New Circuit 68 Rucksack Backpacking Rucksacks

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A rugged, no-nonsense pack built for real trail miles.

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? We’ve replaced the regular mesh front pocket with an UltraStretch™ mesh for added abrasion resistance and durability. 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.

Lets’ face it, every mother has a favorite child – ours is the Circuit. Weighing in at just over two pounds, we don’t think there’s a pack out there that can compare to the load carrying capabilities, comfort, and durability of the Circuit pack. If you have your total pack weight down around 30 pounds and want to feel the freedom of traveling light, this is the pack for you. The Circuit has been the most popular pack on the Pacific Crest Trail for the past 3 years according to the Halfway Anywhere annual survey of PCT thru hikers. The Circuit pack utilizes a 1.2 oz carbon fiber and Delrin suspension hoop in conjunction with 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.

Our Verdict

The updated ULA Circuit 68 stays true to its roots as a thru-hiking favourite, with a few smart refinements for 2024. At 1,098g (medium torso and hipbelt), it’s an impressively low weight for a 68-litre pack that carries and distributes its load so well, even as it approaches the 16kg mark. The suspension system is simple but effective, and the hipbelt stays comfortable over long distances. I appreciate the new UltraStretch front pocket – tougher and more abrasion-resistant than before, without losing the stretch that makes it so useful.

Other tweaks like integrated pole loops and low-profile attachment points add flexibility without clutter. The back panel could benefit from more airflow in warm conditions, but the overall carry remains stable and well-balanced. The layout is clean, with a large main compartment, practical roll-top, and enough external storage to keep the frequently used kit at hand.

The Circuit would be good for long-distance trails, section hikes, or any trip where comfort, capacity, and reliability are the priorities.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• NEW! UltraStretch™ Mesh Front Pocket 
• NEW! Ice Axe/Trekking Pole Loops
• NEW! Low Profile Loops for Removable External Straps
• NEW! Colored Bottom Panels & Shoulder Strap Inserts!
• Standard Top Strap
• Internal Suspension Hoop
• Padded Backpanel
• Contoured Shoulder Straps
• Front Shock Cord
• Rolltop Closure 
• Side Compression Straps 
• Dual Hipbelt Pockets 
• Removable & Height Adjustable Pass-through Hipbelt 
• Sternum Strap 
• 400 Robic Bottom Panel 
• 400 Robic Adjustable Side Pockets 
• Hydration Port

Specifications

• Medium Torso Length Weighs: 873g
• Large Torso Length Weighs: 928g

• Small Hipbelt Weighs: 213g
• Medium Hipbelt Weighs: 225g
• Large Hipbelt Weighs: 241g
• 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

• ULA 400 Robic: The toughest standard fabric we’ve ever seen. Highly tear and abbrassion resistant, reinforced with a ripstop weave to increase tear strength and stitch holding capabilities. 100% Robic Nylon fabric with three-pass Teflon DWR and a three-pass PU Coating, making it highly water resistant.
• UltraStretch™ Mesh: UltraStretch™ is an advanced 4-way stretch mesh woven with the highest quality fibers for performance and longevity. Made from a woven blend of Nylon 6-6, Lycra®, and Ultra-PE and coated with C0 DWR.

Help & advice:

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