ULA Catalyst Backpack - Gear Review

This is a review of the Catalyst backpack made by ULA Equipment.

A link to ULA
http://www.ula-equipment.com/

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Where you can find lots of the gear that I use.


This pack is considered to be an 'ultralight' pack and is only 3 lbs when empty. This is a great pack with lots of great features.

I have had this pack for three years now and overall I am very happy with it. For me and my system this pack is ideal for trips that are 5-8 days long. I do use this pack for shorter trips but I find it is a little big.

In the video I fail to discuss the durability of the pack. ULA uses lightweight materials for the pack but the stitching has held up very well. The bottom of the pack is made of heavier cordura and this shows no signs of wear and tear. The only noticeable damage on my pack is on the side pockets which are starting to show minor abrasion on either side.

The pack is listed on the ULA website as being just over 75 L but I question the accuracy of this. The side pockets are listed as 350 cubic inches each which translates to 5.7 L. I demonstrate how two 1 L nalgene bottles fit loosely inside each pocket. So I would estimate the volume of the side pockets at about 3 L each. This would bring the total volume of the pack down to about 69 L. The front mesh pocket is handy but when the main body of the pack is full I also don't think you can realize the total volume of that pocket either. In my opinion this pack is about 68 L or perhaps even a little less.

At 5:57 I mention the pack has a 'water bladder'. It doesn't. It comes with a 'sleeve' for a water bladder.

Other than owning one of their packs I have no relationship with ULA Equipment.