Ultra Circuit

13 reviews for Ultra Circuit

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Randall Pollard (verified owner) – October 1, 2024

   This pack checks all the boxes.. I ordered mine custom with 400x on the entire pack. Even with the heavier material the pack only weighed 2lbs 7oz. Peter and the staff were extremely accommodating and helped me with all my questions and requests along the way. I started out my trip right at 35lbs and the pack carried as good or better than my catalyst. I had plenty of room for all my stuff and the pack was much quieter while walking than any other pack I’ve had.
   Here’s where it gets good.. last day of our trip we had to cross the north end of Linville gorge. 2 days before the hurricane hit. We had thunderstorms the night before and the river had risen 2′ overnight. We had no time to go back so we ended up having one of us swim across and each of us tied our pack to a rope and threw it in the river so he could pull it across.. mine was the only pack that floated like a cork when it hit the river. Everything inside was mostly dry.
   I can’t say enough about the quality of their packs and their awesome customer service.
   ULA 4 life

2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Rebecca Harris (verified owner) – August 22, 2024

   I recently competed my 2024 thru hike of the Appalachian Trail with the 2023 version of the Ultra Circuit, and this pack exceeded expectations.

   Material – The Ultra material did great in the rain when compared to both other hikers with the standard ULA pack and those with other brand packs. Combined with a contractor bag as an interior liner, I never had any issues with gear getting wet in my pack. The material also dried much quicker and did not retain water/extra weight in the rain. Every time it rained (which was often) I would think about how happy I was to have spent the little bit extra for the Ultra fabric.

   Comfort – my pack weighed between 25 and 30 lbs depending on how much food/water I was carrying. The pack was very comfortable – most notable is the comfort of the hip belt when compared to other packs I have used in the past. I never had any chafing or other issues with the hip belt.

   Durability – This pack held up incredibly well over the almost 2200 miles of the AT. I was not gentle with the pack over the course of the hike, but it has zero rips, tears, etc. I will be able to continue using this pack on future trips!

   Functionality – The size of the pack and pocket placement was ideal. I was able to easily organize my gear. I really loved the large mesh pocket on the front of the pack that was able to securely hold so much! One concern I had going into the hike was the fact that the side pockets were too big for my smart water bottles, but I was able to keep one bottle on each side and use the additional space for other items – rolled up rain pants on one side and bag with water filter/soap on the other. This system worked great! The bag also stuffed down gear really well – I carried just as much (or more) gear as everyone else, but I often got comments about how small/compact my bag was.

   My only (small) complaint about the bag is that I could not stand the hip belt pockets – they were so hard/awkward for me to open and a weird size that didn’t fit anything. This didn’t bother me at all during my hike because I chose to wear a fanny pack too, so I ended up just storing a few things in the hip pockets that I didn’t need to regularly access (e.g., whistle, mace, etc)

   Overall – can’t recommend this enough!!

3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Kirsten Reinholz (verified owner) – July 23, 2024

   So lightweight and comfortable. Carries like my Osprey at a fraction of the weight. The ultra fabric is so durable and water tight, I think only a full immersion would cause any water to leak in. Just had it on its first and second adventure in Garibaldi Park which included bushwhacking through devils club and rubbing up against rocks in the alpine and through it all it still looks new. Have ordered a stash pocket to hold my valuables and add one extra separate compartment. If I had to wish for anything it would be the hip pockets to be a tad bigger and easier to pull with one hand but we are splitting hairs here. The versatile strap choice made all the difference for me. I’m 5’3” and other companies I tried l, the straps were just too large. The small straps fit me perfectly! Taking it to the Timberline and Enchanments in a few weeks so will give it some more miles. The customisation options were also key for me. I like to be able to add what I need. Good customer service as well. I had a lot of questions as my search for the right fit had me trying on a lot of packs. Peter answered them all and was able to make the right recommendations. Recommend for sure!

4. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Beniamin Palavos (verified owner) – January 28, 2024

   An amazingly comfortable and light weight pack! Have a 2023. Been on everything from a day hike, overnight, multiple day, multiple week, all the major peaks in Washington state, all weather conditions in all seasons and I can say this is my go to. I appreciate the quality and durability of this pack, far exceeds my previous packs. The most comfortable shoulder straps and hip belt of all the ultra light packs I have used. This pack can carry more than 35 pounds comfortably, only had to do this on two trips in the late fall/winter. Customer service is knowledgeable and extremely helpful. I would like to add straps to the bottom in the future for my sleeping pad. Overall, this pack surpassed my expectations, a no-nonsense, durable and, functional design. Fantastic job ULA!!!

5. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Martin Zagari (verified owner) – October 1, 2023

   This Pack is Just What I Needed

   Coming from a Gregory Baltoro 70 from 2009, was apprehensive when I ordered the Ultra Circuit how a pack weighing nearly 2/3 less could carry even 35 pounds. My apprehension was misplaced.

   My shakedown was a 40+ mile trip from Yosemite to Mammoth mostly on the JMT. The pack carries extremely well. I’m 6’6′ and happy ULA made an XL which allowed the weight to sit on my whole spine/hip column for a change. Packing is super convenient for Ultralight gear: tent and sleep system in the bottom, BV500 stabilized/surrounded by clothing close to the mid back, large dittie bag makes up the “brain” with water and cook systems in the huge stretch pouch. I think the Circuit would be perfect for 4-8 days out or more without resupply.

   I’m still getting it dialed in but I had a 20+ mile day with over 4000 feet of gain where the pack was a silent, comfortable partner. I think the BV500 even helps the pack carry better due to its structural integrity: it binds the pack together into a semi-rigid unit that transfers nearly every pound to the hips. I’ll never carry a Bear Can lashed to the top ever again. Now if someone could get my legs to step up more after 20+ miles…!

   Finally, I think the Ultra fabric is worth it if one is making a major upgrade like I was for not only the weight, but also the crisp appearance of the fabric, no wetting out, and keeping the interior mostly dry without a dry bag. I just use UL dry sacks for critical items like sleep system and extra clothes. The fabric also seems like it will be super durable. The huge mesh pocket is pretty amazing stuff I have never seen anywhere else. Not sure it’s enough to upgrade an existing Robic Circuit pack in good condition just based on other packs I’ve seen on the trail in Robic (they’re also very nice).

   As others have said, staff at ULA are super responsive, the construction and sewing appears impeccable, and the design features are only what you need. I’m so happy to be rid of the mile of strapping from my old Baltoro, but I guess straps a pockets everywhere was the way back then.

   In short, highly recommend.

6. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Jake Hildebrandt (verified owner) – August 20, 2023

   Consider this review a perspective on upper-limits, here me out… Just off a 100-mile CDT section through the San Juans of Colorado (Molas Pass to Wolf Creek Pass). Due to some possible unknowns, my resupply duration was 10 days, which meant about 20 lbs of food. Base pack weight is typically 17, add some water stretches and the first few days I loaded my Ultra Circuit right at 40 lbs; yeah I know the site says 35 lbs max, but I’m a glutton for punishment. But, I get ahead of myself.

   I’ve been holding out on a ULA pack for the past several years as I have been waiting for ULA to offer enhanced/modern materials and alas in 2023, they released the Ultra line! Despite my gut telling me to go with ULA, I did my due diligence and tried another manufacturer (something with Six in the name), and after some shakedowns, I just couldn’t get that pack to work with me. I returned it and promptly put my Ultra Circuit order into ULA. Peter got me a on a quick turnaround since my CDT trip was less than a few weeks away. I got the pack quickly (+stash pocket +shoulder pocket) and immediately upon seeing it and putting it on, I knew this pack was meant for me. A+ for customer service. A+ for fit, feel, fabrics, and workmanship. A+ for design and aesthetics.

   Back to the story of 40 lbs in the Circuit… well, it handled really well and carried great; I was blown away. I know I shouldn’t have loaded it that heavy but desperate times call for desperate measures, right?! Once I burned through food and got it down to 35, it felt like a dream, and as the load got lighter and lighter, it kept feeling better. So, don’t be scared in case you have to go over 35 lbs, but just know it does put quite a bit more stress into the pack, so I wouldn’t make this a habit myself.

   For everything else in/on the pack, it was all good…. everything was purposeful and well designed. Now I know why ULA stands by their designs while other manufacturers constantly are tweaking and changing things. ULA has knocked it out of the park and I completely understand why their packs consistently make the trail gear top lists.

   Nice on ULA!

7. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Kenneth Andrews – May 7, 2023

   Love this pack. Purchased it to replace my Osprey Atmos . I wanted a lighter pack that was the was the same liter capacity with a more minimalistic design. This pack is comfortable on the hips and shoulders. Carries well without the feeling of being enveloped by it as it sits on your back not around your sides. Have not put more than 28 pounds in it but I feel even slightly more 35 and it would still carry well. I did purchase this pack at an outfitter about an hour and a half drive from me. When I got it home I found the cord locks were not locking. I did try to figure out how to fix it but to no avail. Rather than drive back to the outfitter I emailed customer service about it. They got back to me the next day requesting a picture of the type lock it had as there are 2 types. Next day got the the instructions on how to set the lock as it was not done at the factory. I felt like an idiot as the solution was to just squeeze them until you hear and feel a click, yes I tried it but not hard enough. So customer service was excellent and prompt. I have roughly 200 miles with this pack and my only regret is I did not purchase this pack first. I finally convinced my wife to get one and on her first trip out with it she loved it. If your looking for a new pack without all the bells and whistles that is well made and carries well this is the pack for you.

8. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Connie DePaepe – April 9, 2023

   Best Pack & Customer Service ever.

   I started my 2022 PCT thru hike with another highly touted ultralight company. But, at the getgo I had issues. My journey trying to reach this highly touted other company were just the begining of an excruciating experience for resolution to my backpack issues. Trying to reach this other company to help with backpack problems was a nightmare. I hiked hundres of miles, taking multiple zeros just trying to reach this company. The money I spent waiting to reach someone and or for a call back was tremendous. To make matters worse only one customer service rep cared about helping and getting product shipped to me, yet after paying for a hotel for a week waiting for my fix, and paying extra for expedited shipment for a part I needed due to product failure, that never arrived, and being told by that company that I would not be refunded for non receipt..etc..etc… I threw my hands up. I really tried to like this other company. But, they made it impossible. Talking with other hikers who had the same experience, we all summized that this other company was only in it for the money.

   Then while in a hostel I discovered the ULA Circuit backpack.

   Most of the women at the hostel I was staying at, because I was ready to go home because I could not hike any further with my failed backpack, had the ULA Circuit backpack. I looked around the full hostel, everyone but me had the ULA Crcuit. I told them about my frustrations. They encouraged me to try on their ULA Circuit packs, which I did. What a game changer. Immediately, I could see what comfort felt like. I called ULA and actually spoke to someone on my first call!!!!

   I think the person’s name at ULA who helped me was Peter. I am 5’1″ tall and have a 17″ torso. At 110 lbs I was concerned about the fit. Not only did Peter walk me thru ordering my new pack, my new pack arrived the NEXT DAY. And I got a call from ULA the next day making sure everything was in working order.

   OH My goodness!!! What a difference.

   My ULA Circuit backpack made such a difference. My hiking experience improved 1000%. The customer service at ULA was over the top. ULA was a game changer.

   My ULA Circuit backpack fit beatifully. The shoulder straps sat on my shoulders perfectly, not with one side sliding off to one side like the other company’s pack. The hipbelt, so comfortable and if I need to swap out the hipbelt for a smaller one, easy peasy. The torso was also perfect. And being able to fit the bear can inside the pack..well, what more can I say. It was perfect.

   I did a lot of research prior to ordering my backpack and was confident I made the right choice with Zpacks Scout. The Scout is what Zpacks recommended based on my height, weight and torso. But, I was so wrong. The total weight on my pack out of gate was 24.6 pounds. The Scout was the only pack for my torso and yet it never fit, the stays broke, the hipbelt was a nightmare, the pack kept shifting from shoulder to shoulder. The pack never fit right, it never felt comfortable no matter what I tried and no matter what anyone else with pack experience could do to help. Trying to reach Zpacks and then get support made matters worse.

   For those with smaller frames who need a backpack that will enhance their journey, ULA is the company to contact and the backpack to purchase. Having the right backpack put me back on the trail rather than going home.

   I backpacked hundreds of miles close to 650 miles with a poorly built backpack resulting in great expense, pain and injury. I really wanted to love that Zpacks Scout backpack. In the end, based on my experience, I will never purchase a product from Zpacks again.

   Knowing now the pleasure of having a comfortable backpack and knowing if I have an issue I have a company who I can rely on, makes a huge difference.

   ULA is a great company. They are accessible, available, considerate, and make a great product.

   It is ULA all the way for this backpacker.

   Zpacks, that other company, who gets all the rave reviews from hikers on youtube…was a huge failure, in every category.

   ULA Circuit is the company to call when you need a backpack and a company with quality products, exceptional customer service and whose backpacks are of the highest quality. It is no wonder that the ULA Circuit is the most popular backpack the PCT.

   Thank you Peter for helping me when I called. I appreciate your attention and expertise.

9. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   Dean Novitzke (verified owner) – April 2, 2023

   An incredible pack that I purchase recently for my 2023 PCT thru-hike. It is very adjustable for fit and comfort as well as allowing me to be very nimble with it on my back with load. It is probably one of the most durable packs out there yet very light weight at just a couple ounces over 2 lbs. This pack will carry everything needed plus food for the extend carry through the Sierra’s.

10. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Andrea Jasper (verified owner) – March 25, 2023

    This is a well-fitted, durable and lightweight backpack, I am so happy. It is more comfortable than other packs I have used because it is so customizable, it is not advertised as a women’s pack, but by choosing the ‘S’ straps and correct measurements, especially torso length, this pack fits me just right, unlike men’s or “unisex” packs that are designed to fit a man’s shaped body. The ‘S’ straps make all the difference, and I imagine this will be the case for most other women. Also, it is not super cushioned around the hips, but it is just enough. I didn’t have any discomfort or rubbing anywhere. The shoulder straps are sufficiently cushioned and wide enough without being too wide.
    Some people complained about not being able to reach a water bottle and put it back in the side pocket. I can get it back in without too much effort. And the elastic bands help hold water bottles in the side pocket so they don’t fall out when you bend over if they are adjusted tight enough…at least most of the time…I had them fall out occasionally when I really bent over.
    I did not find the back panel to be too sweaty, but I didn’t use it in real hot weather, either.
    The Ultra fabric is amazing, I have only had it on short trips so far, but I can see it’s going to hold up better than any other pack I’ve owned. It feels tough and abrasion resistant. I upgraded to the Dyneema stretch mesh pocket and am glad I did because I walk through a lot of sharp bushes and am always brushing along canyon walls. This pack will last me years and I will put it through its paces.
    The Ultra fabric is waterproof, and it does not absorb water and get heavy or sag when it’s wet. But the pack itself is not waterproof. I hiked all day in moderate to heavy rain/sleet/snow and some water did get inside and made a small puddle in the bottom of the pack. Most of my gear stayed dry enough. I also sank into quicksand crossing a river and submerged the pack a bit deeper than my waist for about 2 minutes. A couple drops of water got in, but not enough to get my gear wet. The hip pockets remained bone dry, the waterproof zipper on the pocket really works. But if you’re really taking your pack swimming or walking through a vigorous storm, it’s wise to waterproof the inside with plastic bags.
    The 68-liter capacity is perfect. I can roll the top down to keep it compact for easy trips with less gear, and it stores plenty of stuff on longer treks so I don’t have junk dangling on the outside. I occasionally guide backpacking trips and end up carrying a lot more gear than I would bring on a personal trip. I think the capacity will be enough for the guided trips.
    The panel that sits against your back is not very stiff, I can see if you overload the pack or shove a big, dense item in there it could create a lump against your back. Proper packing has not made this an issue for me. The pack carries weight well, but I can see it would probably be uncomfortable over maybe 30-35 pounds. It’s just not made for heavy loads like a framed, beefier pack. I just came back from a 3-night trip into the Grand Canyon with a total weight of 24.5 pounds and the pack felt fantastic at that weight. I wouldn’t want to carry much more than that anyway, and am trying to head the ultralight direction, vs. traditional framed packs that are overloaded. Leave the kitchen sink at home where it belongs and you’ll love this pack.
    I try to find made in U.S.A products and am proud this pack is not only made in America but right here in my home state of Utah. Thanks for making such a great pack.

11. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Stephen Yadzinski (verified owner) – January 3, 2023

    Home from the first trip with this incredible pack — 3 nights in Capitol Reef in late December. The pack performed flawlessly through blowing snow and rain, keeping the down sleeping bag and jackets I brought to stay warm completely dry. My pack weight was 27 lbs leaving the car, and felt very good and balanced at the start and throughout the trip. I have nothing but great things to say about this pack. I expect this to be my go to for many years to come. HIGHLY recommend!

12. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Gerald F. Chew – September 28, 2022

    I’ve moved from an X-PAC Circuit to the Ultra Circuit. Why you might ask? I’m a bit of a gear junkie, . . . and I have a lot of backpacks from various manufacturers; too many according to my wife. After “dialing” in the ULA pack they are by far the most comfortables ones that I own. While I absolutely love the X-PAC Circuit (i.e., I don’t think you can go wrong with either one or the Robic for that matter) which I used on the JMT, the Ultra Circuit is absolutely beautiful and actually seems more durable than the X-PAC. The Dyneema stretch mesh is incredible. This will now be my go-to pack.

    The gear aside, the absolute best thing about ULA is their customer support and service. I’ve spent hours with them on the telephone and e-mail messages discussing how I will use the pack, where, time of year, . . . They are very helpful if you have any questions at all.

13. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Glen Moore (verified owner) – September 14, 2022

    Just finished my first trip with my new Circuit Ultra, 45 miles in the Sawtooth National Forrest. The pack performed flawlessly. My pack weight was 30 pounds (not ultralight). A couple of long days over several mountain passes but the pack felt great the whole way. Plenty of room for all my gear. Love the stretch panel on back for easy access to jackets sit pads etc. I’m very geeky about my pack squeaking or being noisy as I walk down the trail this pack never made a sound no squeaks. The shoulder straps and hip belt are very comfortable and have plenty of padding even with a heavy pack. I love it and highly recommend this pack. Ready for my nest adventure!!