ULA Catalyst.

[W I S N E R !]

Just received it today. While I obviously haven't had it on the trail yet, I've been in this game long enough to know this is a sweet pack.

-A few things immediately stand out:
*Hip belt adjustments are top notch. Coming from years of going frameless with a Jam2, MYOG packs, a GG Vapor Trail before that, and external frames back in the day, (not to mention countless packs fondled throughout the years), it's the best belt I've tried on to-date. The two adjustment straps on each side really allow you to form fit it.

*The fact that a Bearvault 500 fits horizontally and snugly (but not too tight) anywhere in the upper 60% of the pack also sold me.

*Generous side pockets. I've always been bothered by the stretchy pockets on just about every pack I've owned, forcing you to fight to get a bottle in or out, especially if the pack is full to capacity. I think updating the pockets on the new Catalysts from mesh to nylon was a wise choice as well. All my stretchy mesh pockets had holes quickly.

…nothing else to say, as enough has already been said on this pack.

___________________________________

On a side note:
While Brian Frankle may have created ULA (I know nothing about him other than that), Chris was great to order from and seems to be running a tight ship. I sent him at least 5 messages prior to ordering this pack asking about custom fabrics, color options, other ULA packs, etc. I don't think it ever took him more than half a day to respond. I ordered on Tuesday night and the pack was in my hands on Friday afternoon. What more could you ask for?

[Stephen M]

Nice one Craig,

I got to look at a new one recently at the Michigan meet and was well impressed by it.

[David Ure]

"What more could you ask for?"

20% off coupon?

[Stuart .]

Not even HMG offer that, do they?

[W I S N E R !]

"20% off coupon?"

Yeah, well….
Good thing I'm fabulously well-to-do.

[Stuart .]

I picked one up on Gear Swap. It's not water resistant like my Porter 3400 but it will haul big loads in real comfort.

The Porter's for solo trips of a certain length. The Catalyst's when I'm the pack mule for family trips.

[Dan @ Durston Gear]

"I picked one up on Gear Swap. It's not water resistant like my Porter 3400…."

…or like my Catalyst :)

[David Ure]

15%

[David Ure]

Why does it look so clean, Dan?

[W I S N E R !]

That's a sick pack Dan.

No need for water resistance down here in my backyard though…

[David Ure]

I wonder if one could combine backpacking with surfing?

[Dan @ Durston Gear]

Darn spring won't show up and bring the mud. Still snowing here….

I agree the hipbelt is great. I do prefer the Ohm side pockets though.

[Dan @ Durston Gear]

"I wonder if one could combine backpacking with surfing?"
Maybe one of those new inflatable SUP's?

[David Ure]

Dan, I am officially tired of the snow. Heading to Zions NP in 10 days for an 80 K trek. I simply can't take the white stuff anymore.

[W I S N E R !]

I actually just bought a new (used) lighter shortboard for this very reason (as well as simple hike-ins).

[Dan @ Durston Gear]

Nice call….Lee's Pass to East Rim?

Here it's snowing right now. 5-10cm so far today. Just bought snowshoes this morning.

[David Ure]

Obviously a trip report is in order, Craig. In due time. I heard BPL is hiring….; )

[David Ure]

Exactly, Lee Pass to the East Rim.

I was profoundly affected by Django.

[Todd T]

Had my Catalyst since 2009. Loved it then, love it now! :-)

[Author]

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