XS Circuit

(2 customer reviews)
What Size Pack Do I Need? View Size Chart.
ULA Torso Measurement Guide
ULA Hipbelt Measurement Guide
ULA Hipbelt Measurement Guide
S v J Strap Comparison

1. TORSO FIT

  • Standing upright, tilt your chin to your chest.
  • Locate your C7 Vertabra—the large lump at the base of your neck.
  • With flexible tape, measure down the length and natural curvature of your spine to your iliac crest/ the top of your hipbone.
  • This measurement in inches is your torso length.

TIP: If you're between 2 sizes, order the smaller size. Still not sure? Contact us.

2. TORSO CHART

We've found most people in these height ranges fall into these torso/pack sizes. That being said, it is always best to measure your torso using the guide above.

If you're between sizes and you are getting a FRAMED pack, we recommend you size DOWN!

If you're between sizes and you are getting a FRAMELESS pack, we recommend you size UP!

If you have questions, or your torso size doesn’t seem to make sense for your height, please contact us.

3. HIPBELT FIT

Use the following method to determine your hipbelt inches, then head to Step 4 to see the hipbelt size you need.

MEN

Pant Waist Size + 2".

WOMEN

CURVY HIPS: Smallest part of your waist + 5".
STRAIGHT HIPS: Smallest part of your waist + 3".

KIDS

Smallest Part of waist + 2".

4. HIPBELT SIZE CHART

Find the hipbelt measurement you calculated in Step 3 on the chart. That will be your hipbelt size.

TIP: If you are on the outer edge of a size, order the larger size. [ Ex: If you are 38", you will notice 38" is the last number of the Medium Hipbelt and the first number of the Large Hipbelt. You would want to order a Large.]

5. SHOULDER STRAPS

The downward slope of your shoulder profile usually determines strap preference. You can assess your shoulder slope profile by looking in a mirror or having a friend look at the angle of your shoulder from the base of your neck to your shoulder point. 

If there is relatively little or no downward slope, you have what is referred to as flat or squared shoulders.

If there is a noticeable downward slope, you have what is referred to as standard or sloping shoulders.

J STRAPS

J-straps are the traditional straight straps. They are best suited for people with flat or square shoulders, as their flat shape provides better surface contact and less rub.

S STRAPS

S-straps contour body curves. They are best suited for people with standard or sloping shoulders, as their contoured shape better hugs your shoulder slope.

TIP: If you have a short torso but a larger upper body, you may need a slightly longer strap. If you are very large in the upper body, you might need XL shoulder straps. Contact us, and we would be happy to make these customizations so your pack is comfortable and fits well.

Q

$299.99

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MADE IN THE U.S.A.


FREE U.S. DELIVERY OVER $25


LIFETIME WARRANTY*


TUNE-UPS & REPAIRS*

DESCRIPTION

NEW FOR 2024: At ULA, we understand every trip is different, and your pack and gear needs can change with each trip, so we've updated the ULA pack line to be more versatile than ever to keep up with how you adventure. What's new? We've replaced the regular mesh front pocket with an UltraStretch™ mesh for added abrasion resistance and durability. Combination ice axe/trekking pole loops are now a standard feature; the weather is unpredictable, and we believe your pack should be able to adapt as fast as you can. We've also added low-profile loops to the top and bottom of these packs to accommodate removable top Y-strap and/or bottom straps. Purchase an ultra-light strap kit for your pack and be able to instantly add the capacity to strap larger items (tent, food storage, or sleeping pads) to the top or bottom of your pack as your gear needs change. And while we were at it, we made them prettier.

The ULA 2024 XS Circuit is exactly like the adult small torso Circuit, but offers a 12" to 18" adjustable torso by having shoulder straps and a hipbelt that moves up and down. With a removable/replaceable hipbelt, the hipbelt sizing is endless. Larger sized replacement hip belts can be purchased as needed from our Parts Shop. The youngest person ever to backpack all 2,660 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail was carrying a ULA XS Circuit!

Weighing in at just over two pounds, we don’t think there’s a pack out there that can compare to the load carrying capabilities, comfort, and durability of the 2024 Circuit pack. The ULA XS Circuit pack utilizes a 1.2 oz carbon fiber and Delrin suspension hoop in conjunction with a dense internal foam frame and a single aluminum stay for excellent back panel support, maximum load control, weight transfer, and pack rigidity without limiting their range of movement. The XS Circuit is shipped with the adjustable torso pre-configured to your torso size, so you don’t need to worry about getting that “perfect fit.”

AT A GLANCE

WEIGHT: 36.6 OZ | 1,038 GM

KID'S CIRCUIT [WEIGHT BY SIZE | OZ]

Kids Circuit Weight Chart
Q

VOLUME: 4,200 CU IN | 68 L
MAX LOAD: 35 LBS | 16 KG

The Kids Circuit is exactly like the adult Circuit, but kid-sized! The 12″ to 18″ adjustable harness system will grow until your little hiker’s torso fits into an adult Circuit.

FEATURES

  • NEW! UltraStretch™ Mesh Front Pocket
  • NEW! Ice Axe/Trekking Pole Loops
  • NEW! Low Profile Loops for Removable External Straps
  • NEW! Colored Bottom Panels & Shoulder Strap Inserts!
  • Standard Top Strap 
  • Internal Suspension Hoop
  • Single Aluminum Stay
  • Padded Backpanel
  • Contoured Shoulder Straps
  • Rolltop Closure
  • Side Compression Straps
  • Dual Hipbelt Pockets
  • Removable & Height Adjustable Pass-through Hipbelt
  • Sternum Strap
  • 400 Robic Bottom Panel
  • 400 Robic Adjustable Side Pockets
  • Hydration Port
  • Front Shock Cord

CAPACITY

REC. MAX LOAD: SUB 35 LB

PACK VOLUME

TOTAL VOLUME: 4,200 CI | 68 L

BREAKDOWN:

  • MAIN BODY: 2,400 CI | 39.3 L
  • FRONT MESH POCKET: 400 CI | 6.6 L
  • LEFT SIDE POCKET: 400 CI | 6.6 L
  • RIGHT SIDE POCKET: 400 CI | 6.6 L
  • EXTENSION COLLAR: 500 CI | 8.19 L
  • LEFT HIPBELT POCKET: 91.5 CI | 1.5 L
  • RIGHT HIPBELT POCKET: 91.5 CI | 1.5 L
ULA Catalyst Backpack: Front
ULA Catalyst Backpack: Front

FAQ’S

Q: WHAT IS A SUSPENSION HOOP?

A: The suspension hoop used in the XS Circuit is our minimal solution to transferring load between shoulder and hip. If you imagine an upside ‘U’ you get a sense of how the hoop is positioned and how it functions. The upper arch of the ‘U’ ties into the shoulder straps, while each leg of the ‘U’ ties into the hipbelt. These points of contact allow for a range of suspension flexibility while being rigid enough to support loads up to 30 lbs. In addition, because the suspension is located on the periphery of the pack body, and the back-panel is stiffened slightly with dual density foam, the result is a pack that can handle the load but does not dictate your movements — but rather responds to how you move. 

Q: WHERE DO I STRAP MY SLEEPING PAD?

A: A foam pad can easily be secured to the top of the pack by adding a Top Y-strap Kit to your order, to the bottom of the pack by adding a Bottom Strap Kit, or get Both and keep your options open! 

If you’re using an inflatable pad, we recommend storing it in the pack’s interior to avoid punctures.

Q: CAN A WATER BOTTLE FIT IN THE SIDE POCKETS?

A: Each side pocket can accommodate two 1-Liter ‘Big Slam’ style bottles. In general most people can reach back and retrieve a bottle, drink, and return the bottle to the pocket without removing the pack. The top of the side pockets are angled for easier access.

Q: HOW DOES THE TOP OF THE PACK STAY CLOSED?

A: The top of the pack closes like a dry bag (also known as a rolltop) very similar to what river runners use to create a water resistant seal for their gear bags. The back of the collar is slightly taller than the front. Once you are packed, the collar can be rolled down upon itself to effectively create a barrier to water penetration. Once rolled, each side of the collar can be buckled to the sides of the pack or the two yellow buckles on the top can also be fastened to each other.

As for access, once the collar is rolled and fastened shut, you would need to unbuckle the compression straps and unroll the collar to access the inside of the pack. However, the roll-top only needs to be rolled shut when the weather dictates. If the sky is dry, the collar can simply be folded forward. Vertical compression can still be achieved by buckling the collar to the sides of the pack.

TECHNICAL FABRICS

ULA 400 ROBIC
…the toughest standard fabric we’ve ever seen. Highly tear and abbrassion resistant, reinforced with a ripstop weave to increase tear strength and stitch holding capabilities. 100% Robic Nylon fabric with three-pass Teflon DWR and a three-pass PU Coating, making it highly water resistant.

ULTRASTRETCH™  MESH

UltraStretch™ is an advanced 4-way stretch mesh woven with the highest quality fibers for performance and longevity. Made from a woven blend of Nylon 6-6, Lycra®, and Ultra-PE and coated with C0 DWR.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING…

2 reviews for XS Circuit

  1. Savannah

    WOW! I am so so happy to finally have found a pack designed for smaller torsos. I am 5’5 but with a 13-inch torso and finding anything that fits well and distributes weight correctly has been almost impossible. I am so glad I spent the money to get this pack (I customized one to get fun colors). I tested this pack out during a 30-mile trip through the Olympic rainforest and while this was a very flat trail, I still had to carry my bear box (strapped on top) and the weight carried great! Hip belt is very comfortable. While the back is sweatier than the osprey I have been using, it is still worth it! For anyone else with a child-sized torso debating getting this, just do it! I am 5’5, 150ish lbs, female, 13-inch torso, 32DDD, athletic build. I got the size small hipbelt (Size 8 in jeans usually), S straps, and the Y top. This is also the first time a chest strap has actually been in the right place for me! Due to my small torso but large chest, the chest strap on various packs is always literally on my neck, or directly across the largest part of my chest where it does not clip shut nor is comfortable. I was like “Woah this is where a chest strap is supposed to sit!” Either due to the shorter torso or the water bottle pocket design, this is also the first pack where I’ve been able to reach my water bottle while keeping my pack on! I love the roll top for added customization, allowing this to be loaded up for a multi-day trip, or rolled down for a shorter day hike. 10/10, no notes, THANK YOU for designing something for adults with small torsos!!!!!!

  2. Kate A

    I bought one of these 3000 miles plus ago (in 2018). It’s still fine although the waterproofing on the top closure area isn’t great any more and the suspension is not quite as comfortable as it was last year. This is a fantastic pack for small women. I have a 14 inch back, and this is one of the few full size packs that fits (the other is the Gossamer Mariposa but I did not find the shoulder strap and hip belt nearly as comfortable.) Wish list – a bit of velcro at the centre of the top closure so it’s easier to align before rolling up – and a new name – “Extra Short adjustable” marketed to kids AND short-backed people. So glad I found and purchased this despite the misleading name.

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