backpack needed - made in usa?

[Jason Musgrave]

Need to pick up a new pack in the 2200-2500cu-in range.

Really dug a Gregory I tried on today, but would rather buy something American made. I need something available in sizes (6'3") or I'd just buy a Cold Cold World. Any other small USA pack shops I need to be aware of?

[Derek Raymond]

Rivendell Mountain Works or Mystery Ranch. That's all I know of around here. What are you looking for in your pack though as it makes a big diff.?

Deuter makes my favorite packs, though not made in the U.S.

[ChristianSLC]

I've never used/seen/bought one of their bags, but Tom Bihn Bags are made in Seattle: TOM BIHN Bags

[R.Liverman]

Rivendell Mountain Works

+1

Arcteryx used to make a bunch of their bags in Canada. I believe that currently it depends on the model.

[ericpmoss]

Here's another one to try: McHale Custom Ultralight Fitted Internal Frame Backpacks

I've got an Osprey (*used* to be made in USA, but now just cost like they are -- grrrr), and one thing I like is the netting to push the pack away from my back to let the sweat dry off better.

BTW, any thoughts about Feathered Friends sleeping bags?

[mjbabcock]

Mystery Ranch is owned by Dana of Dana Designs before K2 bought him out. The guys working there are great and really passionate about what they do. You should have seen one of their employees talkingup the packs they make for the military. They are worth checking out but have military contracts so are super busy.

As for feathered friends, top notch quality. I have a hummingbird that has held up way better than my North Face down bag. Their down parkas also kill the competition. They may not be as flashy as the rest, but the difference is huge once you put one on.

[Uncle Jam's Army]

I'll second the recommendation for McHale packs. Dan makes all those packs himself by hand. Had him make me a full spectra Super SARC in 2003. Love how modular his packs are.

As for feathered friends, they and Western Mountaineering are the pinnacle of bags. I have two Western Mountaineering bags and a feathered friends down parka. Top notch products, all of them.

[MisterDangerPants]

You could always try to find a Dana Designs (Boseman, MT) on eBay or CL. I've had my ArcFlex Alpine for like 15+ years and it's still in great shape.

[sonnybiker]

try ULA gear, made in utah.

they're more targeted towards lightweight backpackers, so you have to pack less and pack in a certain way to make it comfortable.

Ultralight Adventure Equipment - Backpacks & Gear for The Trail Ahead ? ULA Equipment

[sonnybiker]

also wild things: Wild Things | Alpine Outerwear, Gear & Clothing for Men & Women

[Jason Musgrave]

forgot about mcHale.

lol, my big pack is a Dana Terraplane Overkill, I've been watching for a bomb pack for years.

Bro in Iraq is looking into hookups on mystery ranch.

oh, and love my western mountaineering bag eric...

[Britishbane]

I third the Mystery Ranch recommendations. My brother has a super cool, semi custom pack from them.

[Eddie]

Jason, which Gregory model?

Last fall I did six countries in Europe in ten days with a Gregory Serrac 45, and despite the fact that it was a bit overloaded towards the end of the trip (lederhosen are very bulky and heavy), I was thrilled with it.

Where are they being made?

Some of these handmade-in-the-USA bags are very, very attractive.

[Jason Musgrave]

i found an old dana...

[Dave Kirk]

Mystery Ranch made right here in Bozeman. I have friends that work there.

I see Dana at the BMX track all the time - his kids race. Cool guy.


dave

[brucew]

Ton Bihn Brain Bag

2200 ci, made in USA. I own a red one. Best bag I ever bought.

[ned]

Jason-

Too little, too late on this one. But my buddy, Stuart Cowles, who owns the climbing gym in downtown AVL, makes custom backpacks out of his basement: Earthsports Designs. He was the head softgoods guy at Wild Country, back in the day, and has an extensive mountaineering and thru-hiking resume. Handmade in AVL--about as local as you're gonna get. Let me know if you need his contact info.

[Jason Musgrave]

Climb Max? would love it his contact info. I got sniped on the Bomb Pack with 2 seconds to go...

[ned]

PM sent with Stuart's contact info.