ULA Catalyst vs 2016 Arcteryx Altra 65

It’s probably closer to 2llbs. You can also take some optional bits off the catalyst to make it lighter. The only thing negative I have to say about the ULA packs is that personally I find them very warm on my back. My old Altra does carry very well though. If you are not going to go too heavy then the Catalyst is a very good carry too. So why take the additional couple of pounds if you don’t have to.

If the U-zipper on the Altra appeals to you, you might want to check out REI’s Flash 65 or Traverse 70. Both have a J-zipper, and are considerably less expensive. The Traverse is a couple of ounces lighter, which the Flash is about 1.5 pounds lighter than the Altra.

I just returned a Flash after trying it out in my house for a bit (I didn’t care for the stiff hip belt, but others may find it right for them), but it does have some features I did like, such as that J-zipper. I was able to put a Bear Vault 500 in it horizontally (through the zipper, not the top), though an Expedition is a bit longer, so I don’t know if it’ll fit.

It seems to be a pretty nice pack and a reasonable price, even if it wasn’t right for me. So if there’s an REI near you, it might be worth looking at.

ULA Camino is also a panel loader.