Q: What does Rec'd Base Weight mean?
[Answer]
A: Recommended Base Weight refers to the total weight of all gear carried (including the weight of your ULA backpack). This includes water bottles and food stuff sacks but not water and food as this will vary during each trip. Knowing your base weight will help you determine which suspension system can best handle your on the trail load.
Q: Can a water bottle fit in the side mesh pockets? If so, can I reach it? How do they close?
[Answer]
A: Each side mesh pocket can accommodate two 1-Liter 'Big Slam' style bottles. A Nalgene-style bottle will also fit, but in your quest to lighten up, that should have been replaced a long time ago! In general most people can reach back and retrieve a bottle, drink, and return the bottle to the pocket without removing the pack. The top of the side mesh pockets are angled for easier access, and adjust single-handedly with a cord lock and internal bungee to open and close.
Q: Can I fit a bear canister into the Circuit? Can it fit horizontally?
[Answer]
A: Every bear canister on the market will fit into the Circuit vertically. Unfortunately bear canisters will not fit horizontally. Keep in mind it is best to pack something between the hard sided canister and the bottom of the pack.
Q: Where do I strap my sleeping pad?
[Answer]
A: If you are using an inflatable pad, I recommended storing it in the interior of the pack to avoid punctures. A foam pad can easily be secured beneath the top compression strap that goes over the top of the pack or beneath the front shock cord compression. Although not necessary for optimum performance, positioning your sleeping pad into the interior of the Circuit (against the backpanel) is also a good solution.
Q: What is the suspension hoop? How does it work?
[Answer]
A: The suspension hoop used in the Circuit is our minimal solution to transferring load between shoulder and hip. If you imagine an upside 'U' you get a sense of how the hoop is positioned and how it functions. The upper arch of the 'U' ties into the shoulder straps, while each leg of the 'U' ties into the hipbelt. These points of contact allow for a range of suspension flexibility while being rigid enough to support loads up to 35 lbs. In addition, because the suspension is located on the periphery of the pack body, and the backpanel is stiffened slightly with dual density foam, the result is a pack that can handle the load but does not dictate your body's movements --- but rather responds to how you move. Personally, when the loads are kept below 35 lbs, I find this pack to be the most comfortable in the ULA line-up.
Q: How does the top of the pack close? Is it easy to access the main body of the packbag?
[Answer]
A: The top of the pack closes like a drybag (also known as a rolltop) very similar to what river runners use to create a water resistant seal for their gear bags. Basically, the back of the collar is slightly taller than the front. Once you are packed, the collar can be 'rolled' down upon itself to effectively create a barrier to water penetration. Once rolled, each side of the collar is buckled to the sides of the pack to hold the seal, and to provide vertical compression to your load.
As for access, once the collar is rolled and fastened shut, you would need to unbuckle the compression straps and unroll the collar to access the inside of the pack. However, the rolltop only needs to be rolled shut when the weather dictates. If the sky is dry, the collar can simply be folded forward. Vertical compression can still be achieved by buckling the collar to the sides of the pack.
To accurately measure your torso length for a correct pack fit, grab a buddy and follow the steps below...
