Review: ULA Catalyst
Posted: Wed Sep 20, 2023 2:52 pm
I bought this pack in Logan on my way to the Wind Rivers this summer. (trip reports will be posted in the Beyond Sierra section). The pack is ULA's largest capacity pack. They also have a new version made of lighter material and with a lid. I could not justify the extra cost. I was a bit concerned because I like removable lids on packs. The standard Catalyst is a roll top, but can be folded over to close, which is what I used. ULA packs are somewhat "component" packs- you select a main body, then waist belt and straps. I ended up with the small Catalyst, small waistbelt and small J-straps. I also tried the S-straps but liked the J-straps better. The pack capacity comes from being wider instead of taller, which is great for short people. The bottom part is wider so my bear can fit horizontally with room to spare. I put my sleeping pad in first, then the bear can, then the tent which also needs width to accomadate the end-poles. Then sleeping bag, clothes on top with a zip container for what I would put in a lid.
There are large, deep outside pockets for water bottle, fishing rod, Crocks, bear spray and smallish hip pockets for camera, sunglasses, and lunch.
The back pocket was perfect for platypus 2-L water containers. Then I put my extra folded foam sleeping pad on back that had stretchy straps.
The capacity is large enough that I do not have to pack precisely. Compression straps work well to cinch it smaller. I fold it over the maximum so there is plenty of room for more gear if needed.
At first, I was worried about the foam back pad which is very basic. It was a bit stiff but became more comfortable with use. I take a small foam sit-pad which I stuck between me and the pack. Not that it was necessary, but it was a good place to carry it anyway.
It sits up by itself when I put it on the ground which is nice and well balanced.
My only complaint so far is that the shoulder straps on the "small" pack are still too wide apart. If I use the sternum strap, I can bring them closer.
I also bought a medium pack cover, which has not worked out well, mainly because it is so slippery that it does not stay in place. I think I can fix that with some Velcro or just paint some seam seal on the edges so it sticks to the pack better.
Internet review below:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q ... i=89978449
There are large, deep outside pockets for water bottle, fishing rod, Crocks, bear spray and smallish hip pockets for camera, sunglasses, and lunch.
The back pocket was perfect for platypus 2-L water containers. Then I put my extra folded foam sleeping pad on back that had stretchy straps.
The capacity is large enough that I do not have to pack precisely. Compression straps work well to cinch it smaller. I fold it over the maximum so there is plenty of room for more gear if needed.
At first, I was worried about the foam back pad which is very basic. It was a bit stiff but became more comfortable with use. I take a small foam sit-pad which I stuck between me and the pack. Not that it was necessary, but it was a good place to carry it anyway.
It sits up by itself when I put it on the ground which is nice and well balanced.
My only complaint so far is that the shoulder straps on the "small" pack are still too wide apart. If I use the sternum strap, I can bring them closer.
I also bought a medium pack cover, which has not worked out well, mainly because it is so slippery that it does not stay in place. I think I can fix that with some Velcro or just paint some seam seal on the edges so it sticks to the pack better.
Internet review below:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q ... i=89978449