got pics of your ULA circuit / catalyst?

I originally purchased the Catalyst and ended up returning it for the Circuit because the Catalyst was simply too big for a multi-day trek. The packs are bigger than you think. I'm 6'6" and the Catalyst rose past my shoulder height fairly significantly. The Circuit has plenty of room. Sorry, I don't have pictures though.

Ashley,
The photos accompanying my review of the Catalyst at http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Packs/Internal%20and%20External%20Framed%20Backpacks/ULA%20Equipment%20Catalyst/Owner%20Review%20by%20Richard%20Lyon/ might give you some idea. The Catalyst is a full-size pack, though I think it fits my 6'4" frame quite well. Its capacity (at least with the XL frame) is quite a bit bigger than listed. A great pack. Richard

Ashley,

Here is a link to a photo album with lots of pics of the ULA Circuit and the Conduit as well. No Catalyst packs but the photos might help you judge-

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/563472583fqMZhn

This pic shows 4 ULA packs in comparison (L-R Conduit, Circuit, Conduit, Circuit). The Circuits are loaded with a lot of gear. The owners aren't really in the SUL crowd, so your gear is likely to be of less volume. My wife and I use the Conduits, and our gear loads are fairly small volume but not bare-bones SUL kits. Everyone is carrying about 4 days food-

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2865758030090886177lKgPXO

This pic is a friend wearing his Circuit pack. He's about 5'9" tall and I think the pack is torso size Medium. Again, his gear isn't SUL, but I think his pack weight was around 35 lbs, including 1 man 3 season freestanding tent, 30 degree down bag (WM Megalite, I think), full cooking gear, lots of clothing (fleece, raingear, etc), 4 days food-

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2695730840090886177aTaRBY

As for which pack to choose, unless you are carrying traditional bulky gear, lots of clothes, 2+ man tent, gallons of water, or 2 weeks food, I think the Circuit will probably suffice. Hope these help!

Richard’s ULA Review Link

Russell’s Photo Link 1
Russell’s Photo Link 2
Russell’s Photo Link 3

OK, did my good deed for the day.

HTMLman swoops to the rescue!

Edit- oops, Ben it looks like the first two links for my pics have the same web address. No matter, the link to the main gallery has all the pics in it…

Fixed.

HTMLMan (aka Gear Enabler Man)

Thanks guys, that's very helpful. Both packs appear to be a little bit bigger than I have been imagining. Certainly Russell's pics seem to suggest that a Circuit would fit the volume I've been looking for pretty well.

Of course, I made the noob mistake of buying a pack as my first item to replace. Quite a nice pack (GG nimbus meridian) but now that I've reduced the weight on a lot of my other gear I won't be needing the volume and load capacity.

Another question for the Circuit owners amongst you… the Circuit has a drawcord closure at the top, right? Does anyone know whether ULA used to make Circuits with rolltop (drybag) style closure? One of the BPL member reviews seems to suggest that they have a Circuit with a rolltop. I'd ask Brian myself but he's already disappeared off on his hiking trip. Drawcord closure isn't a deal-killer, but the rolltop would be a little more secure when I'm traveling (not so easy to reach into the top of the pack).

Thanks again to those who have posted (and thanks HTMLman!). If there are any more pics from others I'd still love to see them, and I'm sure it would be a useful resource for others. =-)

The other thing I was wondering is, are Large frame Circuits heavier than the 32oz listed on the website (they don't specify weights for each size). Somewhat surprisingly, Richard's backpackergeartest review has the measured weight of his Catalyst at spot on (or just under) 43 ounces once you subtract the optional components. That's pretty amazing because he has an XL framed pack with a large hipbelt. Surely then the smaller torso sizes would come in at under the weight in the specs… assuming the XL packs are actually bigger, with extra fabric etc. Curious…

Russell, good pictures. Just wondering was this the knee brace brigade?