A brand new ultralight origin story
Meet Andrew Le, born from resilience and the pursuit of the American dream. His parents were youthful survivors of the Vietnam War, settling into life in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From humble beginnings—sharing a sleeping bag in a cramped living room with a large family—Andrew knows the value of simplicity and freedom.
Despite hardship, Andrew thrived. He mastered English, graduated high school, went to college, and carved out a fulfilling career in nursing. Yet, amid abundance, he yearned for the serenity and liberty of his less cluttered days. The tipping point? A transformative backpacking trip with a friend.
That excursion sparked an epiphany. Weighted down by the material and mental clutter of modern life, Andrew found his escape route: a simpler, ultralight way of being. Inspired by this revelation, he’s turning his passion for minimalism and freedom into innovation.
Welcome to UI—Ultralight Ideas. But for Andrew, UI stands for User Interface, emphasizing the human experience. We kickstart your journey with our flagship product: the 8-ounce, 48″ Ultralight Tripod. It’s designed to be user-friendly, efficient, and purpose-driven—just like life should be.
Our mission goes beyond gear. We’re creating a community focused on the essentials, stripping life back to its core joys. Stay tuned for more breakthrough products designed to meet your deepest needs on the trail. The next surprise? It’s edible.
UI aims to be the entrepreneurial Triple Crown of the hiking world. Our ultimate goal? To free you, and ourselves, for endless adventure. So, are you in?