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View Full Version : American made packs...suggestions?



KDOG
09-16-2012, 16:55
I like to try to purchase US made goods when I can but besides the more tactical gear like Kifaru and Spec Ops, I don't really see any us made packs. Any suggestions?

backpacker451
09-16-2012, 17:11
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yellowsirocco
09-16-2012, 17:13
Ula..........

backpacker451
09-16-2012, 17:14
Mystery Ranch. Dana Gleason from Dana Designs owns it. Own one of the day packs love it. 100% Montana made in the states.

68fish
09-16-2012, 17:14
+1 for ULA

beachbunny
09-16-2012, 17:15
i'm hitting the trail with my kifaru UL in a couple weeks and looking forward to it

Dawg
09-16-2012, 17:27
+1 for ULA and Mystery Ranch. Also check out McHale Packs. Cusom made and expensive but awesome.

perrymk
09-16-2012, 17:48
There are a number of manufacturers of military gear made in USA also, but not really lightweight so I left them out. There are also a few daypack and luggage makers in the USA.

There may be even more lightweight companies; these are just the ones I came up with off hand. They are in no particular order.

Six Moon Designs
http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/comparepacks.html

Equinox
http://www.equinoxltd.com/the-gear/backpacks-and-pack-covers/

ZPacks
http://www.zpacks.com/backpacks.shtml

Gossamer Gear
http://gossamergear.com/packs/backpacks.html

ULA
http://www.ula-equipment.com/packoverview.asp

Ray Jardine backpack kit (sew your own)
http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Backpack-Kit/index.htm

leaftye
09-16-2012, 18:25
SMD and ULA both sell gear made in China, but I think their packs are still made in the USA. Check with them before buying if it's really that important.

You can also buy a custom pack from McHale (http://www.mchalepacks.com/) or Zimmer (http://www.zimmerbuilt.com/).

aaronthebugbuffet
09-16-2012, 18:50
Hyperlite Mtn Gear

T-Rx
09-16-2012, 19:07
+1 for ULA packs and also JRB quilts. I also think that Warbonnet hammocks are made in the good old USA.

Rasty
09-16-2012, 19:59
SMD and ULA both sell gear made in China, but I think their packs are still made in the USA. Check with them before buying if it's really that important.

You can also buy a custom pack from McHale (http://www.mchalepacks.com/) or Zimmer (http://www.zimmerbuilt.com/).

I don't think ULA sells anything except packs, pack covers and a rain skirt. I think the other stuff is gone now.

Odd Man Out
09-16-2012, 20:07
This thread has a long list of cottage industries selling outdoor gear. Not all of it is made in the USA, but certainly a lot more than you will find in most places - kind of goes with "cottage industry".

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?85162-list-of-cottage-industry-manufacturers-updated/page2

leaftye
09-16-2012, 20:15
I don't think ULA sells anything except packs, pack covers and a rain skirt. I think the other stuff is gone now.

They started selling a sleeping bag made in China. Their front page still says "COMFORTABLE, DURABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT SEWN IN THE USA" which isn't 100% true now.

Rasty
09-16-2012, 20:35
I don't think ULA sells anything except packs, pack covers and a rain skirt. I think the other stuff is gone now.

They started selling a sleeping bag made in China. Their front page still says "COMFORTABLE, DURABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT SEWN IN THE USA" which isn't 100% true now.

When did that start? I guess in the last week. They need to update the website asap if it's made in China. Why would a company with amazing seamstresses not sew on site?

Sidewinder
09-16-2012, 20:54
Mountain Laurel Designs packs are made in the USA, I've been to Ron's shop all packs are sewn in the shop

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/index.php?cPath=25

Gillum
09-16-2012, 21:00
I own the Windrider... Made in Maine

http://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/

leaftye
09-16-2012, 22:44
When did that start? I guess in the last week. They need to update the website asap if it's made in China. Why would a company with amazing seamstresses not sew on site?

It started within the last week or two. It's a rebranded Klymit bag. I would've been smarter if ULA kept the Klymit branding.

skinewmexico
09-16-2012, 23:52
My ULA and Gossamer Gear packs are amazing, and the customer service is next to none. Tons of great gear made in the US.

moytoy
09-17-2012, 02:56
These packs are US made, http://www.elementalhorizons.com/packs.aspx

OzJacko
09-17-2012, 03:04
ULA is my choice and I have over $50 postage to add.

KDOG
09-17-2012, 09:08
That ULA Camino looks good. The load weights seem a little light though, however I really don't know about this stuff yet so it could just be my perception. Is 40lbs good for a pack that size?

Turk6177
09-17-2012, 09:29
I love my ULA catalyst. I barely notice it is on when I am wearing it.

KDOG
09-17-2012, 10:11
Hmmm I see now thats a pack for ultra-lightist. I'm not sure I want to go the ultralight route first starting out.

Buffalo Skipper
09-17-2012, 17:10
My son and I both own ULAs. Mine was custom, and after I discussed the order with the owner (Chris), the man was going to sew the pack called me personally before he got started to confirm my custom work, and he even made a few suggestions. Doesn't get any better than talking to the person sewing you pack. I doubt I will ever go anywhere else. I am one very satisified customer.

Maddog
09-17-2012, 17:17
+1 for ULA! Maddog:D

swjohnsey
09-17-2012, 21:25
My ULA Ohm 2.0 held up very well on my thru-hike.

OzJacko
09-18-2012, 03:41
ULA are currently offering choice of colours!

Velvet Gooch
09-18-2012, 07:12
+n Mystery Ranch

lvnv1212
09-18-2012, 14:17
My choice is zpacks http://zpacks.com/backpacks.shtml They just came out with a new design (that I want!)

Another Kevin
09-18-2012, 22:09
My day pack is from Tough Traveler in Schenectady N.Y. and it's the most comfortable one I've ever owned. I know they make bigger packs but i've never tried them.

whatnot
09-19-2012, 12:46
Another vote for the ULA Circuit. With 4 or 5 days of food packed, I'm pleased to have room left over.

hikedit
10-07-2012, 00:24
hyperlitemountaingear.com

skinewmexico
10-07-2012, 00:56
Hmmm I see now thats a pack for ultra-lightist. I'm not sure I want to go the ultralight route first starting out.

You can't really consider ULA ultralight any more. A world of packs that weigh a third of what they do. You might as well start out lightweight, otherwise, you'll be doing it in a year. Evolve.

88BlueGT
10-10-2012, 11:12
ULA are currently offering choice of colours!

Really? I seen that they offered the camo version but nothing else. Anyone have pictures? I did not see anything on their site.

Deacon
10-10-2012, 11:31
Really? I seen that they offered the camo version but nothing else. Anyone have pictures? I did not see anything on their site.

Those color choices were just a temporary offering.


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Zipper
10-10-2012, 12:46
Gotta put in another vote for a ULA Catalyst. I hike "kinda lightish" keeping things under 30 pounds - Love love love this pack. Holds 7 days of food easy. And other luxury items. Of course, it always depends on what you want.

BIG TIGER
10-10-2012, 13:21
Elemental Horizons or McHale. I have both. Great packs. My latest Is the EH ck them out.1774117742177431774417745 Ron

88BlueGT
10-10-2012, 16:45
Those color choices were just a temporary offering.


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:*(

Guess I will just have to wait and hope he offers these again...

Astro
10-12-2012, 00:23
ULA Catalyst here also, Very friendly and appear to have great customer service too.

88BlueGT
10-12-2012, 12:33
You can't really consider ULA ultralight any more. A world of packs that weigh a third of what they do. You might as well start out lightweight, otherwise, you'll be doing it in a year. Evolve.

This is VERY true! When I started backpacking about 6-7 years ago I went out and purchased everything I needed in one shot. Spent a boat load of money and ended up replacing everything about a year later. Then I really got my head on my shoulders and replaced all the replaced gear another year down the road! Do it right the first time. ULA packs are light but definitely wouldn't consider them 'ultra-light'. I have never found a disadvantage to my ULA Circuit Pack. Best pack I've ever owned, hands down.

Deacon
10-14-2012, 06:06
Those color choices were just a temporary offering.


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No sooner than I published this post, I just received an e-mail from ULA that they are now offering their packs in multi colors.


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OzJacko
10-14-2012, 06:16
No sooner than I published this post, I just received an e-mail from ULA that they are now offering their packs in multi colors.


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Just checking in again on thread and don't know about colors being over - some may be run out not all.
I purchased Circuit over a year ago - love it, used it on 600 mile hike last year.
Now just ordered on 30 September a Catalyst (yellow with black pockets) and received it at my door (note my location) on 9 October!!
Couldn't be happier with ULA.
Son will use Circuit on our 2013 AT hike and I will be the garish one with the yellow pack.

bamboo bob
10-14-2012, 09:26
Mountain Laurel Designs packs are made in the USA, I've been to Ron's shop all packs are sewn in the shop

http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/index.php?cPath=25

Just bought one, great pack!