ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit vs ULA Equipment Ultra Catalyst
Quick take: The ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit costs $20 less; the ULA Equipment Ultra Catalyst carries more (75 vs 68 liters); the ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit is lighter (2.3 vs 2.5 lbs).
Which one to buy
The usual ULA question, in Ultra fabric: do you need the bigger pack? The Ultra Catalyst costs $20 more and weighs 0.2 lbs more than the Ultra Circuit, and adds 7 L and a 40 lb rating on a twin-stay framesheet. Both use ULTRA 400X and 200X, both take a bear canister, both come in the same four fixed torso sizes and both carry ULA's lifetime warranty.
The Ultra Circuit's platform has carried loads in the mid-30s comfortably for years, testers say, and its 68 L takes a canister plus a week of food without strategic packing. That covers most thru-hikes. The Ultra Catalyst's 40 lb rating and 75 L are for trips that go further: long food carries, winter kit or heavy water in canister country. ULA says it carries a canister horizontally, and its hipbelt pockets close with waterproof zips. For most three-season hikers, 75 L is more than they'll fill.
The Ultra fabric trade-offs apply to both. The laminate resists tears brilliantly but abrades at crease points and is harder to repair than woven fabric, so carry tape. Neither has a lid pocket or a rain cover, and nothing adjusts after purchase, so measure carefully before ordering.
ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit
For thru-hikers whose loads stay in the mid-30s of pounds, including canister trips with a week of food.
ULA Equipment Ultra Catalyst
Worth the extra $20 if you regularly carry long food or water loads, winter kit, or need a 40 lb rating and 75 L.
| Spec | ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit | ULA Equipment Ultra Catalyst |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $379.99 | $399.99 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 68 L | 75 L |
| Weight | 2.30 lbs | 2.5 lbs |
| Max Load | 35 lbs | 40 lbs |
| Torso Fit | S 15-18 in, M 18-21 in, L 21-24 in, XL 24+ in | Sized S/M/L/XL (S 15-18, M 18-21, L 21-24, XL 24+ in) |
| Material | Ultra 400X body with Ultra 200X panels | ULTRA 400X and ULTRA 200X |
| Back Panel | Foam pad with carbon fibre hoop and aluminium stay | Twin-stay framesheet |
| 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | ULA lifetime warranty: original owner, defects in materials and workmanship (wear, accidents and misuse excluded) | ULA lifetime warranty |
Pros & cons
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.
- ✓36.8 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.
- ✗36.8 oz is the second-heaviest pack in this comparison group.
- ✗Ultra laminates are difficult to field-repair.
- ✗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.
ULA Equipment Ultra Catalyst
- ✓75 L at 2.5 lb with a 40 lb rating is a strong volume-to-weight figure for a framed pack.
- ✓ULTRA fabric is more water-resistant than the Robic on the standard Catalyst.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets close with YKK waterproof zips.
- ✓Takes a bear canister horizontally.
- ✓Lifetime warranty.
- ✗$80 more than the Robic Catalyst for the fabric upgrade.
- ✗75 L is more than most three-season hikers fill.
- ✗Roll-top only, with no lid pocket.
- ✗Torso is fixed within each size.
- ✗No raincover included.
ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit vs ULA Equipment Ultra Catalyst: common questions
Is the Ultra Catalyst's 40 lb rating worth $20 over the Ultra Circuit?▾
Only if your loads go past the mid-30s of pounds. Testers say the Ultra Circuit stays composed there, and it fits a canister and a week of food, so the Catalyst's extra margin and 7 L matter for longer or colder trips.
Do the Ultra Circuit and Ultra Catalyst both take a bear canister?▾
Yes. The Ultra Circuit fits a canister plus a week of food, and ULA says the Ultra Catalyst carries one horizontally with more room left around it.