What manufacturers do you trust?

Kooka Bay.

ULA
Therm-a-rest self inflatables going back to the '80s and half my military career
MLD
Zpacks

ULA

Western Mountaineering

Osprey

Thermarest

MSR

Tarptent

Sawyer Filters

Hilleberg

Lawson Equipment's cordage and stakes

Nick,

Are you making with the funny again?

-Tim

darn tough

These are the gear companies I happen to trust the most. In no particular order:

MLD
Enlightened Equipment
Borah Gear
Patagonia

Mountain Laurel Designs
Western Mountaineering
Tarptent

I agree with Dan's list except I would put all of HMG's products in the "good" category. Other than that, looks spot on compared with my experiences. I love Zpacks products and trust them to perform, but I've always been surprised at the general lack of quality on their sewing skills.

Ryan

>>I love Zpacks products and trust them to perform, but I've always
>>been surprised at the general lack of quality on their sewing skills.

I am very happy with the design, function and durability of everything I have purchased from ZPacks, but agree one area for improvement would be upgraded (cuben) construction methods to be on par with MLD's (bomber) status.

…

I've been buying backpacking and mountaineering gear for over 60 years now and have seldom been disappointed with the quality of items I have bought. I have found a consistent pattern of an item weighing more than stated by the manufacturer but I feel that's another issue. I've had good service from products by The North Face, REI, Sierra Designs, LL Bean, Marmot, Osprey, Kelty, Montbell and other larger outfits. I've also had good luck with smaller outfits such as Elemental Horizons, Six Moons, Tarp tent, Zpacks, Western Mountaineering, GoLite and RayWay. Most equipment failures I've had were a result of my pushing gear beyond its design capabilities. Once, though, I bought a parka made of Reeveair, an early, supposedly WPB fabric, from REI (The Co-op at that time) that wasn't particularly breathable and moreover, it began de-laminating within a week of purchase. REI made good on that one. Now, I make a lot of my own gear so I am much less critical of the manufacturer than I once was.

Zimmerbuilt
Feathered Friends
Zpacks
Mountain Laurel Designs

This based on a mix of craftsmanship, materials, design and customer service/support. It is also based on using their products. My experience with Gossamer Gear has been mixed, especially their customer service. I own some of their gear, but can't put them on my list.