ULA Catalyst Backpacking Backpack Review
Long-term review of a workhorse of a backpacking backpack
April 2nd, 2025
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Our verdict
When you have to carry extra food, first aid kits, extra equipment or other people’s gear, the ULA Catalyst has been our go-to lightweight backpacking backpack.
Sometimes you need to carry a large volume—even if it isn’t that heavy. Mountain guides, troop leaders, people hiking with kids, trail builders and maintainers, winter backpackers, people who get cold easily, people who hike with medical equipment like CPAP machines–all these kinds of backpackers need more capacity than most ultralight backpacking packs offer these days.
Backpackers going to remote areas may have 7+ days of food carries and that's one reason the Catalyst is so popular among thru-hikers.
Whatever your reason for needing some more space, the ULA Catalyst backpacking backpack has a 75-liters capacity and a 40-pound load rating, but only weighs 3 pounds. Because of this, we recommend this lightweight backpacking pack for trips when other lightweight packs just won’t get the job done.
For this guide, we included thousands of miles of testing from two different testers using three different Catalyst backpacks. Just some of the places we took this Catalyst include on a PCT thru-hike, John Muir Trail thru-hike, Arizona Trail section hike, and off-trail routes in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana.
ULA Catalyst
The ULA Catalyst is the bigger cousin of the more popular ULA Circuit and is well-suited for 2,000+ mile thru-hikes where you walk through seasons and changing weather conditions. It's a pack that can handle a thru-hike like the Pacific Crest Trail, where there are heavy water carries in the desert, all your extra snow gear and a bear canister in the Sierra, and extra waterproof and cold weather gear for Washington.
That's why it was chosen by Treeline Review writer Tiffany Searsdodd in our Thru-hikers Share Their Favorite Gear of the Pacific Crest Trail guide.
For that reason, it has also been among the most popular and highest rated packs for Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) hiking class, according to the annual survey of PCT hikers.
Plus, it's a rare piece of outdoor gear made in the USA.
We liked the ULA Catalyst most because it’s a lightweight backpacking pack that is specifically designed to take bigger volumes and somewhat heavier loads. It's also great for couples or families where one person is carrying the bulk of the stuff. The ULA Catalyst is a full-featured pack designed for folks that want to haul bulkier items such as a bear canister, winter gear, fishing gear, camera equipment, or larger food carries.
See more backpacking backpack gear reviews and comparisons in our guide to The Best Lightweight Backpacking Backpacks.
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Specs
Capacity: 60L
Weight: 2.75 lbs (44 oz)
Max recommended load: 40 pounds
Materials: 100- and 200-denier Robic high-tensile strength nylon
Main Body Pockets: 1 large front pocket
Water Bottle Pockets: 2 (each holds 2 Smart Water bottles)
Hip Belt Pockets: 2 zippered
Load Lifters: Yes
Compression System: Yes
Roll Top Closure:Yes
Gender: Unisex with J-straps and S-straps (often favored by women)
Ice Axe/Trekking Pole Attachment Point: Yes
Bear Canister Capability: Yes
Torso Lengths: 15-24 inches (4 size options, S-XL)
What we liked
Treeline Review writer Tiffany Searsdodd taking a snack break on the Continental Divide Trail with the ULA Catalyst pack.
Can fit a full-size bear canister both vertically and horizontally
Comfortable, even when it’s carrying maximum capacity
Customizable, including color
Larger capacity allows for bulkier winter sleeping bags and gear
Larger capacity means you can carry extra gear for others or yourself
Larger capacity can accommodate larger food carries
Made in the USA
What we didn't like
Robic fabric is not as water-resistant as other fabrics
Larger capacity is not always necessary for all trips
On the heavier end for a thru-hiking backpack
Who is it best for
Treeline Review writer Ellen Weeks using the Catalyst pack on a winter overnight trip in the Pacific Northwest.
We think the ULA Catalyst is an excellent pack choice for PCT and Continental Divide Trail thru-hikers, families and couples, troop leaders, trail workers, and mountain guides. Anyone who has to carry a lot of volume but is otherwise a light packer will appreciate this pack.
Treeline Review writer Tiffany Searsdodd says that before heading off on the PCT, "I was new to ultralight and lightweight backpacking and had a base weight of 22 lbs. I wanted something that would comfortably carry that, plus 2 gallons of water in the desert or a bear canister and ice ax in the High Sierra."
Treeline Review writer Tiffany Searsdodd used the Catalyst on her PCT thru-hike and then went on to use it for almost 15 years on other trips, including with her kid after she became a mom.
Now that Tiffany is a mom, she's been hiking and backpacking a lot with her kid. "Now that we're beyond needing a Baby or Toddler Carrier and can go backpacking again, I carry the extra weight of her gear and a family-sized tent,” she says. “I’ve been grateful for the Catalyst’s extra weight capacity to carry this gear on my post-PCT backpacking adventures.”
We also like the Catalyst for winter hiking or shoulder season hiking, where we find ourselves bringing a lot of lightweight but bulky down items. A 10-degree sleeping bag takes up a lot more volume than a 30-degree bag, even if it only weighs a few ounces more. Similarly, warmer down jackets or synthetic jackets can be bulky. These are the situations where the Catalyst excels.
Tiffany used the same Catalyst for 15 years and more than 4,000 miles before replacing it with another Catalyst.
Features
Treeline Review writer Tiffany Searsdodd carrying the ULA Catalyst on the Deschutes River Trail in Oregon using the same pack she used on her PCT thru-hike. That same pack lasted almost 15 years of other adventures before she replaced it with . . . another Catalyst!
The following is a list of other pack features that we like on the Catalyst:
Internal frame with a twin stay framesheet designed to handle heavier loads
Contoured and padded hip belt and shoulder straps
Dual hip belt pockets
Adjustable side pockets to secure different sized water bottles (or other items you may want to keep on the outside)
Large mesh front pocket with front shock cord (this allows you to easily secure a foam sleeping pad on the outside)
Side and top compression straps
Water bladder sleeve to secure a hydration bladder inside your pack
Internal stash pocket to secure items you rarely will use but don’t want to lose, like your keys and wallet
Water bottle holsters
Hand loops on the shoulder straps allow you to hang your hands to keep them from swelling. (If you’re like me and hold trekking poles while hiking, they can be removed to save about one ounce of pack weight. Need poles? Read our Trekking Poles guide.)
Treeline Review writer Tiffany Searsdodd fit a bear can and more than week’s worth of food in the ULA Catalyst while thru-hiking the PCT.
Capacity
The Catalyst can fit a full-size bear canister both vertically and horizontally (another reason it’s popular with thru-hikers).
In contrast, our top backpack pick, the Six Moon Designs Swift X, can only fit a bear can vertically (although it can be strapped horizontally on top of the pack).
The ability to carry a bear can is essential for traveling through national parks like Yosemite where it’s required, and through the Sierra and Adirondacks.
As a result, it's also essential on thru-hikes in the Sierra including the John Muir Trail and High Sierra Trail.
It also has plenty of pocket space for longer water carries.
What makes it different than other packs
Two features distinguish the Catalyst from lighter weight packs on the market.
First, the Catalyst has an internal frame sheet with two aluminum stays that provide excellent support for larger loads. Many Ultralight packs have less burly frames (or no frames) that are uncomfortable with heavier loads.
Close up of the load lifter straps on the ULA Catalyst pack, which connect the shoulder straps to the main body of the pack and shfit the weight closer to the body so the pack doesn’t feel like it is pulling you backwards.
The second feature of the ULA Catalyst that distinguishes it from other packs are the load lifter straps. These connect the shoulder straps to the main body of the pack. When adjusted properly, they shift the weight closer to your body, eliminating the feeling of the pack pulling you backward. Load lifter straps also reduce the pressure on the front of your shoulders, which can get uncomfortable by the end of the day. See the first photo in this section for a good close up of the load lifter straps.
Customizable
ULA packs are made in Logan, Utah instead of a big factory overseas. That means they offer a lot more personalization and customization than other pack manufacturers.
ULA also offers a number of options to customize your pack:
You can choose a “roll-up” closure for the top of the pack instead of the standard “cinch-top”
You can choose “J” or “S” curved shoulder straps. “S” curved straps are designed to go around instead of directly over one’s chest. According to ULA, “J” straps work best for men with average builds; “S” straps work best on almost all women, and men with square shoulders and good posture. ULA encourages folks to contact them if you have fitting questions, as they are able to customize shoulder straps.
There are nine pack colors from which to choose. For an additional cost, ULA will even let you select a different color for every part of the pack.
You can even have your name embroidered into the pack (though this costs an extra $15).
Weight capacity
Carrying the ULA Catalyst on the Continental Divide Trail in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Despite the Catalyst’s ability to take larger volumes, it’s only rated to 40 pounds. This means it is well-suited for you if you’re carrying your own gear plus large volume items that tend to not weigh much. For example, we've had readers tell us they love this pack when they have to carry all their own gear in addition to their kid's sleeping bag. We've also heard of couples where one person carries the bulkier gear.
If you suspect that you’ll be carrying heavier items that also take up a large volume—like enough food to supply a whole group for several days—you may want to consider a more traditional backpacking backpack.
As far as packing goes, for situations when you are carrying less volume than what the Catalyst can hold, we recommend letting your sleeping bag fill up empty space inside to better distribute the load.
Performance in the Field
Carrying the ULA Catalyst on an third class section of a route in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Treeline Review writer Tiffany Searsdodd says it was hard to pick just one favorite piece of gear from her Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike. “Just about everything I carried was essential and made life on the trail more enjoyable,” she says. “But I realized none of it would have been possible without a well-fitting pack. For me, that was the ULA Catalyst."
Fit and comfort while at carrying capacity
The ULA Catalyst has enough water capacity for long stretches of water carries on the PCT and Arizona Trail, including during a winter hike where we needed to carry extra cold weather gear.
Treeline Review writer Tiffany Searsdodd says, "Even after I got my base weight down to about 13 lbs, I stuck with the Catalyst because of one simple thing; it was more comfortable on my back than any other pack I tried. In this way, backpacks are similar to footwear; a good fit is essential to having a good time."
When picking out a pack, it is essential to find one that fits your body well and is designed to carry the amount of pack weight you will be carrying.
A good starting point is to determine your base weight (all non-consumable carried gear, i.e., tent, bag, pad) and then extrapolate your total carried weight based on trip length and type. Most brands list a total recommended weight capacity for their packs and in the case of the ULA Catalyst, that is 40 pounds. You can read more of our tips in How to Choose a Backpacking Backpack.
Carry capacity
The ULA Catalyst has the capacity and ability to comfortably carry cold weather gear for a January section hike on the Arizona Trail. In an incredibly dry year, water carries were even longer than usual.
The Catalyst's 40-pound capacity proved to be more than enough weight carrying capacity for thru-hiking the PCT. In fact, most of the time, thru-hikers carry a lot less. But we appreciated that for a 10-day food carry plus bear can and ice axe in the Sierra, the Catalyst isn't pushing the weight limit.
Many thru-hikers chose a pack with a lower maximum carrying capacity and “suffer” through the Sierra. We think the Sierra is hard enough as it is for thru-hikers: there's no need to add back discomfort to the many challenges of that part of the PCT.
Similar Backpacking Backpacks
Granite Gear Crown3 60
Capacity: 60 L
Weight: 2.4 lbs (men’s), 2.36 lbs (women’s)
Cost: $240
Max load: 35 lbs
The Granite Gear Crown3 60 is our budget winner in our Best Lightweight Backpacking Backpacks guide. We also have an in-depth article on the Granite Gear Crown3 60 and it was a Favorite Gear of the Year Award winner. The women's version is also a winner in our Best Women's Hiking Backpacks guide.
Granite Gear Crown3 60
Men's
Women's
You'll find similar features like generous side pockets, compression straps, and a removable top lid. The Crown3 60 also has some things we like better than the Eja Pro and Exos Pro, including a more durable fabric and the mesh on the pockets is stretchier. The padding on the Crown3 60's hipbelt and shoulder straps is more comfortable, too.
However, the Crown3 60 doesn't have the same airflow as the Exos Pro and Eja Pro. So if that is a dealbreaker for you, go with the Osprey.
But if you're looking to get into lightweight backpacking and airflow isn't as important, we think the Crown3 60 is a solid choice and great value. It doesn't require a huge investment and will grow with you as you lighten your load.
Capacity: 60 L
Weight: 2.0 lbs
Cost: $315
Max load: 35 lbs
The Gossamer Gear Mariposa is an ultralight backpack with 60 L of capacity (36 L in the main body). The main body is 100D Robic, similar to the Granite Gear Crown3 60. The large size weighs 34 oz and costs $285, so it costs more than the Granite Gear Crown3 60. Pockets in the shoulder straps adds an extra cost. You can read our full review of the Gossamer Gear Mariposa in our long-term review.
Gossamer Gear Mariposa
Osprey Exos/Eja 55 Pro
Capacity: 55 L
Weight: 2.1 lbs
Cost: $290
Max load: 30 lbs
The Osprey Exos 55 Pro (large) has 58 L of volume and weighs 35 oz. The Eja has 55 L of volume and weighs 33 oz. Both packs are constructed of 100D nylon and cost $290. We find the Robic material on the Granite Gear to be more durable than the Exos and Eja.
The 60L volume on the Granite Gear is also more generous than the Exos and Eja. We found that the Eja offers better ventilation than the Crown3. However, it isn't as customizable. The Crown3 can be folded up and turned into a frameless pack, but there is no way to remove the frame on the Exos and Eja. For more, see our in-depth review of the Osprey Exos and Eja Pro packs.
Osprey Exos/Eja 55 Pro
Men's
Women's
Capacity: 56 L
Weight: 2.4 lbs
Cost: $375
Max load: 35
The Swift V is the budget alternative to the Six Moon Designs Swift X backpack. The Swift V is the same as the Swift X, but the main body uses 100-denier Robic material. It has the same volume, pockets, mesh, and harness options for $65 less than the Swift X.
The Robic Swift V comes in gray or green.
The Swift V's other major difference is the harness system and load lifters that help balance and carry heavier loads. The Swift V is for backpackers seeking a mid-size pack with a quality suspension system that can comfortably carry moderate (and occasionally heavier) loads over long distances.
Six Moon Designs SWIFT V
A Note about Backpack Comparisons
Comparing backpacks side-by-side can be difficult, since each manufacturer may measure volume differently (see Treeline’s backpack volume test). Additionally, some manufacturers do not include hip belts or shoulder pockets in their standard design, and the pockets and other accessories are not included in the pack’s weight or cost.
Pack material also directly affects a backpack’s weight and durability. For instance, SMD’s Swift X uses 210D X-Pac, which is a very durable material, while Osprey’s Exos/Eja 55 Pro uses 100D nylon, which is lighter and significantly less durable.
Should I buy the ULA Catalyst?
Tiffany Searsdodd carrying the ULA Catalyst on the Arizona Trail.
If you are headed off on your first thru-hike like the PCT or CDT, we think the ULA Catalyst is one of the best choices you can make.
It's a lightweight pack that is less likely to cause shoulder and back injuries due to its features like load lifters and a light frame. The higher volume of the Catalyst means that it can handle a bear canister and things like bulky cold-weather gear or ice axes. It will also be able to handle longer food carries and water carries in Southern California, Arizona, or other deserts. We've seen too many hikers blow their hiking budget on replacing packs in the middle of a thru-hike. The Catalyst is a pack that will stick with you from the beginning to the end.
We also think the Catalyst is a great option for mountain guides, troop leaders, couples and families—anyone potentially finding themselves carrying extra gear.
It's also excellent for backpackers who hike in cooler or winter conditions.
Where to buy the ULA Catalyst
The ULA Catalyst is made by ULA Equipment, a small USA-made cottage company. You can only purchase it directly from ULA's website.
There are a few small, specialty retailers that sell ULA packs. These stores are located along the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. If you'd like to purchase from a small store, be sure to call first about availability.
About the author / Why you should trust us
Mike Unger is a Double Triple Crowner — he has hiked the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail not once, but twice (he's actually hiked the PCT three times, the most recent being a southbound thru-hike).
In addition, he has backpacked numerous other on-trail and off-trail routes, including the Pacific Northwest Trail, Blue Mountains Trail, Great Divide Trail, Arizona Trail, Ouachita Trail, Oregon Desert Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and Mogollon Rim Trail. Over the course of his backpacking, he’s purchased and owned an embarrassingly-large number of backpacks.
Mike has tracked and researched pack technology for the past 20 years. He's notoriously extremely hard on his gear, which makes for a good gear tester.
Mike Unger is not and has never been a sponsored athlete, ambassador, or influencer for a backpack company. You can read all of Mike's stories on his author page.
