ULA Equipment Circuit Ultralight Backpack

The most popular pack on the Pacific Crest Trail for four consecutive years and a Trek and Treeline Review award winner. The Circuit has earned its reputation among serious long distance hikers by delivering genuine load carrying capability and comfort at just over two pounds, a combination that most packs in this weight class simply cannot match.

Highlights

• Carbon fiber, Delrin, and aluminum suspension system — A 1.2oz carbon fiber and Delrin hoop paired with a dense internal foam frame and single aluminum stay delivers back panel support, load control, and weight transfer that punches well above this pack's weight. Carries up to 35 pounds comfortably without the rigidity that limits your range of movement.
• 38.5 ounce total weight at 68 liters — A genuine ultralight weight for a pack with this load carrying capability and frame system. The Circuit is the answer to the false choice between a heavy supportive pack and a light frameless one.
• UltraStretch mesh front pocket — A 4-way stretch woven blend of Nylon 6-6, Lycra, and Ultra-PE that's durable, abrasion resistant, and holds an impressive amount of gear without sagging or losing its shape. Built to last through a thru-hike, not just a weekend trip.
• 400 Robic nylon construction — ULA's toughest fabric with a ripstop weave for tear resistance and stitch holding strength, PFAS-free DWR coating, and three-pass PU coating for serious water resistance. A technical fabric choice that explains why Circuit owners use theirs for years.
• Ice axe and trekking pole loops — Standard on every Circuit for terrain and weather that demands adaptability. Low-profile loops at the top and bottom accommodate removable top and Y-straps for additional load securing options.
• Rolltop closure with side compression straps — A versatile top closure that adjusts to your actual load rather than forcing you to carry air when you're going light. Compression straps stabilize the load as volume decreases.
• Removable height-adjustable pass-through hipbelt with dual pockets — Transfers load to the hips effectively on heavier carries and removes cleanly when you're going ultralight and don't need it. The pass-through design works with a wide range of torso lengths.
• Dual adjustable side pockets in 400 Robic — Durable, accessible, and sized for a wide mouth water bottle without the stretch-out failure that cheaper mesh side pockets develop over a long trail.
• Hydration port and sternum strap — Standard features executed cleanly without adding unnecessary weight or complexity.

Best for

Long distance hikers, thru-hikers, and backpackers who want the best load-carrying ultralight pack available for trips in the 20 to 35 pound total weight range. The Circuit is the pack that serious PCT, CDT, and long trail hikers keep coming back to because it handles the full range of conditions a thru-hike demands without making you pay for the capability in weight.