice for long days on the trail.
Pocket Layout And Accessibility
ULA nailed the pocket design here. You get a large stretch mesh pocket on the front for drying wet gear or stashing snacks, two side pockets for water bottles (yes, you can reach them while wearing the pack, which isn't always a given!), and two hipbelt pockets for items like your phone or trail mix. This layout keeps essentials handy without needing to stop and rummage through the main compartment. The only real complaint here is a lack of multiple internal pockets, as most of its organization is exterior-focused.