ULA Circuit or Catalyst?

imported
#1

I can’t decide. I like the idea of taking a smaller pack, and don’t see my weight being too much for the suspension of the Circuit, but am wondering whether I am underestimating the amount of water I’ll need to carry in the desert and the amount of food I’ll want to carry to allow for an uninterrupted Sierra experience. Perhaps the 3600cu/in won’t be enough on the Circuit? Maybe I should be looking at the Catalyst? Or the hell with it all, should I just go with the Mariposa?

Ha. Any thoughts on the above craziness would be much appreciated.

Novakaine

#2

I just receintly bought a Catalyst from ULA, and I love it. I thought it would be more room than I need, but as I keep buying gear, I see that it is smaller than I at first thought. You need to carry about 1 liter of water for every 4 miles in the desert, and there are spots where you need to carry 7 or 8 liters, so keep that in mind when you decide to order. Also, I would like to reccomend that you get the dual stay framsheet option if you decide on the Catalyst. It makes a big differance in the ability to transfer weight to your hipbelt. That will come in very handy while carrying all that water.

Doc Holiday

Doc Holiday

#3

I got the Circuit. While I’m happy with it, but wish I’d gotten the Catalyst. It’s a little heavier, but will carry a more weight. My last pack was the P2 (I think, it was the equivilent to the Catalyst) and I wore it out on my 2004 thru hike. The P2 was good up to somewhere between 35 and 40 lbs. You can put in a bear canister when needed, which I think you’ll need on part of the PCT. If (when?) I do the PCT I will probably purchase a catalyst for the trip. I agree with Doc Holiday on the dual stay framesheet. If it turns out you don’t need it, you just pull the stays out. It’s only an extra $10.

The Circuit is nice at 2 lbs and works for me OK. It’s very good up to about 30 lbs, but after that starts to get uncomfortable. Plus, there is no way to use a bear canister with the Circuit, there just isn’t room or place to put it. Right now, I’m at about 32 lbs with food for five days and three quarts of water. One advantage of the Circuit is I’m not tempted to add any more gear - there wouldn’t be any room for it.

Bear Bag Hanger