Review – ULA Circuit

At one point I had five packs.  I have finally paired it down to three, but there is one pack I keep going back to over and over again for day hikes, weekends and longer trips.  The 55L ULA Circuit.    This pack looks a bit different, especially if you typically buy the standard Osprey, Deuter or Gregory packs at MEC or REI.  I love my Deuter 70L and my Deuter 35L but this is the one I keep reaching for…

What makes this pack unique?

1. 41oz (1100g) – most packs you normally find in this size are 50-70oz.
2. Roll top closure – most packs cinch and have a bran that sits on top.
3. Lots of straps and huge side pockets.
4. A front pouch that seems at times to be a  bottomless pit.
5. Option at purchase to pick size and hip belt shape.

This bag is not for everyone, it does not have a frame.  Instead it has a carbon fiber hoop and an aluminum stay that is curved.  Also, it has a weight limit suggestion of 35lbs which means you should be a pretty light packer.

For my big twelve day trip recently, I went over the recommended weight limit of 35lbs as I had 12 days of food at 16lbs.  Day one, 12 miles, 4500ft and 41lbs of gear, was it comfortable? No.  Did I make it? Yes.  By day two, I had figured out that packing my inflatable sleeping mat folded between my back and my bear can prevented the discomfort of the bear can poking into my back.  By day three, I was probably around 38lbs and was feeling no discomfort.  Every day after that, I had zero issues and I became the master of packing that pack.

How I Packed my bag changed as I learned what worked, here is my final system with a full Bearikade Expedition:

• Put all my down gear, sleep clothing, and down bag loosely in a garbage bag and stuff to the bottom.
• Slide in the canister but ensure to position it in the middle (there will be a lot of space on either side.
• Take the sleeping mat and fold it into a large rectangle and slide it down the back of the bear canister to keep it off your back
• Slide different gear down the sides of the canister (like rain gear etc;) taking care to make sure the canister stays center.
• Tent in one side pouch
• Tent stakes in other side pouch with 1L smart water bottle and optionally filled 1L platypus also fits there.
• Every other odd and end in the front pouch (fuel, map, first aid).  Foam mat and flip flops were under the para-cord
• Solar panel tied using back up laces to the roll top enclosure to hang off.

Note: Future me has switched from a two person tent to a one person Six Moon Lunar that is a) smaller and b) uses a stake.  I might try to put it in the bag.

Note 2: Future me has procured some ultra light smart water bottle holder that can hang off the front straps of the pack.  Again freeing up one of the side pouches – so many possibilities!

As I go lighter and lighter in my gear this pack is everything I ever wanted ❤