Trailcast 20 - Brian Frankle - ULA Equipment
 | trailcast-20-Feb-20-2006.mp3 (17.5 MB) |
Brian Frankle’s hand-made packs always seem to score high praise in online forums and trail journals. Lightweight and durable, these packs are made in the garage shop of his company, ULA Equipment, directly overseen by Brian. His philosophy is to offer unique equipment and not duplicate similar designs. Brian does not produce new models each year, and shuns the concept of designing new models just to sell more packs. Brian’s vision of his company is tightly focused. ULA Equipment does not try to operate as a general outfitter. "I choose not to sell Titanium Stakes, Catenary Tarps, Alcohol Stoves or Guyline on my site…in my opinion there are plenty of others who do a great job" Brian has also recently become the first person to thru-hike the Hayduke Trail, an 800 mile desert route that stretches across the Colorado Plateau from Arches National Park to Zion National Park. An advanced route, Brian faced some interesting challenges including a river crossing of the "Dirty Devil" using an impromptu raft made out of two pieces of driftwood, his trekking poles and sleeping pad..!
February 22nd, 2006 at 8:17 am
Not to diminish Brian’s products (of which I proudly own 2 packs) or the extreme rigors of the Hayduke Trail, but Mike Coronella (one of the two authors of the book “the Hayduke Trail” detailing the thru-hike ), did the trail in order to write the book.
February 22nd, 2006 at 9:37 am
I think the distinction is that Brian was the first to do the entire Hayduke Trail in a single, continuous effort. Mike and Joe have both done the route in its entirety, but as long sections. During Mike’s last thru attempt (spring ‘05), as documented at mountainzone.com, he was forced to skip sections due to weather, permits, and scheduling. Both are notable accomplishments, but the distinction is clear.
February 22nd, 2006 at 10:49 am
Wow! Thanks, another great adventure. Always enjoy these very fine programs. - Keep up this great work. Sure appreciate all the effort and time put in to these wonderful programs. GREAT JOB!
Wayne :o)
February 28th, 2006 at 2:54 pm
Little late now, but I would have loved to hear about where he got the idea for hipbelt pockets. He seems to have been one of, or the, early adopters. They have to be the greatest invention. And, more “history” surrounding this odd “cradle style” shoulder strap attachments.
Otherwise a great interview. Probably one of my favorites.
March 21st, 2006 at 12:48 pm
I found excellent diversity in the interview. A nice chat with a gear-maker who hasn’t lost sight of backpacking. Brian really does care about things like keeping money local, being “green” (check out his delivery bike on his Web Site) and trying to keep as personable a touch as possible with the consumer. When I wrote him with questions regarding his packs versus others he personally wrote back with his opinions. Bob as usual asks very informative questions and gets Brian going quite descriptively on his raft story.
- Mule
April 9th, 2006 at 8:45 am
Great article. I am just sad I dont know how to reply properly, though, since I want to show my appreciation like many other.
April 23rd, 2006 at 3:12 pm
Thank you Red Cake for this interview (and all of them) of Brian, founder of ULA Equipment. I was on the ridge line wondering to invest my new pack purchase in ULA or another company and after listening to him,my paid order was in the mail the next day. A finders fee ( pint) is in order, B&J’s or on tap? Take Care