ULA Cirquit q

"Is there a way around it?" Call ULA, tell them what you want, and they will build it. They are excellent.

My Circuit is couple of years old but I don't think it has changed much. To answer your questions: 1. The bottom is a loop. The top is actually two velcro strips that form a loop, so you can just wrap it around the shaft. 2. I just loosen the strap, slide whatever I want to strap underneath and then tighten. The side pockets are nice and big, so you can slide things into it to ensure that it doesn't slip through. Good for tent poles or even whole tents. Also, the roll-top straps do clip and provide another set of straps.

You can also put some crisscrossed shock cord on the side and take care of your concern.

My Circuit has the ice axe loop + velcro setup. I've had this pack for a couple of seasons. My Catalyst was manufactured in the spring of 2015 and has a vastly improved attachment system with a short loop of shockcord up high and down low on each side. I suspect this is a change that has been employed on various models within the line… Look closely for it in their photographs in the newer pack colors.

Yeah, exactly, that's what mine looks like, orange fabric, etc. So, what I am trying to understand is how is one supposed to clip an ice axe to these ice axe loops? I understand how the old system worked: thread the shaft down, flip it up, use the top velcro to secure the shaft. Here the bottom works the same, but the top does not seem to. Any ideas? *** Too bad compression straps don't unclip (like Jam 50), but I guess I just have to decide whether this works for me or not. Probably not, since threading a rolled packraft through the strap is not really possible. Looking at Web pictures I sort of assumed the strap could be disconnected.

My perception is that ULA is very responsive and willing to make changes. I'm guessing you can get the old style ice axe loops and the buckles on the compression straps. Please let us know how that goes if you do make the request.

Looks to me that the std green version is still the same as mine : The point of my comment was meant to be : maybe you should swap yours for the std green version…

I think the loops are intended for hiking poles more than ice axes. You should be able to put the handle up through the top one, then sit the tip into the bottom loop.