Big things are afoot at Big Agnes. The Steamboat Springs, Colorado-based gear maker this week announced four new hires to its product and development team, bringing the company’s total headcount to 65. The expansion comes at a moment of “aggressive” preparations for growth at the 20-year-old brand, according to company co-owner Len Zanni.

“Whether we’re talking about category extensions or entering new categories, we have plans to introduce some new products in the next few years,” Zanni told 国产吃瓜黑料 Business Journal this week. “With supply chains now requiring longer lead times, we鈥檙e planning many seasons further out than we normally would.”

The new hires include Bryan Davis, Leanne Thompson, and Monica Welcker, who will join the product team, and Tim Leroy, who joins the sourcing team.

Davis will fill a newly created role at the company: director of product design and development. According to a release, Davis will use his 30 years of industry experience鈥攎ost recently at Burton, where he served as a senior director of hardgood design鈥攖o lead the company’s design team, collaborate with the development and sourcing teams, and oversee all strategy for the product line.

Thompson and Welcker, who have both accepted roles as senior product designers, previously held design roles at Black Diamond and Blue Ice (Thompson) and Ruffwear (Welcker).

Leroy, who has joined the sourcing team as a manager of quality, compliance, and sustainability, previously managed quality and social compliance for PetSmart and Smartwool.

鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to add such a talented and creative group of industry veterans to our product development and sourcing team,鈥� said Bill Gamber, co-founder and president of Big Agnes. 鈥淭heir combined experience across a variety of industries and product categories will absolutely help us push innovative design and produce award-winning gear.鈥�

Quick Growth at Big Agnes

Earlier this year, Big Agnes signaled its upcoming expansion by debuting a backpack line鈥攖he company’s first鈥攖hat will hit stores in the spring.

鈥淲e鈥檝e been carrying our gear in other brands鈥� packs for 20 years now, so we felt it was time to take it to the trail on our own,鈥� Gamber told 国产吃瓜黑料 Business Journal when that news broke in August. It was a noteworthy leap forward for the decades-old company, but according to Zanni, it represents just the beginning of Big Agnes’s expansion plans.

“We鈥檝e had tremendous global demand for our products, even predating the pandemic,” Zanni said. “Coupled with our intro of the backpack line, we decided it was time to bring someone in [Davis] to lead product design and development team. We have aggressive plans for growth.”

Zanni confirmed that this recent headcount expansion, coupled with several internal promotions, represents the “biggest wave of new hires, newly created positions, and internal promotions during the company’s 20-year tenure.”

The expansion, Zanni noted, isn’t done yet. In the coming weeks, the company will be announcing more new hires and promotions.

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For the last 20 years, whenever Big Agnes co-founder Bill Gamber and his employees ventured into the woods for an overnight adventure, they had to stuff the sleeping bags, tents, and other gear they had produced into a pack made by another brand.

That will no longer be the case starting next year. The Steamboat Springs, Colorado-based gear maker decided it should use its two decades of experience making outdoor equipment to round out the Big Agnes line, and in the spring the brand is formally launching into the pack category.

Adding packs was the logical next step for a company that prides itself on making other essential camping products.

鈥淲e鈥檝e been carrying our gear in other brands鈥� packs for 20 years now, so we felt it was time to take it to the trail on our own,鈥� Gamber, also the brand鈥檚 president, told 国产吃瓜黑料 Business Journal.

Big Agnes will debut its line of technical backpacks for Spring 2022. The collection of six backpacks will range in capacity from 20 liters to 63 liters, and the packs will be made with GRS-certified recycled nylon fabric. Most models will include an accessory called the Trash Can, in conjunction with Leave No Trace, to help reduce litter on public lands.

Gamber said that as Big Agnes leverages its extensive knowledge of outdoor needs, the brand hopes to attract both brand evangelists and BA newcomers alike to the new line. When asked about the expectation for the packs, however, he said this move is more about building the new category for the long haul rather than looking at any specific metric such as units sold or top-line improvement.

鈥淲e鈥檙e focused on providing our customers with the best packs we can, and we have years of R&D in the project,鈥� Gamber said. 鈥淲e never set first-year sales projections or ROI metrics or determined what would make for a successful pack launch beyond making folks comfortable on the trail and happy about their purchase. Big Agnes has so many loyal customers who expect high quality and well-thought-out designs, so if anything, we鈥檙e feeling the pressure to deliver on that.鈥�

And while Gamber said the brand was 鈥渘ot willing to share information about investment in the project to date or our production or forecasted amounts at this time,鈥� he did say that Big Agnes has 鈥渂een surprised by the positive reception and pre-season orders from our retail partners large and small so we鈥檝e upped our initial production numbers over initial forecasts.鈥�

The Big Agnes pack collection includes two technical daypacks for hiking and travel and backpacks designed for multi-day excursions. The backpacks will also be offered in women鈥檚 specific fit models, which the brand said were 鈥渙ptimized by Big Agnes鈥� female designers.鈥�

The brand is bringing its proprietary Load Wrangler and Load Wrangler+ suspension systems to each pack. These systems 鈥減rovide an easy to set, precise fit for a well-balanced load that remains comfortable throughout a full day on the trail,鈥� Big Agnes said. Other features include a hoist compression system, open range hip belt systems, hydration bladder sleeve, accessible pockets, daisy chain webbing, and others.听聽

Along with the line of packs, Big Agnes is also launching the seven-liter Big Agnes Trash Can, an accessory that attaches to the pack for collecting litter on the trail and in camp. The brand says the Trash Can is made from the same fabric as the packs and will be included with all 45-liter to 63-liter packs, as well as sold separately as an accessory.

Big Agnes is partnering with Leave No Trace by 鈥渄onating a portion of sales from every pack and Trash Can to assist in its global efforts to sustain healthy public lands. All Trash Cans will include an informational card to help drive awareness of Leave No Trace鈥檚 mission and to help educate consumers on backcountry best practices.鈥�

鈥淏ig Agnes has been a longtime partner of Leave No Trace, and we鈥檙e excited to collaborate with them on their upcoming pack launch,鈥� said Dana Watts, Leave No Trace executive director. 鈥淲e love the energy and commitment they have put into reducing trail and campground litter, and we鈥檙e excited to be a partner in their education campaign.鈥�

Gamber noted that this partnership with Leave No Trace was as natural as the pack launch itself.

鈥淲e鈥檝e been a longtime partner of Leave No Trace, and they have been great to work with on this project,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t only took a few phone calls and some meaningful discussions, and we had a campaign.鈥�

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Do you work at a company with an unlimited paid time off policy, or does your employer set a limit on the number of vacation days you can take every year? The industry (and the working world more broadly) has debated the topic for years. To get some perspective on the issue, we asked two gear makers with divergent opinions. Here’s what they said.

“Done right, it’s a dream”

鈥擯eter Dering, founder and CEO at Peak Design

When people talk about unlimited paid time off (PTO), they start by asking what unlimited really means: Does everyone take vacation all the time? Or does no one take it because there鈥檚 no set amount and they鈥檙e afraid of asking too much?

I would say the tone of that is really set by the founder鈥攊t has to come from the top down. Peak Design has offered unlimited PTO since our inception ten years ago. We celebrate vacation here. I personally take a lot of time off鈥攐n average, I work about 35 hours per week. And on Slack, if someone posts that they鈥檙e out of the office for an hour or a half-day or whatever, I get on them. I tell them they don鈥檛 need to tell me every time they step out of the office because I don鈥檛 care. The most valuable gift I can give you as your employer is to make you feel like you鈥檙e your own person鈥攁nd that means there鈥檚 no guilt associated with taking time off. There鈥檚 no micromanaging.

The glue that holds this all together is trust. You have to hire the right people and have people who are committed to the team. And you have to trust those people to get their work done and take time off when they need it. At Peak Design, that鈥檚 certainly the case. We鈥檝e never had an employee abuse the policy.

We don鈥檛 track vacation days鈥攁gain, avoiding micromanaging鈥攂ut I鈥檇 say people at Peak Design work fewer hours and spend more time on vacation than the vast majority of companies. As for the business benefits? There鈥檚 only one employee who ever moved on from Peak Design that we didn鈥檛 want to. So retention is great. And it鈥檚 a competitive advantage for us in hiring. But overall, what鈥檚 good for employees is good for employers. And what could be a better goal than the health and well-being of your employees?

“Limited PTO is better for business”

鈥擥arett Mariano, marketing director at Big Agnes

Paid time off isn鈥檛 the whole picture. At Big Agnes, employees receive between five and 15 days of PTO based on their tenure. Having a defined number of days off makes it easier to push my employees to get out when they fall into a cycle of cranking hard at the office, and it gives employees the comfort of knowing they have allotted time that they鈥檙e entitled to and can plan around. From an employee鈥檚 perspective, it鈥檚 easier to say, 鈥淥K, I鈥檝e got these ten days. It鈥檚
beautiful outside. I need to use them.鈥�

Employees also have personal and sick time and two days of 鈥渋ndustry paid time鈥� so they can volunteer or go to industry-related events. We also have a flexible work environment. Our location in Steamboat Springs is just steps from the river and trails, which means employees can really get after it before, during, and after work. This includes taking full advantage of powder mornings at Steamboat or the nearby backcountry. Our office closes at 1 P.M. on Fridays so staff can get going with their weekend plans. Big Agnes also recognizes that recreating and recovering can be expensive, so employees receive a $750 wellness benefit that they can put toward a ski pass, yoga classes, or other memberships.

But ultimately, we do have a business to run, and our employees understand that we need to come together and get our jobs done to build the brand and a sustainable business. We have a work-hard, play-hard mentality.

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The past 14 months have been a dark season of disconnect for many in the business of outdoor. As much as anything else, we’re all likely to remember 2020 as the Year Without Trade Shows鈥攖he year we couldn’t hug, shake hands, or do business the way many of us prefer: in person. For an industry that prides itself on connection and compassion, the sting has been vivid.

The good news is, it’s almost over. The Outdoor Retailer (OR) Summer Market is coming back to Denver, Colorado, on August 10-12, and registration is currently open. The Big Gear Show (BGS), which delayed its inaugural event last year, is set to stage just a week earlier, August 3-5, in Park City, Utah. After a year of red Xs on the calendar鈥攃ancelled events, dashed plans鈥攆olks are once again buying plane tickets and dusting off booth hardware, getting ready to see each other. There’s more than a modest buzz of anticipation in the air.

The time away has changed things, however. We’re not fully out of the pandemic yet, and in the months we’ve spent apart, most of us have adapted to new ways of doing business. Budgets have already been set for the year. Some people are eager to meet face-to-face as soon as possible, while others are still wary of crowds, or restricted by company travel bans. This year, a big question on everyone’s mind is who, exactly, will be at the trade shows?

In a typical year, almost no one would question whether the big industry players like Patagonia, The North Face, or Black Diamond would show up to our national shows. Those booths have been the anchors of such events for decades.听

We’re living through the shoulder season of the most disruptive global crisis in a century, though, and the August shows are by no means a return to “normal,” as we hoped for so long they might be. At this point, it seems the only way to get a sense of who’s going鈥攁nd who鈥檚 not鈥攊s to pick up the phone and start calling brand leaders, asking directly whether they plan to attend, yes or no.

Which is exactly what we did.

A Quick Disclaimer

First things first: ten weeks is a long time. Trying to pin down a comprehensive, definitive list of who’s attending the shows, nearly three months before they stage, is impossible. Over the course of the summer, as the situation develops, brands can and will change their minds about attending or skipping one show or the other. It’s just too soon to tell.

But we have to start somewhere. To begin piecing together a picture of the attendee lists, we reached out to dozens of key industry players to ask about their plans. Some dodged our calls and emails (no hard feelings). Others outlined their thoughts in lengthy manifestos. Some wanted to talk, but felt they couldn’t, as in the case of a notable hardgoods brand that refused to go on the record for fear of upsetting its specialty retailers. Response, in other words. was all over the place.

As of today, our list of exhibitors attending or skipping the shows鈥攕ubject to change at any moment鈥攊s more comprehensive than what OR and BGS directors have published, but it’s still miles from complete. Everything we know so far is outlined below.

Which Brands Are Exhibiting at the Shows?

Outdoor Retailer鈥檚 latest exhibitor list, released today, includes about 150 brands, though show director Marisa Nicholson told us previously that more than 300 brands are registered with 鈥渕ore contracts coming in daily.鈥�

Brands exhibiting at Outdoor Retailer (confirmed by OR leadership): 4ocean, 国产吃瓜黑料 Medical Kits, Aetrex, Airhead Sports Group, Aloe Up Suncare, American, Alpine Club, American Backcountry, Amundsen, Avalanche, Backpacker’s Pantry, Bertucci Watch, Big City Mountaineers, Bison Designs, Body Glide, Bridgford Foods Corporation, Brightz Ltd., Brookwood Companies Inc., brrr, Buck Knives, Inc., Bula, Camp Chef, Carson Optical, Centric Software, Chaos / CTR, Chums, Coala, Cougar Shoes, CRKT, CWR Wholesale Distribution, Dakine Equipment, Dakota Grizzly, Dansko, Disc-O-Bed Retail, Inc., Dometic, Downlite, Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, drirelease, Duraflex, Earth Shoes, Ecovessel, U-Konserve, Equip, Everest Textile Co., Falcon Guides, Farm to Feet, Flexfit, Flylow Gear, Fox 40 USA, Frost River, GCI Outdoor, Geckobrands, Glacier Glove, Goal Zero, Gore-Tex, Grabber Inc. / Heatmax, Groove Life, G-Shock, GSI Outdoors, Hans Global / Pacific Fly, Hurley, Igloo, Ignik, UCO, Morakniv, Esbit, Pedco, ITW Nexus, Jambu & Co., Jetty, JTreeLife, Kavu, Inc., Kijaro, Killtec NA, Klean Kanteen, Klymit, Kokatat, Kokopelli, Komperdell Sportartikel GmbH, Korea Outdoor & Sports Industry Association, Labtex Co., Lamo Footwear, Ledlenser, Liberty Mountain, Lifeline First Aid & Fifty Fifty Bottles, Lorpen North America, Lowa Boots, Masterfit Enterprises Inc., Milliken & Company, Minus33 Merino Wool Clothing, Mountain and Isles, Mountaineers Books, Xtratuf, Mustang Survival, Nanga / Tomoyuki Yokota, Natural Tribute, Nomadix SPC, Ocun NA, Optic Nerve Eyewear, Osprey Packs, Otis Eyewear, Otte Gear, Outdoor Products, Outdoor Sports Insurance, Outerknown, Peak Refuel, Pendleton, Poler, Princeton Tec, Propet USA, Purnell, Qalo, QuietKat, Rab, Reusch USA/TruSox, Rome Industries, Salty Crew, Santero, Sawyer Products, Scully, Shwood Eyewear, Skratch Labs, SMC PMI, Solstice Watersports, Sperry, Sport Hansa, Spyderco, Stansport, Sterling Rope Co., Storm Care Solutions Ltd., Storm Creek, Sun Company, SureFire, Sustainable Down Source, tasc Performance, The Landmark Project, The NPD Group, Thermore, Tilley Endurables, Tincup Mountain Whisky, Trango / eGrips, Turbo Tent., Tweave, ust gear, Vandoit, Wallaroo Hat Company, Water Sports, Watershed, Western Mountaineering. Westfield Outdoors, Wild Tribute. Wolverine Footwear and Apparel, wow watersports / Big Mouth, Zippo Manufacturing.

The Big Gear Show confirmed that more than 100 brands have registered out of a possible 250 on the show鈥檚 invite-only list. We were able to get our hands on an abbreviated roster, which event co-founder Sutton Bacon said is merely a snapshot of the show’s full makeup.

Brands exhibiting at The Big Gear Show (confirmed by BGS leadership): Aire, Aqua-Bound, AquaGlide, Astral, Barebones Living, Bending Branches, Bike Exchange, Black Diamond, CamelBak, Camp Chef, Diamondback, Eddyline Kayaks, Eldorado Walls, Esquif Canoe, Eureka, Fat Chance Bicycles, Five Ten, Giro, Goal Zero, Grand Trunk, Hydrapak, Jack Wolfskin, Jetboil, Kleen Kanteen, Klymit, La Sportiva, Liberty Mountain, Malone Auto Racks, Miir, Ocean Kayak, Old Town Canoe, Osprey, Outdoor Research, Oru Kayak, Petzl, Pinarello, POC Sports, Primus, Princeton Tec, Rumpl, Scarpa, Seattle Sports, SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, Stan鈥檚 NoTubes, Sterling Rope, Suspenz, Swarovski Optik, Tahe Outdoors / SIC, Tern Bicycles, Troy Lee Designs, Wahoo Fitness, Wenonah Canoe, Yakima.

Several of the industry鈥檚 largest brands have confirmed they鈥檙e skipping both shows, including Big Agnes, Marmot, Merrell, Mystery Ranch, Nemo, Outdoor Research, and Patagonia. And two companies we spoke with鈥擣j盲llr盲ven and Lifestraw鈥攁re still undecided, though Lifestraw says it would likely attend only one.

Several brands did not respond to repeated requests for comment, including Smartwool, Mountain Hardwear, and Keen, among others.

One major player鈥擳he North Face鈥攑resented a curious puzzle in our reporting. A company representative last week said that the brand is “not participating in any major trade shows, including the Summer Outdoor Retailer Show, in the near term.” Yet OR’s partial exhibitor list, released today, named the company as one of the confirmed players.

When asked for clarification, Nicholson said, 鈥淲e’re in ongoing conversations with a lot of brands around creative ways they can participate in the show and what that looks like this year. The North Face is one of those brands, and we’re excited they are going to take advantage of opportunities provided at Outdoor Retailer to support specialty retailers and to engage with the community on important, relevant initiatives that help the industry move forward.”

At press time, multiple executives at The North Face had not responded to repeated requests for clarification.

Directors for both shows have stressed that comprehensive exhibitor information, including show floor plans, will be released soon. The Outdoor Retailer list is coming in mid-June, according to Nicholson, while The Big Gear Show’s list will be published in the next month or so, said Bacon.

Why Some Brands Are Dead-Set on Showing Up

In speaking with more than a dozen of the industry’s largest brands about their reasons for prioritizing the trade shows this year, no explanation came up more frequently than the issue of community support.

“There鈥檚 an awful lot of relationship value and passion that can鈥檛 necessarily be measured, but that will have long-term benefits,” said Lowa general manager Peter Sachs in reference to Outdoor Retailer, which the footwear brand plans to attend. “From a purely commercial perspective, it鈥檚 late in the [buying] cycle. For us, our deadline [for Spring ’22 product] is about a week after the show. But I鈥檓 not looking at it from a commercial perspective. It鈥檚 not like I鈥檓 walking out with purchase orders anyway; I鈥檓 walking out with handshakes, pats on the back, that kind of thing. For me, it doesn鈥檛 matter if it鈥檚 in June or August.”

Sachs estimated that he’s going to “overspend compared to the commercial value of the show,” but reiterated that, for his brand, attending Outdoor Retailer is a calculation that goes beyond dollars and cents.听

“We want to show respect for the dealers who do attend, re-engage relationships with industry partners, get real products in front of buyers and trade press, present the company’s updated branding and marketing, and start to process the emotional parts of resuming our trade show schedule so we can get ready for the January ’22 show,” Sachs said.听

Others like Jeff Polke, co-president of GCI Outdoor, echoed similar sentiments.

“It鈥檚 been 22 straight years that we鈥檝e been at Outdoor Retailer,” said Polke. “It鈥檚 been such a big part of growing my company that I wouldn’t feel right missing the show.”

He added that, because so many businesses are having problems with their supply chains and budgets, he understood the argument for skipping the trade shows for financial reasons. Still, he said, “it鈥檚 a small price if you do it right.”

“Get a smaller booth,” said Polke. “Make it work. Some of these brands need to step it up and show everyone that the trade show industry is still valuable. We can鈥檛 forget everything that made the outdoor industry what it is. The shows are part of that. There鈥檚 value in face-to-face. We have to go back to who we are as humans, shaking hands and saying thank you for your business.”

Respect for retailers was another topic that came up repeatedly in our conversations with brands. For the better part of a year, after the lockdown period of the early pandemic, specialty retailers across the country kept their doors open to customers, maintaining face-to-face relationships with the industry鈥檚 consumer base.

“These retailers have been meeting with consumers out on the front line for a year, while we鈥檝e been hiding behind our Zoom screens,” said Sachs. “We owe it to them.”

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There are jobs鈥攁nd then there are jobs. You know the ones: the gigs that make coming to work about so much more than punching the clock and collecting a paycheck.

The ones that fill the workday with camaraderie, a sense of purpose, and just plain fun. It shows in the policies and perks a company offers, in ways big (health insurance, parental leave) and small (ski days, free gear). And they pay off鈥攂ig time鈥攆or employers, who can count on loyal, productive employees who feel invested in the company鈥檚 success.

Here are just a few of the ways leaders in this industry go above and beyond for their workers. We hope employers and employees alike will consider this a menu of inspiration for greater workplace satisfaction. To say the past year has been a challenging one for businesses across the industry is an understatement. But despite all the hurdles, we still wouldn鈥檛 want to work anywhere else. This is why.

We asked industry members to nominate their workplaces for providing a superior employee experience. After combing through all 165 responses, these are our favorite ideas worthy of imitation.

Play 国产吃瓜黑料

CASE STUDY: Darby Communications, Asheville, NC

As any veteran of summer camp knows, getting out into the wilds together builds lasting bonds. So this boutique PR firm throws an annual staff campout, taking employees on a (paid) overnight excursion that has included paddling to an island campsite, fly-fishing lessons, tubing, and whitewater rafting over the past four years. 鈥淚t builds community on our team, so there鈥檚 a deeper connection between us,鈥� said Vice President Angie Robinson. The pandemic forced the team to cancel last year鈥檚 trip, but Darby replaced it with smaller outdoor gatherings, and when it鈥檚 safe, 鈥淲e鈥檙e planning on a blowout camping trip to bring back the tradition in a big way,鈥� said Suzanne Hermann, media relations director.

Pro tip: The financial barrier to this sort of retreat is low, points out Robinson. Camping is cheap, and Darby takes advantage of its clients鈥� gear and services (like whitewater guiding), so the total cost is only $200 to $300 per year for nine employees.

Bring Community to the Cafeteria

CASE STUDY: Skratch Labs, Boulder, CO

Every month, 29 full-time employees of nutrition/sports drink company Skratch Labs are invited to a communal breakfast at the office, courtesy of founder Allen Lim. Some staffers play sous chef, helping whip up Lim specialties like savory rice porridge, breakfast salad, and egg tacos. 鈥淚n the same way that a family is closer when they share meals around the table, we are a better team when we do the same,鈥� said CEO Ian MacGregor. Since last spring, the communal dining has shifted to live cooking lessons for employees at home. 鈥淲e prep and ship all necessary ingredients to each of our team members, then we all get on a massive video call and learn to make something,鈥� said MacGregor.

Pro tip: Even if you don鈥檛 have a full kitchen or a cookbook author for a founder, as Skratch Labs does, you can still break bread as a team: Think regular takeout gatherings or voluntary potlucks.

Embrace Inclusivity

Brands across the industry are beginning to meet the moment by ramping up DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) efforts.听

Hit the Slopes

In what other industry do you get formal permission to go skiing when the pow is fresh? Here are just a few of the businesses that allow鈥攏ay, encourage鈥攑laying hooky on a snow day: Backbone Media, BoldBrew, Burton, Hala Gear/CKS Online, Meteorite PR, and Stio.

Commit to Fighting Climate Change

CASE STUDY: BioLite, Brooklyn, NY, and Peak Design, San Francisco, CA

BioLite (maker of camp stoves and lights) and Peak Design (a camera gear and travel bag brand) took their sustainability missions to the next level in 2018 with the launch of their Climate Neutral nonprofit. The organization helps other brands measure their total carbon footprints鈥攆rom sourcing to manufacturing to shipping鈥攁nd then offset them with carbon credits, earning certification. In 2019, 146 companies joined the program, representing a sizable commitment to reducing carbon emissions. 鈥淐limate Neutral makes me so proud to be a part of the organization,鈥� said BioLite Ecommerce Operations Manager Joseph Caravaglia. Hyden Polikoff, treasurer at Peak Design, agreed: 鈥淚 want the place where I put my time and effort to embody my values.鈥�

Get Creative when Challenged

CASE STUDY: Mustang Survival, Burnaby, BC

When the pandemic hit last March, industry members counterpunched. Mustang Survival was one of them, switching from making its usual dry bags, drysuits, and ocean racing gear to churning out hundreds of thousands of waterproof/breathable protective gowns for healthcare workers (many other brands swiftly did the same with masks and eye shields). Not only did the pivot provide crucial PPE to hospitals across Canada, but it also allowed Mustang to hire 50 new employees (31 of them were still with the brand as of press time). 鈥淲e set up a school and ran new hires through extensive training on sewing and taping,鈥� said Mark Anderson, VP of engineering. 鈥淭hey learned skills directly transferrable to the apparel we make.鈥�

Be Generous with Vacation Time

CASE STUDY: Roads Rivers and Trails, Milford, OH

Every winter for the past six years, as long as she鈥檚 been working at specialty retailer Roads Rivers and Trails, Manager Olivia Eads (pictured below on Pikes Peak) has taken at least a month off work to go climbing. Owners Bryan Wolf, Joe White, and Emily White highly encourage it with unlimited (unpaid) vacation time for all staff. 鈥淲e get the shifts covered and we make it work,鈥� said Wolf. In 2019, employees averaged 40 days off apiece鈥斺�渁nd that鈥檚 just outdoor trips, not Christmas,鈥� Wolf noted.

Welcome Fido

Embracing pups in the office鈥� when we go back to the office, that is鈥攑ays off for both dogs (more walks) and employees (research shows that the presence of a furry friend reduces stress and boosts self-esteem). A few businesses that make room for our best friends: Arc鈥檛eryx, Kelty, Nemo, Ruffwear, and Xero Shoes.

Spread Profits Around

Some workplaces give everyone a different kind of promotion. All employees at 国产吃瓜黑料 (OBJ’s parent company) get stock options, which increase with strong performance or a promotion. 鈥淚t鈥檚 critical for creating alignments [between employees and the company] and incentives,鈥� said CEO Robin Thurston. When the company does well and hard work pays off, employees benefit, too.

Encourage Exploration

CASE STUDY: Cotopaxi, Salt Lake City, UT

How鈥檚 this for an antidote to job turnover? After 18 months, employees of this B Corp apparel and gear brand can cash in on their first of two 鈥渂ucket list stipends鈥�: $1,000 to use on a dream trip anywhere in the world. After five years, the reward bumps up to $5,000. Recent employee trips have included touring Morocco, cycling the French Alps, and a fish-spearing, coconut-gathering survival excursion on a remote Caribbean island. 鈥淣umber one, we need to be able to attract and retain talent, and this is a unique perk,鈥� said founder and CEO Davis Smith. 鈥淎nd secondly, we want to make sure our employees are living the values of the business. We鈥檙e building a brand around adventure and exploring the world.鈥� Cotopaxi has spent nearly $100,000 on its bucket list payouts so far, he says, but, 鈥淭hese things pay for themselves鈥攜ou don鈥檛 have to pay higher wages to convince someone to join the team, or [deal with] rehiring.鈥�

Pro tip: Cotopaxi helps employees make the most of their trips by holding learning sessions on topics like getting involved in local communities and traveling on a shoestring budget. 鈥淲ithin the team, there鈥檚 a constant sharing of travel deals,鈥� said Smith. 鈥淚f you keep your eye on deals, $1,000 can cover a trip somewhere really fun.鈥�

Get Gear in Our Hands

CASE STUDY: NRS, Moscow, ID

Paddling gear can be expensive, as NRS鈥檚 employees well know. But lack of capital won鈥檛 ever stand in the way when someone pulls a rafting permit, thanks to the brand鈥檚 鈥渃ompany use鈥� stash of rafts, frames, coolers, stand-up paddleboards, inflatable kayaks, and drysuits. Employees can check out the gear for free. 鈥淲e鈥檝e had employees go on Grand Canyon trips, and they were able to get everything they needed and disappear with it for 18 days,鈥� said Steve Farley, key account manager. In 2019, 130 employees dipped into the stash for a total of 880 checkouts.

Pro tip: Appoint someone (or a small team, as NRS does) to manage the gear sign-out process and keep items clean, safe, and organized.

Give Us Long Weekends

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics offers half-day Fridays, and in summer, Outdoor Prolink switches to a four-10s schedule. Nobody鈥檚 head is really in the game at 3 P.M. Friday anyway.

Support Employees鈥� Life Goals

CASE STUDY: Outdoor Gear Exchange, Burlington, VT

Employees who get five years under their belts at this retailer have extra reason to celebrate: They qualify for its Living the Dream program, which awards a $5,000 grant for pretty much anything that makes their lives a little easier. 鈥淥riginally, it was to go on a dream trip,鈥� said Brian Wade, executive director of retail and service. But the list of acceptable uses has ballooned over the years to include down payments on homes, childcare, a new vehicle, or paying off debt. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 think of anybody who hasn鈥檛 figured out a way to use it,鈥� he said.

Pro tip: How does OGE afford it? 鈥淲e just do it,鈥� said Wade, noting that the total expense is a fairly small line item on the budget. 鈥淚t鈥檚 nice to honor the people who鈥檝e put in time. And the emotional impact of getting a lump sum is really great.鈥�

Support New Parents…

CASE STUDY: 国产吃瓜黑料 PR, San Francisco, CA

In a country where his seven-person PR firm doesn鈥檛 legally have to provide any break for its new parents, owner Gordon Wright instead offers the best parental leave policy we鈥檝e seen in the industry: six months of leave at 80 percent salary, moms and dads alike. 鈥淚t feels like the聽right thing to do,鈥� Wright said. That kind of investment pays off in ways both tangible (an attractive carrot when looking for new talent) and intangible, says Senior Account Executive Kelsey McGraw. 鈥淕ordon and all the managers believe family comes first,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey care for my well-being, and I don鈥檛 want to disappoint them. I want to work that much harder to see this company be successful.鈥�

Pro tip: Doing without a key employee for six months poses challenges, but Wright notes that hiring a freelance substitute can help any company keep chugging along.

…And Not-So-New Parents

CASE STUDY: Patagonia, Ventura, CA

Parents industry-wide could be forgiven for daydreaming about a job switch to Patagonia. For one, there are the on-site daycares (in Ventura and Reno), which together care for 200 kids and offer tuition discounts based on income. 鈥淏eing able to nurse my son at daycare rather than pump every three hours was so huge,鈥� said Amy Garrahan, southwest sales manager. And聽if a primary parent needs to travel for work while a baby is still nursing? Patagonia covers travel expenses for a caregiver.听Pro tip: Half of the brand鈥檚 daycare program is covered through tuition; 75 percent of the rest is recouped via tax credits, improved productivity, and employee retention. Companies that can鈥檛 add their own programs can still help parents with daycare stipends and more flex time options.

Bond over Workouts

Good: allowing employees to head out for a midday sweat break. Better: organizing group runs, yoga classes, bike rides, and even surfing sessions (like Nemo does on the New England coast) during the workday for communal exercise, stress relief, and team bonding in one fell swoop.

Make Fitness Easy

CASE STUDY: Wolverine Worldwide, Rockford, MI

Spin classes, pickleball, pickup volleyball, and basketball: All in a day鈥檚 work at Wolverine. Opened in 2019, the on-campus, 29,000-square-foot The Rock facility also offers an indoor track, group fitness classrooms, and cardio equipment. Plus, membership is free for all 600-plus employees of eight brands. 鈥淣ot only does it help in getting people excited to work for Wolverine, but having a variety of activities available is really key for blowing off steam,鈥� said Merrell Senior Marketing Manager Lauren King.

Pro tip: Building an entire gym might not be in the cards. 鈥淏ut figuring out things that might not cost a lot of money, but add a lot to culture, is.鈥� See #16 and #18 for ideas.

Give Cash for Ski Passes

Or gym memberships, yoga classes, and other wellness perks of choice, as sales agency Caraway & Co. does ($150 per employee per year).

Invest in Employee Healthcare

CASE STUDY: Waypoint Outdoor, Seattle, WA

Perks like gyms and company bike rides are great, but a real commitment to employee health should be built on a foundation of high-quality, affordable health insurance. This sales agency for brands like Klean Kanteen and Smartwool takes that to heart, covering 100 percent of premium costs for its employees. That鈥檚 made a huge difference for sales rep Carly Morava, a cancer survivor who鈥檚 been with the company for three years. She鈥檇 wanted to switch careers from retail to repping, but was afraid she wouldn鈥檛 be able to afford the insurance she needed. Unlike other workplaces she鈥檇 considered, Morava said, 鈥淲aypoint pays for everything, and it鈥檚 a really good plan.鈥�

Help People Climb the Ladder

CASE STUDY: KEEN, Portland, OR

In a workplace just as on a mountain, sometimes the right guide can make all the difference. That鈥檚 why Keen added formal mentoring to its benefits. The Career Compass Program matches eager employees with seasoned volunteer 鈥渃oaches鈥� for structured career advice and development. Pairs meet twice a month to set goals and track progress. Though the program is open to everyone, says Global Communications Manager Mindy Montgomery, women make up the bulk of the participants鈥斺�淩esearch shows that women utilize formal mentoring programs more because men have greater access to informal mentoring opportunities,鈥� she noted. Senior Compliance Specialist Elsa Clements credits the program with helping her land a promotion in 2019. 鈥淚t was super-valuable in giving me confidence,鈥� she said. She worked with her coach on strategies for putting her best foot forward, and 鈥淚t was really good for me to have that framework when I sat down with my manager.鈥�

Pro tip: Career Compass facilitators consider applicants鈥� communication style and personality when setting up pairs. 鈥淚f the participant and coach have trouble communicating, they鈥檙e going to have a hard time forming a connection,鈥� said Montgomery, 鈥渨hich is a crucial component to a successful coaching relationship.鈥�

Support Education

Help us advance by springing for certifications, courses, conferences, and skills clinics. Take Vail Resorts: Employees can apply for a $2,500 Educational Ascent Grant to fund a college degree (vocational to Ph.D.) or certificate (such as EMT).

Let Employees Drive Improvements

CASE STUDY: Hydro Flask, Bend, OR

Hydro Flask holds its own kind of holiday two or three times a year: the Better Future Day. Each one features a menu of activities for employees to choose from, all conceived and planned by fellow employees. Recent options have included guided meditations, art workshops, public speaking courses, and SUP sessions. 鈥淚t could be anything from, 鈥業t鈥檚 time to reorganize our shelves鈥� to 鈥楲et鈥檚 bring in an expert on a topic like racism and have a difficult discussion,鈥欌�� said Lucas Alberg, senior manager, PR and brand communications. Continually working on company culture is a bedrock value for Hydro Flask, says Senior HR Generalist Ryan Combellick, 鈥渂ut if it鈥檚 something that鈥檚 just coming from the top down, it can feel forced.鈥�

Pro tip: Don鈥檛 overthink the scheduling, and just do it. 鈥淭here鈥檚 never a good time for this, but it鈥檚 imperative that you make it happen,鈥� noted Alberg. 鈥淧roductivity may be lost that day, but it鈥檚 taking one step back and two steps forward for the company.鈥�

Encourage Clubs

Supporting an employee resource group (ERG), a club dedicated to a particular identity or interest鈥攆rom working parents to sober employees to members of specific ethnicities or religions鈥攃ultivates belonging and community. VF Corp. has put significant resources into its ERGs since 2017.

Make the World a Better Place Far Away鈥�

CASE STUDY: Superfeet, Ferndale, WA

When this insole brand decides to give back, it goes big. Superfeet donates 1 percent of its profits to charity, including an ongoing public-health service trip to Guatemala to build latrines and rainwater-capture tanks for small rainforest villages. 鈥淚 wanted our employees to be engaged with the charities we鈥檙e working with,鈥� said Director of Outreach and Fit Jeff Gray, who runs the program. 鈥淗ow can we get down on our hands and knees and get dirty and make a difference? It鈥檚 about writing the check, then also diving in.鈥� The brand has taken eight to ten employees on the (fully paid) trip for the past four years, an opportunity that has proven so popular that Gray has to pull names out of a size-17 running shoe to select participants. Superfeet鈥檚 commitment to nonprofits builds loyalty and helps attract employees, said Gray: 鈥淪o many are grateful to be able to work within this culture.鈥�

Pro tip: Got the cash鈥攐r the time鈥攖o donate? Choose beneficiaries carefully, says Gray. He screened a number of nonprofits before choosing six to support based on how well their core values matched Superfeet鈥檚. 鈥淭hen you can build that relationship, bond, and do some great work together,鈥� he said.

…And Closer to Home

CASE STUDY: Big Agnes, Steamboat Springs, CO

For a company making gear tailored for use on the trail, volunteer trail maintenance felt like a natural way to live out brand values of land stewardship and community involvement.

So Big Agnes zeroed in on the Continental Divide Trail, which passes within two miles of company HQ, officially adopting the 72 miles from nearby Rabbit Ears Pass to the Wyoming border in 2018. Since then, the brand has organized several trail work days on their section every year. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a cool opportunity to see the owners of the company really caring about our public lands, and [having] the employees be part of that,鈥� said Product Developer Paige Baker. And though the point of the trail work is giving back, it doesn鈥檛 hurt brand image with customers, either, says co-owner Len Zanni, who notes that the marketing team produces blog posts and publishes catalog essays about the project.

Pro tip: Scale give-back projects according to your workplace鈥檚 size and goals. 鈥淭hink about what you care about, then figure out what organizations or areas could use your help, and how much help you can lend,鈥� said Zanni. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e a smaller organization, maybe you can put someone on a nonprofit board, or donate money or time.鈥�

Remote Work Policies that Work for All

When the pandemic ends, many will still appreciate the flexibility to work remotely. Evans says the best policies let employees work wherever they鈥檙e most productive. Her company, The Ready, traded its office for monthly stipends for home office upgrades, co-working spaces, or rent for optional group offices.

Fair Profit Sharing

Sharing success fosters an environment of collaboration, not competition. Email marketing firm ConvertKit diverts a chunk of its profits to a shared pool that鈥檚 distributed to all through a formula that gives a little extra to those with the longest tenure.

Employee Connection

One easy way to help build connection among virtual workers: Start meetings with a five-minute check-in, prompted with questions like, 鈥淲hat was your weekend highlight?鈥�

Self-Set Salaries

Want employees to really feel they鈥檙e being paid what they鈥檙e worth? Let them choose their own salaries, like tomato-packing brand Morning Star has done for decades鈥攁nd make all of them public.

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A preoccupation with sustainability is nothing new for Big Agnes, which was founded in 2000 by Bill Gamber. In 2008, the Steamboat Springs, Colorado company introduced some products that were radically green at the time: the Skinny Fish and Ripple Creek sleeping bags and the Salt Creek two-person tent鈥攁ll made from 100 percent recycled materials. The Salt Creek was also dye-free鈥攗nheard of for a tent鈥攔esulted in a shocking white color.

鈥淲e tested the Salt Creek on a very wet and muddy 8-day trip in Wales,鈥� recalled Kristin Hostetter, then-gear editor at Backpacker and current editor-in-chief of 国产吃瓜黑料 Business Journal. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 the most practical color and it was pretty grimy at the end of that trip. But we did appreciate the nice, bright ambiance created inside in that dreary Welsh weather. We ended up calling it the 鈥渉appy tent.鈥�

鈥淭hose products didn鈥檛 exactly fly off the shelves back then,鈥� said Big Agnes co-owner, Len Zanni. But he and Gamber feel they were simply ahead of their time and that today鈥檚 consumers are ready for鈥攊n fact they are demanding鈥� radical sustainability. 鈥淚t鈥檚 clearly time we do what we can to reduce our impact and focus on climate change,鈥� said Zanni.

That鈥檚 why, as Big Agnes celebrates its 20th anniversary, the company will be promoting its sustainability efforts more widely. And the 2021 product line makes some significant steps.

• There are nine new tents made with solution-dyed fly and body fabrics, which means that the fabrics are made from pre-colored chips of nylon or polyester versus fabric made from uncolored yarn that needs to be dyed. 鈥淚magine a carrot versus a radish,鈥� says Zanni. 鈥淥ne is colored throughout and one is only colored on the outside.鈥� This reduces chemical use by 80 percent and eliminates nearly 5 gallons of water waste per tent, and lowers energy consumption by 80 percent during production. Better yet, the solution-dyed fabric is more UV resistant and colorfast, and less fabric is wasted since there are no challenges with color inconsistency found in a typical dyeing process.听
• There鈥檚 also the TwisterCane BioFoam pad line, made from sugarcane in a process that actually removes carbon from the atmosphere. The pad is made from more than 60 percent sugarcane resin, a renewable raw material, and the supplier grows and harvests the cane via a net carbon-negative process.
• More than 60 percent of Big Agnes synthetic sleeping bags are made with between 50 and 100 percent post-consumer recycled insulation. All of BA鈥檚 down sleeping bags contain RDS certified, trackable down, and the DownTek water repellent system uses PFC-Free, bluesign-approved chemistry.

What鈥檚 next for Big Agnes in sustainability?

The Big Agnes Skinny Fish Sustainability Committee, so named after that award-winning sleeping bag, has other big plans for the near future. Formed after the company participated in the Higg Index Brand Module pilot program through OIA鈥檚 Climate Action Corps, the 16-person, cross-department, team has been identifying ways to source sustainable raw materials, reduce their carbon footprint at their home offices, and eliminate single-use plastics from packaging materials.听聽聽

鈥淭he task ahead feels daunting but we鈥檙e taking a practical approach and doing what we can to reduce our impacts each year.鈥� said Zanni.

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Holly Phillips grew up in Ona, West Virginia, exploring the outdoors on fishing trips with her dad. The two would set out on a Friday evening, camp near a river, and start casting the next morning. Their gear consisted of what they could afford at the local Kmart or Walmart. 鈥淚 always got cold in cheap sleeping bags. And if it rained, the tent walls would soak through,鈥� says Phillips. As a result, Phillips鈥檚 earliest outdoor experiences were a combination of joy, because she was outdoors, and sufferfests, because her gear was so low quality. 鈥淏ut even as I grew older, I didn鈥檛 know any better because people like me鈥攍ow income and outside the normal demographic of backpackers, climbers, or even avid hikers鈥攁re left out of the outdoor conversation,鈥� she says.

It wasn鈥檛 until she moved to Boulder, Colorado, in 2012 at age 29, that the single mom even heard of Patagonia or Black Diamond. One day, she ventured into one of the town鈥檚 premier outdoor stores, Neptune Mountaineering. 鈥淲hen I saw the price tags, I was so bummed,鈥� says Phillips, who was making roughly $16 an hour at the time (which is more than five dollars above the national average minimum wage). 鈥淚 knew I could never afford that stuff.鈥�

She is not alone. Outdoor Foundation鈥檚 2018 Outdoor Recreation Report shows the high cost of gear is the second most common deterrent for getting outside. (鈥淭oo busy鈥� was number one and 鈥淧laces for outdoor recreation cost too much鈥� is number six.) For years, the outdoor industry has claimed it wants to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. If affordability is one of the biggest barriers to inclusion, are we really addressing it?

What Does Affordable Mean?

When Phillips struck out at Neptune, she headed to REI and was overwhelmed by the prices there, too. It鈥檚 a common problem says activist Cianna Walker-Flom, who has criticized the outdoor industry for being 鈥渋ntimidating and exclusionary for those who are underrepresented.鈥� She believes a key way to welcome them in is for brands to partner with nonprofit organizations that serve underrepresented populations to offer them upcycled (or new) gear at greatly reduced prices for lending libraries.

The fact is, 鈥渁ffordable鈥� is a relative term. But you could say several brands in the industry are already delivering. In the sleeping bag realm, for instance, Marmot, Kelty, The North Face, and Slumberjack have produced sub-$100 bags for years. But even a $79 bag would be pushing it for a minimum wage earner. [Patricia Cameron reported on this problem in our Winter 2020 issue: 鈥淚t would take a minimum wage worker two full eight-hour days to afford new hiking shoes from most outdoor brands,鈥� she wrote.] And there remains an undeniable performance gap between a $69 Kelty bag that works as a legitimate (albeit bulky) backcountry option and the $25-dollar Walmart variety that left Phillips cold.

Gear Everyone Can Afford

Brands have very different views on what鈥檚 possible when it comes to price versus performance. Durability, for example, is subjective (see p. 48), and Big Agnes founder Bill Gamber acknowledges that even his $200 鈥渆ntry-level鈥� tent is out of reach for many people like Phillips. But, he says, skimping is risky. 鈥淐heck the dumpsters in Moab. They鈥檙e full of Costco and Walmart tents,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just not possible to make a $100 tent that will last. At least I haven鈥檛 figured out how to do it.鈥�

Kelty has almost cracked that nut鈥攊t offers several quality two-person tents that are just north of 100 bucks. Senior vice president and general manager Russ Rowell is content in that middle market and doesn鈥檛 intend to chase even lower prices. 鈥淥nce a brand presents itself downstream, it鈥檚 very hard to go upstream,鈥� he says. That creates a hole in the market which is precisely where two companies鈥擠ecathlon and Walmart鈥攕ee opportunity.

In 2017, the 43-year-old French sporting goods giant Decathlon entered the U.S. market. The brand takes pride in providing quality gear at extremely low prices, and its one-year, 352 percent sales growth in the U.S. proves that people are hungry for decent gear at rock bottom prices. Consumers flock to the 47,000-square-foot Bay Area store for daypacks as low as $3.50 (not a typo) and tents that cost just $59. The company鈥檚 scale鈥攊t has 93,000 employees worldwide鈥攁llows it to build gear at prices so low it鈥檚 easy to doubt the quality, but review after review, from the likes of 国产吃瓜黑料, BACKPACKER, and Runner鈥檚 World, praise the brand鈥檚 performance-to-price ratio.

And hot on Decathlon鈥檚 heels is the icon of affordability in the U.S.: Walmart.

Walmart鈥檚 Bid for Backpackers

Eoin Comerford, CEO of Moosejaw, which is owned by Walmart, made a splash in 2018 with his efforts to bring premium brands and premium prices to Walmart customers by creating a 鈥減remium outdoor store鈥� online. At the time, Comerford believed he was introducing high-end outdoor products to people who鈥檇 never been exposed to them. But the project failed after brands including Black Diamond, Deuter USA, Katadyn, Therm-a-Rest, and Leki pulled out, insinuating that by selling on Walmart.com, they鈥檇 take the special out of specialty brands.

Comerford learned from the failure. In April, he told The Voice, 鈥淲e [moved] away from the Premium Outdoor Store because the whole idea of premium versus everyday brands ran counter to our goal of inclusivity.鈥� Instead, he wanted to create an 鈥渆veryday鈥� brand that would offer 鈥渟pecialty-level performance and quality鈥� to customers of Walmart and fill what he says is a huge gulf between mass market and specialty backpacking gear. 鈥淭he most likely source of beginner backpackers are car campers who already enjoy life in a tent,鈥� he says. 鈥淭he most recent KOA North American Camping Report shows car camping is already becoming more diverse. Non-white active camper households increased from 12 percent in 2012 to 31 percent in 2018. Even more encouraging, people of color made up the majority鈥�51 percent鈥攐f first-time campers in 2018.鈥�

Comerford believes that price is standing in the way of more people becoming backpackers. So in May, he led the Walmart launch of two 鈥渕id-tier鈥� brands that sell through both Walmart and Moosejaw channels and cost the same on each website. Lithic is a backpacking equipment brand that includes tents, bags, packs, stoves, and cookware (also sold in Walmart stores) for prices ranging from $25 to $148. Allforth (online only) offers men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 fair-weather (nothing waterproof or insulated) hiking apparel in regular and plus sizes with prices ranging from $13 to $40.

The products are made in China by factories with experience manufacturing enthusiast-grade outdoor equipment, says Comerford. R&D was a team effort between Moosejaw experts, Walmart development and sourcing teams, and these factory partners.

The least expensive Lithic sleeping bag is a 35-degree synthetic that weighs just under 4 pounds and costs $64, which is comparable to many price-point bags already offered by established outdoor brands. The thing is, Walmart shoppers may not be familiar with Kelty and The North Face. This effort is about bringing new and better-performing alternatives to Walmart鈥檚 huge audience鈥攎any of whom may be people who, as Phillips says, are left out of the outdoor conversation.

The new brands launched just a few weeks before press time. Reviews are still coming in, and some of them are not glowing (google it for yourself).

Performance aside, some skeptics, like Walker-Flom, see Walmart鈥檚 move as opportunistic, not altruistic. 鈥淭his is an issue of stores realizing they鈥檙e missing out on a whole market segment of passionate campers with limited funds. It鈥檚 great to have access to more affordable gear, but when it鈥檚 lower quality, you鈥檒l pay now and then pay again when it wears out or breaks.鈥�

But Comerford remains adamant that Lithic and Allforth will break down barriers by leveraging Walmart鈥檚 massive, loyal customer base and introducing them to better quality gear. 鈥淲ith the current backdrop of Black Lives Matter, it鈥檚 never been more important to grow the outdoor pie by making participation more inclusive,鈥� he says.

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Just a few short years ago, 34-year-old Isaiah Price had no idea he would end up making his living in the outdoor industry, much less owning his own business. As recently as 2015, Price was working as a full-time pilot with no experience selling outdoor gear. He was also, he says, living a life he didn’t feel passionate about.

“The pilot lifestyle was tough. I was gone all the time, and I wasn’t even making enough money to pay my bills,” he told OBJ. “I started asked myself, “What do I love to do? If could choose my dream job, what would it be?”

The conclusion he came to, after a little soul searching, was gear.

“I’m happy when I’m in the mountains and I love emergency preparedness and survival equipment,” he said. “I didn’t know how I was going to do it, but I knew I wanted to open a store. That was the beginning. That set me on the path to opening Sophos Survival.”

Setting Up Shop

As soon as he realized outdoor retail was in his future, Price left his job as pilot, picked up a couple of part-time gigs to pay the bills, and focused his energies on building an ecommerce website for survival gear. He chose the name “Sophos,” which means “wisdom” in Greek. At that time, he had no idea what he was doing, he says. He followed his instincts and focused on products he could vouch for personally.

“I got on YouTube and started learning how to build a website. Most of the products on the site are things I’ve used before. For instance, I’ve always loved聽Big Agnes. I went on their website,聽requested to be a dealer, and they called me to set it up directly.听I started setting up wholesale accounts with brands, making small orders, seeing what sold, and reevaluating as I went.”

After a few years of slow selling online, Price realized he had hit a wall. With his two side jobs, he didn’t have enough time to grow the shop beyond a hobby project. If he wanted to make Sophos his full-time career, he needed to take a big leap.

“I talked to my wife, Laurie, and told her that if I want to make this happen, I needed to dive in. She agreed to support me. I quit my other jobs on January 1 of this year and started working out of my garage,” he said.

The timing couldn’t have been better. As the pandemic sent the nation into lockdown in early March, demand for survival products went through the roof. Price quickly outgrew his garage.听Sensing an opportunity, he moved his plans to open a storefront鈥攐riginally scheduled for early 2021鈥攖o May 1.

Opening During Quarantine

“At this point, people were quarantining and trying to stay home, but I had outgrown the garage and needed a place to keep my inventory,” Price said. “At that time, everyone was looking for emergency prep stuff鈥攆reeze-dried food, water storage tanks, first aid, a lot of outdoor gear. Even though people weren’t coming in, I was still taking orders online and over the phone, either shipping items or dropping them off with contactless delivery.”

The lease Price got on his 2,000-square-foot storefront wasn’t pandemic-cheap, he says, but the ongoing orders were enough to justify the move, even as many other businesses struggled.

Those online sales kept the business afloat until state restrictions lifted this summer. As soon as it was legal, Price opened his shop to the public with safety measures in place like regular sanitizing and social distancing.

A Hybrid Model

Sophos couldn’t have come into the world at a better time, but Price says the move wasn’t strategic or opportunistic. The hybrid model of the shop鈥攈alf outdoor gear, half survival equipment鈥攊s an authentic reflection of Price’s passions.

“I grew up in Utah hunting, backpacking, fly fishing, camping鈥攁ll of it. Put me up in the mountains, I’m a happy man. That’s the outdoor part,” he said. “I coupled that with my training as a pilot, where you practice emergencies constantly. You go through procedures, memorize checklists, and create muscle memory to deal with situations as they arise. I enjoy taking that methodology and applying it to everyday life.”

With respect to customers, Price says the hybrid models helps introduce people to gear they didn’t know they needed. Someone coming in to buy a new sleeping bag might wander through the emergency prep section and realize it wouldn’t hurt to have a water tank or some freeze-dried food on hand. And vice versa. The model leads to a lot of in-the-moment purchasing. Customers usually leave with more than they came in for, which has led to several months of steady growth.

“It’s been hard to keep up with the demand,” Price said. “I just hired my first part-time employee and my wife helps me in the shop as well. It’s growing fast.”

Price was hesitant to attribute all that success to pandemic-influenced buying habits, but he did admit it plays a role.

“We’ve got a really good emergency and outdoor-minded community here in Utah. At the same time, of course, the coronavirus has definitely acted as a springboard.”

Other offerings at Sophos include tents, camp chairs, backpacks, sleeping bags and pads, camp stoves, and water filters. Price is also working with product developers and manufacturers to develop his own line of survival products: knives, multitools, fire starters, and more.

Funding and Bestsellers

One of Price’s goals in starting the business was not to operate on credit. He funded the entire project with about $50,000 he got from savings and the sale of a rental property he owned with his wife.

“Operating solely on cash has been great. It forced me to exercise a lot of control from the beginning and it takes a lot of stress out of it,” he said.

Price’s wife, Laurie, an account manager at an investment firm, has helped establish an emergency fun for the store, just in case things go south.

That doesn’t seem likely, though, given the strength of some of the store’s categories. Some of the items that move quickest, according to Price, also have unusually high margins for a gear shop. So far, freeze drying machines鈥攚hich cost between $2,500 and $3,500鈥攈ave sold best. Water tanks have also drawn a lot of interest, along with freeze-dried backpacking meals and first aid equipment.

Plans for Expansion

Sophos doesn’t currently offer apparel, but that’s next on Price’s to-do list. He says that in the coming years, he plans to bring in clothing and footwear that fits the hybrid model of the shop. Tactical apparel would likely sell well alongside more lifestyle-oriented lines.

Still, Price is happy with the operation right now鈥攚hat he’s been able to achieve in just a few months.

“I’ve wanted to do this forever. It’s where my heart is,” he said. “Some nights I can’t sleep because I’m so excited to head in the next day and get things done. The store has created an environment that makes me happy and fulfilled every day.”

“In the end,” he added, “that’s what really matters.”

The post Retailer Spotlight: Sophos Survival in Spanish Fork, Utah appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

After all but losing spring 2020 to the pandemic, retailers and consumers alike are looking for gear to get excited about in 2021. So excited, in fact, that we decided to add their votes to our ranking of next season鈥檚 top products. Together, we鈥檝e pored over, narrowed down, and rated this year鈥檚 submissions to bring you the 50 most coveted products, ranked.

With all the supply chain disruptions and bleak sales during the pandemic, many brands and retailers are focused on selling through what鈥檚 currently in stock. So we opened up our TV50 nominations to select in-line products as well. They are indicated below with the label “Available Now.”

Breaking Down the Votes

How did we come up with this list? We received 359 submissions from 159 brands. Prices ranged from $2 (for a packet of energy gel) to $4,799 (for a kayak). We culled the list to the most interesting 65 products, then put these finalists out for a vote among three different user groups: our internal editorial team, a panel of retail shop owners, and consumers drawn from a group of superfans of BACKPACKER, our sister publication. Everyone voted on each product, assigning a rating from one (not interested) to ten (very interested).

Here are the top picks of each voter group.

TOP PICKS FOR RETAILERS: Big Agnes TwisterCane Pad; Nemo Roamer Double Sleeping Pad

TOP PICKS FOR CONSUMERS: PrimaLoft Gold with P.U.R.E. tech; Big Agnes TwisterCane Pad and Leatherman Free T4 (tie)

TOP PICKS FOR OUR EDITORIAL TEAM: PrimaLoft Gold with P.U.R.E. tech; Big Agnes Sidewinder bag

1. PrimaLoft Gold with P.U.R.E. Tech

$199 (for Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket, insulation pictured above)

THE PROMISE: This new synthetic insulation makes
a massive dent in carbon emissions.

THE DEETS: Patagonia鈥檚 Nano Puff will be the first jacket to feature the lightweight and highly compressible PrimaLoft Gold P.U.R.E. (Produced Using Reduced Emissions), a 100 percent recycled synthetic microfiber material. The production process saves roughly half the carbon emissions by binding the synthetic fill without heat, instead using an eco-friendly treatment to cure it with air.

2. Big Agnes Twister-Cane Bio Foam Pad

$50

THE PROMISE: This superlight pad (8 ounces) is made from sugarcane, not petroleum.

THE DEETS: For the first time, a closed-cell foam mat is made from renewable material grown with rainwater, reducing the industry鈥檚 dependence on EVA foam.

3. MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier

$250

THE PROMISE: Get pure water in minutes without breaking a sweat.

THE DEETS: The MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier uses two stages for purification. The hollow fiber technology removes viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, while the activated carbon reduces chemicals, tastes, and odors. The result: one liter of clean water in two minutes without any pumping. Bonus: no backflushing necessary, as the integrated purge valve does the work.

4. Leatherman FreeT4

$65; Available Now

THE PROMISE: Get a multitool with true one-handed operation.

THE DEETS: Twelve tools are accessible from the outside with simple magnetic聽closures, an architecture that eliminates fingernail use to deploy. Everything鈥攆rom the four screwdrivers to the bottle opener鈥攆it in this compact (3.6-inch) and light (4.3-ounce) package.

5. Osprey Aether/Aerial Plus 60L Packs

THE PROMISE: This updated version of a proven winner supports even heavier loads.

THE DEETS: The Plus version of the Aether (men鈥檚) and Ariel (women鈥檚) features a lighter frame that carries closer to the body to better stabilize heavy loads, yet remains breathable and comfortable. The lid detaches to convert into a daypack, or just to slim down the pack for shorter trips.

6. Primus Lite+

$115

THE PROMISE: Get a back- country stove for every kind of chef and every kind of meal.

THE DEETS: Versatility is the name of the game for the 16-ounce Lite+. It鈥檚 equally adept at quick-boiling (2:45 per half liter) and gentle simmering, plus it has a low center of gravity and even flame distribution. Bonus: includes a hanging kit.

7. Honey Stinger Protein Waffles

$27 (12 pack);聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: These snack waffles pack a protein punch.

THE DEETS: Now with ten grams of protein per pack, these anytime snacks aid muscle recovery and taste like a treat. Wild Berry or Apple Cinnamon filling is sandwiched between two thin, crisp waffles. Our taste testers keep asking for more.

8. BioLite HeadLamp 750

$100

THE PROMISE: It鈥檚 almost as bright as your car鈥檚 headlights yet weighs only five ounces.

THE DEETS: With six light modes, a burst option to briefly produce 750 lumens, and a 400-foot beam on max, this headlight screams safety and versatility. The battery lasts five hours using 500 lumens, but a full 100 hours on low, with an eight-hour reserve power mode and powerbank. Trail runners and mountaineers alike will love the constant brightness mode. Most lights using alkaline batteries dim, but the use of lithium batteries pre- vents the typical discharge curve and keeps the lumens in a steady state.

9. NEMO Roamer Double Sleeping Pad

$400

THE PROMISE: This plush pad for two is so comfy you just might forget that you鈥檙e camping.

THE DEETS: With four inches of open-cell foam and an R-value of six, this double-wide, self-inflating pad provides a deluxe mattress covered in soft, recycled polyester fabric. The included pump means speedy inflation.

10. Big Agnes Sidewinder SL

$280

THE PROMISE: It鈥檚 the ultimate sleeping bag for side sleepers.

THE DEETS: 70 percent of us sleep on our sides and now there鈥檚 a bag built
just for us. The Sidewinder contours to a side sleeper鈥檚 position while also allowing freedom of movement for rolling over. Even the foot box is contoured to the angle of the side sleeper鈥檚 feet. Body-mapped fill (650-fill DownTek with synthetic overlays near the hips and feet) optimizes warmth.

11. Klean Kanteen Food Boxes

$15-$60

THE PROMISE: These reusable, super-tough containers are ideal for storing snacks.

THE DEETS: Sold as a set or in three different sizes, these dishwasher-safe, stainless-steel storage containers don鈥檛 rust, shatter, or retain flavors (like plastic containers often do). The silicone lids are leak-proof and BPA-free, and the containers are sized for trail mix, sandwiches, or a whole picnic lunch.

12. PHOOZY Apollo II

$35;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: Protect your phone in the wildest environments.

THE DEETS: If anything can protect your phone from the elements, it鈥檚 NASA space suit technology. The Phoozy combines a thick EVA foam with a patent-pending chromium thermal layer and UV coating that protects the battery from dying in the cold and overheating in the sun.听The case is water-resistant and protects against drops up to eight feet.

13. POC Sports Tectal Race NFC聽SPIN Helmet

$250;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: This helmet protects you during and after a biking accident.

THE DEETS: Thanks to a near-field communication (NFC) medical ID tag in the helmet, first responders can instantly read your medical profile via any NFC-enabled smartphone and use it to inform medical decisions when you鈥檙e unable to speak. The fully wrapped construction, combined with POC鈥檚 patent-pending SPIN (Shearing Pads Inside),聽silicone-injected pads, and precision straps, improves rotational impact and structural integrity, but the helmet still weighs less than 14 ounces.

14. Gregory Katmai/Kalmia 50-65L

$260 (55L)

THE PROMISE: This pack moves with your body to provide ultimate comfort.

THE DEETS: The Katmai (men鈥檚) and Kalmia (women鈥檚) packs feature a ventilated, suspended mesh backpanel that cradles your lower back for fit and comfort. The customizable 3D hipbelt hugs the body and decreases rubbing and hotspots.

15. Six Moon Designs Wild Owyhee 2P Tent

$600;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: Even the tallest campers can sit up straight under this tarp tent.

THE DEETS: The dual-pole design affords 48 inches of headroom, and not just at the center point. Two doors and vestibules offer convenience, storage, and access. The No-See-Um mesh skirt perimeter provides full ventilation and bug protection, and of course you get complete rain protection, all for just one pound.

16. Patagonia Provisions Cacao + Mango Bar

$27 (12 pack);聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: This natural fruit bar breaks the granola bar mold.

THE DEETS: Our testers say these bars make you feel like you鈥檙e on a tropical island, thanks to the organic blend of sun-dried mangoes, cacao nibs, bananas, and almonds. The pocket-size聽bar delivers 140 calories.

17. Black Diamond Capitan MIPS Helmet $100

THE PROMISE: Maximum head protection doesn鈥檛 need to be hot, heavy, or uncomfortable.

THE DEETS: With a sleek, cradled fit and plentiful brain coverage, the Capitan is cool and comfortable without compromising noggin protection. The MIPS technology absorbs and redirects oblique impacts to the helmet.

18. SPOT Gen4 Satellite Messenger

$150

THE PROMISE: This one-way communication device聽stands up to the roughest elements.

THE DEETS: The newest SPOT Gen4 messenger has an upgraded outer casing and water-resistant rating (IP68), plus prolonged battery performance, all for less than four ounces. The new mapping option stores more than 50 waypoints for tracking.

19. Cusa Coffee

$6 (seven pack);聽Available Now

THE PROMISE:聽Get gourmet coffee on the go.

THE DEETS: Cusa took the instant tea world by storm a few years ago, and now it鈥檚 jumping into the instant coffee game. For cold or hot brew, just shake or stir with water for ten seconds to dissolve the blend. We got a sneak taste test and the verdict is thumbs up! Available in a variety of roasts and flavors.

20. Voormi Diversion Hoodie

$249;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: It鈥檚 the cozy, stink-resistant hoodie you鈥檒l reach for over all the others.

THE DEETS: This 21.5-micron merino wool jacket is reinforced with nylon fibers and finished with a DWR coating to deliver protection against the elements. Features include integrated thumbholes, a chest pocket with a headphone port, and a relaxed fit.

21. LEKI Cross Trail 3A

$150

THE PROMISE: These poles are purpose-built for both trail running and backpacking.

THE DEETS: At just over a pound per pair, the three-section Cross Trail 3A is a light and strong aluminum-shafted pole with a glove-like grip/strap system to help runners sail down the trail or trekkers power up big climbs, all while keeping a relaxed hand.

22. HOKA One One Clifton Edge

$160

THE PROMISE: The unique heel geometry creates a聽smooth impact and an un- matched gliding sensation.

THE DEETS: The newest Hoka debuts a lighter top layer of midsole foam paired with a radically extended heel section to absorb heel strike forces. The weight is just 7.2 ounces per shoe with 26mm of cushion in the heel and 21mm in the forefoot.

23. Big Agnes Goosenest Inflatable Cot

$150

THE PROMISE: This inflatable camp cot (pictured upside down to show the structural design) gets you off the ground for comfortable snoozing and packs down small for easy transport.

THE DEETS: The perimeter tubes elevate it 8 inches off the ground and stabilize the sleeper in the middle of the cot, even on uneven ground. The antimicrobial treatments inside the chambers prevent mildew, odors, discoloration, and degradation. At less than three pounds, it transports easily.

24. Superfeet Trailblazer Comfort Insoles

$50;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE:聽Give your feet extra protection and comfort on the trail.

THE DEETS: This insole enhances the stability and comfort of any trail runner or boot and offers retailers a great upselling opportunity. Built with heel impact technology, shock-absorbing, dual-comfort foam, and a carbon-fiber stabilizer cap, these will turn the miles into smiles.

25. Therm-a-Rest聽Air Head Pillow

$43 – $48;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: Get a better聽night鈥檚 sleep with this lofty but light synthetic pillow.

THE DEETS: Backpackers will hardly notice the extra 5.6 ounces, but they鈥檒l appreciate the comfort of this four-inch-thick baffled inflatable pillow after a long day. It comes in two sizes and is shaped to fit into the hood of a sleeping bag. The brushed polyester outer is machine washable.

26. Vasque Footwear Satoru Trail LT

$150

THE PROMISE: This minimalist shoe protects and supports like a midweight hiker.

THE DEETS: The Satoru Trail LT strips away everything but comfort and versatility. With zero drop for a natural stride and a one-piece molded mesh upper (no overlays, stitching, or glue), it鈥檚 lightweight but protective.

27. Cotopaxi Teca Calido Hooded Jacket

$150

THE PROMISE: A little bit casual, a little bit technical, this colorful jacket diverts scrap textile from the landfill.

THE DEETS: Made from a combination of repurposed and recycled materials, this two-ounce insulated wind- breaker is sure to pop off the rack. It鈥檚 also reversible. One side features Cotopaxi鈥檚 signature color-blocking; the other a more subdued solid hue.

28. Matador SEG42

$190;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: This load hauler combines the best features of a backpack, duffle bag, and packing cubes into one.

THE DEETS: With five zippered compartments, this 42-liter travel bag keeps you organized. Carry it like a pack or stow away the shoulder straps and use the top or side straps for duffel duty. It鈥檚 carry-on compliant and the nylon shell is durable and water resistant.

29. GSI Outdoors Lite Cast Frypan

$29

THE PROMISE: Get cast-iron performance without the weight.

THE DEETS: Traditional cast iron fry pans are heavy, but, at three pounds, this thinner, ten-inch skillet is 30 percent lighter than most. The polished cooking surface prevents sticking and eases cleanup.

30. Smith Lowdown 2 CORE

$129;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: Eco-conscious adventurers will wear these shades with pride.

THE DEETS: Created from recycled plastic bottles and castor oil plants, these are glasses you can feel good about. Even the microfiber bag comes from recycled single-use plastics. The polarized lenses reduce glare from sun and snow.

31. Kelty Grand Mesa

$130 (2P) / $190 (4P);聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: This spacious shelter won鈥檛 break your budget.

THE DEETS: Available in a two- or four-person version, this is an ideal three-season tent for entry-level backpackers. The color-coded corner pockets make setup a snap, and the large D-shaped single door and vestibule are roomy for easy entry/exit and gear storage.

32. Black Diamond Tag LT Shoe

$135

THE PROMISE: These approach shoes are so light and packable, they can send the route with you.

THE DEETS: The Tag LTs collapse readily into a flat package no bigger than their midsole, thanks to the two-way stretch polyester upper. A carry strap binds them together and the heel loop makes them a cinch to clip to your pack or harness once you reach the crag. They weigh 15 ounces per pair.

33. Danner Trail 2650 Campo

$140

THE PROMISE: This lightweight, breathable, and grippy low-cut hiker is built for hot, dry, and rocky terrain.

THE DEETS: The Campo鈥檚 EVA midsole provides welcome cushioning and drainage ports, while the Vibram outsole easily tackles the desert鈥檚 sandy and uneven surfaces. The mesh upper and multiple drainage ports in the toebox and heel provide airflow and breathability to beat the heat.

34. LifeStraw Go 1L

$45

THE PROMISE: Fill, filter, and drink with this affordable, all-in-one device.

THE DEETS: The lightweight, reusable LifeStraw Go 1L bottle has an internal membrane microfilter along with a carbon filter, which combine聽to remove bacteria, parasites, and harmful chemicals from up to 1,000 gallons of water.

35. Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Harness

$45;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: Keep your best friend safe, both in the car and on the trail.

THE DEETS: This multitasking harness works for standard walking as well as for clipping your dog into your car鈥檚 seatbelt system for safe road tripping. With steel hardware and five points of adjustment, the harness passes crash tests designed for child restraints.

36. Helinox Incline Festival Chair

$120

THE PROMISE: It鈥檚 the ultimate festival chair.

THE DEETS: The DAC alloy frame offers stability and support, and the sliding front feet adjust the seat angle for optimal comfort and positioning. The broad, flat contact points minimize impact on festival grounds and without legs, the three-pound chair keeps a low profile, so you won鈥檛 block the action for people sitting behind you.

37. Merrell Moab Speed

$120

THE PROMISE: Merrell鈥檚 best-selling shoe just lost some weight.

THE DEETS: The trail running version of this popular shoe keeps a low profile and weighs just over a pound per pair. The hybrid design tackles varied terrain with a Vibram outsole, ten millimeter drop, layered mesh upper, and padded collar.

38. Hydro Flask Outdoor Kitchen Collection

$20 – $75

THE PROMISE: Kitchenware that鈥檚 ready to rough it, but sleek enough for fancy backyard cookouts.

THE DEETS: Eight pieces, including utensils, bowls, and lids, nest into a tote聽for easy portability. The stainless-steel construction is easy to clean and the double-wall vacuum insulation keeps foods hot or cold during travel.

39. Granite Gear聽Dagger 22L Pack

$100;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: It鈥檚 the ideal pack for ambitious dayhikers.

THE DEETS: The Dagger utilizes Granite Gear鈥檚 arch system to anchor the frame
to the hipbelt and distribute the load evenly. The 22-liter nylon packbag fits day trip essentials inside, but the stretch side and front pockets give it a little extra capacity.

40. Deuter Future Air Trek 50 + 10L

$250

THE PROMISE: This pack鈥檚 calling card is versatility.

THE DEETS: One pack for all: The ventilated mesh back and fit system adjusts to any body shape or size, while the detachable toplid lets you add or subtract volume. A U-shaped front zipper means you can get to any part of the pack quickly and easily. And a roomy side pocket is big enough for a hydration bladder.

41. Sierra Designs Nightcap

35掳F $150 / 20掳F $170

THE PROMISE: This zipperless bag is built with salvaged materials.

THE DEETS: Recycled, post-industrial fabrics that would otherwise go to waste form the 20-denier ripstop nylon shell, while the synthetic insulation is sourced from recycled water bottles. The bag has a self-sealing foot vent and an integrated pad sleeve.

42. Karukinka Tase

$329;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: This will be the midlayer you reach for time and again.

THE DEETS: Combining three types of wool鈥攁lpaca, llama, and merino鈥攊nto a single fabric is exciting, but comes at a high price point. All these cold-weather fibers have the overlapping benefits of wicking moisture and staying warm when wet, but the longer fibers of merino increase durability. Alpaca and llama fibers are hollow, contributing to the fast-drying and moisture-wicking performance.

43. 国产吃瓜黑料 Inside Explorer Essential Kit

$50

THE PROMISE: This kit is perfect for any kid who dreams of adventuring.

THE DEETS: Get your kids started early and safely with these essentials for exploring the great outdoors, whether it鈥檚 the backyard or the backcountry. The set includes a pair of binoculars, a legit orienteering compass, LED flashlight, a four-in-one whistle/thermometer, instructions, and a protective carrying pouch.

44. Bogs Footwear Kicker

$45

THE PROMISE: Life hack for parents: These eco-friendly, closed-toed kids鈥� shoes are easy on, easy off, and machine washable.

THE DEETS: Kids can use and abuse these shoes, all while keeping their feet dry, sweat-free, and less stinky. The new Bloom insoles come from algae blooms, which are dried into flakes and mixed with EVA to create a comfortable footbed, while also cleaning up water habitats.

45. Moon Fab聽Moon Shade

$350;聽Available Now

THE PROMISE: Versatile attachment hardware makes it easy to create ample shade whenever and wherever you need it.

THE DEETS: This portable, 420-denier polyester awning can attach to any vehicle or door frame (with heavy-duty suction cups) or even mount to trees, fences, and railings. When deployed, there鈥檚 nine by seven feet of coverage with UV protection and reflective coating. At eight pounds (including its own carrying case), it can easily go from ball games to campgrounds.

46. Odlo Active F-DRY Light Eco Sports Baselayer

$45

THE PROMISE: This fast-dry- ing tee is ideal for serious aerobic activity.

THE DEETS: Combining polypropylene with recycled polyester, this short-sleeved baselayer has a push-pull effect to regulate body temperature and keeps you smelling like a rose. And it鈥檚 ultralight at less than half an ounce.

47. EDELRID Tommy Caldwell Eco Dry CT 9.3 Rope

$300-$380

THE PROMISE: It鈥檚 a rope as eco-conscious as Tommy Caldwell himself, with the first and only dry treatment that鈥檚 safer for the environment.

THE DEETS: Available in three lengths with a 9.3-mm diameter, the rope coils without tangles and has extreme abrasion resistance. The bi-color sheath makes finding the middle a cinch. And the Eco Dry 100 percent PFC core and sheath dry treatment are free of the fluorochemicals commonly used to provide water- and stain-resistance to climbing ropes.

48. Level Six Freya Drysuit

$900

THE PROMISE: This women鈥檚 drysuit has a unique rear access so she can answer nature鈥檚 calls, quickly.

THE DEETS: The zipper for the rear relief area is designed to be non-irritating when paddling in a kayak, sitting on a raft, or standing up on a paddleboard鈥攕o basically comfortable all the time. The waterproof/breathable fabric is articulated for unrestricted movement, with reinforced knees and elbows聽for durability. The adjustable waistband system provides a precise fit.

49. MTHD Traverse Trail Run Short

$95

THE PROMISE: These men鈥檚 shorts are built to beat friction and irritation.

THE DEETS: A stretchy, 20-denier nylon paired with an underlying Polartec Power Dry polyester built-in boxer brief grants the flexibility and breathability runners need. A Polartec NeoShell pocket keeps your phone protected from sweat even while you鈥檙e Strava-ing a full day.

KEEN Ridge Flex Mid*

$170

THE PROMISE: These boots actually make hiking easier.

THE DEETS: KEEN says that the pliable TPU inserts at key flex points (across the forefoot and at the Achilles heel) in this midweight hiker require 60 percent less energy to bend. That saves energy and combats foot fatigue, but it also nixes break-in times and improves durability, as leather tends to break down earlier at flex points.

*This last-minute entry missed our deadline for voting but we love the innovation and suspect it would have scored well, so we鈥檙e including it here without a ranking.听

The post The Voice 50: The Hottest Gear of Next Season appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

This story originally ran in the Summer 2020 issue of The Voice.听

A few years ago, as the trade war with China heated up, Mark Wolf decided he had had enough. Already frustrated with theft of his company’s intellectual property in China鈥擶olf makes outdoor fire pits, camp grills, and fireproof covers, under the name Fireside Outdoor, among other products there鈥攈e shifted production of a large chunk of the work out of the country, to Vietnam.

Then, last winter, the coronavirus hit. And Wolf, like many in the outdoor industry, felt just how inextricably his fortunes remain tied to China.

The contagion all but shuttered the country for weeks, including its border with Vietnam and the flow of raw materials and components Wolf required. 鈥淲e had 13 containers sitting in Vietnam, stuck there. They were filled with kits waiting for nuts and bolts, the right fasteners,鈥� Wolf, the president of Fireside Outdoor, said about his predicament at the end of March. All of those nuts and bolts come from China. What鈥檚 more, he says, the aluminum ingots his Vietnamese factory needs also come from China. 鈥淭he coronavirus really exposed how dependent we are on China and their massive, disproportionate supply of raw materials,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nd that鈥檚 the key: disproportionate. It鈥檚 almost like Napoleon realizing he鈥檚 too far into Russia.鈥�

A reckoning is afoot, Wolf predicts. 鈥淲e can鈥檛 all leave China in the short term,鈥� said Wolf, who still makes 60 percent of his goods there. 鈥淏ut I can鈥檛 imagine there isn鈥檛 a boardroom in America that isn鈥檛 considering changing or offsetting their supply chain with China.鈥�

China has long been the world鈥檚 workshop, producing one fifth of the manufacturing output across the globe, according to the Brookings Institution, a public policy nonprofit. Increasingly, however, many companies have been wondering whether China is still the place to make their products. Some companies already have shifted elsewhere, or plan to. Nearly 40 percent of respondents in an American Chamber of Commerce in the People鈥檚 Republic of China survey in mid-2019 said they had either relocated manufacturing from China or were considering doing so.

This conversation is 鈥渁bsolutely front聽and center鈥� in the outdoor industry right now, says Drew Saunders, a member of the Outdoor Industry Association鈥檚 Trade Advisory Council and the country manager for Oberalp North America. Saunders knows from experience. He says that Oberalp鈥檚 brands鈥攊ncluding Salewa, Dynafit, and Pomoca鈥攈ave been making a 鈥渟low pivot鈥� away from producing apparel in China over the last five years. For other firms, the U.S. trade war with China and now the global pandemic that has convulsed through China and the rest of the world have forced them to face the question: Is China worth the trouble?

The issue seems urgent amid the economic crisis ushered in by the coronavirus, but the truth is that other factors are at play, and despite the reasons to leave, there are also compelling reasons to stay. Here鈥檚 what the manufacturing landscape looks like鈥攂oth in and out of China鈥攁nd why the only certain thing is that this question is not going away.

The Case for Leaving

Rising Costs

Until recently, the primary issue pushing companies to leave China was simple: the increasing cost of doing business there. Once, cheap labor was a huge draw. That鈥檚 no longer the case: Hourly labor costs in China-based manufacturing reached $5.78 in 2019, according to Statista.com. In Vietnam, it was $2.99 an hour.

Wages aren鈥檛 the only rising costs. The Chinese government has imposed increased regulatory requirements, and costs related to the environment have risen as well, as the country tries to address major pollution problems. 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 just dump stuff anymore,鈥� said Mary Lovely, a professor of economics at Syracuse University and a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Outdoor companies are all for reducing pollution, of course, but it still changes the cost of doing business.

Sitting like a sour cherry atop these varying concerns are the tariffs of the U.S.-China trade war. Those costs are driving Fishpond USA to seek manufacturing elsewhere. Fishpond has successfully relocated some of its softgoods production, but still has significant ties to China, says founder Johnny Le Coq. 鈥淥h yeah. We鈥檙e looking. We鈥檙e looking at every opportunity we can, for the factories who have the ability, from a quality perspective, to make our products,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ur duty on packs and bags made in China is now over 42 percent, up from 17.6 percent just a few years ago.鈥�

That extra cost creates another frustration, Le Coq says. 鈥淲ith reduced margins, the incentive to innovate within that category is reduced and compromised. And we live in a world of innovation.鈥�

That leaves few options, Le Coq said. 鈥淭he implications of the tariffs are forcing brands like us to move.鈥�

Human Rights

Concerns about working conditions in China are hardly new (see: Apple and FoxConn). Human rights violations aren鈥檛, either. But a report released in early March now links these two in a troubling way. The Chinese government has transferred Uyghurs, a Muslim ethnic minority, and also other ethnic-minority citizens, to factories across the country and is making them work 鈥渦nder conditions that strongly suggest forced labor,鈥� according to the report 鈥淯yghurs for Sale鈥� by the Australian Strategic Policy Group, an independent, nonpartisan think tank. The Uyghurs are in the supply chains of 鈥渁t least 83 well-known global brands in the technology, clothing, and automotive sectors,鈥� the report alleges, citing Apple, BMW, Nike, Patagonia, and L.L.Bean, among others.

In reply, companies told media outlets they take an ethical supply chain seriously and are committed to upholding compliance standards that prohibit forced labor. Patagonia and L.L.Bean both issued statements affirming this, with L.L.Bean saying, 鈥淥ur Supply Chain Code of Conduct strictly prohibits the use of forced labor of any kind. Our global compliance programs and auditors cover every country聽where a factory makes L.L.Bean-branded product, including China, and we are actively working with our fellow industry leaders, associations, and our partners in the region to ensure that our supply chain standards are being met at the highest level.鈥� Amy Celico, principal at global business consultant Albright Stonebridge Group, expects this issue will continue to be a big deal in the coming months. Some companies will decide remaining in China is not worth it, she says, given the need to police supply chains.

Emerging Alternatives

While forces within China are pushing companies out, there are opportunities elsewhere that are pulling them in. For example, skilled workers in other countries are drawing brands that need cut-and-sew manufacturing.

Vietnam is one of those places. Osprey discovered it years ago, and recently the ski glove maker Hestra USA followed suit. About three years ago, the company purchased a building there and installed new equipment, as part of a long-range plan to shift part of its glove production from China to Vietnam, says Dino Dardano, the company鈥檚 president. 鈥淲e鈥檝e had tremendous success鈥攕o much so that we actually expanded the facility by about 30 percent last fall to accommodate about 125 more workers,鈥� he said.

Dardano says Hestra has been in China for 50 years, owning two companies there in a joint venture. But experienced sewers are in decline there, and the company has not found young people to replace them. 鈥淚 can tell you that I鈥檝e had a lot of conversations with my peers and they鈥檙e faced with the same challenges when it comes to sewn goods,鈥� he said. Dardano attributes the change in part to China鈥檚 now-defunct one-child policy, and the problem is likely exacerbated by the natural evolution of a maturing economy.

Vietnam isn鈥檛 the only country benefiting from the exodus. South Asia saw a 34 percent increase in demand for factory inspections and audits in the first half of 2019 over the same period in 2018, according to supply chain consultant QIMA. And the migration is not limited to Asia. Tariffs and the coronavirus have also made it more appealing to bring production聽closer to home. The volume of inspections 鈥淎s a company has no plans to move production and audits ordered of factories in Latin America by U.S. businesses increased nearly 50 percent last year,” QIMA reported.

Another shift away from China came at the prompting of the outdoor industry itself. Travel goods鈥攍uggage, backpacks, sports bags鈥攎ade in China can be taxed steeply upon entering the U.S. Sensing opportunity, the outdoor industry lobbied to have such goods made eligible for the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a trade-preference program that allows qualified products to enter the U.S. duty-free when a substantial amount of their value is produced in more than 120 developing countries. The effort has been successful in recent years. 鈥淪ince that went into effect, we鈥檝e seen a movement out of China to Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and other GSP countries on travel goods,鈥� said Rich Harper, manager of international trade for Outdoor Industry Association. In 2015, China produced about 64 percent of GSP-eligible travel goods. By January of this year, that share of 鈥渕ade in China鈥� had been cut by 40 percent. 鈥淭he duty savings that first year was something like $90 million鈥� for outdoor companies, Harper says.

A Natural Evolution

What companies are experiencing overall with China is part of a natural evolution: As a country matures, so does the nature of the work that鈥檚 done there. You can see the Chinese government directing this transition, says Celico, of the Albright Stonebridge Group. 鈥淎s the country has become more economically advanced, it鈥檚 not just that it became more expensive to manufacture there, it鈥檚 that the Chinese government started to鈥攕orry for the lack of a technical phrase鈥攑ooh-pooh low-end manufacturing,鈥� Celico said. 鈥淭he government has started to become more selective about the kinds of manufacturing it wants to encourage, as well as the location of manufacturing facilities.”

Celico recalls working with a sporting goods manufacturer there. Government officials told the company they didn鈥檛 want the factory in the middle of Shenzhen anymore because the area was being turned into a high-tech manufacturing zone. 鈥淲e just decided that if we鈥檙e gonna move, we鈥檙e gonna move to Mexico,鈥� Celico said.

This evolution has played out elsewhere. Japan, for instance, became the place to produce cheap goods right after World War II, and was later supplanted by Taiwan. Eventually manufacturing went to places such as Korea. Thirty years ago, South Korea was the world鈥檚 primary supplier of backpacking tents. Now it supplies the high-end fabric and poles for those tents, but the tents themselves are made elsewhere. Today, South Korea has a booming outdoor recreation scene and its participants now buy those tents.

The Case for Staying

Quality and Capacity

Despite qualms about China, many outdoor companies say it鈥檚 not good for business to leave. For starters, the work is usually fast and high quality. Of course, not every company鈥檚 experience in China is the same because not every supply chain is the same, says Lovely, the economics professor. Small companies that don鈥檛 require much sophistication, or don鈥檛 need many subcontractors to make their products, can pick up and move rather quickly in the face of headwinds, she says. Meanwhile, very large multinational companies (Samsung, for example) may be able to shift production to another factory they own elsewhere, if trouble strikes. But a lot of outdoor companies probably fall in between the two, she says. Their products require knowledge to make, perhaps specialized equipment and techniques, a mature supplier system, and contractors and subcontractors. Finding this elsewhere is not easy, she says. That makes China 鈥渟ticky,鈥� as it were.

Big Agnes manufactures throughout Southeast Asia, including in the Philippines for furniture and, more recently, in Vietnam for stuff sacks. But the Colorado-based company has no plans to move production of its well-regarded sleeping bags and tents, the latter of which can command $700 or more, out of China, says founder Bill Gamber. 鈥淭he best sleeping bag manufacturers in the world are in China. Same goes for tents,鈥� Gamber said. In 2019, 95 percent of all down sleeping bags imported to the U.S.鈥攁nd nearly 90 percent of all kinds of sleeping bags鈥攃ame from China, according to statistics from the International Trade Commission.

Relationships

More than a physical factory and skilled workers keep Big Agnes in China, however. 鈥淎 really high-end, ultralight backpacking tent is not as complicated as an electric car,鈥� Gamber acknowledged. 鈥淏ut our supply chain is very specific for building a very specialized tent.鈥� Big Agnes鈥檚 manufacturer leans on an ecosystem of suppliers. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been working with both our factory and fabric supplier for 20 years,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t would take years to rebuild what we鈥檝e done.鈥�

Such talk of 鈥渞elationships鈥� is not mushy sentiment; a relationship can save you money, says Gail Ross, chief operating officer of Krimson Klover, whose apparel company continues to work with the same factory in China that it has for a decade, even as some of the brand鈥檚 manufacturing of sweaters and other clothing has shifted elsewhere. 鈥淚 can say, 鈥楬ey, do you remember that silhouette from five years ago? I want you to haul that out, and do this, this, and this with it,鈥欌�� Ross said. Less back-and-forth with a factory owner translates into less time and money spent air shipping prototypes. And a longstanding relationship means Ross only goes to the factory in person twice a year. 鈥淲ith brand-new factories, we need to go three, maybe four times a year.鈥�

A small company like Krimson Klover also found something else when shopping around for alternative manufacturing options: 鈥淭here are other countries鈥擨ndonesia, Vietnam鈥攖hat are really great at cut-and-sew and printing. But the minimums are much higher,鈥� Ross says. So, for now, the same Chinese factory that gets the 鈥渃arrot鈥� of her fall business is willing to accept the 鈥渟tick鈥� of her tiny spring production.

Culture

And then there are cultural differences that can work in China鈥檚 favor. In China, 鈥渁 normal shift is 12 hours,鈥� said Wolf of Fireside Outdoor. 鈥淭hey work seven days a week. And then they really, really enjoy their holidays.鈥� He added, 鈥淲hat we鈥檙e seeing in Vietnam, and we also saw this in the Philippines, is that they have a different work ethic. In Vietnam we鈥檙e having challenges where an employee won鈥檛 show up for three days. Then he just shows up on the fourth day and says, 鈥楬ere I am.鈥� It鈥檚 hard to do a production line when someone doesn鈥檛 show up at their post.鈥�

In China, workers historically have been more willing to move where the work is, says Neil Burch, who has 35 years of experience manufacturing in Asia and today is president of the North American group of Joinease, which designs, manufactures, and does market research for drinkware for the suppliers to Nike, Gatorade, and Brita. 鈥淏ut in Vietnam, they kind of want to live at [or near] home,鈥� he said, which can cause issues for manufacturers in locating and moving factories. Burch says his company聽has looked at Vietnam, and could establish a factory there eventually. But not yet.

And China is not alone in wrestling with issues of human and workers鈥� rights. Ethical ratings in Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines have been 鈥渟lipping,鈥� according to the consultant QIMA, and factory safety can be poor. (One outdoor company executive says she wasn鈥檛 comfortable leaving China for another country, where working conditions and human rights would be even harder for her to track.)

For his part, Burch鈥檚 company is refocusing on China. 鈥淲e鈥檙e looking at doubling down and reinvesting,鈥� he said.

Emerging Middle Class

An enormous reason to stay in China is the Chinese market itself. 鈥淐hina is poised to replace the United States as the biggest consumer market in the world,鈥� said Celico, from the Albright Stonebridge Group. 鈥淭hat is a massive change. This is a country of 1.4 billion people. The middle class is basically larger than the population of the U.S.鈥� China has a thriving outdoor gear market. It was worth $60 billion in聽2018, and it鈥檚 expected to be worth $100 billion by 2025, according to a 2019 report by Research in China.

鈥淎nd so, what a lot of companies are doing is sort of splitting the baby, saying, 鈥極K, maybe we have to diversify our global supply chain, but we still have to manufacture inside China, for China,鈥欌�� said Celico.

To Leave or Not to Leave

Every company will use a slightly different calculus to determine if it鈥檚 time to go. And many will find, like Wolf, that even when you decide to get out, truly disengaging from China is harder than it appears. But every company will have to confront the same basic issues, and this unavoidable fact: The worldwide ecosystem of manufacturing and consumer sales is more complicated, and more intertwined, than ever before. China is at the center of that world and no matter what you make or where you make it, managing how the global Goliath impacts your business matters more than ever.

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