Thanks to Roman for twittering about the sale of ULA Equipment, who have produced all of my packs over the last few years. It would appear that ULA founder Brian Frankle has been looking to sell the business for a while now. He seems to have found a sympathetic couple in Chris and Sally who are keen outdoors people looking for a new business experience.
The full details of this can be found of backpackinglight.com here, including a long statement from Brian.
It’s not sure yet whether Brian will have any ongoing relationship with the new company (like Glenn at Gossamer Gear) or whether he will just move on and do other things.
No doubt this story will develop over the weeks but I’d like to take an early opportunity to thank Brian for all the work he has done in building up the ULA range. The packs have been great and I’ve worked through the range (as Brian had hoped) starting with the heaviest pack and ending with the lightest. More than anyone, Brian has helped me explore the world of lightweight gear with real confidence. He answered all queries in depth, been great to talk to on the phone and has also been responsible for some of the best podcasts on packs, pack choices and pack maintenance.
The ULA range will stay in production into 2010 and we are promised some new items.
I wish Brian the best. It cannot be easy to start and develop a business in this way and I guess the last year or so has been as challenging to him as it has been to others. But ultimately Brian is a hiker and I hope he now gets a little more time to hike.
Brian, if you’re reading this, thanks for everything and best wishes for the future.
I’m probably running an interview with the new owners of ULA soon-ish. I hope to also get Brian for an interview, as he is the founder and genius behind my favourite backpacks.
Chris, the new owner from ULA, at least was quick and friendly in his reply, so I hope to get it out by the end of the week. Lets see =) I’m sure many of us are curious on what’s going to happen, so the sooner, the better.
Wow, what a revelation. I don’t own a ULA pack but always loved what ULA stood for and support other similar producers like Mountain Laurel Designs and Gossamer Gear for the same reasons.
I think its very positive that Brian didn’t just pass on the IP to any old faceless manufacturer and I think we are very lucky for that….
I look forward to it Hendrik.
It is difficult to keep developing a small company like that. I remember Ron Bell announcing this year that he’d just booked his first week’s holiday in a long time. Ultimately Brian is a long distance hiker and hope future holds a load more challenges,
Maybe it all got too much for him this year? Trying to run a one man company when you are recovering from a broken leg can’t be much fun. Forced idleness can often make you question your priorites.
Quite probably MIke. But he’s achieved a lot and I’m grateful.
The interview with Chris goes online tomorrow morning at 6 am Finnish time =) You’ll now also be able to put a face to the new owners, and get a glimpse at the new workshop =)