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Name: Email: Message: Where do you hike? (region/season) Use / Purpose - Please Select - Dayhike Overnight Multi-Day Thru-Hike Base Weight: (Total gear weight minus food, fuel, and water) Goal: Security Code Re-type Security Code (required to stop spammers, sorry)

Podcasts: Trailcast.com: ULA Podcast PBP Episode 1 - Brian Frankle of ULA-Equipment PBP Episode 40 - Backpacks 101 Articles: Gear Maker Profile: Brian Frankle of ULA-Equipment Mailing Address:  ULA Equipment 435-753-5191 668 W 1725 N Logan, UT 84321 Skype: ula.equipment Wed 9 - Noon MST or by appointment

HISTORY OF

Ultralight Adventure Equipment was established in 2001, 2 years after Brian Frankles’ thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. At that time a few other companies existed that catered to ultralight backpacking enthusiasts, but the majority of innovation was coming from home-based creative folks that happened to have some sewing skill, a copy of Ray Jardine’s, “A Pacific Crest Trails Hiker Handbook,” and an internet connection to share their ideas with the online trail community. While planning and hiking the PCT, Brian was caught between the intrigue of Jardine’s techniques and the traditional approach to backpacking upon which his prior experiences were based. He began his 2500 mile journey northbound from Mexico with a 25 lb base weight and a stomach full of anxiety. Brian strolled into Canada with a 12 lb base weight and the feeling that the world of long distance hiking was wide open.

After a one year apprenticeship with a local pack make, Brian took the skills he had developed and struck out on his own, designing gear that would address the needs of ultralight and lightweight hikers as well as transitioning traditionalists…a balanced compromise of comfort, function, and durability. The original gear (P-1 and P-2 Packs) were received warmly by the distance hiking community and ULA-Equipment quickly established itself as a provider of functional, durable equipment...albeit a slow provider! A 4 month backlog was standard , but the customers were incredibly gracious, recognizing that Brian was one man with one sewing machine, working hard and doing his best. In the ensuing years, Brain created packs that became the gold standard for through hikers. His first hand knowledge and backpacking skills made him one of the most respected authorities in the world of ultra light equipment.

In the fall of 2007, my wife, Sally, contacted one the ULA retailers to buy me a Catalyst for a Christmas present, because Brian was off on a hike. Naturally the packs were on back order, however, the retailer mentioned that Brian was thinking of selling his business. The seed was planted! I did eventually receive my Catalyst, and after using my new pack, I was so impressed that I contacted Brian to investigate the possible sale of ULA. To make a long story short, Sally and I bought ULA 2 years later, in August of 2009.

So what does the future hold? Sally and I are very excited to be living in the beautiful Cache valley with unlimited outdoor activites only minutes away. All of our free time is spent exploring this amazing country on foot, skis or bikes and interacting with the folks who share our love of the outdoors and listening closely to their needs in terms of equipment. Our direction will be determined by our own outdoor experiences, plus the feed back we get from both the online and on trail hiking community.

THE SHOP

The Shop. ULA World Headquarters (!) 1,200 sq ft of sewing paradise. ULA moved into The Shop (former 3-car garage...classy!) in late December 2003. Up until late January 2004, The Shop was heated with an 'ol wood stove. Once the wood ran out, and sewing in 0 degree weather for a week was demmed inefficient, a radiant propane heater was installed. A definite improvement!

	My house is approximately 20 paces from The Shop. The allure of work is often hard to ignore being so close. Anyway, the following images should give you an idea of the workspace. I'll post some 'action shots' at some point to give you a sense of how things come to be...
	Basically the shop consists of a lot of tables. Tables for cuttin', tables for sewing', tables for shippin'. Most of the tables were built by my hiking buddy Brandt. He is quite a craftsman and knows his way around a toolbox.
	Everything ULA eventually sews up, starts on this table. The Design Table is where the ideas in my head and the feedback from customers come together. From the impending chaos, prototypes are born.
	Next step is The Big Table. The Big Table is primarily used for cutting. Since it is 12 ft long, it is easy to roll out a bunch of material and cut lots and lots of packs at one time.
	Once materials are laid out, the cuttin' begins. Cuttin' is accomplished by using one of many Cutters. Cutters are really sharp and have no respect for soft, human flesh. One must be careful when in the company of any of the Cutters.
	Here I am using The Foam Cutter...you guessed it... cutting foam. Whatever materials are being cut, it also requires the use of lots of weights to keep the materials compressed to ensure an accurate cut.
	Lengths of webbing also need to be cut before product assembly can begin. Gary the Chopper is used for small batches of webbing, bungee, or cordage. GTC is operated by using a manual foot pedal.
	For larger batches I use the automatic webbing cutter. An air compressor provides the power to the hotknife, while the control box allows me to specify the length and speed in which the webbing is fed through the machine. Definately a helpful machine for a small operation.
	Now the sewing can begin. The majority of stitching is done on these machines...Big D, Flora, and Ms. Juki. Ms. Juki was my first industrial sewing machine. Without question this special lady has played an important role in my life. I find her 60 watt glow so soothing...
	Although my role in the business has changed since its inception, I still spend time behind the needle. The headset is goofy but necessary equipment to keep tabs on the phone and get other chores done during the day.
	Bartack Central. Bartack machines are used to reinforce high-stress areas of the packs and are either computer or cam driven. They are incredibly durable machines.
	Some of the products require grommets. Instead of whacking away with a die-set and a hammer, I picked up a grommet-setter which is MUCH easier and results in far fewer headaches and smashed fingers. Above the grommet-setter is the XM Satellite Radio -- critical to having a productive day in The Shop. Anything from punk rock to latin pop. Something for everyone or every mood.
	Upon completion, ULA products find their way to The Shipping Table to await being matched up with the correct order.
	My Corporate Cubicle. In the warmer months the garage doors are open which is a welcome relief from my winter bound, four-walled world. Chores in the Corporate Cubicle include: processing orders, answering e-mails, and scheduling delivery of supplies.
	This is Wred Dog. He has no corporate duties. He has too much independence to become a Corporate Mascot. Other than to sleep, shed, and demand 'frisbee time' he is a loyal fellow that nips heels to keep strangers at bay and all of us on task should we be caught loafing.
	Once the paperwork is complete, product is boxed up. When the weather is poor, The Rig is loaded up for delivery.
	However, when the weather is good, which it typically is, I load up The Bike and head to the Post Office and UPS for delivery
	This is The Storage Shed. It primarily houses rolls of foam. The doors were originally drab corrogated steel. ULA grafitti courtesy of Brent who is a local Tattoo Artist.
	That concludes the tour of The Shop. If you ever find yourself in Logan, UT and would like to swing by, feel free. Please call ahead to give me time to look busy...

So, whom is responsible for production at ULA? Other than myself, namely the two fine ladies pictured below: Ruth Quitanilla and Tomasa Gonzalez. The image below is the party they threw for me at The Shop before I set out to hike The Hayduke Trail.

ADVENTURES

Here are a few of the trips I have taken since my '99 Thru-Hike along the PCT

	Idaho Centennial Trail '08: The Idaho Centennial Trail is ~900 miles in length, as it winds its way from Canada to Nevada through some of the most remote country in the Lower 48.
	Teton Crest Trail '06: A short weekend hike through Grand Teton National Park. Variable weather, variable wildlife, and accusations of being a dayhiker.
	Timberline Trail '06: A casual ramble along the flanks Mt Hood, as well as a few memory filled miles along the PCT. Good landscape, good fun, and in good company.
	Aborted Great Basin Traverse '06: The Great Basin Traverse (GBT) is ~1,000 miles in length as it rambles south from Idaho, through Nevada, to the southern end of the White Mountains in California. This traverse is a route of my own creation.
	The Hayduke Trail '05: The Hayduke Trail (HDT) is ~800 miles in length and stretches circuitously westward across the Colorado Plateau from Arches National Park to Zion National Park.
	The Arizona Trail '04: a 36 day southbound thru-hike along the AZT. A few blazes, a few rainy days, and most importantly....few people.
	Gannett Peak, WY '04: a quick overnighter to the summit of the highest point in Wyoming. Stretches of hiking along the Continental Divide Trail and in some beautiful alpine country.
	Salt Flats '02: Chronicles my June 2002 walk across the Salt Flats of Western Utah. 110 degress, 140 lbs of water. Not ultralight, just ultra-thirsty...supposedly this was the first ever crossing of the Salt Flats in a N-S direction.
	ATO '02: In February Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. Despite the appeal of such an event, Brandt and I thought our time would be better spent in Southern Utah for ATO 2002 (Avoiding the Olympics) exploring sinuous slot canyons and hauling obscene amounts of water around in our P-2 Packs for a week.

WARRANTY / RETURNS / ORDER CANCELLATION

WARRANTY:

All Ultralight Adventure Equipment products are warranted to the original owner against defects in materials and workmanship. If an ULA product happens to fail due to manufacturing defects, ULA-Equipment will replace or repair the product free of charge at our discretion. Necessary repairs due to: improper use, unfortunate accidents, or general wear and tear, will be charged for materials and labor.

All packs returned for warranty issues MUST be recently cleaned.

Please keep in mind that ULA products are lightweight for a reason - the use of ultralight and lightweight materials carries a certain degree of responsibility by the user! ULA-Equipment products can last a lifetime when treated consciously of tradeoffs inherent in using lighter weight materials.

Please contact ULA for a an authorization code. Any items shipped to ULA without proper authorization number and paperwork are not the responsibility of ULA.

EXCHANGE & RETURN POLICY:

Packs will ONLY be accepted if they are returned in a new, unused condition. Please return products within 3-weeks of receipt. All packs are returnable if the product does not meet your needs. It does no good for either of us to have you using a pack you do not like. Shipping & handling costs WILL NOT be refunded when your payment is reimbursed.

Please contact ULA for a an authorization code. Any items shipped to ULA without proper authorization number and paperwork are not the responsibility of ULA.

The Helix Potty Trowel is not returnable under any circumstances, although it is under warranty for craftsmanship.

ORDER CANCELLATION:

Thanks for considering ULA-Equipment. We are sorry that we could not meet your backpacking needs. We will credit you the cost of the products you purchased. Unfortunately once items ship, even if you have not received your order, we WILL NOT refund shipping & handling costs.

If you have questions please let us know.