ULA Catalyst rucksack review

ULA Equipment own image of the Catalyst backpack

The ULA Catalyst 75L rucksack has been my main long distance pack for about 10 years. I’ve used it walking the Pennine Way, Cape Wrath Trail and 1,200 miles walking Land’s End to John O’Groats amongst many others.

Completing my 1200 mile walk from Lands Ends to John O’Groats using ULA Catalyst rucksack.

Volume

I like a large volume rucksack because it’s easier to pack and means you don’t have to force everything in it. It also allows me to carry more supplies, giving me room for a week’s food as well as all my camping equipment. This gives me greater access to more remote walks, and also means I can carry some of the younger children’s gear too.

I don’t travel ultra light. I like a bit of comfort while I’m walking, so I often carry more food and clothes than is absolutely essential, I don’t like to be hungry or cold! This also allows me the freedom and safety to change my route if the weather or my mood changes.

Lands End to John O’Groats and 3 Peaks walk 2019

Bespoke size

The ULA Catalyst 75L rucksack has a fixed back length, so you have to order the length to fit you. The hip belt is separate and again you order the size to fit. This way you end up with a bespoke rucksack that fits you perfectly.

Load

The ULA Catalyst will carry 18kgs (40lbs) or more. I like most of the weight on my hips, and this pack has a good back frame that transfers the weight to my hips very well. It’s extremely comfortable up to about 15kgs (33lbs), but thereafter I started to feel the weight on my shoulders more. However, I have carried nearly 20kgs (44lbs) reasonably comfortably.

Walking the Pennine Way in 2012, carrying a lot of my children’s gear

Signs of wear – after 10 years of testing!

I’ve walked thousands of miles with the ULA Catalyst and never had a major problem. I’ve just had a few minor issues during my LEJOG walk in 2019 and these are the first signs of wear on the pack.

A number of the bungee cord retaining tabs stitching are failing

The stitching is failing on the lifting handle

The hip-belt pocket zip has failed. Probably my fault, continually stuffing too many snacks in the pocket

The coating on the inside of the hip-belt pocket is coming away

The shoulder straps look like they are still in perfect condition

Most of the above problems have happened during my LEJOG walk. None of them caused any real issues though, as they didn’t affect the performance of the pack. There was no worry about it falling apart or not being able to carry on. The main shoulder straps and hip belt show no signs of stress or potential failure. Even with the above issues, I would still be happy to take it on another long-distance hike without worry.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 20190221_113757.jpg — February 2019 in Cornwall – heading to John O’Groats

Conclusion

It is an expensive backpack because it has to be imported from America, but it’s very comfortable and made to last. The pack has been designed exceptionally well and I find it very user friendly. I highly recommend it for heavier loads. I would happily buy another one.

Wildwalkinguk is a blog run by myself and my wife in our spare time, and we pay for its running costs ourselves. We do have some Amazon affiliate links and adverts on the site. If you click on these adverts or links and buy what you need (it doesn’t have to be the item we’ve linked to), the company will pay a small commission to us. This money goes towards the costs of hosting the blog. We would be extremely grateful if you could consider using our links when you next need to buy something from our advertisers. Alternatively, you can buy us a coffee here. Thank you so much for your support. Mark and Emma.