ULA Catalyst vs ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit
Quick take: The ULA Catalyst costs $80 less; the ULA Catalyst carries more (75 vs 68 liters); the ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit is lighter (2.24 vs 2.65 lbs).
| Spec | ULA Catalyst | ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $300 | $380 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 75 L | 68 L |
| Weight | 2.65 lbs | 2.24 lbs |
| Max Load | 40 lbs | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | S: 15-18 in, M: 18-21 in, L: 21-24 in | See manufacturer sizing |
| Material | ULA 400 Robic nylon | Ultra 400X body with Ultra 200X panels |
| Back Panel | Foam panel with carbon-fiberglass hoop and dual stays | Foam pad with carbon fibre hoop and aluminium stay |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | No |
| Warranty | ULA lifetime against defects | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
ULA Catalyst
- ✓The go-to answer when r/Ultralight asks 'what if I need more than a Circuit' — same DNA, more capacity, 5 lb higher rating.
- ✓Dual aluminum stays plus the hoop make its 40 lb rating honest; desert hikers carry 8L of water without collapse.
- ✓75 liters swallows a BV500 horizontally plus 10 days of food — the specific use case owners buy it for.
- ✓The same 400d Robic bombproof reputation as the Circuit, with thousands-of-miles reports common.
- ✓Massive front mesh and hipbelt pockets keep a full day's needs outside the main bag.
- ✓Hand-made in Utah, easily repairable, backed by ULA's excellent service.
- ✓Only 5 ounces heavier than the Circuit for 7 more liters and a stiffer frame.
- ✓Strong resale on trade forums, like everything ULA.
- ✗Overkill for standard three-season loads — most buyers who don't need the volume end up wishing they'd bought the Circuit.
- ✗Same zero-ventilation foam back as the Circuit; sweat is the tax.
- ✗Fixed torso sizes with direct-order-only sizing risk.
- ✗At 2.65 lbs it's approaching crossover packs with plusher harnesses.
- ✗The big collar is floppy when underfilled, so partial loads need diligent compression.
- ✗No lid, no internal organization — the usual ULA minimalism.
- ✗Seasonal lead times can be long.
- ✗The look is pure function; nobody buys a Catalyst for style.
ULA Equipment Ultra Circuit
- ✓68 L is the largest capacity in this ultralight group and handles a bear canister plus a week of food.
- ✓The carbon hoop and aluminium stay combination is a proven load-transfer design across many Circuit generations.
- ✓Ultra 400X on the body puts the heaviest laminate where abrasion happens.
- ✓Waterproof laminate rather than a coated weave.
- ✓ULA's sizing system is unusually thorough for a cottage brand.
- ✓Rated for heavier loads than most packs of this weight, which is the Circuit's long-standing reputation.
- ✓35.9 oz for 68 L is a strong ratio given the frame hardware.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✗$380 is a significant premium over the standard Circuit at around $300.
- ✗35.9 oz is the second-heaviest pack in this comparison group.
- ✗Ultra laminates are difficult to field-repair.
- ✗No published maximum load figure despite the pack's load-hauling reputation.
- ✗No adjustable torso; sizing must be right at purchase.
- ✗ULA lead times fluctuate with demand.
- ✗68 L invites overpacking, which defeats the purpose of an ultralight pack.
- ✗Limited retail presence for in-person fitting.