Q: What does Rec'd Base Weight mean?
[Answer]
A: Recommended Base Weight refers to the total weight of all gear carried (including the weight of your ULA backpack). This includes water bottles and food stuff sacks but not water and food as this will vary during each trip. Knowing your base weight will help you determine which suspension system can best handle your on the trail load.
Q: Can a water bottle fit in the side pockets? If so, can I reach it? How do they close?
[Answer]
A: Each side pocket can accommodate two 1-Liter 'Big Slam' style bottles. A Nalgene-style bottle will also fit, but in your quest to lighten up, that should have been replaced a long time ago! In general most people can reach back and retrieve a bottle, drink, and return the bottle to the pocket without removing the pack. The top of the side pockets are angled for easier access, and adjust single-handedly with a cord lock and internal bungee to open and close.
Q: Tell me more about the Catalyst's side pockets. Why aren't they mesh?
[Answer]
A: the side pockets are double wall 210 pu coated ripstop nylon, according to our highly sophisticated testing device (a bathroom scale and a 16 penny nail) it has a slightly better puncture resistance to sharp objects and slightly less to dull objects (an allen key) than the ULA 210 Robic, and more resistance than the mesh we use on the other packs.
Q: Can I fit a bear canister into the Catalyst? Can it fit horizontally?
[Answer]
A: Yes. Every bear canister on the market other than the Bearikade Expedition will fit into the Catalyst horizontally. Keep in mind it is best to pack something between the hard sided canister and the bottom of the pack.
Q: Where do I strap my sleeping pad?
[Answer]
A: If you are using an inflatable pad, I recommended storing it in the interior of the pack to avoid punctures. A foam pad can easily be secured either behind the front compression shock cord, or beneath the top compression strap that goes over the top of the pack
Q: What is the 'Twin Stay' Framesheet?
[Answer]
A: The standard framesheet is comprised of a very dense piece of foam and two ½ aluminum stays which are positioned in a 'V' shape. The stays can be bent to give the framesheet a specific contour to your spinal curve.
The standard, twin stay framesheet is ideal for loads between 32-40 lbs. It offers plenty of stability and load control within that load range and is well suited for on or off trail hiking.
Q: How does the top of the pack close? Is it easy to access the main body of the packbag?
[Answer]
A: The top of the pack closes like a drybag (also known as a rolltop) very similar to what river runners use to create a water resistant seal for their gear bags. Basically, the back of the collar is slightly taller than the front. Once you are packed, the collar can be 'rolled' down upon itself to effectively create a barrier to water penetration. Once rolled, each side of the collar is buckled to the sides of the pack to hold the seal, and to provide vertical compression to your load.
As for access, once the collar is rolled and fastened shut, you would need to unbuckle the compression straps and unroll the collar to access the inside of the pack. However, the rolltop only needs to be rolled shut when the weather dictates. If the sky is dry, the collar can simply be folded forward. Vertical compression can still be achieved by buckling the collar to the sides of the pack.