Using a larger pack on short trips

I just ordered a Catalyst for my BMT trip this spring. Its gonna be a big pack for me, but there will be some long sections between re-supply in the itenarary (spell check that). I was able to do a five day trip using an Atmos 50 this past summer with room to spare. But it will be cooler and weather may be rainy so I want a comfortable shelter and clothes to change into. But when I go on my regular 2-3 day trips this pack will be overkill. I still want to carry it cause I just paid for it. The Catalyst will make it easier to haul the dogs food, but there is gonna be a bunch of room left in the pack.

I loaded and tried on a Circuit, but it not feel much, if any bigger than the Jam2. Thats why I went with the Catalyst.

The pack should be here soon - so look for a product review and some pics.

My Catalyst is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Are you having anxiety issues waiting for it to arrive? I am having third trimester flashbacks. Its almost like waiting for a birth.

At least you have new packs. I'm still using a plastic garbage bag. I have to keep switching arms.

> Are you having anxiety issues waiting for it to arrive?

Heh heh, no, I can wait. I have my Advent Pro if I want to go walking this weekend. Which I would love to do -- beautiful weather -- but I have to work today, so that's probably not even going to happen. I got the Catalyst mainly for week-long hikes with lots of food and water being hauled. I was using a Mountainsmith Phantom, but I've never been able to get it to handle those initial loads without hurting and thus wearing me out.

haul the dogs food? what? you don't strap the dog food on the dog?

I figure at least the dog should be able to earn his keep packing his/her own stuff. Man that's like hiking with a spouse! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I agree! My dog carries his own food and water. That's what doggie packs are for. Here are a couple of good ones:
Kelty Chuckwagon My dog has the older version of this.
RuffWear Palisades II

I have a Six Moon Designs Comet, and by tightening the compression straps completely it scrunches down for a daypack just fine. Looks a little weird, but it works.

Hootyhoo,
Whats wrong with empty space in your pack, <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />we all have empty space in our heads! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Doesn't the pack have some compression cords on it? So I carry a 6500 inch pack all the time and if I only use half of it so what? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

You aren't trying to impress people with how tiny your pack is are you? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

The dog has such a good time out there that I do not want to put the chuckwagon on him yet. Besides, its gonna be hard enough to smuggle one pack in here - if she caught me trying a pack on the dog I might be on a permanent hiking trip. (I'm looking over my shoulder right now. )

(Sidenote) Honey, this aint me posting about a new pack - it must be some other hootyhoo.

Hooty, If she asks about the catalyst; just tell her , "Honey, I'm taking one for the team at backpacking.net, and have to go out and evaluate this pack...and I'm taking the dog with me, so don't wait up" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Ahh. then I understand completely. I got the evil eye just now because something
showed up from the post office, and all it was was Paddy's Fuel bottle <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Too much room? What's the prob? Just put the sleeping bag in a bigger sack, fold the sleeping pad in the front of the bag (away from the back to keep the COM close to the back) and pack loosely. Alternatively, carry more stuff. Naw.

Spock
quote
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Just put the sleeping bag in a bigger sack <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
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Sack? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />Isn't the pack a sack. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> I just shove my gear into my Cloud 6500, <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I don't stuffit. Insulation is big <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />and my down lasts cause I never stuff it. You save weight without all those stuff sacks.
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Hooty,

I have a Catalyst and have only used it on up to 4 night hikes with the expectation of doing longer trips in the future. My budget is limited so I needed a do it all pack. One of my favorite things about the pack is that it's not over-built and I don't feel as if I'm carrying too much pack for the trip. To take up extra space, I double bag my sleeping bag in two trash sacks and allow it to loft up in the inside of the pack. Cinch the compression straps and there likely won't be any rattling or jostling. For overnights, I even take the single stay out of the frame sheet.

I hope you enjoy the pack as much as I do.

I just used my Catalyst for five different trips of 2-3 days in the past couple of months in middle Tennessee. It cinches down fine, and carries wonderfully well. Enjoy it. It's a treasure.

I think you made a good choice. On the ULA web site, it lists the main body compartment as 2600 cubes and just over 2.5 lbs (43oz). Not quite as huge as one might think if you're not using the exterior compartments to their capacity. While not super ultra light, still reasonably lightweight and that pack should do everything you would need it to do.

I have an older ULA pack and love it. I got very lucky one day on the Whiteblaze site. A guy was selling 2 used packs. One was a GG Vapor Trail and the other was the ULA. I had norrowed it down to these 2 packs and couldn't believe my luck. I ended up getting a great deal on both packs and got a good opportunity to compare both side by side. Both good packs, but I like the ULA a little better. I think they are a very well made product.