Here is how these two backpacks compare on the numbers. They score within a hair of each other, so it comes down to the details below.
| ULA Ultra Circuit | ULA Catalyst | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 74✓ | 74 |
| Capacity | 68 L | 75 L |
| Weight | 2 lb 5 oz✓ | 2 lb 12 oz |
| Rated load | 35 lb | 40 lb✓ |
| Fabric denier | 400 D | 400 D |
| Price | $380 | $320✓ |
| Type | Ultralight | Backpacking |
| Frame | Internal | Internal |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Ultra Circuit in blue, Catalyst in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. Capacity is shown for context and is not scored, since more volume is a sizing choice rather than better. GearScore is the overall rating (0 to 100); re-weight it on the full backpack comparison. Prices are current MSRP.
The ULA Ultra Circuit against the ULA Catalyst is a study in priorities. They are close enough that this really is about which handful of specs you weight most.
The Ultra Circuit is 8 oz lighter. The Catalyst is a higher rated load (40 vs 35 lb) and $60 cheaper. Their GearScores land within a couple of points (74 vs 74), so neither runs away with it.
Pick the Ultra Circuit if you care most about low weight, which makes it the better call for counting grams on long miles. Pick the Catalyst if load carry and price matter more to you, or you are focused on rough ground and hard use.
The ULA Ultra Circuit. It is 8 oz lighter than the Catalyst.
The ULA Catalyst. It is a higher rated load (40 vs 35 lb) than the Ultra Circuit.
They are nearly tied at 74 and 74 on the default algorithm, so re-weight the score to your own priorities to break the tie.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the Ultra Circuit for low weight, or the Catalyst for load carry. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.