ULA Equipment Camino vs ULA Equipment Circuit SV
Quick take: The ULA Equipment Camino carries more (54 vs 48 liters); the ULA Equipment Circuit SV is lighter (2.3 vs 3 lbs).
Which one to buy
Will this pack spend time in airports? That's the question for these two $299.99 ULA packs. The Camino was built as a carry-on travel bag first: panel loading that opens like a suitcase, 400D Robic everywhere including solid side pockets made for baggage handling, and a twin-stay framesheet rated to 40 lb. ULA says it carries a bear canister horizontally. The Circuit SV is a trail pack, the Circuit's hoop, foam and stay suspension in a 48 L bag rated to 35 lb.
For trail-only hikers, the SV is lighter by 0.7 lbs, has hipbelt pockets the Camino lacks, and skips the extra zips and fabric a travel bag needs. For trips that mix flights with walking, like the Camino de Santiago, or for anyone who wants suitcase access and a higher 40 lb ceiling, the Camino earns its weight. Its solid side pockets don't stretch over odd-shaped bottles the way mesh does. Both come in four fixed torso sizes from 15 in to 24+ in and carry ULA's lifetime warranty.
ULA Equipment Camino
For travelers mixing flights and trail miles who want panel loading, tough Robic throughout and a 40 lb rating.
ULA Equipment Circuit SV
Right for trail-only hikers with a compact kit who want the lighter pack with hipbelt pockets.
| Spec | ULA Equipment Camino | ULA Equipment Circuit SV |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $299.99 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Traditional Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 54 L | 48 L |
| Weight | 3.0 lbs | 2.3 lbs |
| Max Load | 40 lbs | 35 lbs |
| Torso Fit | Sized S/M/L/XL (S 15-18, M 18-21, L 21-24, XL 24+ in) | Sized S/M/L/XL (S 15-18, M 18-21, L 21-24, XL 24+ in) |
| Material | 400D Robic nylon | Robic nylon |
| Back Panel | Twin-stay framesheet | Internal hoop with foam back pad and stay |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | No |
| Warranty | ULA lifetime warranty | ULA lifetime warranty |
Pros & cons
ULA Equipment Camino
- ✓Panel loading gives suitcase-style access that a roll-top cannot.
- ✓400D Robic everywhere, including solid side pockets, is built for baggage handling.
- ✓Its 40 lb rating ties the Catalyst and Ultra Catalyst for the highest in ULA's range.
- ✓Takes a bear canister horizontally.
- ✗47.2 oz is the heaviest ULA pack listed here.
- ✗Travel-first design means extra zips and fabric a trail-only hiker does not need.
- ✗Solid side pockets do not stretch over odd-shaped bottles the way mesh does.
- ✗Fixed torso per size.
ULA Equipment Circuit SV
- ✓Same suspension and 35 lb ceiling as the full Circuit in a bag 20 L smaller.
- ✓Four torso sizes from 15 in to beyond 24 in.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets come standard.
- ✓Robic is a tough woven nylon that patches easily.
- ✓Lifetime warranty.
- ✗Costs the same as the 68 L Circuit, so there is no saving for giving up volume.
- ✗37.5 oz is heavy next to 48 L laminate packs from Zpacks or HMG.
- ✗Torso length is fixed within each size.
- ✗Bear-canister fit is stated for the Circuit but not yet for the SV.
- ✗No raincover, and Robic is not waterproof.
ULA Equipment Camino vs ULA Equipment Circuit SV: common questions
Is the Camino too heavy to use as a backpacking pack?▾
It's 0.7 lbs heavier than the Circuit SV, with travel features a trail-only hiker won't use. In return it carries a 40 lb rating and a bear canister horizontally, so it works on the trail if you accept the weight.
Can the Circuit SV fit a bear canister like the Camino?▾
ULA says the Camino carries one horizontally, while the SV is unproven with a canister, so test yours before relying on it. If canister trips are routine, the Camino is the safer of these two.