ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit vs ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit SV
Quick take: The ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit carries more (68 vs 48 liters); the ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit SV is lighter (2.2 vs 2.3 lbs).
Which one to buy
ULA charges the same $380 for both, so the 20 L you give up with the Ultra Circuit SV buys you just 0.1 lbs. Both use ULTRA 400X and 200X fabric, both are rated to 35 lb, and both come in four fixed torso sizes from 15 in to 24+ in.
That makes the full Ultra Circuit the default. Its 68 L takes a bear canister plus a week of food without strategic packing, and testers confirm the Circuit platform stays composed with loads in the mid-30s of pounds. The SV isn't built around a canister, and it lacks the hipbelt pockets the full Ultra Circuit has. Its 0.1 lb saving is too small to feel on the trail.
The SV is for a compact kit that would rattle around in 68 L and doesn't need canister space. At the same price it's a choice of fit and kit size rather than value, and a hiker still dialing in gear is better off with the room. Whichever you choose, the Ultra Circuit's laminate abrades at crease points and is harder to repair than woven fabric, so carry tape, and order early because ULA lead times swing with demand.
ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit
For nearly every thru-hiker deciding between the two: 20 L more room and proven canister capacity for the same money.
ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit SV
Worth it only if your kit is compact enough for 48 L and you never need to carry a bear canister inside.
| Spec | ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit | ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit SV |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $379.99 | $379.99 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 68 L | 48 L |
| Weight | 2.30 lbs | 2.2 lbs |
| Max Load | 35 lbs | 35 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 | Internal suspension hoop |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | No |
| 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 Circuit SV
- ✓ULTRA fabric sheds water better than Robic and absorbs less.
- ✓Saves 1.7 oz over the Robic Circuit SV.
- ✓35 lb ceiling suits a full thru-hike resupply.
- ✓Four torso sizes.
- ✓Roll-top closure.
- ✗$379.99 is an $80 premium over the Robic SV for a small weight saving.
- ✗Torso length is fixed within each size.
- ✗Same price band as Zpacks and HMG laminate packs that weigh less.
ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit vs ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit SV: common questions
Why buy the Ultra Circuit SV if it costs the same as the Ultra Circuit?▾
For the smaller bag and nothing else. It keeps the 35 lb rating and the same ULTRA fabric at 48 L, saving 0.1 lbs. If you ever need canister space or extra food volume, the full Ultra Circuit gives more for the same price.
Does the Ultra Circuit SV carry a bear canister?▾
That's unproven for the SV. The full 68 L Ultra Circuit takes a canister plus a week of food, so for canister country the bigger pack is the known option.