The North Face Catalyst 75

Summary

Poor materials: particularly the film near the zips is all broken after only one month; and all the latches are made by too little parts, very very breakable. The form is not correct so that the back zip risks to be forced every time you have a lot of stuff.
Not recommended.

It doesn't fit well when full charged, even if shoulders belt are ok, because the hip belt is big but not precise, so that it moves and you can't bind it as you want.

Poor materials: particularly the film near the zips is all broken after only one month I use the backpack.

All the latches at the end of the side straps are very very breakable.

The mould of the back pack is not correct so that the back zip riscks to be forced every time you have a lot of stuff inside, even if you try to block your stuff using the inside straps.

The pockets on the bottom part are not so usable.

It's heavy and not recommended.

This pack has the most unique suspension system. The pack moves with my body. I can literally move my whole body without restriction. I'm wearing the pack the pack is not wearing me.

Only reason I didn't give this pack 5 stars though it is big enough for 4-5 day trip and carries 60 lbs, yes 60lbs, without it getting heavier and heavier is..For its weight class being a large 75 liter 6 lbs 12oz pack. I am scrutinizing the fact I think that The North Face should have built their ultimate backpack a lb lighter or made up the weight with capacity. What it lacks in weight it makes up for it in quality.

I really liked this pack right up until the moment when cracks developed in the rubber portions in the pivot, following just over a year of fairly careful usage.

What really let me down though was North Face's refusal to either repair or replace the pack, despite their "lifetime warranty" and promise to replace any defective item.

After 2 weeks of arguing, they finally agreed to replace it but with the lower-spec, lower-price Crestone model and no refund on the difference in cost.

The pivot system is a great concept, but is poorly built by a once great company that no longer stands by its promises.

As with most The North Face products you purchase you get great quality, and this is no different. I have only used this pack once, on a three-day excursion but it performed well. I like to carry alot of gear. Not only do I hike but, I fish and enjoy good meals on the trail. With this comes weight, and the pack felt comfortable through all parts of the trip. The new suspension is nice and it won't be long before everyone has a pack with it. The price is high, but I got mine on sale from the great people at Moosejaw.com.

This is the best backpack I have used. I took a 5 day hiking fishing trip in a wildereness area. Starting weight was over 40lbs and the pack performed beautifully. It really holds the weight on your hips and moves with you. I did alot of research before I spent the bucks on this item. It is worth every $$$. I would recommend this to novice to expert for multi-day use.