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The original was posted on /r/Ultralight by /u/Gitgudm7 on 2024-12-31 21:25:34+00:00.
Hi all! In the search for affordable UL gear, I've been doing some digging in the Indonesian UL scene, inspired by u/yellowsuprrcar's earlier post about YSR Packs. The ultralighters over in Indonesia seem really in touch with what the UL market wants in North America and Europe. I've been seeing lots of frameless, low-volume packs with attractive features like running vest straps, shoulder pockets, bottom pockets, etc. that other budget manufacturers (e.g. from China) tend to miss.
There's obviously still a lot more digging to do, but here are a couple compelling options I've found:
- YSR Packs (mentioned above) - Cottage frameless packs. They look really neat. The other poster mentioned having a ton of customization options, and the final product came out really affordable.
- Kawipack - Cottage(?) frameless packs and running vests. They have a pretty gorgeous selection of packs ranging from 22L to 34L - I'm very tempted to pick up a 27L myself. Their designs are genuinely really stylish and remind me of Pa'lante. I'm not sure if they take custom orders, so I'm trying to get in touch over Whatsapp.
- Parlente Equipment - Cottage quilts and frameless packs. They could be a really affordable alternative to mainstream quilts (and possibly a competitor to those Ice Flame ones). From a quick glance, I can see that they have comfort rated 40 degree quilts in the 20oz range. They also have a sleek 30L vest-style pack (it looks suspiciously like a Joey).
- Mahagane Outdoors - Cottage frameless packs. From a quick glance, their main offering is a 25L model in various fabrics, including EPX 200 and EPX 70.
- Kyuu Design - Cottage frameless packs. Yamatomichi-esque. Thanks u/yellowsuprrcar!
- Subaki Gear - Cottage frameless packs. Mostly in the 30L range; reminiscent of Zimmerbuilt.
- Monte Equipment - This company seems to be quite big - so not cottage - but they've been discussed several times in the UL Anglosphere (see here, here, here, here etc.). Their designs seem more weight-competitive than other big brands like Naturehike and 3F UL, and I like that they're more stripped-down.
It definitely seems like the biggest barrier is communication and shipping, since even though these brands all offer really affordable options with great features, they're not well-known at all. Maybe folks with any experience or knowledge can chip in. I'm sure folks over in the Indonesia Ultralight Backpacking Facebook Group would also love to give more suggestions if one of us said hi, lol.
If I do end up buying from on of these brands, I'll make a follow-up post with my experience ordering and using their stuff. It seems like they really deserve more love (and business).
EDIT: I've added a few more from the comments and additional digging.