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Ultralight Outdoor Gear


Company Overview



Ultralight Outdoor Gear (UOG) is a specialist retailer based in the United Kingdom, focusing on the niche market of lightweight outdoor clothing and equipment. Founded in 2006 by Mark Richardson, a seasoned backpacker, the company aims to provide customers with the best range of lightweight gear, including items for backpacking, trekking, and adventure racing.

Website: [ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk](https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/)
Headquarters: Unit 2 Tees Valley Court, Glenarm Road, Wynyard, Billingham, TS22 5FE, United Kingdom
Contact:
  • Phone: +44 1740 644024

  • Email: customer.service@ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk


Key Personnel



Mark Richardson


  • Role: Chief Executive Officer & Founder

  • Location: Billingham, England



Joel Brennan


  • Role: Purchasing Manager

  • Education: The Open University Business School



Alex Nicholson


  • Role: Core Operations Manager



Dan Pearson


  • Role: Chief Operating Officer



Christopher Futers


  • Role: Customer Service Team Lead



Product and Services Offering



Ultralight Outdoor Gear offers an extensive range of products to meet the diverse needs of backpackers, trekkers, and adventure racers:

  • Tents and Shelters: Leading collection of lightweight tents.

  • Sleeping Bags and Mats: Broad range suitable for various climates and conditions.

  • Rucksacks: From backpacking packs to day packs.

  • Clothing: Specialized lightweight outdoor clothing for men and women.

  • Accessories: Includes sleeping pads, stuff sacks, and more, designed to minimize weight without sacrificing comfort or durability.


Featured Products


  • FLEXTAIL Zero Pump: Lightweight at 48g, priced at £40.99 (RRP: £45.99).

  • ENLIGHTENED EQUIPMENT Torrid Apex 10D Insulated Jacket: Weighs 259g, priced at £219.99.

  • GOSSAMER GEAR The Two Tent: Weighs 684g, priced at £359.99 (currently out of stock).

  • BLACK DIAMOND Beta Light 45 Backpack: Weighs 894g, priced at £359.99.

  • HILLEBERG Soulo Tent: Red Label, weighs 2192g, priced at £894.99 with a 10% discount using code: TENT10.


Competitive Positioning



Ultralight Outdoor Gear stands out in the market as the leading UK specialist in lightweight outdoor gear. They are known for their extensive product reviews, competitive pricing, and customer-centric approach, providing expert advice and support through email, phone, or in-person consultations.

Advantages


  • Comprehensive Selection: Vast array of high-quality, lightweight equipment.

  • Customer Service: High level of customer satisfaction, as evidenced by numerous positive reviews.


Logistics and Promotions



Delivery


  • UK Orders: Free tracked delivery on orders over £15.

  • Worldwide Orders: Free delivery on orders over £15.


Promotional Highlights


  • Crash Out Large Pillow: Available for £7.99 with any purchase (save £15).

  • Season Highlights and Top Picks: Regular promotions on select gear, often featuring discounts and special offers.


Competitor Profiling for Ultralight Outdoor Gear



Gossamer Gear



Website: [Gossamer Gear](https://www.gossamergear.com/)
Headquarters: Austin, Texas
Revenue: Estimated at $1 million
Employees: 13
Instagram Followers: 83K

Products:
  • Specialized in ultralight backpacks, shelters, trekking poles, sleeping mats, and various hiking accessories.

  • Notable products include the Gorilla 50 Ultralight Backpack, Mariposa 60 Backpack, and Kumo 36 Superlight Backpack.


Innovations:
  • Recently introduced the PVT system, an aluminum closed-shape frame that enhances rigidity and flexibility in backpacks.


Sustainability:
  • Emphasizes the "take less, do more" philosophy, focusing on minimizing ecological impact.


Customer Engagement:
  • Active on Instagram and Facebook, providing user-generated content and engaging with a community of ultralight enthusiasts.


ULA Equipment



Website: [ULA Equipment](https://www.ula-equipment.com/)
Headquarters: Logan, Utah
Revenue: Estimated at $13.6 million
Employees: Approximately 75
Instagram Followers: 18K

Products:
  • Known for durable and lightweight backpacks, all manufactured in the USA.

  • Popular packs include the Circuit, Catalyst, Ohm, and Camino.


Key Dates:
  • 1999: Founder Brian Frankle thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, founding ULA soon after.

  • 2009: Company transitioned to new ownership under Chris McMaster, scaling operations.

  • 2020: Ownership transferred to Peter Longobardi, focusing on maintaining manufacturing in the USA.


Customer Engagement:
  • Active on Instagram and Facebook, promoting user stories and ultralight hiking tips.


Hyperlite Mountain Gear



Website: [Hyperlite Mountain Gear](https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/)
Headquarters: Biddeford, Maine
Revenue: $16.2 million
Employees: 11-50

Products:
  • Specializes in ultralight backpacks, tents, stuff sacks, and backpacking accessories made from Dyneema® Composite Fabrics.

  • Differentiates through the use of advanced materials offering durability and waterproof properties.


Company Narrative:
  • 2009: Founded by Mike St. Pierre, driven by a passion for improving outdoor gear.

  • Offers a range of high-performance outdoor equipment designed for backcountry adventures.


Market Engagement:
  • Active on LinkedIn, promoting their innovation in high-performance, ultralight gear.


Competitive Analysis



Product Differentiation:


  • Gossamer Gear focuses on modularity and comfort with its PVT system.

  • ULA Equipment emphasizes "Made in the USA" and robust, well-documented user experiences.

  • Hyperlite Mountain Gear leverages proprietary material technology for superior performance.


Market Position:


  • Gossamer Gear has a moderate market presence with dedicated innovation in product comfort.

  • ULA Equipment commands a significant market share with strong customer loyalty and comprehensive manufacturing capabilities in the USA.

  • Hyperlite Mountain Gear positions itself as a premium brand with cutting-edge materials and high-performance designs.


Online Presence:


  • All companies maintain active social media profiles, driving engagement and brand visibility. Gossamer Gear leads in social media following, while Hyperlite Mountain Gear focuses on professional networks like LinkedIn.


Sustainability and Community:


  • All competitors emphasize sustainability and community engagement. This aligns with emerging consumer preferences for eco-friendly and socially responsible brands.


Strategic Insight



  • Ultralight Outdoor Gear should consider enhancing its product innovation and sustainability narratives to compete effectively.

  • Expanding social media engagement, particularly showcasing customer experiences and product use-cases, can strengthen brand loyalty.

  • Collaborations or sponsorships with ultralight influencers and community events could further elevate market presence and build trust among ultralight backpacking enthusiasts.