I Couldn't Find the Perfect Backpack (So I Had It Made!) My Custom ULA Circuit

I spent three years trying to find the perfect backpack and I finally decided to just have it made for me! Here I review my custom ULA Circuit.
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[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Do you feel like you have your "perfect" backpack? If not, what would you change?

[@XEinstein]

Yeah, I do have the perfect pack. Or rather did. I figured that if I'd cut the harness from my backpack and sew them onto my bivibag I'd have two bags for the weight of one. So I did that, added a few straps and pockets and had a great pack. Now well over decade later it's worn out though and favour trail running over hiking, but I still took my bivi-bag-pack out hiking a year ago.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Cool! Love the DIY packs!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It should come with protective goggles!

[@WhereImAT-tg6wi]

As a Syracuse grad I love that pack!

[@SeniorHiker77]

Excellent looking and functional looking backpack. Love the bright orange color.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It really is! I love it haha!

[@chicoflash6377]

Doctor! That pack looks beautiful, and your functional design additions were well thought out. I thought you might go with Waymark, as you have expressed admiration for them previously. I look forward to seeing your adventures with this pack. Well done!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

The Waymark LITE was a serious contender (their red is gorgeous!), and I love my MILE and THRU packs. I just needed something with more volume. As always buddy, thanks for watching!

[@TheHBHikerBoyScout]

Love the ULA Circuit! I’ve got over 2,000 miles on mine and it’s still going strong! ULA has great customer service. I had to send mine in for repair, and they had it back to me in about a week. They even repaired areas I didn’t mention and only charged me $15 plus shipping, one way.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That's great! Yeah the people at ULA make it an even more worthwhile investment.

[@AllTerrainCoffeeCamping]

Awesome! That orange is very similar to the orange I used on my custom Alien Outdoor Gear pack. Custom packs are definitely the way to go. Another great video, thanks for being awesome!!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Love it! Thanks!

[@JimGerHikes]

Peter is the man, very helpful and knows His stuff! The many different adjusters is exactly why I chose the circuit. Don’t forget the adjuster on the back part of the belt, that’s a clutch adjuster

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You said it! That's the one I said was like a load lifter for the bottom right?

[@JimGerHikes]

@@BackcountryPilgrim oh my bad maybe I missed that, but yes that’s the one!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah such a cool adjustment!

[@dodoson]

This video is incredibly well done! Thank you! Just called Peter to place an a customer pack order with the cordage mod - this is an excellent idea, and thank you for sharing your expertise with us!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Very cool! Thanks for letting me know and I hope you like it!

[@kimberlythayer4857]

Awesome pack ! Love the orange ! I have been looking at this one and The Atom pack MO..decisions decisions . Thank you for the review and I loved the opening it's always nice to get a laugh to start my day 😊

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad it was helpful (and funny). :) The Atom looks like a sweet pack! (Just too small and minimalist for what I got my Circuit for.) Thanks for watching!

[@ms7fam433]

One of our sons bought a green one "off the shelf " from a local outfitter 4 years ago and loves it. He has made some modifications. The pack is one of my favorites as well. You will enjoy this pack.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah you gotta make your pack your own!

[@Oldsparkey]

You have a very well , thought out, color coordinated outfit. The pack matches the soles of your shoes and even the collar of you shirt. That's a great choice of pack colors , especially during hunting season or to be seen anytime of the year. I really like the modifications you thought of. The beauty of the cottage industries is the ability to make modifications. My last pack ( Different Cottage firm ) had some modifications I wanted. My pack is more subdued in Tan , Green and Black. I like the earth tones and the ability to blend in with the surroundings. Joking about my color choices it was mentioned. It's something he would expect the National Parks Service to order. No , I did not work for the Parks Service. I stay out of the woods during our hunting season. It's a promise I made to myself after 27 years of Law Enforcement and having to be out there.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I didn't even plan that! LOL but I should be safe in hunting season with this pack too. :)

[@wellseasonedhiker]

I love that framed Wild Ex backpack in the background. Loved that company. I had one of their packs and a holofill (sp?) sleeping bag. Not sure what I did with the old pack - it was plaid - so cool. The bag ended up losing it's loft and had to be discarded back in 2000. How times have changed.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I love classic gear. You should get my Vintage Backpacking page on Facebook!

[@wellseasonedhiker]

@@BackcountryPilgrim you were smart to hang on to your old stuff. All I have left is my Optimus 80...oh and a old Jansport framed pack. Everything else is gone

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I definitely kept a few items but I've gotten rid of much more in my attempt to simplify. :)

[@NinerK]

Thanks for this Video BCP! Great Raiders of the Lost Ark unboxing!!!! The added loops and cordage on the side is a great idea; I really enjoy side pockets or cordage on the side of my packs to hold my cook kit and/or other items; along with the bottom straps and dual webbing on the hip belts this could be the perfect pack. Thanks again Backcountry Pilgrim!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks! The new Ultrs material may make this even better!

[@markswishereatsstuff2500]

Beautiful pack. I might get the side pockets in light blue for extra zaniness.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Love it! They are updating their Customizer so it should be fun!

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Great looking pack Doug plus it will be perfect for hunting season. God Bless

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I thought of that lol!

[@I_am_Jeff]

That is a cool color scheme. I just ordered a custom Ohm 2.0 yesterday in multicam black X50 X-pac. I purchased mine for the luxury camp outs when Im bring chairs and frying pans for the trip. I look forward to seeing trips with your new circuit.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

NIIIICE! Sounds great! My buddy tricked out his Ohm to basically be a small Circuit haha, it's amazing!

[@shayzoo2]

Thank you so much for this review. I was kind of on the fence about this bag. I have been looking at it for a couple of years, but wasn’t quite sure what features I wanted, or didn’t want, and if I want to spend that much money, because, of course I want custom colors. I really like the extra shock cords you added to the sides for taller items in the pocket. I definitely think I’m going to ask for those. Thank you so much for your awesome ideas! Keep them coming.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Glad it was helpful! Tell 'em Doug sent ya. ;)

[@rodoutdoors]

That backpack is stunning :D. Love that bright orange. Looks like a SF Giants superfan on the trail.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It rules haha

[@johngould7548]

I ordered a custom Catalyst with Xpac a year ago. Carries great for me, never ran into heavy rain though. I like that I can stow a 500 Bear can sideways in it. Plus, the co-owner took the time to discuss with me sizing and features. How often does that happen nowadays?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I was tempted by the Catalyst big time! I hope I won't regret vertical-only storage for the bear can. :) Yeah, this company is legit, hopefully if they blow up they won't go the way of the big box companies. It's a difficult balance between success and service. Thanks for watching!

[@shawnr6117]

Nice 😁 That color looks like Blaze Orange that's used for hunting gear (required by law in some places) You must identify with the bad guys in movies lol 🤣

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It basically is haha. I identify with the guy who doesn't want to be shot by hunters lol!

[@shawnr6117]

@@BackcountryPilgrim I ment the Raiders of the lost ark reference you did lol 🤣

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Oh hahahaha!

[@leighfy]

Thank you for a great breakdown of a tempting pack. I love the load lifters and big side pockets on the Circuit. It’s definitely a contender for me as I lighten up. How’s the bear can carrying now that you’ve worn this pack a bit? Mostly curious about two things: how the BV500 feels against your back through that thin foam and your experience packing around it in the space available. Always carry this can, myself, and need a pack that fits it. Nunatak Bears Ears is very appealing, too . . .

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It felt fine I didn't really notice it. I did pack around it to fill the space and it was kind of a close call. I think looking back the Catalyst might have been better size-wise but over all I am very happy with it!

[@nullislandlife]

LOL, the Indiana Jones addition was excellent.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

That was fun! Thanks!

[@ericbrabham3640]

Love my original green circuit . It is a game changer for my backpacking adventures.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It's been great so far! My first real trip it was overloaded to 37 lbs. (full comfort loadout plus climbing and video gear LOL) and it rode just fine!

[@Doc_Watson]

Great feature choices! Many of those features are something that I'm looking for in a pack. Once I decide on what I want for features, I'll bite the bullet and get a custom made one.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Remember, buy once cry once! ;)

[@Doc_Watson]

@@BackcountryPilgrim that's if you know what you want. Until I figure out what I want I'm going to buy cheap discount stuff.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You can always try to sell it later! :)

[@garrycollins3415]

I have 2 packs in mind to replace my Zpack. Now I have 3. I have an orange pack. I call it my "Don't shoot me" pack for hunting season. If I go with ULA I'm copying your design, it matches my current pack.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I'll sue you, but go ahead lol! Just kidding. I'm pretty happy with it so far!

[@Craybo84]

Awesome backpack and great personalized service from ULA!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yes and yes!

[@MassiveCarbonFootprint]

Great pack and great colour choice... still hoping you do the Camino... if so check out the Gregory Zulu 30... what I would get if they would let me have a Canada

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I hope so too!

[@j817madi]

Love my Circuit, I do wish I had known they were gonna come out with it in Ultra material. I would've waited.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

There's always something new on the way. :)

[@Wayondon]

Every Maine hunter would love this color selection! I do.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Double duty! :)

[@markthiel2953]

Great review. Thanks.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks for watching!

[@DougGreene]

I like the additions you made to this pack - especially the top and bottom straps for strapping down gear. I could see using this for strapping on bigger tents and/ or my GG 1/8" pad rolled up in a polycro sheet. Anyway ... what was your total out-the-door price on this? Those customizations don't come cheap.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I'm very happy with it so far!! It came to $419 with all my mods.

[@davidandmoose1499]

It will be interesting to see a full performance review after you've had a few trips under your hipbelt.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Good call! I plan to do an updated "BIG 3" video after this season. :)

[@MichaelAndersen_DK]

You did what I would loved to have done to my own Circuit. Especially the cordage at the side and the straps at the bottom. Cheers!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Send it to them and they'll add it! :)

[@MichaelAndersen_DK]

@@BackcountryPilgrim I doubt it's going to be worth it with me living in Europe, but thank you for the feedback

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Oh yeah probably not! Maybe a do it yourself project?

[@kristymoore7052]

I have the same, though different color combination. I bought it at the beginning of summer and after several trips, some with required Bear canisters, others, extreme heat, others with Looong water carrys and the last an epic for me, on the Mt Hood Timberline trail and it did NOT disappoint. I love this pack and it may be my last….. as you said, for now.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks for sharing! I still love mine for sure!

[@marywalker7653]

I’ve been in the process of building my custom pack, and Im curious to your experience of the waterproofness of the XPAC or is I should go with the Ultra. Also I love adding the cords to the sides. Im glad that’s something we can request! Entertaining video. Thanks!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It's very resistant but not waterproof. I'd ask ULA what they've seen with the new material. They'll do anything you'll pay for haha!

[@GideonSmit]

Very impressive pack. And a very entertaining video. You're good at this! Ps. Did the Trailblazer survive the big purge?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thank you and yes it did!

[@GideonSmit]

@@BackcountryPilgrim I am quietly pleased about it. I just re-watched your review of the Trailblazer 30 and I think with the benefit of hindsight I would have gone for that one rather than the TB 44. Nevertheless, I've been out crunching the miles with my Trailblazer and I just love the comfort. I can live with the few negatives.

[@wanttogo1958]

Nice review and very nice pack. The orange looks great. Now that you’ve had it for about a year how do you like it? You didn’t say much about the internal support system. I know it has one vertical stay in a pocket as well as a carbon and Delrin hoop that extends around the perimeter and down into the lumbar area. Does it also have a removable, fairly rigid foam sheet? I see one for sale for the Circuit at the ULA site but wasn’t sure if that is a recent improvement to the pack or just a detail that doesn’t seem interesting and doesn’t get mentioned by reviewers.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

The pack's comfort under weight speaks well of the frame set, I'm definitely a fan! The foam sheet is not removable on mine.

[@wanttogo1958]

@@BackcountryPilgrim since I made my comment I did some more investigating and learned that you can remove the foam pad that is positioned between the spacer mesh and the back panel that forms that portion of the pack interior. However, you likely would not want to do so as it is not easy and for the weight savings just doesn’t make any sense. ULA does sell replacement foam pads for the Circuit. If reach behind the hip belt and feel underneath the spacer mesh you’ll find the pocket that the foam rests in and you can also feel the foam panel. It wouldn’t be an easy task to replace it but is possible. Thanks for the response.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yup you're right! I'm not sure it's super user friendly, but like you said it's not a good idea to take it out. Good on ULA for making it replaceable without ripping seams though!

[@steveragan3945]

Great detailed review Doug. I know it depends on the amount of gear one carries, but that said, is a 5-day food supply carry (no bear canister) a reasonable expectation with the Circuit? Thanks.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Ou yeah I don't think that would be an issue. Depends on what you bring of course. :)

[@GatorReeves]

Great video, as I've decided on getting a Circuit. Issue is, the colors I want are only available in X-Pac, not Robic. I'm pretty tough on my gear, so I prioritize durability over water resistance. How has this pack held up for you, especially the X-Pac fabric?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I love xpac, it's held up fine. Just got a CTUG pack in it too. You can choose thicker versions as part of your order. I'm sold on it!

[@GatorReeves]

@@BackcountryPilgrim thanks!

[@scentybeast9531]

Oh this is really cool. Your search is evolving! Gotta ask about the airflow and suspension, do you miss it at all? It’s ironic on this search of heavier packs carrying the weight better, it makes finding the perfect pack at times counterintuitive and confusing. Just got to try enough of them to find what works best for you! One thing I’d love to understand better with each pack is if my hips or shoulders will be carrying most of the weight. I do love the weight being transfered to the hips. The adjustability of this pack is very impressive, quite an underrated feature - it’s not the first thing you’d think about! Cheers man, enjoying following your journey. Are you thinking of doing the Camino next year?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Airflow is nice but I only notice it when I take the pack off and the wind hits haha. Not sure it's worth the extra weight and hassle. As fat as weight transfer, shoulder straps should be basically be keeping the pack from falling over backwards or shifting around as you walk - not much of the weight should be pressing down. I have no Camino plans at this time. The recent 2023 idea fell through rather quickly as the event that would have got me to Portugal turned into a huge time consuming thing that would not have given me the time I needed. :/ So for now I'm just hiking America. :)

[@scentybeast9531]

​@@BackcountryPilgrim Always used my old 45L Lowe Alpine Air Zone which carries on the hips very nicely - bit on the heavy side though! I got lucky with this 8/10 pack but maybe theres a 10/10 waiting to be discovered :-) Was it mostly the features or the fit that nailed it for you with this one in the end?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Well I bought it sight unseen, but I liked the reports it had over the years from serious hikers and a buddy got one that felt great even though it was the wrong size so I figured it could only get better. :) Several design features appealed to me and I liked being able to customize it so I went for it!

[@scentybeast9531]

​@@BackcountryPilgrim Oh dang, just found the SMD Swift X - it’s like ULA and Montane had a baby. Vest harness, heavy hip belt with dual adjustability, back length adjustment, reachable side pockets… looks cool too!

[@kristymoore7052]

As a new owner of one of these, have used this past season, I have had to adjust to the air flow issue, mind you, the Sierra was hot as it seems to be getting now, but I do have to watch what I am wearing. If it is hot out that’s fine, but as it gets cooler, if I am not wearing the right clothing, my soaked back can become an issue.

[@michaelnino5082]

😂😂Love the Indiana Jones face melt!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I thought it was appropriate. :)

[@michaelnino5082]

@@BackcountryPilgrim 😂😂👍

[@mountaincat8]

Can you tell me how tall you are and what size of backpack you ordered?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I am 5' 10" but what determines proper backpack fit is the torso length (see kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH-li6yebcZgaLM). I am 19" so I got a medium (which fits 18"-20").

[@trailheadjunkie]

Curious to know what other brands did you look into before deciding to go with ULA.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Great question! Well I've had my eyes on numerous packs for years but the main contenders this go-around were the Gossamer Gear Mariposa, Six Moons Minimalist V2, LiteAf Curve 40, HMG 3400, and the Waymark LITE (because I *loved* my MILE and THRU). It mostly came down to how I imagined they'd ride with a Bear Vault BV500. Of course, none of these are readily available to try out (with the exception of HMG at some REI's), so it was mostly gear reviews that I went off. I did manage to get my hands on a Mariposa and I liked it a lot but it just felt *too* lightweight, and I wanted something more substantial. My buddy got a Circuit and it checked all the boxes for me comfort and carry-wise. :)

[@trailheadjunkie]

@@BackcountryPilgrim thanks for your input. Your pack looks awesome 😎 Have a great season and be safe out there ✌🏽

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

You too!

[@barondavis5692]

Any regrets or 2nd thoughts?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Not really... well one thing I'd like to change is that the hip belt adjustor straps have just a tiny fold at the end to keep them from slipping out the buckle and if they slide to those points they can be hard to grasp and pull with just fingertips. Not a big deal and I could mod it, but if I ever need ULA to make me another pack I'd want some better leverage there. Otherwise, A+!

[@saltwaterborn1295]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks for watching!

[@unpavedexplorer338]

Very nice backpack.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I think so too! :)

[@commonfan5230]

How would you rate the ease of taking water bottles in and out of side pockets with pack on?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Not bad, especially if uncinched. But I almost never carry like that just fyi. :)

[@commonfan5230]

What's your method for carrying water?​@@BackcountryPilgrim

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Smart Water bottle in a Chicken Tramper Water Bottle Holder (1 L) - bit.ly/3K8mudd :)

[@GrampyDanGuitar]

Do you regret not getting S straps or are the J straps good?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I am fine with these but it would have been nice to be able to try both before deciding!

[@nedanother9382]

thumbs up for the unboxing! I don't know if you saw the Dan Becker debacle when he hiked with other Ohio youtubers. He got soaked, water got in the pack and then collected like a water bottle and soaked everything. I did a pretty darn good storm test once and experienced that in my pack as well as my hip belt pockets....little water carriers. I immediately had Jeff Bezos send me a tiny grommet maker (like 1/8") to put those holes in the pack and pockets. It's definitely coming in...it's just gotta have a way out. I just love that orange with the black. What part of Ca. are you in? I'm always looking to hook up with someone on the trail. I've got a hand full of permits starting in June....stupidly got one on my anniversary...we'll see how that goes. I'm trying to situate myself and find a suitable partner for attempting a section of the Sierra High Route in Aug...the Cirque section from Roads End (via Kearsarge) to Bishop Pass...ever give that any thought? Maybe up to a week I think. Have a great day

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Oh I could tell you stories about Dan.... :) Yeah ULA does such a great job with the details, just a fantastic company. Shoot me an email at [e-mail] and we can talk trails!

[@DougGreene]

So Dan Becker's experience was that this pack's main compartment leaked a lot? That doesn't sound good.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I've never seen Dan use a Circuit. The only video I've seen him have serious trouble with raining out a pack was his own fault (no pack liner) and I believe it was an HMG 3400. There is no reason an X-Pac pack should have significant issues with rain, but it's not watertight (nor is it supposed to be). :)

[@DougGreene]

@@BackcountryPilgrim .. cool. I currently have the Mariposa 60 .. and I like it a LOT. But that set-up you have looks really, really nice.

[@AdventureswithWillem]

Looks awesome!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I love it!

[@BS_1978]

Is this the same orange as the regular, non custom pack?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

It's one of the normal color choices. Blaze Orange or something like that.

[@peter5045]

Did you see the new Ultra 24 Circuit that just came out?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yeah it looks sweet!

[@peter5045]

@@BackcountryPilgrim I was saving for the xpac version after watching your review and this popped up lighter and more water resistant. So I ordered one the other day:)

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Nice! Yeah I love the Ultra material!

[@jodavis211]

Love it!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thanks! Now all I need is an amazing chair... :)

[@Gamerhog2022]

Is this an internal frame pack?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Yes, an internal hoop and a single central stay.

[@dannyfox1449]

What about Osprey?

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

I've had several, and still own two. They're solid starter packs, but come in too heavy once you get your kit dialed in. The overbuilding and unnecessary features often end up feeling like more of a hindrance than a help.

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

If your from Alabama that’s either the best looking or ugliest pack ever.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

LOL!