ULA Circuit vs ULA Equipment CDT
Quick take: The ULA Equipment CDT costs $100 less; the ULA Circuit carries more (68 vs 50 liters); the ULA Equipment CDT is lighter (1.69 vs 2.47 lbs).
| Spec | ULA Circuit | ULA Equipment CDT |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $300 | $200 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Frameless |
| Capacity | 68 L | 50 L |
| Weight | 2.47 lbs | 1.69 lbs |
| Max Load | 35 lbs | 25 lbs |
| Torso Fit | S: 15-18 in, M: 18-21 in, L: 21-24 in | S 15-18 in, M 18-21 in, L 21-24 in, XL 24+ in |
| Material | Robic 400 nylon | UltraGrid reinforced double 200D recycled grid with UltraStretch mesh |
| Back Panel | Foam panel with carbon-fiberglass hoop and internal stay | Frameless with removable pad |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | No |
| Warranty | ULA lifetime against defects | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
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.
ULA Equipment CDT
- ✓ULA publishes a specific 25 lb maximum load, which most cottage brands leave unstated.
- ✓Four torso sizes from 15 to 24+ inches is far more sizing granularity than most frameless packs offer.
- ✓UltraGrid is a doubled 200D recycled grid, notably tougher than single-layer gridstop.
- ✓$200 is the cheapest ULA pack and undercuts most cottage frameless packs.
- ✓50 L is generous for a frameless pack, handling a bear canister at a push.
- ✓27.1 oz is competitive with framed packs 10 L smaller.
- ✓UltraStretch front pocket holds shape better than plain mesh.
- ✓ULA's sizing guidance explicitly covers what to do when between sizes, which is unusually careful.
- ✗25 lb is a hard ceiling and easy to exceed with water and several days of food.
- ✗Frameless construction puts the whole load on the shoulders once the pad is compressed.
- ✗No adjustable torso; the size must be right at purchase.
- ✗ULA lead times fluctuate significantly with seasonal demand.
- ✗No hydration sleeve as standard.
- ✗50 L invites overpacking past what a frameless pack can carry.
- ✗Warranty terms are not published in the way major brands publish them.
- ✗Limited retail presence, so trying one on before buying is unlikely.