ULA Circuit or Conduit?

Here’s an idea – post your geographical location. Maybe someone near you HAS one or both of these packs and would let you try loading your gear into it. Alternatively, talk to Brian first. He used to have a few “loaners” that he mailed out to prospective buyers to test-load. Otherwise, consider buy stock versions of both and return the one you don’t want. If you want any customized options, you’ll need to return the keeper as well so it can be upgraded. It’s a long time until hiking season anyway.

Whichever you get, bear in mind that Brian can customize it a bit if you speak to him when you order.

For example, that rear bunge cord (hopefully it is elastic) set-up makes a great place for a rolled pad. I have one on my Mountainsmith and wouldn’t want a pack without one.

i just ordered a circuit. if i get it soon (wishful thinking) i’ll post how it loads out with my gear and maybe that will give you a better idea of it’s capabilities.

I used the Circuit while serving as the family sherpa this past summer and carried easily that much gear. Although my gear was less bulky your kit, I carried alot of extra food and clothes and sleeping bag (homemade–12 oz, small volume) for a child.

I also carried quite a bit in the external pockets–windshirt, dropstoppers, tarp, etc.

I loved the pack. At its heaviest I had around 25lbs, and it carried like a dream. The hipbelt is truly a work of art and engineering. I scarcely noticed I was carrying the pack most of the time.

Note, however, (1) the anchor point of the sternum strap on the shoulder straps on my pack was at a narrow point in the strap, causing it to twist a bit; I managed by adjusting the sternum strap but this might be uncomfortable on someone else (I understand this problem may have been fixed on later packs); (2) the opening to the front pocket is very tight when the pack is full and there is no way of loosening it–again a managable issue for me; (3) I would have liked a second compression strap on the back toward the end of the trip.

These are nitpicky items, though. All in all, I loved the pack. I thought it was just about the perfect lightweight pack for carrying a heavier load.

I would also agree that the Circuit is the right size for 2 to 5 day treks.

I carried pretty much along the lines of what you have in your kit for a 5 night trek. I was able to get my Crocs into the external pocket if I loaded them prior to loading the body of the pack. The Drop Stoppers are rather bulky but I used a tarp and bivy which may pack smaller than a full tent??? I am switching from the Drop Stoppers to get bulk down and allow me to pack the Black Diamond First Light as an alternative to the tarp.

Also, the only way I could get my 60 inch Ridgerest into the body of the pack was for 2 nights or less…otherwise the pad has to go on the outside to accomodate food.