Gregory Focal 58 vs ULA Circuit
Quick take: The Gregory Focal 58 costs $10 less; the ULA Circuit carries more (68 vs 58 liters); the ULA Circuit is lighter (2.33 vs 2.57 lbs).
| Spec | Gregory Focal 58 | ULA Circuit |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $270 | $280 |
| Rating | 4.6★ (350) | 4.9★ (700) |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 58 L | 68 L |
| Weight | 2.57 lbs | 2.33 lbs |
| Max Load | 35 lbs | 35 lbs |
| Torso Fit | Sized S-L, 15-22 in | S: 15-18 in, M: 18-21 in, L: 21-24 in |
| Material | 100D/210D recycled nylon | ULA 400 Robic nylon |
| Back Panel | FreeFloat suspended mesh | Foam panel with carbon-fiberglass hoop and internal stay |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | Yes | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Gregory lifetime warranty | ULA lifetime against defects |
Pros & cons
Gregory Focal 58
- ✓Beats the Exos at its own game in most head-to-heads: similar weight, real hipbelt pockets, and a pivoting belt the Osprey lacks.
- ✓The FreeFloat suspended mesh breathes as well as anything under 3 lbs.
- ✓The dynamic hipbelt pivots with your stride, which reviewers credit for less hip chafe on long days.
- ✓Dual zippered hipbelt pockets fit large phones — called out approvingly in nearly every review.
- ✓The fixed lid-less design with a big top pocket keeps the silhouette clean without lid flop.
- ✓At 2.57 lbs it undercuts the Exos while including more standard features.
- ✓Gregory's lifetime warranty matches Osprey's on paper.
- ✓The 100D body with 210D reinforcement has held up well in long-term reviews.
- ✗Fixed torso sizes (no adjustability) is the biggest spec gap versus the current Exos.
- ✗The suspended mesh bows into the bag and complicates bear-canister packing, same as every trampoline design.
- ✗Availability is far thinner than Osprey's — few stores stock it to try on.
- ✗The 35 lb rating is optimistic per heavier users; 30 lbs is the practical comfort line.
- ✗The stretch front pocket is smaller than the Exos's and fills fast with wet gear.
- ✗No removable lid means no weight-stripping flexibility.
- ✗Bottle pockets require a shoulder-dislocating reach for some torsos.
- ✗Brand recognition lags in the UL scene, so resale is softer than Osprey or cottage brands.
ULA Circuit
- ✓Has topped the Halfway Anywhere PCT gear survey for years — no pack has more verified thru-hiking miles behind its reputation.
- ✓Owners routinely report 3,000-5,000 trail miles before meaningful wear; the 400d Robic build is the UL durability benchmark.
- ✓The 68L total volume (bag plus huge pockets) swallows a BV500 plus a week of food, which smaller UL packs can't.
- ✓Carries its full 35 lb rating honestly — the hoop-and-stay frame outperforms most packs in its weight class.
- ✓The giant mesh front pocket and dual oversized hipbelt pockets define the category's organization standard.
- ✓Hand-made in Utah with a service team famous for repairs, spare parts, and straight answers.
- ✓The roll-top plus Y-strap handles bear canisters, foam pads, and packrafts without drama.
- ✓Resale value is exceptional — used Circuits sell within hours on UL trade forums.
- ✗The foam back panel has zero ventilation; expect a soaked shirt on humid climbs.
- ✗Fixed torso sizing means no adjustment range — measure carefully before ordering.
- ✗The utilitarian look (and famously loud color options) is a running joke even among loyalists.
- ✗At 2.33 lbs it's now heavier than newer rivals like the Kakwa 55 that match its carry.
- ✗No lid and minimal internal organization — everything lives in stuff sacks or the main tube.
- ✗Direct-order only in the US; you can't try one on in a store.
- ✗Lead times stretch during thru-hiking season, sometimes badly.
- ✗The J-curve shoulder straps don't suit every chest shape; some switch to S-straps aftermarket.