ULA Catalyst 75L (4600cu)
The ULA Catalyst is a phenomenal backpack both for ultralight enthusiasts and conventional hikers. I know because I own one, my brother owns one, my father owns one, and my Boy Scoutmaster owns one. Between us, this pack has seen hundreds of miles throughout the Sierra Nevadas, comfortably handling heavy loads, bear canisters, and thick brush. What distinguishes this pack from others is the weight. At exactly 3 pounds, this pack is half the weight of it’s competitors; a feat ULA accomplishes without sacrificing durability. The pack has one large interior pocket accompanied by a small removable mesh pouch, exterior mesh pockets, and hip belt pockets. This design minimizes weight while allowing space for bulky items. The drawback being that one interior pocket means organization is essential, otherwise you may need to empty the packs contents to find that one pair of dry socks. The top of the pack has a rolltop closing feature enabling you to maintain a compact load even when the pack is not at capacity. Compression straps on either side of the pack can hold fly rod tubes or a tripod. A cinch cord on the exterior of the pack is perfect for storing easy access rain gear. Overall, this is a light, comfortable, and durable pack best suited for multi-day backpacking - ULA Catalyst $250