ULA Catylist vs. Nimvus Meridean

Just got back from a section AT hike in GA/NC and my SMD Starlite held 40 lbs with ease. My hiking bud had just purchased and had 43 lbs in a ULA Catalyst and he absolutely loved it. I would say that the ULA has a WAY better hip belt than SMD. BUT my pack weights in at 31oz and his over 3 lbs. So SMD is the way to go IMO. Hope this helps.

I would say that the Catylist is a more comfortable pack than the Granite Gear (GG). I have a Circut (yes a different pack but hold on…) and the two packs share the same hipbelt. I initalliy switched over from a GG Nimbus Ozone to the ULA and didn't look back. I liked the feel, and feature set of the ULA over the GG packs. The side mesh pockets are way more useful IMHO than those found on the GG pack lineup, but thats just me. I would say that the ULA is the way to go.

I also have used the little cousin to the SMD Starlite (the SMD Comet). Although I haven't used a Starlite, the comet and Starlite share similar suspension systems, and for heavier loads, I would seem to me that the ULA would be better at hualing a heavier load. Just my $.02

Larry, the Catalyst will carry 45 pounds with ease. Brian is simply being conservative with his ratings. Great pack!

My Catalyst has carried 45 pounds before. I don't carry that much very often os it hurt – but the pack handled it just fine. Its no Terraplane for load hauling, but I love my Catalyst. Mines weighs less than the 3 pounds that someone stated- 43 is the listed weight if I remember correctly and when I got it remember that it was an accurate weight. With all that said my only beef with the pack is that it is overpriced. Brian should include shipping, at least, imo. I only have one stay – and from what I hear the second stay does not make much difference – except in price and weight.