The maiden voyage for my ULA Circuit backpack involved hiking the Colbert Ridge to MT. Mitchell.  I bagged several of the Easts highest peaks during this hike with my main focus being Mt. Mitchell.  The pack carried very well with 34 pounds in it and it felt like it could easily handle more.

Everything about this pack was outstanding!  I don’t know where to start in describing what all I liked about it because it encompasses absolutely everything about it.  From the capacious hip pockets that I think should be standard on every pack to the tough-as-nails fabric that feels as good as it is tough.

My favorite features…

• Huge hip pockets
• Super durable fabric
• Dual hip tensioners
• Roll top closure
• Super comfy hip belt
• Water bottle bungees on shoulder straps
• Huge side pockets
• Giant main mesh outside pocket

My least favorite features…

• None!

I’m sure I’ll have plenty more things to say about my ULA Circuit as I use it on more and more hikes because it has quickly risen to the top of the list as my go-to pack.

Shop ULA’s #1 Circuit Backpacks *Sewn in USA* Circuit 39 oz / 4,200 cu in / Shop Now!!

I’m slowly decreasing my pack contents as well as my pack weight and this pack is a good step in the right direction.  For me, it’s not too heavy; not too expensive and very durable which makes it just right.  I’ve looked over the ULA page many times and went back and forth between this pack and the Catalyst pack.  Decisions decisions decisions!

I went back and forth for months as I was saving up the extra money for the purchase.  Both the ULA Catalyst and Circuit would hold a large bear can but it would fit horizontally in the Catalyst and vertically in the Circuit.  I liked the idea of fitting it horizontally because it would leave ample room for other gear but with my gear always decreasing do I really need more room for gear? More decisions!

I finally decided on the Circuit because I figure it’s better to go small and make it work if possible.  Only if I absolutely need to will I consider going up in size to the Catalyst for my trip out West because of the fat bear canister that I’m required to carry.

The decision was made!

I will be updating my usage with this pack as I use it.  I will be hiking a 110 mile stretch of the JMT in August-September and I’ll either take my ULA Circuit or I’ll purchase the larger ULA Catalyst.  Either way I do intend to purchase the Catalyst sometime in the future.

Below is information quoted straight from the official ULA website…

Lets’ face it, every mother has a favorite child, and the Circuit is ours. We don’t think there is any pack out there that can compare to the load carrying capabilities, comfort and durability of the Circuit, while still weighing less than 41 ounces.(Cordura Camo will increase the weight about 2 ozs) If you have your total pack weight down around 30 pounds, and want to feel the freedom of traveling light, this is the pack for you.

Sewn with our nearly indestructible ULA 210 Robic fabric, solid robic side pockets and a huge mesh front pocket, this pack will take the abuse of a 2500-mile hike and beg you for more.

The Circuit utilizes a 1.2 oz carbon fiber and Delrin suspension hoop in conjunction with a dense internal foam frame and a single aluminum stay to give excellent back panel support and maximum load control, weight transfer, and pack rigidity without limiting your range of movement. The Circuit can also be ordered with a 12″18″adjustable harness system that works great for kids. In fact, the youngest person ever to backpack all 2663 miles of the Pacific Crest trail was carrying a Kids Circuit.

Total Volume: 4,200 cu in or about 68 liters

 

Hipbelt Sizing Made Simple

For men, use the waist of your pants, and add 2 inches, and then go to the belt sizing section on the order page. For example, the waist of your pants is 36, add 2 to get 38. If you are on the edge of a size go up, so you would wear a large belt

For most women, measure the smallest part of your waist, then add 5 inches and go to the chart. For example, your waist is 26, add 5=31, you would be a small belt. If you are straighter through the hips you can add 3 inches instead of 5.

Choosing A Shoulder Strap Style

The J straps are the traditional straps, and work best on most men with average builds. If you are very large in the upper body you might need XL shoulder straps, give us a call for that. Many men with athletic builds, i.e. strong, square shoulders will find the S straps work better. Swimmers, climbers, weight lifters, triathletes, XC skiers, etc usually prefer the S straps.

The S straps work best on almost all women and men with square shoulders and good posture. If you are a short torso, but with a larger upper body, give us a call, we may want to give you a slightly longer strap, there’s no charge for it, so don’t be shy, pick up the phone or send us an email

Measuring Your Torso Length
Torso measurement is the best guide we have for proper pack fit, but it isn’t foolproof. Generally we find that if you are between sizes on the torso it’s best to go with the smaller size, if you are between sizes on the hipbelt it’s best to go with the larger size. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call or email.

To accurately measure your torso length for a correct pack fit, grab a buddy and follow the steps below…

• Standing upright, tilt your chin to your chest. Locate the largest lump on the back of your neck. It should be located close to the base of your neck proper.
• From this large bone, measure (with the flexible tape) down the length and natural curvature of your spine to the top of your waist band, the top of which is resting on the top your hipbone. This measurement in inches is your torso length.

 

CIRCUIT PACK PURCHASING GUIDE

Pack Size:	Torso Length:	Hiker’s Height:
Small:	15″-18″	under 5’6″
Medium:	18-21″	5’6″ to 6’0″
Large:	21″-24″	5’10” to 6’4″
X-Large:	24″+	over 6’4″
Kids (adjustable):	12″-18″