JanSport Catalyst

This is an extremely well-conceived daybag. The 1250 cu. in. main compartment is plenty big enough for some snacks and a fleece--perhaps a well-rolled softshell. The hydration compartment is room and could easily accommodate a 3L pouch. I currently switch between a 2L reservoir from my Camelbak Rogue 70 oz Hydration Pack, or a 2L Source Outdoors Widepack Hydration Reservoir System (Transparent Blue, 2-Litres ). Both, although of different design, fit very comfortably. This pack feature right and left hydration tube management. There are pass-throughs for the tube at the head of each shoulder strap, with very well positioned elastic straps to manage the tube and nozzle. The base of each shoulder strap features a very small pocket (big enough for some glow sticks, an extra carabiner, or a protein bar). The shoulder straps themselves are made of a very comfortable perforated egg-shell material (as is the spine of the bag), allowing for extreme breath-ability. The waist belt is similarly perforated, breathable and comfortable. Each side has a good sized pocket for camera's, maps, etc. The front of the bag has a stuff pocket for, perhaps, some rain-gear, and that's covered by a criss-cross of compression straps to keep everything tight. The base of the bag has to loops for poles or picks (I've never had a use for these.) Two more compression straps for the main compartment round out the bag. If I have any complaint, it's that the bag is a little "strappy". This could be easily fixed by simply trimming the length of some of them.

All in all, I love this bag. I stuff it with enough water(did I mention the two bottle pockets on the sides?), snacks and basic necessities (sunscreen, ponchos, cameras) to keep my entire family comfortable for an entire afternoon and I hardly even know it's there. This is an outstanding product.

I was in the market for a backpack for trail running purposes. While at a sporting goods retailer I ran across the JanSport Catalyst and decided to give it a shot. I'm very happy I did! so far this bag has performed wonderfully in handling the rigors of the trails. The bag is ergonomically well situated on the back on the user, offers good storage space, and has all the necessary loops and bungees to accommodate a hiker or trail runners needs. It also has the capacity to place a three liter water hydration system inside of it as well. However because I use bottles and not reservoirs, I can't judge the performance of that function. In sum, it's great day bag that can suit many needs. This is a product that I would not hesitate to purchase again.

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