High Sierra Topix

Anyone know affordable USA Made backpack brands?

The only one I know of is ULA

thanks

Probably need to be more precise on your pack requirements. Size, weight capacity, internal/external frame, etc.

internal frame, 20-50lbs...

if you know of any just shout out some brands and I'll check out their models

Mountain Laurel Designs, Six Moon, McHale, Gossamer Gear, Zpacks.

If you aren't ultralight, ULA.

Thanks a lot! I tried several google searches and got few results.

isn't ULA stand for ultralight adventures???

Yes, but they are not ultralight packs. Very light, but they have enough of a frame to carry up to 35 lbs. A good pack if you have shifted to gear with less bulk and less weight, but are not yet ready to commit to drilling holes in everything, eating four sunflower seeds for dinner, and sleeping on a wafer thin sitpad.

I own a Circuit, which has holes in it from near ongoing use. It fits a decently sized bear canister in addition to various combinations of gear -- two quilts and a hammock, a quilt and a sleeping pad, etc.

McHale does custom packs and they are quite nice indeed.

Ultralight Adventure Equipment, see http://www.ula-equipment.com .

How long have you had your Circuit? Does it have a aluminum frame? Im deciding between that and the Catalyst.

None of the ULA have aluminum anything. There is a stay made of a light material.

The only reason I could see to get a Catalyst would be if you have very bulky gear, or a monstrous large bear can. I get a Bearikade Weekender and everything else in the Circuit with room to spare. But nothing I have weighs more than two pounds and most things are not bulky. I've had the pack for nearly five years, use it every month, still using it with taped up holes.