TL;DR - If I'm going to give backpacking a shot, I'm going to do it with the lightest, most versatile pack on the market today.
The ULA Ultra Circuit won a bunch of awards that I don't know anything about, so it must be good.
Have I mentioned I don't like carrying things on my shoulders yet? My propensity to mention this fact reminds me of a joke I love:
"How do you know someone is vegan?"
They tell you.
I wish there were a 68L hip pack, but until there is, the ULA Ultra Circuit is my attempt at being normal.
Knowing that I prefer to have weight on my hips, I opted for a pack that is very light, while still being able to carry a large volume of gear, keep gear dry in wet conditions, and remain comfortable (at least, according to the reviews). In fact, this ULA Ultra Circuit pack has won a bunch of awards - that are all meaningless to me at this point in my backpacking career - over the last couple of years, so hopefully that means I'll enjoy it too.
The same Circuit you know and love, only stronger and lighter than ever. Purposefully constructed of Ultra 400X in high abrasion areas (bottom, back panel, and pockets) and Ultra 200X in low abrasion areas (sides, front, and collar), we've selected a fabric matrix that maximizes durability while keeping the pack ultralight.
Weight: 36.8oz | Capacity: 68L | Load: 35lbs
- Ice Axe/Trekking Pole Loops
- Low Profile Loops for Removable External Straps
- Standard Top Strap
- ULTRA 400X + ULTRA 200X Fabric
- ULTRA Hipbelt Pockets w/ YKK Waterproof Zippers
- ULTRA Side Pockets w/ Elasticized Top
- UltraStretch™ Mesh Front Pocket
- Internal Suspension Hoop
- Rolltop Closure
- Side Compression Straps
- Sternum Strap
- Contoured Shoulder Straps
- Front Shock Cord
- NO Water Hose Port for Max Water Resistance
- Removable & Height Adjustable Pass-through Hip Belt
- Padded Back Panel
We don't think there's a pack out there that compares to the load carrying capabilities, comfort, and durability of the Ultra Circuit. The Ultra Circuit utilizes a 1.2 oz carbon fiber and Delrin suspension hoop, a dense internal foam frame, and a single aluminum stay to give you excellent back panel support, maximum load control, weight transfer, and pack rigidity without limiting your range of movement. Front mesh pocket, dual hip belt pockets, and Ultra 400X adjustable side pockets make it easy to stay organized whether you're on a thru or just out for the weekend.
- Winner of the 2023 Adventure Alan Best Gear Award.
- Winner of The Trek 2023 Best Gear Award.
- Winner of the Treeline Review 2024 Best Gear Award.
- The most popular pack on the Pacific Crest Trail for four years running and the 2023 most used pack on the CDT according to the Halfway Anywhere Annual Survey of PCT Thru Hikers.
ULA
It was also recommended to me by Randy, which - even though I've never met him - carries a lot of weight in my book.
According to the people who know, a great, lightweight pack.
Other packs I considered were:
- REI Flash Air 50 - initially, I was sure this was the pack I was going to select. However, the carrying capacity (both volume and weight) as well as the comfort (I tried it on in-store) were underwhelming. When I discovered that the Ultra Circuit cost the same amount, not getting this pack was a no-brainer.
- REI Flash 55 - I considered this pack because it wasn't that much heavier, but was significantly cheaper than the ULA Ultra Circuit. In the end, I decided that - if I was going to give backpacking the best chance possible at being enjoyable - I needed to prioritize weight over price.
In this Series
Regarding the trade off of weight on backpacks (and UL backpacks in general), my experience tells me that they don't really carry that great. I've tried several different UL (or lighter, anyway) options with my standard gear (generally 30-35#) and none of them have compared to me (by industry standards) heavy Osprey Ariel 50L. Yes, it weight more, but that thing carries like a dream. No futzing or fussing or constantly adjusting; I put it on, make my initial adjustments, and it's good to go. I haven't gotten that out of any lighter pack (REI Flash 50, Granite Gear Perimeter 50). Granted, I've not looked at top-of-the-line UL packs because not only are they are not within my price range, but ultimately they are not within my needs range in that I still occasionally have to carry upwards of 40# in the form of added tools when I'm doing trail maintenance. I find that UL packs are simply not capable of comfortably carrying anything in excess of #0# (and more often than not, less) and I'm not interested in completely replacing everything I have for UL gear that will likely have to be replaced sooner than not.
Thanks Gwen! The UL Pack worked out well for me; I could have used a little more padding in the shoulder straps, but that was the only gripe I had. I'm in the process of writing up my First Impressions (this link won't work until I post it next week) for all the gear we got for this trip.
Granted, we only used it all for 5 days, so it's still an early first impression.
I haven't posted first impressions for everything yet (the link in my previous reply) but I did get the ULA Ultra Circuit backpack impressions up. Enjoy!