Don't Forget to order your hipbelt with this pack - CLICK HERE
The Catalyst remains our tried and true workhorse of the ULA Pack line.
In 2011 we swapped new materials for both side pockets and the logo panel. The side pockets are now 210 ripstop nylon which is tougher lighter and more snag resistant for any rambling adventure. The logo panel is now Cordura - super durable and abrasive resistant.
In the States if you head out on a National Scenic Trail the chance of running into someone with a Catalyst on their back is pretty high. As such the Catalyst is a great choice for multi-month treks winter travels or for folks transitioning down from monster packs into lighter loads.
Bottom Line? An updated-tougher lighter - tried and true veteran for lightweight and long distance hikers.
Don't Forget to order your hipbelt with this pack - CLICK HERE
ULA packs are mid range in terms of weight but thats because they've paid attention to durability and have produced a range of tough packs with very practical features designed by backpackers. The Catalyst has an internal frame (removable) which enables it to transfer weight to the hips more effectively than a frameless pack - this means it will carry heavier loads.
Its capacity is 75 Litres but bear in mind thats when you add up all the various pockets and compartments - the main compartment is only 42 Litres so it may not compare well to that other 75 Litre pack you have in the garage. I would look at this pack and say its 52 Litres with lots of extra storage.
Nice features? Checkout the large front mesh pocket - ideal for a wet tent, large side pockets which don't require you to be a contortionist to use - and practical square hipbelt pockets.
Help and advice:
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Internal Frame
Twin Stay Framesheet
Contoured Shoulder Straps
Front Shock Cord
Front Mesh Pocket
Dual Hipbelt Pockets
Adjustable/Bellowed Side Pockets
Rolltop Closure
Side/Top Compression Straps
Ice Axe/Pole Retention Loops
Bear Canister Capable
Dyneema Gridstop
Hydration Sleeve (~ 40g)
Internal Mesh Pocket (~ 30g)
Water Bottle Holsters (~ 22g)
Handloops (~ 22g)
Volume Breakdown: Main Body: 42 Litres, Front Mesh Pocket: 10 Litres, Side Mesh Pocket: 6 Litres each, Ext. Collar: 10 Litres, Hipbelt Pockets: 1.5 Litres each
Don't Forget to order your hipbelt with this pack - CLICK HERE
Rec'd Max Load: 40 lbs or less
Rec'd Base Weight: 20 lbs or less
Small Torso pack excluding hipbelt weighs 1100g / 38.9oz
Medium Torso pack excluding hipbelt weighs 1120g / 39.6oz
Large Torso pack excluding hipbelt weighs 1142g / 40.3oz