User Review: REI Catalyst 55 Pack

REI Catalyst 55 Pack
Above: The current Catalyst 55 Pack, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed March 2, 2007 by Gilmoure

Rating: rated 4 of 5 stars
Design: top loading with vertical main compartment zipper
Size: 60L
Number of Pockets: 4 main, 2 belt
Max. Load Carried: 38 lbs
Height of Owner: 6 feet
Price Paid: $110

I've used the Catalyst 55 on one trip; three days in the Sandia Mountains, November '06. I was carrying 8L water as well as cold weather gear, bag and tarp/poles. Total pack weight was 38 lbs. We went up the steep west side of the Sandias, crested near south peak and then spent the next two days heading north along the easier east side of the mountains.

Despite the heavy load, the pack was very comfortable. The air channels on the back worked well. I didn't have any back or shoulder pain with the pack as it balanced well and carried the weight on my hips. The only downside is it's not the lightest pack out there anymore (4 lbs or so) but for an inexpensive pack, it's not bad.

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