Cottage Stagnation and Recent Gems

Chris Wallace said,

"This is my understanding of how it went..

Ryan had a pack design in mind (he's had it in mind for a long time) and asked HMG to build it. They agreed and we now have the Porter. In the interest of full disclosure, I tested several revisions of the pack and also provided feedback on it. I know I don't get any kind of sales commission and I doubt Ryan does either.

Also, it is my understanding that Ryan had asked another pack builder for something similar many years ago, and was basically told to shove it."

Dan McHale's version;

Chris, I figure you are referring to me here. I was all set to make a pack for Ryan for his Arctic 1000 trip. The pack was going to be my basic widely spaced daisy chain design like the 4 or 5 other McHale Packs I had made for Ryan but made with Cuben Fiber. I was waiting for the Cuben Fiber and it came late and I recall that it had to come from Cuben directly. Well, the fabric came and I was blown away by the lightness of the fabric Ryan had chosen and immediately sent it to him 3 day UPS, at my expense, after probably emailing him that there was no way I was going to make a pack out of it. I did not tell him to shove it. I felt I had been put in a bad spot. He later, after the trip told me that it was a good thing he did not take a pack made out of the too light Cuben that he had chosen. He told me as it was, that he had damaged the ULA pack enough that it was obvious the Cuben fabric he had chosen would not have made it. I basically avoided and prevented a situation that would have been bad for Ryan, myself, and Cuben Fiber. That's my story.

Miguel –

I don't know which I like more, reading your thoughtful musings or viewing your gorgeous photos! I think it's time for me to go through my gear again and shed some of it. I use so little of what I actually have, and it's the same stuff, trip after trip. Either that, or I need to do different kinds of trips… I actually put a lot of the gear to use by lending it out.

I have always said, the only way to get what you really want is to make it yourself. I never wanted to get into the gear business, I only did it as a way to help others enjoy some benefits of lightening their load and getting out more. At the time, it seemed like there was nothing light available. If it was today, there are so many options, I'm not sure I would even have to make my own gear. I DEFINITELY would not be starting a gear company. Colin is a wise man indeed.

Innovation doesn't have to be gear, it can be skills and techniques. Hiking with people like Clelland, Rietveld, Skurka and others (actually, I can learn something from anybody), can increase knowledge that both saves weight, and/or increases safety and comfort/convenience, and gets me out more.

> This is a sad statement coming from a man who has spent the better part of the past
> decade publishing a website magazine that reviews cottage industry backpacking gear.

Agreed. I suspect that if you looked at an Oware, MLD, and OES tarp, you'd have trouble determining who made which one without the logos (assuming they weren't one of the unique ones to that company, of course; any bozo would be able to figure out who made the one with five sides, for example ;))

I still contend also that the apparent lack of innovation has a lot to do with the fact that true innovation is hard. I've been in software development for 18 years, and I've been doing photography for over a decade; in neither have I seen a whole lot of true innovation. Every once in a while you see something clever and/or new, but not often.

MLD is among the more innovative cottage companies, and yet they don't come up with truly new stuff all that often; does anyone seriously think it's because Ron Bell is a dork? Or maybe it's just hard to top a Trailstar? My theory is the latter, rather than the former, because if Ron were a dolt, he wouldn't have come up with the Trailstar in the first place.

That's not to single out the Trailstar over, say the Echo or StratoSpire… which reminds me, Henry Shires amazes me. He's *always* coming up with new stuff. I don't know how he does it, because as I pointed out, innovation is hard.

One big hindrance I see is that there isn't much evolution on the fabric side. The cottage manufacturers have done some amazing things with the fabrics available, but they're not in much of a position to really drive fabric development.

And yet, HMG pulled it off. The fabric they're making their packs from is pretty nice stuff. That a relatively new company like HMG can do that is pretty cool, if you ask me.

> One thing I've found invaluable from these small businesses is inspiration in my own
> DIY projects.

I think this is one of the best responses I've seen on this thread.

I'm drawing similar inspiration, but rather than making gear, I'm working on marketing my photography. It's going slowly… but it's going.

Thanks and agree. Sounds like somebody was just having a bad day, or disappointed with Santa ;) or just plain holiday blues. The courage of the cottage industry entrepreneurs only begets more ideas and future products and paves the way for others. Where would we be without them? Not having nearly as much fun I'm sure; discerning details (shopping) and application (heightened outdoor experience). Ultimately appreciation has overarching reach over negativity. Lighten up! Outdoor gear has been pretty much economy proof anyway.

> Thanks and agree. Sounds like somebody was just having a bad day, or disappointed with
> Santa ;) or just plain holiday blues.

It happens to everyone sometimes. I guess Ryan's human after all ;)

Even though I don't entirely agree, I can see where he's coming from in some ways. One of the downsides to the UL stuff where innovation is concerned is with features. For example, how much can you really innovate in a rectangular tarp? :)

…

Ryan,
Very interesting thread that you started here. However, I have a challenge for you in return that should be very timely for the New Year. Let's be more scientific about it and lay out the lightweight developments to see how they have ebbed and flowed over time.

Since you and BPL are uniquely qualified, I wonder if you'd be willing to plot out the "Lightweight Timeline." It could include the big three and a few other cottage industry products. Since shelter and pack development are tied to fabric developments (which can ONLY be done by the relatively larger manufacturers), it also needs to be included.

– Fabrics (SilNylon, Spinnaker, Cuben, Epic, Dyneema)
– Packs (G4, GoLite Jam, ULA's various models)
– Shelters (tarps, poncho/tarp, catenary-cut, TarpTent's Rainbow, Six Moons Lunar Solo, The One, MLD Trailstar, Hennessey Hammock, Warbird Hammock)
– Sleeping Bags (Montbell's Stretch bag, Jardine's synthetic quilt, Jacks R Better Poncho down quilts)
– Stoves (Vargo Triad, Brasslite, Caldera, Bushbuddy)
– People/events (Ray Jardine's original book, Dixon/Jordan's launch of BPL, MLD launch, backpackinglight.co.uk, Flyin Brian's Triple Crown, Scott Williamson's PCT yo-yo, Skurka's Great Western Loop, HyperLite Mtn Gear)

Geez…just writing a few examples for each was challenging to decide what was memorable (and what wasn't), what the original pack name was (versus a later tweak), who to list first (no point in that). It will likely be a GREAT list that is FOREVER incomplete.

This could be nice interactive project with the membership since we have a real brain trust out there that loves to voice their opinions and correct others mistakes. ;)

What do you think?

Tom

Great idéa. I think the timeline should extend way further back in time. Obviously one would have to generalize going way back. I think it would be very nice with some perspective. Think about how lucky we are, having cuben fiber, silnylon, down etcetera, compared to what the same set would weigh with wool, cotton tent, walking stick.

I think it's sad that nowadays, going UL is less about technique, as you can cough up the money and buy the "rank". Like everything else these days…

Ryan states early in his article;

"In reviewing, in the past 12 months, what has come out of (what used to be) the most exciting part of the ultralight backpacking niche – the cottage industry – all I can do is yawn."

I feel strongly that BPL is very much a part of this so called "ultralight backpacking niche – the cottage industry" and although now providing more along the lines of a service rather then gear BPL is still very much a product.

Ryan should direct his critical review inward and ask himself if BPL has lead by example. Ryan should be asking in review; in the past 12 months has BPL offered anything new and exciting or is it all BPL members do is yawn? Having been at the forefront of the "backpacking light" movement and a true catalyst to many of the so called cottage industry companies Ryan should focus his effort on helping BPL lead by example and not simply cast stones by offering criticism of others.

For 2012 I challenge Ryan to redirect his critical review inward and change BPL for the better. Not just talk about change,but actually make changes that keep BPL new and exciting. Lead by example and just maybe in December of 2012 Ryan will be reflecting back on the best year ever for the "ultralight backpacking niche" including BPL.

"For 2012 I challenge Ryan to redirect his critical review inward and change BPL for the better. Not just talk about change,but actually make changes that keep BPL new and exciting. Lead by example and just maybe in December of 2012 Ryan will be reflecting back on the best year ever for the "ultralight backpacking niche" including BPL."

Very well put, Thom! The gist of several of RJ's posts lately has been that BPL is getting ready to do just that, but actually making those as yet undefined changes is yet to come. Until that time, casting stones at those who have contributed so much to making BPL's philosophy achievable rings hollow indeed.

a big +1

I recently sold my interest in a cooperative because it became uncooperative largely due to online communication without regard for tone. It's very easy to write what one would never say face to face. Especially with the written word it's important to be mindful. The extent of emotional charge can easily be misinterpreted and any charge is difficult to take entirely seriously. Better to stay with a demeanor that can be fully heard.

"Lots of thoughts on the article and all the comments"

A deeply insightful post, Miguel. Anybody who reads it is going to have some thinking of their own to do.

"The extent of emotional charge can easily be misinterpreted and any charge is difficult to take entirely seriously. Better to stay with a demeanor that can be fully heard."

I am having difficulty understanding what, specifically, you're getting at here. Would you be willing to be a bit more direct?

Mike W: "Perhaps we should graph the degree of dissension in the readers comments with the contributers age (cottage manufacturers excluded of course…) and see if there is any science in this thread!"

OK, Mike, start your graph. I just turned 76 and would no longer be backpacking if it weren't for the lightweight gear provided mostly by those supposedly "non-innovative" cottage industries! It's quite true that the big mainstream corporations are lightening up, but when REI advertises a 3 1/2 lb. pack as "ultralight," they have a long way to go. The several pounds that would be added to my pack by using even the lightest "mainstream" stuff (and I did look!) would definitely stop me from backpacking, something which I have absolutely no intention of doing until I literally can no longer put one foot in front of another. Besides, I far prefer to deal with small businesses which do all or most of their manufacturing in the US.

Thom Darrah: "Ryan should direct his critical review inward and ask himself if BPL has lead by example. Ryan should be asking in review; in the past 12 months has BPL offered anything new and exciting or is it all BPL members do is yawn? Having been at the forefront of the "backpacking light" movement and a true catalyst to many of the so called cottage industry companies Ryan should focus his effort on helping BPL lead by example and not simply cast stones by offering criticism of others.

"For 2012 I challenge Ryan to redirect his critical review inward and change BPL for the better. Not just talk about change,but actually make changes that keep BPL new and exciting. Lead by example and just maybe in December of 2012 Ryan will be reflecting back on the best year ever for the "ultralight backpacking niche" including BPL."

I strongly agree! Except for a few articles, mostly the general information in the SOTM articles, nearly all the useful info I've gotten from BPL has been from the forum, not the articles.

One thing, for sure: Ryan has certainly woken us all up out of our post-Christmas funk (too much turkey?) and given us much to discuss! If that, rather than slamming cottage industry, was your real aim, Ryan, you have certainly succeeded!

Sure. The three paragraphs that follow "yawn" in my reading of it carry an edge and therefore (imo) a charge. I just couldn't imagine talking with anyone of the cottage industry folks in person, looking over their wares and saying these things in the same way. I'm also of an entirely different opinion. Within their means they are pushing the industry forward. Criticism to me is like being handed a slug. Better to drop it or thoughtfully hand it back. :) People just respond better to positive encouragement. Anyway thanks for asking. Cheers.

"I still contend also that the apparent lack of innovation has a lot to do with the fact that true innovation is hard."

Truly, and it also requires going out on a limb both financially and reputation wise, something cottage industry types are not in a position to undertake lightly.

Based on what I have observed with Tarptent and ULA, I also wonder if perhaps they have moved on to a process of incremental refinement of existing innovative designs, somewhat akin to the Japanese philosophy of "Kaizen". I hope Miguel will respond to this thought and either expand on it or let me know I have misunderstood the concept.

Edited for poor choice of words.

"Anyway thanks for asking. Cheers."

And thank you for responding and clearing up my confusion, Jane.

I'm glad there's Zpacks. I really like how his newest pack uses a tent pole for the frame. That's real UL thinking.

…

"If you think that you wouldn't be hiking if it wasn't for the gear produced by the cottage industry then you are not very innovative."

I think you didn't note Mary's age; otherwise you're going a bit over the top here, Mike. Ounces, never mind pounds, are increasingly important to staying in the game as you age. At 76, she's doing darn good to even be out in hills, and part of it is due to a relentless focus on shaving ounces. I'm not far behind her, and I'm here to tell you I couldn't do the type of stuff I'm still doing if I were carrying 3-4 extra pounds, which would be the case if I went the mainstream route for my gear. I doubt very much that you will find truly lightweight gear suitable for "old bones" at Walmart, Sports Authority, et al. Then there's the philosophical satisfaction of buying something made in one's own country in economic hard times. For younger folks, including Jamie Shortt, the weight penalty may well be feasible, but for older folks I doubt it. If you can come up with Walmart equivalent of a Neoair, Trailstar, ULA OHM, GG LT4's, etc, I would be the first to climb on board were it not for one problem I have with Walmart in particular. It has to do with how they treat their employees and the corollary that most of what they sell is made overseas.

Let’s go back 7 years and revisit Ryan’s reflections on gear design:

Kanso: A Blueprint for Better Gear Design

BPL, pioneered the magazine without a magazine, a gear shop without gear, and outrageous shipping costs for stupid light packages.

As far as I can tell they specialized in making items once, out of season, in odd sizes, and almost never doing a second run.

I'm not convinced Ryan knows enough about business to slam those who serve up the goods year, after year, after year.

Stock less, charge more was a failure.
The articles in the last three years are largely *yawn*

BPL itself has no idea what it is, what it wants to be, or how to get there.

Mike, I know, John Muir went out with just a few things in his pockets. Etc. Frankly, I've never wanted to be quite that spartan. Ray Jardine's first book was published in 1996, many years after I bought my backpacking gear. I didn't even hear about him until 8 years later. In the circles I backpacked with, 40-50 lb. packs were normal and we were warned about the dangers of taking less. (I still hear that a lot!)

Some of us (especially those of us with "old bones," or more specifically old joints) need a lot more than what Muir had to be comfortable. For example, I'm now to where I need at least a 3" thick sleeping pad to be able to sleep. I defy you to find one outside of KookaBay (Bender is one of those "non-innovative" cottage folks, who got his start here on the BPL forum) that is 3.5" thick, really warm, and weighs just under 13 oz.

…

It wasn't my intention to post the link to take swings at the hive or make personal assumptions, rather get some insight into his standards of gear design. Much of what he said in this recent article reflects similar ideas expressed by Jordan going back several years. There is a consistency here of thought on his part that I felt worth noting. I agree that some of what has surfaced this year hasn't been "mindblowing" or "revolutionary", but I don't have to be blown away nor do I possess a paining desire or thirst for amazing gear year after year, especially considering there is an excess of decent and brilliant gear alike currently available to us to get out with.

Backpacking is so sickeningly simple and beautiful at its core, it is a bit of a wonder why more gear doesn't mirror its purpose. I'm blown away by simple design, the Trailstar is one of those pieces that I find amazing not for all its bells and whistles, which are none in this case, rather for what it lacks. The old BPL trappers mug is another piece of pure and simple design that I enjoy, both aesthetically and functionally.