New Gear From The Cottages is a collection of new UL and lightweight gear from cottage manufacturers around the world, coming out this spring and summer.

With the Outdoor Show just over, and ISPO in full swing, we should not forget the true innovators of lightweight gear, the cottages. They are the bandwagon the major players are now starting to jump on ;)

That tipi. Wow. They've raised the bar a few notches.

Thanks for the nice overview Hendrik! It is nice to have a basic overview of what is going on as I can get overwhelmed by what all is out there now.

Great job as always. Thanks Hendrik.

Thanks, Hendrick! I appreciate your posts and work, and look forward to moving out to your part of the world in a year.

Thanks!

I was really hoping Gossamer Gear was going to come through with the Big Ape(MP+ volume with Gorilla construction). Bummer.

Oh well, at least I know to buy something else now.

And I've been trying to get Gossamer Gear to make a UL daypack, something like a mini-gorilla. Seems like most of my daypacks weigh more than my big packs.

Thank you, it's great to get a preview of the new gear. I'm waiting to see if MLD will have any pack changes or additions this spring.

Hendrik,

Thank you for putting all this together!

Todd

Glad you all like it!

Evan, let me know when you're in Finland, maybe we can go for a hike together!

Joe, GG came out with this new Riksak last autumn/ early winter, is that maybe something for you? Otherwise there's the LAUFBURSCHE huckePÄCKchen (google it) or the MLD Newt.

Hi Hendrik,

Another cottage company worth mentioning:

BearPaw Wilderness Designs
http://bearpawwd.com/index.html

***I have no affiliation with this company***

I have the same issue with wanting to find a really light weight day pack.

I finally went with a custom one from packs. You can pick one of their small sizes and just add the pockets you want.

It ended up costing a bit more than I think a day pack should, but its got exactly what I want on it and the correct size.

Thanks for the Update!
It's so interesting to see how dynamic the cottage industry gear manufacturers are. I had no idea the variety of new projects they are working on. As hikers we are blessed to have them!

Hendrik you are the evening news of UL. Thank you.

Thanks all!

Tyson, I don't think BearPaw Wilderness Designs came out with anything new in 2011, but I will be in touch with them and ask - thanks for bringing it up!