Brian Frankle Joins Six Moon Designs

Unbelievable news. Very excited about the "one, two" punch here.

Oh yeah. I own packs made by both Brian and Ron – I expect to see great things from this team.

I also own packs by both and am excited to see what they come up with.

Can I get you guys any coffee?

Warm up cars/ scrape windshields?

I'm local.

Honestly never heard of him, would like to know more…

Mary Shelley's son.

Just kidding. He is the founder of ULA.

From ULA Website:

"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."

Oh great. I'm close to pulling the trigger on one of Brian's old designs (Catalyst), and now I have to play the waiting game to see if they come up with something better suited for my needs.

I suppose its a good problem to have.

Can't wait to see what you guys have up your sleeve! Congrats on the partnership!

Good news indeed! Can't wait to see what's being cooked up!

That's awesome! Maybe we can get an updated version of the old Relay. I'm bummed I never bought one before they were discontinued, it seems like it would have been perfect for the trail work I do.

I actually just purchased and Borah Gear Stealth to replace a circa 2007 Conduit that's finally worn out. I'm excited to see what the collaboration of Ron and Brian brings. A Swift was on my short list before I bought the Stealth.

Adam

Wonderful! I have wondered what Brian was up to since he sold ULA. Does that mean that Brian is moving to the Portland area? If so, welcome! If you haven't yet discovered http://www.portlandhikers.org, it's a great area (Oregon and SW Washington) hiking forum with an excellent Field Guide to many local trails.

I look forward to great things happening with this combination. I might even end up buying a new pack, even though my SMD Comet (2005 model bought in early 2006) is still holding up just fine!

Welcome back Brian !!!

Good news. Maybe pack design will finally improve. I have not really felt the need to upgrade from my 08 Golite Jam2 since the pack market seems to have nothing very different or better since then. I still love the design of the AMP but the straps just did not fit my frame. Good luck guys.

"Unbelievable news. Very excited about the "one, two" punch here."

+100 This is about the only thing I can think of that might persuade me to switch
from my OHM.

Frankle's genius designs and eye for aesthetics + Moak's manufacturing capacity and overall strong UL foundation + collective experience of 2 industry vets…

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Excellents news. I'm looking forward to some amazing innovation and refinement.

For being such a "celebrity " he sure seemed very down to earth at the GGG last weekend.

Met him briefly at the GGG this past weekend. Seemed like a very nice and down to earth guy. I didn't even realize he was Brian from ULA! Anyway looking forward to great things from this collaboration.

Congratulations Brian and Ron!

I now suspect that Ron planted a dead rat inside Brian's van just to get him out of there.

Great news for gear junkies everywhere:) Good luck to all involved.

I'll have to work really hard to wear out my Conduit this spring so I can justify a new purchase.

Having had the opportunity to meet both Ron and Brian at the GGG and hear a little about their ideas, these packs are definitely on my list of Gear I Would Very Much Like to Have in the Future!

+200. Two great minds and two great beards. (Well, Brian needs a little mentoring on beards from Ron). Carol

As a chronic pessimist when it comes to pack design I have a some food for a pack designer's thought:

1. There are no comfortable packs – only packs that are less uncomfortable than others.

2. Pack design, like economics, is a "dismal science". Too many variables to account for. (Of course an adjustable length harness is a big help, as is a "cutout" in the hipbelt for one's iliac crest.)

3. Internal frames are (usually) better than external frames. But "framesheets" are almost useless for load transfer.

4. A frameless pack is miserable beyond 15 lbs. (Jus' sayin'.)

5. Any pack that does not permit the addition of aftermarket side pockets is limiting itself.

6. Pack bottom fabric MUST be very abrasion resistant.

7. A backpack W/O lift straps is cheap and uncomfortable.

8. Finally, a pack W/O the option of a removavle top lid/fanny pack also limits the owner's packing & day tripping options.

Of course most of this applies to backpacks as opposed to daypacks.

Do I sound curmudgeonly?
Do hip belts make my belly seem fat?
Do Lycra pants make my thighs look too big?
Should I write to Dear Abby instead of BPL?

Anyway Brian, good luck with "The Dismal Science". We'll be hoping for an almost comfortable pack from SMD.