Tim used the ULA Circuit backpack for our Pacific Crest Trail thruhike in 2018.
Specs:
- Weight: 41 OZ (certainly less after additional straps and water bladder bag were removed)
- Volume: 68 Liters
- Max Load: 35 lbs
- Pack size: Large
- Hip belt size: Medium (34″ – 38″)
- Shoulder strap: S-curve
- Made in USA
- Price: $255
- Price paid: $185 (bought previous year’s model)
Background
Before preparing for the PCT I had used many backpacks, but at the time a large Osprey Argon 85 was my primary pack. My longest trip had been about two weeks on the JMT, and the pack worked fine for that, so I didn’t think I would change anything… Then I started doing research. I learned about all of those long-distance knuckleheads who were minimizing weight. When I looked up specs, I realized that even if I kept everything in my pack the same, I could save approximately four pounds by swapping out the Argon for a lighter pack. I definitely didn’t consider myself ultralight back then, but four pounds is about two liters of water, and that makes a difference! I also realized that on a thru-hike I’d be spending a lot of time walking and less time using recreational items (cards, books, extra cooking gear, etc) that take up space in my pack, so I could probably get a smaller pack. I researched the options and settled on the ÜLA Circuit. I am extremely happy with the decision.
Capacity
The Circuit is rated at a 68 liter capacity. For long-distance thru-hikers, that’s HUGE. It’s arguably too big. But for shorter trips on which hikers often like to carry additional supplies (read: extra crap), it is on the smaller side. I was very impressed by the pack’s ability to expand and shrink to match my needs. Early on during our PCT hike I was carrying some extra stuff that I ended up getting rid of later — the pack could hold it fine. By Washington, Renee and I had sent home just about everything that wasn’t essential. I was carrying little-enough stuff to undoubtedly qualify as an ‘ultra-lighter’, and the pack beautifully and comfortably shrunk to match my load. It sat on my back well whether it was barely filled or filled to the brim. We tended to do fairly long carries between towns, and the Circuit was always able to hold what I needed. For instance, we did an 11 day carry through the Sierra’s, when we were also carrying a bear box and microspikes. Between the Circuit and a small fanny pack, everything fit well.
Huge loads in the desert and Sierras fit in the Circuit fine
The Circuit shrunk very well when I started carrying tiny loads in Oregon and Washington
Ability to Carry a Load
The Circuit did struggle a little bit when I upped the weight that I was carrying. There were a few stretches in the desert when I really loaded it with water and was also weighed down with a fresh resupply of food. When the weight neared the 35 lbs that the pack is rated to carry, it didn’t hold its shape perfectly and I could feel the additional strain on my back. But, the real solution to this problem is to carry less stuff, not to get a beefier pack. As I already mentioned, I was carrying too much in the desert, and for some of the longer water carries I definitely overloaded my pack to be on the safe side. As our PCT thru-hike progressed, I learned not to do this. I learned that staying ‘on the safe side’ doesn’t mean carrying extra water ‘just-in-case’, it means carrying the right amount of water to stay hydrated and healthy, and that healthiness includes back comfort. Even if the pack had been able to carry 40+ lbs perfectly, I still would have experienced discomfort if I had tried to carry this much weight for a prolonged period of time. Ultimately, the circuit could carry 35+ lbs the few times that I loaded it to that point, but I don’t think it is an ideal pack for hikers who do so often. That being said, for such hikers it might be as worth it to think about minimizing load rather than maximizing pack.
Compartments and Features
For organization there are two large side pouches, a large outer flexible pouch, and two pouches on the hip-belt. There are also various loops and cords for tying on gear like an umbrella or ice axe. The side pouches each hold 1-2 water bottles perfectly. My outer pouch was mesh, but I think some of the newer Circuits have a stretchy fabric. The outer pouch was great for placing things I wanted to access easily such as the trowel, sunscreen, and my puffy as the day got warmer. The two relatively large hip pouches were a good size for things like snacks and our smartphone (Moto X4, 5.2” screen). I did upgrade after a while to additionally carrying a fanny pack, and the extra storage in the front was nice for carrying the day’s snacks. The pack also comes with an insert for a water bladder and has flaps above the shoulder straps through which a hose can be routed. We stopped using our bladders at the end of the desert (and I don’t expect to go back to using one in the future), but the ability is there if desired.
The Circuit’s outer pouch is perfect for daily essentials like a trowel, sunscreen, and of course, whiskey!
Two water bottles were a perfect fit for the pack’s side pockets 
It was easy to hang clothes on the Circuit’s well-placed loops and straps to dry out — like yesterdays underwear and socks 
The only good place for my ground pad was strapped to the top of the pack. But, this unfortunate situation is the same with almost all packs
Comfort
The circuit sat on my back perfectly and was adjustable. There are load straps, chest straps, adjustable shoulder straps, and a very comfortable hip-belt. My pack is size large, the hip-belt is size medium (34″ – 38″), and the shoulder straps are “s-curved”. I am 5’10” with a 32″ waist and the pack was a perfect fit. The pack rested at a good height so that even when loaded it didn’t interfere with my head’s range of motion. The part of the pack that rests on your back is not fancy like on the packs of some other companies — it doesn’t have patented airflow technology or have memory foam or anything along those lines. Instead, it is simple and it works well. It is padded and comfortable. It is easy to spray with a hose to clean and it dries out quickly. It is durable. I think the back-padding is the least flashy part of the Circuit, but I thought it was perfect.
The back padding is simple, but it works well
The Circuit (left) is a little bit bigger than the Ohm 2.0 (right)
Closing Thoughts
I couldn’t be much happier with this pack. Even the ÜLA service Renee and I received while ordering was outstanding — a one-one-one phone call with the company owner. I saved a bit of money by buying overstock from the previous year. On the trail lots of people used this pack, and despite seeing it all the time I still don’t know what features I missed out on by having a 2017 model. There was even a hiker with a 5-year old Circuit that was virtually identical to the 2018 models that others were using. In other words, I suggest checking the site to see if they have any close-out models before you buy. I think the 68-liter capacity is dangerous because it makes the Circuit sound too big for an ultralighter and too small for a weekender. But, don’t be fooled — the pack expands and shrinks very well to match the capacity requirements of most trips.
