summer backpacking pack under 4 lbs: ULA Catalyst vs Seek Outside Unaweep

balto68

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I know this is more of a hunting forum, but I registered because it looks like there are several folks here with experience using the Seek Outside (or is it Paradox?) Unaweep and Evo packs. I'm not much of a hunter, and I try to keep my total weight under 35 to 40 lbs, so massive load hauling ability isn't high on my list of priorities. My summer gear takes up about 50 liter (3000 cu in) in the summer for a few days out, but I like to have extra room to bring more in other seasons or for climbing.

The ULA Catalyst seems like a totally different beast than the Unaweep, since the Unaweep is designed with elk quarters in mind and ULA specifically says the limit for the Catalyst is 40 lbs. But I've heard that ULA packs can be stretched farther, especially if the stays are replaced (I'm not sure ULA which packs have removable/replaceable stays). Capacity is about 3500 cubic inches in the main bag and another 1000 or so in external pockets. Organization is good, with a number of pockets, but access to the main bag is limited to the roll top.

The Unaweep comes in different sizes, but since the talon is kind of required and adds about 1000 cubic inches of space, I can't imagine going any larger than the 3900 cu in main bag. I like the option of a side zipper. The coyote color is cool, too (silly I know). As light as the Unaweep is, though, I wonder if it wouldn't be a little bit overkill for my purposes. Is the Unaweep practical for someone who carries relatively light loads, or do you need to be carrying more to really appreciate the new suspension system?

If you have experience with one or the other, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
 
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The Catalyst has removeable stays, though I'd really think the belt/lumbar interface and associated slipping would be the limiting factor when it came to load carry. Some folks find the ULA load ratings conservative, some find them accurate. Banking on 40 pounds seems accurate, though if you plan to go above that fairly often the Unaweep would make more sense. The 3900 Unaweep is quite a bit bigger than the Catalyst, 3900 for the main bag versus 2600 (not 3500). VX21 is a good upgrade over gridstop if you hike in the rain often. The nice thing about the Paradox suspension is it isn't super rigid with light loads.

Overall the Paradox is more weather resistant, a lot bigger, and can carry just about anything you can fit in it. The Catalyst weighs a little less and is a trimmer, slimmer package.
 
The Catalyst has removeable stays, though I'd really think the belt/lumbar interface and associated slipping would be the limiting factor when it came to load carry.

Yeah, I can't tell if I'm the kind of guy who benefits from a lumbar pad or a wrap-around hipbelt. Most of the folks who I see raving about the Unaweep hipbelt say that they're skinny guys. I'm not overweight, but I'm not exactly gangly.
 
Just a side note: I was deliberating between a Catalyst and Ohm 2.0 and went with the latter. I ordered it modified with an extended collar and in cuben, so it carries more than the Catalyst and weighs less. I like to carry my weight vertically, and I didn't like the way the Catalyst bulks outward rather than upward, if that makes any sense. Anyway, my buddy ordered a cuben Catalyst and loves it. But I still think mine carries better. Just personal preference. I've tried the sylnilon version of the Ohmand I have to say I like its stretchy qualities over the cuben; if I had to do it over again I would not have changed the material. But I would keep the extended collar--I think it's about six inches longer than the normal collar. Also, I compared this against a half-dozen other ultralight bags, all of which I returned or sold (to members on this site, in fact).

Over the summer I hiked the presidentials and part of the pemi trails with the bag. Some people consider that one of the most challenging hikes in the NE. The bag started off at 45lbs, so way over the recommended limit--we hiked for nine days and I was carrying supplies for my partner (my dad). With careful packing it carried the weight without a problem. I'm sort of thin: 31in with slim legs, so belts can be an issue. I ordered a small belt. I found the weight most comfortable and stable with the sleeping bag situated where a lumbar pad would be.

My sense is that genuinely ultralite gear (mine weighs under 2lbs) is not multipurpose. It's good for trails and treeless terrain--which in the NE means it works for hiking but not hunting. I generally like uktralight packs, but the thing is that they're not sturdy. I don't know much about seek outside--I've only used their stoves--but my ULA gear would not stand up to the beating of off-trail hiking, bushwhacking, and scouting I regularly put my kifaru gear through. If I'm going to be pushing through bramble and up trail-less mountain sides, I use a spike camp. I'd expect the ohm to fall apart.
 
Seek Outside Divide pack I think will be a good compromise . Stay tuned in the next few days
 
Cool lots of good info here. Kevin_t, I will definitely be on the lookout to learn more about the Divide pack.
 
From what I've seen of the Divide pack, as Kevin says, that might be a good compromise. I've had a ULA packs, HMG packs, and MLD packs along with the Unaweep 3900. From a comfort level, the Unaweep beats them all with no question, then again, I'm one of those tall gangly guys you speak of. I'm actually going to upgrade to a 4800 because when I go out with the kids, I am carrying most of the gear and food. The extra room is necessary in those situations. I also like to have the extra capacity because I love to take people out who otherwise would never go. Again, I will take the heavier gear and most of the food to let them experience the outdoors as much as they can for their first time out backpacking.
 
Yeah, I can't tell if I'm the kind of guy who benefits from a lumbar pad or a wrap-around hipbelt. Most of the folks who I see raving about the Unaweep hipbelt say that they're skinny guys. I'm not overweight, but I'm not exactly gangly.

Interesting. I never really gave this much thought. But it might make sense. There aren't many things out there where I'm in such a love/hate camp, but I LOVE the Paradox one piece belt and I HATE a belt with a lumbar pad. But then again, I'm one of those big belly challenged guys.:cool:
 
Have you looked at a Kifaru KU packs? I'm not sure if it's too minimalist or not but you can add some pockets if need be. You can find one used every now and then on the Kifaru forum but Kifaru stopped making them. The KU3700 is 2 lbs. 9 ounces and the KU5200 is 2 lbs. 14 ounces. I wish I would have bought one before they stopped making them. The 5200 would be ideal for my summer backpacking trips and it would just be nice to own. I would argue that there isn't a more comfortable UL backpack on the planet. The Kifaru is rated up to 75 lbs. and will easily take more (not that you need that at all). But 35 lbs. will feel like a dream with this pack.

677bac157cba67427f1d31d8587f0620.jpg
 
Have you looked at a Kifaru KU packs? I'm not sure if it's too minimalist or not but you can add some pockets if need be. You can find one used every now and then on the Kifaru forum but Kifaru stopped making them. The KU3700 is 2 lbs. 9 ounces and the KU5200 is 2 lbs. 14 ounces. I wish I would have bought one before they stopped making them. The 5200 would be ideal for my summer backpacking trips and it would just be nice to own. I would argue that there isn't a more comfortable UL backpack on the planet. The Kifaru is rated up to 75 lbs. and will easily take more (not that you need that at all). But 35 lbs. will feel like a dream with this pack.

677bac157cba67427f1d31d8587f0620.jpg

I wish I had kept mine, that was the first of many K packs. It was just as comfortable as the bikini with 70lbs. Would be nice if they would come out with a KU type bag for the bikini.
 
From what I've seen of the Divide pack, as Kevin says, that might be a good compromise. I've had a ULA packs, HMG packs, and MLD packs along with the Unaweep 3900. From a comfort level, the Unaweep beats them all with no question, then again, I'm one of those tall gangly guys you speak of. I'm actually going to upgrade to a 4800 because when I go out with the kids, I am carrying most of the gear and food. The extra room is necessary in those situations. I also like to have the extra capacity because I love to take people out who otherwise would never go. Again, I will take the heavier gear and most of the food to let them experience the outdoors as much as they can for their first time out backpacking.

Admirable ... We appreciate your passion of doing the hard work to allow others to share the experience .
 
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