UGQ OUTDOOR, LLC
Hilltop Packs
Hilltop Packs
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From Basement Beginnings to a Thriving Brand: The Hilltop Packs Story
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, Hilltop Packs began not in a flashy storefront or a big-box warehouse, but in the modest basement of the McMillen family home. It started with a simple idea: create quality and highly customizable gear for backpackers, made by people who live and breathe adventure.
Back in 2019, Ben McMillen—a professional photographer and print shop owner turned hiking enthusiast—found himself surprised with the lack of ultralight gear options that balanced functionality and personality. So, like many great ventures before him, he decided to make his own. Armed with a sewing machine, a few yards of Dyneema fabric, the knowledge of how to print on unique materials, mixed with a lifelong entrepreneurial spirit, Ben began crafting custom ultralight and ultra-custom backpacking gear in his basement. What started as a fun side project for friends and family quickly drew attention from hikers across the country and eventually around the world.
With the help of social media and youtube, the news spread fast. Hilltop Packs gained a reputation not just for the quality of its handmade gear—like ultralight backpacks, food bags, and accessories—but also for its ability to personalize those items with custom prints, photographs, trail names and logos. It was gear that could tell a story with a photo of loved ones and past adventures. Gear that would no doubt inspire you to get outside.
As the demand for Hilltop Packs grew, what began as a solo effort quickly turned into a family affair. Ben’s wife and daughters (even their young son pretended to help) soon jumped in to help manage the increasing number of orders, lending their hands and hearts to the business. What was once a quiet creative space in the corner of the basement transformed into a buzzing hub of activity.
To keep up with production, they added more sewing machines, cutting tables, and workstations—each one carefully placed to maximize their limited space. Every square foot of the downstairs was eventually claimed by fabric rolls, gear prototypes, custom prints, and the steady hum of sewing machines. The family’s basement no longer resembled a typical home—it had become a full-fledged gear workshop.
Despite the tight quarters, the spirit of collaboration and creativity never wavered. In fact, the basement’s transformation marked a turning point for Hilltop Packs. It was clear that this wasn’t just a side project anymore—it was becoming something much bigger. That energy, rooted in family support and hands-on craftsmanship, would carry the brand into its next exciting chapter.
As demand grew, so did the shop location and team members. What was once a one-man operation evolved into a small, dedicated crew of makers, each one committed to craftsmanship and customer service. Hilltop Packs moved out of the basement and into their first rented space in 2020 which they quickly outgrew. Just nine months later they moved again to a much larger commercial location, where they could scale their operations without sacrificing the hands-on quality that made them popular in the first place.
Today, Hilltop Packs ships gear all over the world, and their reach extends far beyond their Appalachian roots. They’ve even expanded into other ventures—like Hilltop Packs Coffee, a coffee roastery born from the same passion that fueled the original brand.
But despite their rapid growth, the heart of Hilltop Packs remains unchanged: a love for the outdoors, a dedication to quality, and a belief that even the biggest journeys can start in the smallest places—like a basement in Waynesburg, PA.
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Build Specs
🔧 BUILD SPECS – THIS DROP'S CONFIGURATION
- Base Quilt: Bandit Top Quilt
- Fill Power: 850FP Down
- Temp Rating: 30°F / -1°C
(Comfort-rated to 20°F with Alpha integration) - Overstuff: 2oz of additional 850FP down
- Width: REG (55")
- Length: LONG (78")
- Inner Shell: M10T – Black / Alpha Direct
- Outer Shell: MRS20 – Moroccan Blue
- Draft Collars: None
- Footbox Style: Zipper & Drawcord
- Taper Style: No Taper
- Dynamic Tension Control: Yes
- Pad Attachment System: Deluxe
- Included: Two full-length continuous straps
- Total Weight:35.8 oz (1,015 g)
What Makes it Different?
🌡️ WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT
This build was designed as a 30°F quilt, but the Alpha Direct liner sewn into the interior increases performance to a true 20°F comfort rating. This integration eliminates layering needs and gives you:
- ✴️ High warmth-to-weight ratio
- ✴️ Exceptional airflow and breathability
- ✴️ Lightning-fast drying
- ✴️ 78% recycled content
- ✴️ Trail-tested innovation from the inside out
Limited Run
🔒 ONE-TIME RUN — LIMITED TO 50 QUILTS
- Only 50 Alpha Bandits will ship in 2025
- Each is hand-numbered
- No customization requests for this drop
- First-come, first-served
- Quilt #1 and #50 include a custom UGQ Quillow, personally co-designed with you and created by the founder of the UGQ Quillow
Shipping & Timing
📦 SHIPPING & TIMING
- All quilts will ship no later than October 1, 2025
- Timed perfectly for fall and cold-weather camping
- Handcrafted in-house at UGQ Outdoor in Michigan
- Available for U.S. & International shipping
*Effective March 23, 2021 at 3:30 PM EST, all orders placed with UGQ OUTDOOR LLC and shipped via our carrier partners (USPS, UPS and FedEx) are sent via FOB Jackson, MI USA terms. FOB Jackson MI USA means that UGQ OUTDOOR LLC is not responsible for ANYlost, stolen, or damaged packages.
In order to protect your shipment from these events, we offer low-cost shipping protection for every order directly on the cart page. Simply follow the provided link, select the appropriate order value amount and add to your cart. Be sure to select the correct amount based on the contents of your cart. Amounts shown are in US Dollars.
If adding insurance to an existing order that hasNOTshipped please be sure to include your original order number in the appropriate location.
By adding shipping protection to your order, you can be confident in knowing that should something happen during transit, your order will be 100% covered (including shipping costs).
The only things NOT covered by shipping protection are shown explicitly below:
If applicable Import Duties, Brokerage Fees, VAT, PST, HST, GST paid are NOT covered.
Customs delays, package seizure, or failure to pay customs duties that are due.
Incorrect or undeliverable address.
Shipments being returned for exchange or refund.
Claims are handled quickly (typically within 1-2 business days) by reaching out to us at sales@ugqoutdoor.com
Please be advised that byDECLINING shipping protection, YOU assume ALL shipment risk and agree to not hold UGQ OUTDOOR LLC liable for ANY lost, stolen, or damaged packages.
If you do not want to risk loss, adding shipping protection to all orders is strongly advised.
Warranty
Every Alpha Bandit quilt is backed by our UGQ 2-Year Warranty covering defects in materials and craftsmanship. If your quilt experiences any issues due to manufacturing flaws within two years of purchase, we’ll repair or replace it at no cost to you — fast and hassle-free.
This warranty applies to:
- Stitching failures
- Zipper or snap malfunctions
- Fabric or down integrity issues not caused by misuse
We stand behind every stitch because we build every quilt ourselves.
For questions or to begin a warranty claim, email: sales@ugqoutdoor.com
Policies
🔒 Returns Policy – Limited Drops
Due to the extremely limited nature of this release, all sales are final. We do not accept returns or exchanges on limited drop items, including the Alpha Bandit.
Each quilt is made in small batches, hand-numbered, and built specifically for this drop. Because of this, we cannot resell returned units or make changes after production begins.
Your quilt is backed by our 2-Year Warranty, and if you experience any issues related to craftsmanship or materials, we will make it right.
🚫 Cancellation Policy
Once an order is placed, it cannot be canceled or refunded. These quilts are built to order, and your purchase secures one of only 50 available units.
The only exception:
If we are unable to meet the promised shipment deadline of October 1, 2025, you will be eligible for a full refund upon request.
We appreciate your understanding — and your trust — as we pour everything into making this drop as special and flawless as possible.
Only 50 Made. Will you get one?
