[pct-l] ULA backpacks: Circuit vs Catalyst

[Thomas Jamrog]

I used an ULA Catalys, on my PCT thru,  and although it can take more than 30 pounds,  your shoulders suffer. Me and other hikers ripped out the load lifters. It is super at or below 30 pounds, but loaded with bear canister, extra water,  an a week plus of food it is overworked. 

Uncle Tom 
Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 30, 2012, at 3:05 PM, John Abela <john at hikelighter.com> wrote:

> Hello Anne,
> 
> When it comes down to it there is really only one thing that matters:
> how much space do you need?
> 
> At the end of the day a ULA pack is a ULA pack... they are
> unquestionably the most comfortable backpacks in the LW/UL world of
> hiking. They are used by more PCT hikers than any other brand of pack,
> that should speak for itself.
> 
> So the only real question you should be asking yourself is: Do I need
> 4,200 cubic inches of backpack space or do I need 4,600 cu in?
> 
> I did not see a gear list appended to your email so only you know the
> gear that you plan on taking, and therefore only you can know what
> size backpack you need.
> 
> You buy your backpack based upon the gear you have and the amount of
> food you need to carry.
> 
> The vast majority of people need the catalyst for its larger size.
> A few more experienced hikers are out there with the slightly smaller circuit.
> A few hikers use neither of them because they have no need for a
> 4,000+ backpack.
> 
> Ignore the features between the two... when you are on the trail
> nothing between those two backpacks will realistically matter anyway.
> Just focus on reducing the overall pack size of your gear so that you
> can do whatever it takes to be out there with a smaller backpack, as a
> backpack accounts for a rather larger overall percentage of most
> hikers total pack weight.
> 
> -Abela
> HikeLighter.Com
> 
> 
> 
> On Wed, Aug 29, 2012 at 4:18 PM, Anne Estoppey <anne_estoppey at yahoo.com> wrote:
>> Hello all
>> 
>> I am considering a ULA backpack for hiking in New Zealand + PCT in 2013.
>> 
>> I have read on the ULA website the differences between Circuit and Catalyst backpacks. Circuit is a good deal lighter for instance, but Catalyst has no inner carbon material 'frame' which makes it less fragile for airplane transportation (I am located in Europe).
>> 
>> Has somebody also been hesitant between the two packs?
>> 
>> Which one did you choose at the end and why?
>> 
>> Cheers
>> Anne
>> 
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