Bonfus Framus 58 vs ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit
Quick take: The Bonfus Framus 58 costs $11 less; the ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit carries more (68 vs 58 liters); the Bonfus Framus 58 is lighter (1.66 vs 2.24 lbs).
| Spec | Bonfus Framus 58 | ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $369 | $380 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 58 L | 68 L |
| Weight | 1.66 lbs | 2.24 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by the manufacturer | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | See manufacturer sizing | See manufacturer sizing |
| Material | Challenge Ultra 200X | Ultra 400X body with Ultra 200X panels |
| Back Panel | 2 removable shaped aluminium stays with EVA foam | Foam pad with carbon fibre hoop and aluminium stay |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
Bonfus Framus 58
- ✓26.6 oz for a framed 58 L pack is an outstanding ratio, beating the Kakwa 55 and Mariposa 60.
- ✓Challenge Ultra 200X is a waterproof non-woven laminate, not a coated weave, so it does not wet out.
- ✓Two shaped aluminium stays are removable, so the pack can be stripped further for light trips.
- ✓58 L handles a bear canister and a long food carry, unlike the 37-40 L frameless options.
- ✓EVA foam backing adds comfort without much weight.
- ✓Taped seams throughout, which is rare even in this segment.
- ✓Undercuts the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra by $30 while offering 8 L more volume.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✗$369 is expensive, and Bonfus is a small European operation with limited US support.
- ✗Ultra 200X is abrasion-sensitive at the folds despite its tear strength.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗Lead times can be long and stock is intermittent.
- ✗Warranty terms are not published in the way major brands publish them.
- ✗The laminate is difficult to field-repair compared with a woven nylon.
- ✗No adjustable torso; sizing must be chosen correctly at purchase.
- ✗Limited retail presence means trying one on before buying is unlikely.
ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit
- ✓68 L is the largest capacity in this ultralight group and handles a bear canister plus a week of food.
- ✓The carbon hoop and aluminium stay combination is a proven load-transfer design across many Circuit generations.
- ✓Ultra 400X on the body puts the heaviest laminate where abrasion happens.
- ✓Waterproof laminate rather than a coated weave.
- ✓ULA's sizing system is unusually thorough for a cottage brand.
- ✓Rated for heavier loads than most packs of this weight, which is the Circuit's long-standing reputation.
- ✓35.9 oz for 68 L is a strong ratio given the frame hardware.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✗$380 is a significant premium over the standard Circuit at around $300.
- ✗35.9 oz is the second-heaviest pack in this comparison group.
- ✗Ultra laminates are difficult to field-repair.
- ✗No published maximum load figure despite the pack's load-hauling reputation.
- ✗No adjustable torso; sizing must be right at purchase.
- ✗ULA lead times fluctuate with demand.
- ✗68 L invites overpacking, which defeats the purpose of an ultralight pack.
- ✗Limited retail presence for in-person fitting.