Topic

ULA Circuit Mods – ?

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Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
PostedNov 16, 2014 at 10:43 am

My Ohm is dying, plus, I need more volume. On occasion I pack short or tall bear canisters, and I generally use the front mesh for only small stuff, like a wind shirt and maps, versus a wet tent, which would go under a top pocket.

It came with a drawstring top, stretch mesh front panel, and drawstring side compression
I added a mesh back panel and a floating top pocket.
And Big sewn-on hip belt pockets.

The Circuit looks like a contender, with these modifications –

Drawstring top
Stretch Mesh Front Pocket
Robic fabric everywhere [Edit: maybe add just the collar and the bottom]

I'm also considering adding –
Another compression strap above each side pocket
Two 12" webbing "stubs" for floating top-pocket attachments
A side-to-side webbing strap across the top (in addition to the existing front-to-back strap)

I would leave off , because I removed them from my Ohm –
The hydration sleeve
The internal stash pocket loops
The front panel compression cord and loops
Ice ax loops

I'm looking for suggestions, pros and cons, adding or removing, etc.

Thanks

PostedNov 16, 2014 at 11:04 am

I had all robic done to my circuit. Added about 4 oz total in large.

PostedNov 16, 2014 at 5:23 pm

If I were to order another Circuit, I would definitely get the all-Robic fabric, and also the second compression strap just above the pockets. This would help with compression, and also keep long items inside the pocket (eg., my tent, which is just a few mm too short to reach the top compression strap.)

My current Circuit already has the drawstring top and stretch mesh front, which I prefer over the stock items on my first Circuit.

PostedNov 16, 2014 at 5:25 pm

Let me add that I got the Circuit after using an Ohm and a Six Moons Designs Starlite for awhile. The capacity and comfort of the Circuit are just about perfect for me — though I have never used a bear canister so I can't comment on that.

PostedNov 16, 2014 at 5:35 pm

Thanks Dave and Ken –

I'm now thinking of adding Robic to just the collar and the bottom, but not the front panel, to add durability where I need it, but save a little weight versus "everywhere" –

Circuit4
(photoshopped – non-standard)

PostedNov 16, 2014 at 6:36 pm

Do you need the front pocket? You could omit it and do the entire main body in Robic but keep the bungee attachments. That would maximize durability and minimize any weight gain.

PostedNov 16, 2014 at 7:30 pm

Front Pocket –
Yes, I know from experience that I need that place for small stuff. I really hate opening my pack up mid-day, so that pocket gets used for my wind shirt, maps, permit, fuel, gloves/mitts, etc.

As for durability, I'm not particularly careful, spend a fair amount of time off-trail bush wacking in the southwest canyons, and over 4 years, haven't put a hole in the mesh yet. (ooops, I just heard it snag).

Thanks though. It's always good to step back to recall Why. I will give it more thought.

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
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