WHICH BACKPACK

For what are you considering these packs?

backpacking trips 40 to 75 miles from 2 to 5 nights out.

I have both the gorilla and the circuit and they are two very different packs.

The gorilla is great for most of my needs, it's small, carries great, and all my stuff fits in there. But it doesn't have much of a frame, and I can't imagine it carrying more than 25-30# very nicely.

The circuit (to me) is huge and has a real frame – it's what I'm using for the JMT (bearikade…) and hopefully next year the pct. Your base weight and what you are carrying will matter, at least between those two.

I could not agree more. Think about what you will need on your trip before you get the pack- the circuit and gorilla are very different! Although I have used a bearikade expedition in my 2010 gorilla on my PCT hike, you need to be sure that you will have the room for it with all of your other gear.

Evan

The GG Mariposa has a frame and would carry 30+ pounds comfortably. A little bigger than the Gorilla – I think 50L – but a nice pack, 27 ounces, and similar features.

I've had a lot of packs, from giant heavy monsters to frameless rucks, and my Circuit is my favorite. Carries as heavy a load as I'll ever need, large enough for my "winter" gear (Southern Appalachian winters), decent empty weight, and comfortable. I did get some custom features, but the basic pack was close to perfect.

I have not used the Gorilla, and I tried my hiking partner's Jam for just one trip. It's a nice basic frameless ruck, but I like a frame.

I use a Crux AK-47X (http://www.crux.uk.com/en/rucksacks.php?range=1&product=3) for most of my trips. Similar weight to the ULA Circuit, no external pockets, slightly larger internal volume and much, much tougher fabric. Fits me great but that's subjective. It also has the one of the stiffest frames (internal hoop) I've ever seen on a pack. You can't bend it and it transfers load incredibly well.

Are those available in North America? I like the look of that pack.

So the current gorilla has the frame of the Mariposa. I have a Mariposa and really like the way it carries. I use it for winter, packing in beer in the summer, and bringing along the wife's gear or others. The Gorilla would be a great volume 3-season pack for most. Worth checking out.