I first saw ULA packs while hiking the PCT in 2011, they seemed very popular among the thru hikers and I was intrigued. The packs were first designed by a PCT thru hiker and the company is small, family owned and all products are hand made in the USA. They had a selection of light weight packs and several features that I really liked such as huge hipbelt pockets and comfortable shoulder straps. When my old pack finally wore down beyond repair I was excited to be able to justify a new pack purchase.
ULA has several great packs and I would have loved to order one that weighed less than two pounds, but the reality of the loads that I carry when I have full food and water is too much for these ultralight packs. I chose the Catalyst, an internal frame pack which states a carrying load of 40lbs. I requested the S shaped shoulder straps which are a great option for a women's shape. The pack weighs 3lbs with all extras such as internal mesh zipper pocket, front bungees for water bottles, handrest straps and velcro pole straps. I removed several of these shaving a 2.7 ounces from the weight.
Each pack is custom made with sizing options for torso, hipbelt, and shoulder straps. I had a great experience speaking with the company about my needs, getting advice as well as with their ability for a quick turnaround and delivery once I ordered. ULA has several basic color options for their packs, but will also do custom colors if requested. I gave them artistic license to use whichever color combination of materials that they liked asking for some pink in the mix somehow. They encouraged me to sketch the pack with my color specifications, but I wanted them to surprise me. Surprised I was to find a purple and very bright pink pack when I received. The girlie look and the shock of the bright pink took some getting used to, but now it has grown on me. Once it got dirty I really began to love it.
The pack when loaded to the suggested capacity of 40lbs carries comfortably for many miles. Many times on my recent 850 mile Hayduke Trail hike I had to load water and food far exceeding the 40lb capacity, at times carrying around 65lbs. The pack managed these weights, but my shoulders required much more frequent rests as they were feeling the pain of the heavy load. While the pack would carry heavy loads, I would not suggest on a regular basis for comfort reasons. The space that the pack provides was more than ample, especially when including the large outer mesh pocket and two large hipbelt pockets. Two outer side pockets easily accommodated four one liter water bottles (two per pocket) with additional room for slender items if needed. The roll down closure of the main pack was easy to use and the additional cinch straps on the top and sides make for tightly secured loads. These cinch straps also allowed me to attach a sit pad to the top of my pack and secured tent poles and other items in my side pockets.
I am rough on my gear and for the most part my ULA Catalyst withstood my abuse, although I tried to take better care than I have in the past with other packs,. The Hayduke Trail however was very tough on this pack. Many times I had to sit and slide down rough boulders while dragging the bottom of the pack across the rocks as I went. This wore many small holes through the bottom of the pack, all of which I was able to patch in the field with gortex patches and duck tape. I plan on contacting the company to see about more long term repairs and will update once I do.
I will continue to carry the ULA Catalyst happily on many more adventures, however if my adventure will require many loads over 40lbs I will have to look for an alternate pack for those trips. I hope however to be able to keep my loads light and keep carrying my ULA Catalyst as I love this pack!