ULA Equipment is a company known for their ultralight backpacks. Their bread and butter customers are thru-hikers, and ULA has built a solid reputation among this community.

We make and sell high end lightweight backpacking equipment – ULA Equipment

Company History

ULA Equipment started in the founder’s (Brian Frankle) garage in 2001. It was purchased by Chris and Sally in 2009 and they moved the company’s operations to an actual shop. Rodney Tripp joined as a business partner in 2010 and then they moved into a larger shop in Park City, Utah, with space to expand. One thing that hasn’t changed is their commitment to keeping all manufacturing here in the USA, despite higher costs (labor, imports, real estate, etc.)! 100% American Made folks. Although some of their fabrics are woven in the U.S., most fabrics used are woven in South Korea.

Packs

The company’s 10-12 full time employees (with good benefits to boot) make all their products in Utah. A quick rundown of their backpacks showcases the diversity of their main product line, and this doesn’t even include their everyday carry packs. Other products include duffels and a rain kilt.

The basic description of each pack comes straight from ULA, with minor edits by AmericanOutdoorGearHub.com.

Catalyst (48 oz. 75L) – If your weight is thirty pounds or more, the Catalyst is for you. It’s a bit heavier, but lightness comes with a price, and that price is often comfort. Ready to carry loads of up to 40 pounds, haul a bear canister, tents, or fishing, climbing or photo gear.

Circuit (41 oz. 68L) – Weighing in at less than 41 OZ, we don’t think there’s a pack out there that can compare to the load carrying capabilities, comfort, and durability of the Circuit. If you are usually carrying under thirty pounds, but occasionally up to thirty-five pounds you are probably a good candidate for a Circuit. This is our most popular pack and with good reason. The Circuit will take the abuse of a 2,500 mile thru-hike and beg you for more.

OHM 2.0 (34.5 oz. 63L) – The Ohm 2.0 is the pack for the fast folks, the ones who travel light, but still take a prudent amount of gear to be safe and comfortable. If your weight is usually under twenty five pounds, consider the Ohm 2.0.

CDT (24 oz. 54L) – The CDT is our lightest, most basic backpack. With just over 50 liters of available space, it is suitable for thru-hikes, day hikes, and any distance back-country forays. If your weight is under fifteen pounds, occasionally twenty, then the CDT is for you. The CDT will better withstand abuse than other packs as there is no frame to break.

Photon (27-28 oz. 35L) – The Photon is the little brother of the CDT. With nearly 35 liters of available space, 10 liters smaller than the CDT, it is suitable for day hikes and any distance backcountry forays.

FastPack (26 oz. 45L) – Need a pack for a quick overnighter, peak bagging or a leisurely day hike? The Fastpack, is a vest style pack with no hip belt, that was built for comfort and speed.

Camino 2 (52 oz. 75L) – Meet the Camino 2, the most versatile panel loader on the market today. Designed to meet most airline carry-on specs, the Camino 2 measures 22 x 14 x 9 with the extension collar rolled down. It may be compact, but it’s still large enough to easily fit all your gear for an extended hike – heck, it will even fit a bear canister!

Epic (32.5 oz. 38-82L) – The award-winning Epic is our most versatile backpack. The Epic is designed for pack-rafting expeditions in the harshest of climates, but it also has been known to carry chainsaws, beer kegs, and elk quarters. It has gained a following among distance hikers as it offers a versatile and waterproof way to carry your gear. The Epic has been designed to fit dry bags between 30 – 70 L capacity, so you can adjust the pack volume to suit your trip. It should be noted that Andrew Skurka (famed adventure athlete, writer, and guide) carried the updated Epic for portions of his National geographic sponsored, 4,600 + mile circumnavigation of Alaska.

Kids Spark (37.5 oz. 41L) – The Circuit and the Photon had a child, and its name is Spark! This isn’t one of those “faux kids backpacks” that looks great on the shelf but doesn’t cut it in the forest — this is a real pack, built tough for serious young adventurers.

Tarptent

When asked what ULA’s favorite American Made gear from another company is, the response was Tarptent. Tarptent makes ultralight, mobile shelters right here in the U.S.A. More info can be found here.

Hike on Through to the Other Side

A big thanks to ULA Equipment for being a part of American Outdoor Gear Hub!

  1. If you are looking for a backpack for that weekend adventure or a multiple month thru-hike, visit ULA Equipment and get hooked up!
  2. Think hard about your purchases and make them count – buy small and local when you can. Small businesses like ULA Equipment are a huge part of the nation’s economy.
  3. Come back to AmericanOutdoorGearHub.com’s The Goods every time you’re looking for new outdoor gear and support local gear makers with your wallet.
  4. Follow American Outdoor Gear Hub on Facebook and Instagram @americanoutdoorgearhub
  5. Get outside with your American-made gear, including ULA packs, and send photos of your gear in action here.
  6. Be sure to add a little hashtag love #AmericanOutdoorGearHub when you do the social media thing.