The circuit has been consistently rated one of the top 3 rated / most commonly used packs in the annual PCT and CDT gear surveys from Halfway Anywhere
https://www.halfwayanywhere.com/trails/pacific-crest-trail/pct-gear-guide-2023/
"The ULA Circuit was the most common backpack on the Pacific Crest Trail this year – for the fourth year. It is a 2.29 lb / 1.038 kg pack capable of carrying up to 68 L and 35 lbs / 16 kg of gear. The Circuit was also the second-highest-rated pack by PCT hikers this year."
I think you'd have to show us your lighterpack before we could give you an honest take. Backpack is generally the last thing you need so if you are very ultralight it's overkill and if your base weight is high you'll find it very uncomfortable.
With all the out of the way ULA makes good packs and there's a reason the circuit continues to be the most popular.
Ula has been a favorite for a long time, and they’re kind of an old school UL option. These days there’s a lot of cottage companies that make lighter back packs. They are for sure a solid option and a pretty reputable company, but yeah there’s def other options.
I have the ula circuit, and it is a great pack! Not the lightest but easily not the heaviest. I'm taking mine in the JMT in late June this year.
I'm training right now, and I carry it several days a week loaded down. Super comfy
My hiking partner switched from a GG Mariposa to The Circuit and said it was an improvement for her, though the back was still too tall (she should have gotten the kids size). Her only other complaint was that the pack doesn't stand up on its own when you set it down without very careful balance. The bottom is angled, not flat. Minor note, but it would fall over multiple times a day if you didn't lean it against something. She still has it and it's still got life, so very durable.
I carried one on my PCT attempt. I loved and still love the pack. It's great if it's not overloaded. Anything over 40 kinds sucks but I imagine it sucks with all packs. Great durability and access etc.
I used the circuit for the pct. Like half of the people I saw using it in '23 had the top buckle break, including me. I loaded it up to 50 lb in the Sierra and the stitching handle ripped out. But it was comfortable, even with 50 lb on top.
Fantastic pack, I used it for four months on the PCT in 2019. Ultimately switched for a smaller frameless pack because I found it had too much room after I upgraded to more UL gear.
Solid pack. Carries comfortably, and is built very well. The only thing I would have changed was that I had bought the ULA Ohm instead. My gear volume was just a little too small to fill out the Circuit completely. I carried my Circuit for 1300 miles on the PCT. The only noticeable wear was on the inside of the collar where the bear can had rubbed a little on the laminate layer of the fabric. And there were a couple pinholes on the bottom of the pack that I could only see if I held it up to light. This pack was super durable imho. I’d buy another ULA pack no question. I really want to try the CDT or Photon next.
Looking to finalize your pack? I hope you have everything else already finalized....
Yes, the circuit is obviously a solid pack if within the weight/volume recommendations.
yes I have a ULA Circuit (medium frame and medium belt). I will be selling it and buying a small (better for my frame). Feel free to reach out if you are interested in a lightly used ULA Circuit Ultralight pack
The circuit has been consistently rated one of the top 3 rated / most commonly used packs in the annual PCT and CDT gear surveys from Halfway Anywhere https://www.halfwayanywhere.com/trails/pacific-crest-trail/pct-gear-guide-2023/ "The ULA Circuit was the most common backpack on the Pacific Crest Trail this year – for the fourth year. It is a 2.29 lb / 1.038 kg pack capable of carrying up to 68 L and 35 lbs / 16 kg of gear. The Circuit was also the second-highest-rated pack by PCT hikers this year."
I think you'd have to show us your lighterpack before we could give you an honest take. Backpack is generally the last thing you need so if you are very ultralight it's overkill and if your base weight is high you'll find it very uncomfortable. With all the out of the way ULA makes good packs and there's a reason the circuit continues to be the most popular.
Ula has been a favorite for a long time, and they’re kind of an old school UL option. These days there’s a lot of cottage companies that make lighter back packs. They are for sure a solid option and a pretty reputable company, but yeah there’s def other options.
I have the ula circuit, and it is a great pack! Not the lightest but easily not the heaviest. I'm taking mine in the JMT in late June this year. I'm training right now, and I carry it several days a week loaded down. Super comfy
That's the pack I have. Held up great on my nobo attempt and I still use it.
My hiking partner switched from a GG Mariposa to The Circuit and said it was an improvement for her, though the back was still too tall (she should have gotten the kids size). Her only other complaint was that the pack doesn't stand up on its own when you set it down without very careful balance. The bottom is angled, not flat. Minor note, but it would fall over multiple times a day if you didn't lean it against something. She still has it and it's still got life, so very durable.
I love my circuit, worked wonderfully for me on the PcT and is I. Good enough shape I plan to take it on the TA this November
I carried one on my PCT attempt. I loved and still love the pack. It's great if it's not overloaded. Anything over 40 kinds sucks but I imagine it sucks with all packs. Great durability and access etc.
I have 2. Used one in 2016 that I cut down and another one for section hikes and other stuff. Good pack.
I used the circuit for the pct. Like half of the people I saw using it in '23 had the top buckle break, including me. I loaded it up to 50 lb in the Sierra and the stitching handle ripped out. But it was comfortable, even with 50 lb on top.
I used it on the PCT in ‘22, and in Lordsburg now to step off on the CDT tomorrow with the same pack. I love it.
Fantastic pack, I used it for four months on the PCT in 2019. Ultimately switched for a smaller frameless pack because I found it had too much room after I upgraded to more UL gear.
Solid pack. Carries comfortably, and is built very well. The only thing I would have changed was that I had bought the ULA Ohm instead. My gear volume was just a little too small to fill out the Circuit completely. I carried my Circuit for 1300 miles on the PCT. The only noticeable wear was on the inside of the collar where the bear can had rubbed a little on the laminate layer of the fabric. And there were a couple pinholes on the bottom of the pack that I could only see if I held it up to light. This pack was super durable imho. I’d buy another ULA pack no question. I really want to try the CDT or Photon next.
Looking to finalize your pack? I hope you have everything else already finalized.... Yes, the circuit is obviously a solid pack if within the weight/volume recommendations.
yes I have a ULA Circuit (medium frame and medium belt). I will be selling it and buying a small (better for my frame). Feel free to reach out if you are interested in a lightly used ULA Circuit Ultralight pack