Pa'lante

Pa'lante is an ultralight outdoor gear brand founded in 2016 that makes frameless backpacks for thru-hiking, fastpacking and backcountry skiing. It has since added technical fleece apparel and accessories.

What is Pa'lante?

Pa'lante, also known as Pa'lante Packs, is an outdoor brand specialising in ultralight backpacks. It was started in 2016 by two co-founders who keep a deliberately low profile, and its playful, lo-fi identity extends to product photography shot in backyards and friends' homes.

History

The brand began with a first run of 40 hand sewn Simple Packs, a frameless design focused on easy access storage. From that starting point it built a following among long distance hikers and expanded its range.

Products and positioning

Pa'lante's packs are designed for thru-hiking and fastpacking, with practical features such as a phone pocket sewn into the shoulder strap, a bottom pocket for rubbish and an outside mesh pocket for drying gear. The range includes:

• The Simple Pack and other ultralight packs
• The Snow Pack for backcountry skiing
• Technical fleece apparel
• DIY kits with patterns and materials to sew a Simple Pack

The founders have said they avoid chasing trends and make the products they want to use themselves. Most products are made in Asia.

Distribution

Pa'lante sells through its own website and through specialist ultralight retailers such as Garage Grown Gear.

Why it matters

Pa'lante is representative of the cottage gear movement, in which small, user led outdoor brands win loyal communities through functional design and direct sales rather than large scale marketing.

Frequently asked questions

What does Pa'lante make?

Pa'lante makes ultralight backpacks for thru-hiking, fastpacking and backcountry skiing, plus fleece apparel and accessories.

When was Pa'lante founded?

Pa'lante was started in 2016 with a first batch of 40 hand sewn Simple Packs.

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