What do you guys think of the ULA Catalyst backpack?

[Sun Blazed]

I'm a bigger guy, on the upwards of 300lbs. So finding a light pack to fit me is pretty hard. I have a 44" waist, and a 23" torso which make things even more difficult. How is this pack as far as load transfer goes? Is the frame reliable or is it going to give out on me? Another option I was looking at is the Granite Gear Vapor Flash, or the Meridian Vapor. Do you guys know anything about those?

Thanks ahead of time! :)

[bigcranky]

You can try on the ULA Packs at Neels Gap, just up the road. I know they stock the Circuit, and I'm pretty sure they have the Catalyst. Both packs have interchangeable hip belts and several different torso sizes, so there is a pretty good chance you'll be able to find a combo that fits well.

The ULA packs are well made, and the Catalyst will carry 35 pounds without issue.

Not sure the Vapor packs will take different hip belts.

[10-K]

The Catalyst has an excellent reputation and the company that makes it has support that's as good as can be found anywhere.

Everyone in my family that hikes has a Catalyst (I have 2, wore my first one out).

It's a big pack and it seems like some kind of natural law that says you'll take exactly as much as your pack will hold so have a look at the smaller Circuit too as mentioned by Bigcranky.

Good luck!

[88BlueGT]

^^ Amen to that.

[Jaybird]

I'm a bigger guy, on the upwards of 300lbs. So finding a light pack to fit me is pretty hard. I have a 44" waist, and a 23" torso which make things even more difficult. How is this pack as far as load transfer goes? Is the frame reliable or is it going to give out on me? Another option I was looking at is the Granite Gear Vapor Flash, or the Meridian Vapor. Do you guys know anything about those?Thanks ahead of time! :)



I'd go w/ the GRANITE GEAR :D
i hike with the GG Vapor Trail...now discontinued

see ya'll out there for my annual 2 week section hike...May 28-June 12
this year: DWG...NoBo...to Kent,CT

[Duff]

The Catalyst is an outstanding pack from an outstanding company. Yes, it's a larger pack, but it sure rides well.

[Two Tents]

Just because you are big doesn't mean you have to try to fill a big pack up. Yes it must fit. The Catalyst is huge. Go for it if that's what you want and need. 10-K is right on in that if you have extra space you WILL fill this space. That's fine if that's what YOU want. Just sayin. Most( or a lot anyway) find the Circuit is adequate in size.

[skinewmexico]

Mine is too big for most of what I do. I use my Circuit much more often. And it's really too big also. The both carry very well. Great company, made in Utah. What more can you ask for?

[robjae]

I am 6'3", 250 lbs, 38" waist. I have the XL pack and a large belt, with plenty of room. It is a big pack, but I can stuff my under quilt and bag in with out having to pack them down. The pack rides great. ULA has great service. You won't be disappointed with it.

[Red Hat]

ULA fantastic packs, drawstring tops.... Granite Gear packs usually have zippers and stretchy material (both gave out on me).... I'd definitely go with the ULA.

[Sun Blazed]

Thanks guys! I'm definitely leaning more towards the ULA now! It was really stumping me because all of the packs listed where in the same weight category. The ULA definitely holding more then both of the GG's listed. I was going to get the XL torso, as well as the XL hipbelt... And both companies offer those. Do you guys know of any more packs made for a bigger guy?

Also, are all of the ULA pack custom made and durable?

[88BlueGT]

Yes, all of ULA packs are hand made and extremely durable. I don't think I have ever seen someone post about a ULA ruck and something being wrong with it. I myself own a Catalyst and its now on its second season, WONDERFUL pack.

If I were you, I would call ULA up and talk to him and see what he has to say. Explain your situation and he will be more than happy to help you out with whatever you want/need.

[Morel]

Myself and son both have the Catylist. We have found them to be comfortable and well balanced. Also as far as room it has a built in limiter when you don't want to use the whole pack.

As far as service- My son who is thru hiking and I happened to be doing a section with him had some tearing at the seam. He called while on top of brushy mtn(which there are many in VA). They asked his next town destination and would send him a loaner and he could ship his back for repair. Then exchange at the next town. Instead we chose to send his for repair and he borrowed mine.

[peakbagger]

I wanted to pack my catalyst in suitcase so they offered the option to make the back stay so I could remove it and collapse it. With the stay removed the pack rolls up nicely and worked out well for the trip.

Its hard to justify buying a name brand pack most likely made in Vietnam, when ULA offers better quality for roughly the same price. Since they mostly sell direct, they dont have to put the ridiculous markups on them that typical retailers add.

[skinewmexico]

Call them. That's the coolest thing about buying a product that is Made in the USA. You call, the owner answers.

[Sun Blazed]

Yeah, I talked to Chris today, he said that he would be more than happy to set me up with the right pack. I actually think that I'm going to go for the Circuit, it weighs less and still has ample space. Do you guys know much about the Circuit? Is it a pretty popular pack?

[skinewmexico]

Mine is too big for most of what I do. I use my Circuit much more often. And it's really too big also. The both carry very well. Great company, made in Utah. What more can you ask for?

Can't remember the last time I used my Catalyst. Maybe if I was going out for 7-10 days. This will, however, depend on the rest of your gear. I don't have much that is big, bulky, heavy, or synthetic.

[Sun Blazed]

Can't remember the last time I used my Catalyst. Maybe if I was going out for 7-10 days. This will, however, depend on the rest of your gear. I don't have much that is big, bulky, heavy, or synthetic.

See I do. Most of my stuff weights more simply because it takes much more fabric to create the product. I went out on a three day trip a couple of weekends ago, and my overall weight was 33.2 pounds which isn't bad, but for what little I took, you could take and it would probably be in the 20s.

[SawnieRobertson]

I have finally found the pack of my life, you know, the one that makes me smile rather than wince. The ULA Catalyst is perfect for me.--Kinnickinic

[Red Hat]

I have both Catalyst and Circuit. Used the Catalyst on my AT thru last year. The Circuit is what I now carry on most trips. I'll use the Catalyst again for the John Muir this year because of the Bear canister.

[Sun Blazed]

Well, with all the great feed back from you guys I order my first ULA Circuit backpack. I got it with the XL hipbelt, and the XL torso. I hope that it works. :/ I measured myself at a 23" but someone else measured me at a 25". So lets hope that it works, if not I'll send it back and get the large.

Thanks a lot guys!

[bigcranky]

You know they stock the ULA packs at the outfitter at Neels Gap, right up the road from you, right?

[Sun Blazed]

Haha, I did know that but I didn't think that they would have the one that I needed so I just went ahead and ordered it. I probably should have went up there though. :/

[conmcb25]

I think you will love a ULA pack. I got a Catalyst about three years ago, and I love it.

[Sun Blazed]

I think you will love a ULA pack. I got a Catalyst about three years ago, and I love it.

Awesome. I'm hoping that I will. Chris seems to be super nice about everything. I sent him another email wondering if I could change my order because he seems to be dead set that I need a large back rather than an xlarge bag. So I don't know, hoping for the best! :sun

[stranger]

Well, with all the great feed back from you guys I order my first ULA Circuit backpack. I got it with the XL hipbelt, and the XL torso. I hope that it works. :/ I measured myself at a 23" but someone else measured me at a 25". So lets hope that it works, if not I'll send it back and get the large.

Thanks a lot guys!

First off, you DO NOT have a 25 inch torso!

It's highly unlikely you have a 23 inch torso, but possible in theory (very rare)

Simply by reading your earlier post, I would say you are probably closer to 20-21 inches...get to a shop and do this right, you cannot measure your own torso, it doesn't work...and clearly your friend is little help.

Get into a decent shop, you are probably right around 21 inches, how tall are you and what's your inseam? I know you said 300 lbs, I'm assuming that's not muscle right? How 'overweight' are you? This always happens with heavier people, nearly always.

[conmcb25]

Awesome. I'm hoping that I will. Chris seems to be super nice about everything. I sent him another email wondering if I could change my order because he seems to be dead set that I need a large back rather than an xlarge bag. So I don't know, hoping for the best! :sun

The above poster is probably correct, get yourself measured at a backpack shop, that has the gizmo to do so.

Take Chris's advice is my advice. I was exactly at a measurement inbetween two sizes (Its been three years so I can remember the exact details), and I called him up and said hey which size should I order, and he edidn't even hesitate and told me to get the opposite of what I assumed. I took his advice and the pack fits just great, Ive carried close to 30 lbs in it with no problems what so ever.

But I did go to a backpack shop and get measured. I highly recommend that.

[Sun Blazed]

See, I have been measured. REI measured me at a 19" torso, and a local outfitter measured me at a 25" but said that a 23" would fit me best, and when I measured myself (with help of course) got a 23" torso. But Chris said that it was too late on changing my order but when I get the pack to load it up and take a picture and he would tell me if it fits or not.

I'm 6'2" and my inseam in 30". I used to be obese, according to the BMI scale, but since I've lost weight I'm now in the overweight category. I'm thinking that I should have went with the large to begin with. A lot of people that measure big people are afraid to dig in and find where the hip bone is to fit it perfectly. Mine sets on my stomach now.

[stranger]

See, I have been measured. REI measured me at a 19" torso, and a local outfitter measured me at a 25" but said that a 23" would fit me best, and when I measured myself (with help of course) got a 23" torso. But Chris said that it was too late on changing my order but when I get the pack to load it up and take a picture and he would tell me if it fits or not.

I'm 6'2" and my inseam in 30". I used to be obese, according to the BMI scale, but since I've lost weight I'm now in the overweight category. I'm thinking that I should have went with the large to begin with. A lot of people that measure big people are afraid to dig in and find where the hip bone is to fit it perfectly. Mine sets on my stomach now.

Absolutely correct...people are afraid to dig in and find your hipbone crest, which is generally only and inch or two below the bottom of your ribcage.

If you a 6'2 it's very, very unlikely you are longer than about 20 inches, the 19 inches sounds alot closer than the 23 or 25!

Simply put, there are very, very, very, very few adult males that have a torso length over 19.5 inches...very, very, very few. I've fit thousands of people over the years, the amount of 20 inch torso's I've seen are quite rare, and without question...the heavier the person the less accurate the mesurement, atleast with men, women carry weight differently so it doesnt' affect their hips the same way.

Anyone reading this who thinks their torso is longer than 19.5 inches, it's probably not, you have been measured wrong...unless you have abnormally short legs or are over 6'6

Buyer Beware

[Sun Blazed]

So more than likely I'll be sending my pack back to get the large. But either way I'm looking forward to it! ULA is awesome! But I'm gla you guys really know what your talking about. I think 20" or 21" would be better bit we'll see. Thanks guys!

[STICK]

Here are some videos of me packing my Circuit and wearing it.

ULA Circuit (http://sticksblog.com/gear/my-current-gear/backpack/ula-circuit/)

[trailangelbronco]

We guys are always adding inches.

lol

[coach lou]

I'm looking hard at these. Are there multiple interior compartments or is it one large sack?

[hobbs]

I'm looking hard at these. Are there multiple interior compartments or is it one large sack?

Its a alpine style pack with one large compartment.But it has plenty of room. You cant go wrong with ULA..

[coach lou]

Thanks, Oz and The Elf say the samething........as folks that have walked with me know......I ain't no ULer.....I need the space!:D

[OzJacko]

As I said in text Coach.
I love ULA but do not carry more than recommended loads in them!
You do NOT have an UL reputation so I would find it difficult to recommend one to you.
I would say more than 36lb in the Circuit and 38lb in the Catalyst on a regular basis would make them a bad choice.
Those weights are ok for the first day out of town but by next morning you would need to be below them.
They can also be sweaty on lower back and Osprey have better ventilation if that concerns you.

[Coffee]

They can also be sweaty on lower back and Osprey have better ventilation if that concerns you.

I have a Circuit. Although I do not find ventilation to be an issue while hiking, the back panel of the pack takes on a very strong scent after a couple of days on the trail because it soaks up the sweat. This is particularly noticeable when the humidity is high and nothing dries out. When I get back from a trip, I spray the back panel with febreze which gets rid of the scent. I don't want to risk washing the pack more than I have to.

Otherwise I love the Circuit.

[coach lou]

As I said in text Coach.
I love ULA but do not carry more than recommended loads in them!
You do NOT have an UL reputation so I would find it difficult to recommend one to you.
I would say more than 36lb in the Circuit and 38lb in the Catalyst on a regular basis would make them a bad choice.
Those weights are ok for the first day out of town but by next morning you would need to be below them.
They can also be sweaty on lower back and Osprey have better ventilation if that concerns you.

My Osprey is fine for the summer. Come late fall and winter it does not leave much room after my WM Puma goes in, or when I'm hiking with Overload and I have most of the cook kit and food.

[Sarcasm the elf]

My Osprey is fine for the summer. Come late fall and winter it does not leave much room after my WM Puma goes in, or when I'm hiking with Overload and I have most of the cook kit and food.

Lou, i dont know if the catalyst would be any larger than your osprey. When they quote the volume of ULA packs they include the volume of the main compartment, as well as all of the external pockets, which makes it a bit of an apples to oranges comparison vs packs that have most of their volume in the one main pocket.

It's still a great pack but i dont know that it would hold all of your winter gear. :eek:

I have the same problem in the winter, which is why i still take my old gregory pack whenever I bring my zero degree bag.

[coach lou]

Thanks Dave, I will see Ozs and Daniels this weekend, maybe even carry it! The issue is my WM, it's huge, and now that I have the Neo it goes inside to.

[stranger]

Well, with all the great feed back from you guys I order my first ULA Circuit backpack. I got it with the XL hipbelt, and the XL torso. I hope that it works. :/ I measured myself at a 23" but someone else measured me at a 25". So lets hope that it works, if not I'll send it back and get the large.

Thanks a lot guys!

Sorry but you were measured wrong, no one has a 25 inch torso, that's nearly impossible, 23 is extremely unlikely, I would have someone who knows what they are doing do it again, get 2-3 other opinions. Most people are measured wrong, MOST, and when measured wrong...it's ALWAYS on the larger end, and USUALLY by 2-3 inches.

Generally speaking...75% of adult males have a torso length of 18-19.5 inches, about 20% fall under 18 inches, the remaining 5% are over 20...as a rule. Unless you are 6'6" and have short legs, you are nowhere near 23

Get another opinion

[mankind117]

I had a catalyst but I recently got rid of it. I know people rave about ULA packs but I just flat out don't like them. I used the catalyst for a year on about 10 trips and tried a circuit as well. While I like the weight and the organization of the circuit/catalyst, the hip belt/ suspension on the catalyst just did not work for me. The catalyst had pronounced lumbar pad relative to the hipbelt which does not wrap around to the lumbar pad completely. The hip belt itself just attaches via velcro. I found that the lumbar pad was just too stiff and pronounced and just flat out uncomfortable at even moderate loads. The hipbelt was uncomfortable and would make my side go to sleep. I felt like all the weight of the pack was being transferred to the small of my back. This is at moderate loads (mid 20s). I was not overloading it. The circuit had less lumbar padding but had the same problem. The load was concentrated on the small of your back, not evenly distributed around your hips. I really wanted to like these packs but they just flat out don't work for me. I still haven't found a pack as comfortable as my new osprey aether I have been using this year.

[Valley Girl]

Love it:banana

[Sarcasm the elf]

I had a catalyst but I recently got rid of it. I know people rave about ULA packs but I just flat out don't like them. I used the catalyst for a year on about 10 trips and tried a circuit as well. While I like the weight and the organization of the circuit/catalyst, the hip belt/ suspension on the catalyst just did not work for me. The catalyst had pronounced lumbar pad relative to the hipbelt which does not wrap around to the lumbar pad completely. The hip belt itself just attaches via velcro. I found that the lumbar pad was just too stiff and pronounced and just flat out uncomfortable at even moderate loads. The hipbelt was uncomfortable and would make my side go to sleep. I felt like all the weight of the pack was being transferred to the small of my back. This is at moderate loads (mid 20s). I was not overloading it. The circuit had less lumbar padding but had the same problem. The load was concentrated on the small of your back, not evenly distributed around your hips. I really wanted to like these packs but they just flat out don't work for me. I still haven't found a pack as comfortable as my new osprey aether I have been using this year.

Did you purchase this pack from an outfitter that properly sized and fitted it for you? What you described sounds like you either bought a pack that isn't sized or adjusted correctly, or just as likely, you simply purchased a pack that wasn't right for your body type.

The Catalyst and Circuit are both phenomenal packs, but, just like shoes or clothes, no one model of pack is ever going to fit well on everyone, and I know a few people who have never had a Circuit fit right, regardless of who fit it to them. Honestly if your Aether fits like a dream, then stick with it.

[oldwetherman]

I did the southern half of the AT this spring. Used my Circuit from Springer to Hot Springs. I like the pack. The heaviest load I carried was around 26 lbs.....well below what it's rated for. Only problem with it is that the shoulder straps "slip" when they are wet with rain or sweat. I got tired of constantly having to jerk them tight. The straps are thinner and narrower than most packs....saves some weight. I switched to an Osprey Atmos from Hot Springs to Duncannon. I talked to a few other ULA owners that had the same issue but it didn't seem to bother them.

[coach lou]

I really wasn't going to say, but.......I had intensions of carrieing Ozs' pack for a few miles, in New Hampshire, to check it out. He had Vague Blazed his way from Springer and I eyeballed that harness set-up and it looked beat! And painful.


This thread came up again so I'll put my 2cents in.

I still don't have a 'winter' pack yet....I have many bag options to strap to my pack, for my woolies!

[Sarcasm the elf]

I really wasn't going to say, but.......I had intensions of carrieing Ozs' pack for a few miles, in New Hampshire, to check it out. He had Vague Blazed his way from Springer and I eyeballed that harness set-up and it looked beat! And painful.


This thread came up again so I'll put my 2cents in.

I still don't have a 'winter' pack yet....I have many bag options to strap to my pack, for my woolies!

That wasn't your wasn't your "winter" pack? What are you planning to do, get a Mystery Ranch expedition pack?

[coach lou]

That wasn't your wasn't your "winter" pack? What are you planning to do, get a Mystery Ranch expedition pack?

My next trip out to Mt, I will go thru Bozeman and stop at the factory to see what there is to see. I have been on that web site!!!!!

[MuddyWaters]

Packs like the Circuit were designed for thru-hikers, especially PCT thru hikers.

Sorry to say that the average PCT hiker is generally a step up the evolutionary hiker ladder from your run-of-the-mill AT hiker. The PCT is a much harsher, less forgiving environment than the AT. You generally dont need to carry 7L water on the AT, or ice axe and crampons, or bear cannisters.

If you dont have the mental approach to hiking it was conceived for, you probably will find reasons to not like it.

Simplicity, minimalism, light weight can be more important than comfort.

A heavier pack is normally more comfortable than a lighter one, until youve walked 20 miles with it.

I will never proclaim my circuit to be the most comfortable pack Ive ever worn, or my Ohm. I will say, that they are comfortable enough, and do what they are intended to do, extremely well.

[Coffee]

From hiking on the JMT/PCT this year, I was surprised to see that a significant majority of hikers used traditional gear. My pack (Circuit) was among the lightest and most compact and I'm not anywhere near "ultralight". I think that ultra lighters are much more vocal online and that creates the impression that the majority of hikers are that category. But in reality I don't think that's the case. Now granted, I hiked in late summer which is way after the PCT NOBO hikers go through the Sierra and the only SOBO PCT thru I spoke with was very much in the UL camp. I do plan to lighten up where it makes sense prior to my 2015 PCT hopefully without spending too much money...