This comparison of the Marathoner vs Circuit was written because there are many who want to know the differences between the two. The differences can be subtle and difficult to pick out, which is why we have done the research for you.
Camelbak Marathoner vs Circuit
Both of these packs are made for running and keeping you constantly hydrated. They come with a water reservoir which has a hose from which you can drink. The shoulder harness has compartments where you can store some of your frequently needed items.
The shoulder harness has two stretch mesh pockets that you can use to store extra water bottles. With both of these packs, there’s also a sweat-proof compartment for your cell phone. There are stretch mesh envelope pockets for your gels on both.
Both the Marathoner and the Circuit have a snug adjustable fit.
This is a great feature if you consider the fact that some other hydration packs kind of bounce around as you are running. These will definitely not bounce and will stay put. To further improve the snugness of the fit, these packs come with a dual sternum strap. This ensures that the shoulder harness does not begin to slide off as you are running. Both these packs fit a 30-46 inch chest, but they are different lengths.
In order to fill the water reservoir, there is an external filter so you can top off the water. There’s no need to remove the reservoir, but you could if you wanted to. If you are not going to be filling the water all the way, the side compression straps of these packs will keep your pack snug.
An unexpected benefit of having a water reservoir on your back is the fact that it can keep you cool. The Marathoner and the Circuit take advantage of this by providing a perforated back panel. This back panel allows for the cool transfer between the ice water in the reservoir and your back. The water will stay cool for a few hours due to the insulation between the reservoir and the outside of the backpack.
What makes the Marathoner and Circuit Different
The Marathoner and the Circuit are different mainly in terms of their size. The Marathoner can carry 2 liters of water in its reservoir, while the Circuit can only carry 1.5 liters. This also makes the Circuit the lighter of the two. The Circuit also has fewer pockets, and the torso length is shorter.
Marathoner:
- Fits 30-46 inch chest
- Holds 2 liters of water
- Torso length: 12 inches
- Weight: 11 ounces
Circuit:
- Fits 30-46 inch chest
- Holds 1.5 liters of water
- Torso length: 14 inches
- Weight: 9.5 ounces
You may be wondering what the reason is for the spec differences. The Circuit and the Marathoner are different in terms of their purpose. As the name suggests, the Marathoner is made for long runs. More specifically, the Marathoner is equipped for a run of 2 hours or more. It holds enough water for more than two hours of hydration and has some external pockets that are big enough to hold more items than the Circuit.
The Circuit is more geared towards entry-level runners that are not going to be running long distances. The Circuit is the smallest in the line of CamelBak hydration packs. As an entry-level runner, you could begin with this pack and upgrade to the Marathoner pack later on.
Camelbak Marathoner vs Circuit: Price Comparison
The Camelbak Marathoner costs only $10 more than the Circuit on Amazon.
The Verdict
As you have seen, both of these packs are made for different purposes. The Circuit is made for the entry-level runner, while the Marathoner is made for running long distances. In terms of fit, it does not matter that they have different torso lengths.
You have seen that the Marathon has a torso length of 12 inches, while the Circuit has a torso length of 14 inches. Yet, they will fit the same torso length on a person. The Marathoner is simply longer because it will hold more items and more water. It also weighs a bit more than the Circuit, but the weight is negligible.
In our own opinion, both of these packs are the same in terms of the level of quality. The decision to purchase one over the other is a matter of how much hydration you will need and how much room you require for your gear. This solely depends on how much running you’re going to be doing at a time.
If you are an entry-level runner, the Circuit may be the best for you. Just remember that even an entry-level runner can get good use out of the Marathoner. Purchasing a Marathoner as an entry-level runner will simply prepare you for those long runs in the future. But if you are going to stick with shorter runs, the Circuit is sufficient.
Great review / comparison and most appreciated. Thank you!!!
Hi Andrew,
I’m glad you enjoyed our comparison! If you have any questions about this or any other product featured on this site, we would be happy to assist. Thank you for visiting offthegridgearhub.com!