Ultralight Adventure Equipment Ultra Circuit 68 Rucksack

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UOG TOP PICK – For Rugged Long Trails: With upgraded Ultra fabric, smart reinforcements, and a dialled suspension system, the Ultra Circuit 68 delivers reliable performance and durability for demanding miles in unforgiving conditions.

Ultralight Adventure Equipment says: 

NEW FOR 2024: At ULA, we understand every trip is different, and your pack and gear needs can change with each trip, so we’ve updated the ULA pack line to be more versatile than ever to keep up with how you adventure. What’s new? Combination ice axe/trekking pole loops are now a standard feature; the weather is unpredictable, and we believe your pack should be able to adapt as fast as you can. We’ve also added low-profile loops to the top and bottom of these packs to accommodate removable top Y-strap and/or bottom straps (sold separately). Purchase an ultra-light strap kit for your pack and be able to instantly add the capacity to strap larger items (tent, food storage, or sleeping pads) to the top or bottom of your pack as your gear needs change. And while we were at it, we made them prettier.

The same Circuit you know and love, only stronger and lighter than ever. Purposefully constructed of Ultra 400X in high abrasion areas (bottom, back panel, and pockets) and Ultra 200X in low abrasion areas (sides, front, and collar), we’ve selected a fabric matrix that maximizes durability while keeping the pack ultralight [36.8 oz!]

In our commitment to making quality, durable backpacks that last a lifetime, we’ve been hesitant to build packs out of many popular ultralight fabrics. Why Ultra? 15x stronger than steel by weight, twice as abrasion resistant as standard 420D nylon, and waterproof to 200 psi, we’ve finally found an ultralight fabric that matches our high standards. Front pocket is ULTRA StretchMesh for added abrasion resistance. Note that to maximize water-resistance of the ULTRA Circuit, these packs do not have bladder hose ports.

We don’t think there’s a pack out there that compares to the load carrying capabilities, comfort, and durability of the Ultra Circuit. The Ultra Circuit utilizes a 1.2 oz carbon fiber and Delrin suspension hoop, a dense internal foam frame, and a single aluminum stay to give you excellent back panel support, maximum load control, weight transfer, and pack rigidity without limiting your range of movement. Front mesh pocket, dual hipbelt pockets, and Ultra 400X adjustable side pockets make it easy to stay organized whether you’re on a thru or just out for the weekend. If you have your total pack weight down to around 30 pounds and want to feel the freedom of traveling light, the Circuit is for you.

Our Verdict

The Ultra Circuit 68 offers the same proven design as the Robic version but with upgraded materials that make it lighter, tougher, and more weather-resistant. At 1,045g (medium torso and hip belt), it shaves weight while still comfortably carrying up to the 16kg mark. The suspension remains simple but supportive, with the carbon and Delrin hoop and aluminium stay offering excellent load transfer without compromising mobility.

The Ultra 400X reinforcements on the base, back panel and pockets feel genuinely hard-wearing, and the new UltraStretch front pocket adds welcome toughness. You lose the hydration port in favour of better water resistance, a fair trade for many conditions. Integrated pole loops and external attachment points expand its capability without cluttering the clean silhouette.

It would be good for distance trails, or any mission where kit takes a beating and you want a pack that can keep pace without slowing you down.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• NEW! Ice Axe/Trekking Pole Loops
• NEW! Low Profile Loops for Removable External Straps
• Standard Top Strap 
• ULTRA 400X & ULTRA 200X Fabric 
• ULTRA Hipbelt Pockets w/ YKK Waterproof Zippers 
• ULTRA Side Pockets w/ Elasticized Top 
• UltraStretch™ Mesh Front Pocket 
• Internal Suspension Hoop 
• Rolltop Closure 
• Side Compression Straps 
• Sternum Strap 
• Contoured Shoulder Straps 
• Front Shock Cord
• NO Water Hose Port for Max Water Resistance 
• Removable & Height Adjustable Pass-through Hipbelt 
• Padded Backpanel

Specifications

• Medium Torso Length Weighs:  824g
• Large Torso Length Weighs: 850g

• Small Hipbelt Weighs: 204g
• Medium Hipbelt Weighs: 221g
• Large Hipbelt Weighs: 231g
• Max load: 35 lbs / 16 kg
• Pack straps: J-strap

Volume breakdown

• Main body: 2,400 CI / 39.3 L
• Front mesh pocket: 400 CI / 6.6 L
• Left side pocket: 400 CI / 6.6 L
• Right side pocket: 400 CI / 6.6 L
• Extension collar: 500 CI / 8.19 L
• Left hipbelt pocket: 91.5 CI / 1.5 L
• Right hipbelt pocket: 91.5 CI / 1.5 L
• Pack total volume: 4,2000 CI / 68L

Size breakdown

• Medium torso: 18″-21″
• Large torso: 21″-24″
• Small hipbelt: 30″-34″
• Medium hipbelt: 38″-38″
• Large hipbelt: 38″-42″

Material & Construction

• ULTRA™ is the ultimate in ultralight pack fabric, with the strength to go the distance in the most demanding environments, and it’s waterproof to 200 psi.
• ULTRA™ 200X: ULTRA 200X is constructed with a 200d face Ultra-PE blended with high-tenacity polyester, an Ultra-PE CrossPly, and a 0.75 mil film backing. Weight: 3.9oz/yd² Tear Strength: Warp: 103.1 lb / Fill 133.2 lb. Abrasion Resistance: 4,400 cycles.
• ULTRA™ 400X: A high modulus pack fabric, ULTRA 400, is constructed of a 400d Ultra PE blended with hight-tenancy polyester, Ultra-PE Cross-Ply, and a 0.75 mil film backing. It is 20% lighter and four times as abrasion-resistant than other 400d U-PE fabrics. Weight: 5.25 oz/yd², 178 gsm. Tear Strength: Warp: 187.7 lb/ Fill 161.1 lb. Abrasion Resistance: 8,800 cycles.

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Ultralight Rucksack
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Rucksack