In honor of Black History Month, we’re spotlighting 24 Black-owned businesses across the outdoor industry. Get to know these companies doing good work and making awesome gear of all kinds.

Owner:��Brittany Coleman

Year founded:��2019, started selling in 2022

What We Do

Tough Cutie is a USA-made company producing active lifestyle socks designed for women, by women. It is the first and only women-owned sock brand with a majority women-owned value chain, effectively positioning itself as one of the highest-impact brands in terms of economic equality in the outdoors industry. Our first sock, Eve, launched in 2022 after a rigorous and thoughtful design process that centered on feedback from women. The result is an innovative, dynamic, and durable sock that literally and figuratively supports women in their walk through life.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“Tough Cutie is a woman-owned, Black-owned business that has invited women into the process of designing their own adventure and activewear apparel by centering on women’s feedback and functional needs. We continually strive to create equity in adventure and active lifestyle spaces through nonprofit partnerships and donations. Our company is structured to create opportunity and agency for communities that have historically been marginalized and neglected in the design room and the boardroom, specifically women and people of color. We are one of very few brands that can say one-hundred percent of our sales support women-owned businesses and our pledge to support equality and expand inclusivity is not simply marketing fluff or a top-down directive. When shoppers choose Tough Cutie, they truly have a chance to engage in mindful consumerism and impactful advocacy, with the added bonus of buying well designed, women-built socks.” – Brittany Coleman

Owner: Nate Elsey-Williams

Year founded: 2021

What We Do

Northside Bags makes outdoor packs and fanny packs for outdoor enthusiasts. Based in Duluth, Minnesota, Northside Bags is the second Black-owned hiking backpack business in the U.S. We strive to get more Black people and people of color outdoors. ‘The Survival Bag’ is our most popular bag—a hydration bag with a solar charging panel that can charge your devices while you explore the outdoors.

What Makes Us Special In The Outdoor Industry

“Northside Bags has a mission to protect public land and increase diversity in the outdoors. When you buy a fanny pack from Northside Bags, fifteen percent of our sales go to an organization called which helps the fight against sulfide-ore copper mining near the Boundary Waters area in Northern Minnesota.” – Nate Elsey-Williams

Owner: Lekisha Hamilton

Year founded: 2022

What We Do

Cycling Out Loud is a women’s cycling apparel company, that specializes in outfitting cyclists of all shapes and sizes in cycling skinsuits with unique, bold patterns with personality. We help cyclists feel comfortable and confident in their cycling apparel, regardless of their experience or skill level. We don’t believe cycling apparel is unisex and aim to bring custom cuts, measurements, and designs to meet the needs of women’s bodies.

What Makes Us Special In The Outdoor Industry

“Cycling Out Loud was born in 2020, the year of COVID. Many people were discovering cycling as a sport, and seasoned cyclists were spending more time on their bikes. I was a part of the latter, and as a result, I was shopping��for new cycling gear both online and in local stores and was extremely frustrated by the lack of options for women. Most of what I saw was majorly over-priced, lacked flavor and individuality, and simply wasn’t flattering to my body type and curves. The idea of Cycling Out Loud was born from this frustration. I wanted to bring bold, bright colors, designs, and personality to cycling apparel and ensure all cyclists had something they felt they looked great in, that was specifically designed with women’s unique physiques and curves in mind, and was available in non-traditional sizing.” – Lekisha Hamilton

Owners: Tony and Belinda Jones

Year founded: 2016

What We Do

South Carolina’s Morning Glory Homestead Farm is a small, Gullah family-owned farm, that uses regenerative agricultural and animal husbandry practices to provide the best quality produce, honey, eggs, and meats for our community and guests. We teach classes about farming, gardening, and beekeeping. We also offer guided recreational experiences that range from fishing and crabbing in the local waterways, hikes along our coastal trails, and RV and tent camping spaces for guests.

What Makes Us Special In The Outdoor Industry

“We are the first Gullah Geechee agritourism business on St. Helena Island to offer historical, cultural, culinary, and recreational experiences. Our unique monthly Gullah Campfire Supper with Stories and Songs events along with our St. Helena Island History and Culture Tours offer guests the chance to learn about the Gullah/Geechee culture while spending time in the beauty of the Sea Islands in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. We have hosted Women’s Camping Weekends to teach beginning and advanced camping and foraging skills. Our George Washington Carver Events center around the life and work of Dr. Carver, being a citizen scientist, beekeeping, mycology, art, and homesteading.

Visitors look forward to experiencing our historical programs and seeing us dressed in period clothing. They enjoy camping on-site, tasting Gullah cuisine, hearing our stories and songs, seeing the beautiful moss-draped oak trees and stately magnolias, watching the birds in their rookeries, and exploring the historical locations that make this area so special.” – Tony and Belinda Jones

Owner:��Karen D. Fultz-Robinson, Esquire

Year founded: ��2016

What We Do

ObservaMé manufactures and sells original designs of outdoor athletic apparel. We are the first active outdoor apparel line with a wrist opening for performance devices and watches. The product line has grown to include the signature shirts along with vests, performance pants, and a variety of accessories. The ObservaMé apparel line for men includes half-zip and crewneck shirts, hoodies, vests, full-zip jackets with hoods, and performance pants. Women’s athleticwear includes sports bras, half-zip and V-neck shirts, full-zip jackets with hoods, vests, hoodies, and long- and capris-style pants. Our high-quality sustainable fabrics have dry-wick properties to prevent chaffing and maintain the soft and supple feel expected by high-energy exertion performers. We offer compression designs for core support, increased endurance, and help with reducing fatigue.

What Makes Us Special In The Outdoor Industry

“In 2011, I decided to start running for my life. I was running from my overweight condition, potential diabetes, potential hypertension, and more importantly, for my mental health.��In my health journey, I became a marathoner and ran races around the world. The ObservaMé design concept was born during a 15-mile training run and after constant aggravation from tugging at the sleeve of the shirt to gauge my distance, heart rate, location, pace, and time. Access to fitness tracking devices should not be a distraction or obstacle. After a year of research and development, in 2016, I launched ObservaMé, a one-of-a-kind line of outdoor athletic apparel with a wrist opening for performance devices or watches.

ObservaMé focuses on giving people who are new or restarting a healthy lifestyle journey the tools needed to not quit. We take away the obstacle of measuring small wins along the way (i.e. whether its reaching the highest mountain side, running your fastest race, or walking the farthest distance) to keep you encouraged and turning motion into movement. We celebrate with people who see the positive impact of movement upon their mental health. The endorphins beat back the negative thoughts and our styles provide a positive self-reflection which is another confidence booster to help embolden our ‘whys’ for staying the course.” – Karen D. Fultz-Robinson, Esquire

Owner: Jade Akintola

Year founded: 2020

What We Do

ITA is the Yoruba word for “outside,” and is the first POC-led outdoor leisure brand in the United States. We’re inspired by our communities’ diverse cultures and ancestral connections to nature, but we’re also aware that these beneficial links have been damaged over time. Stirred by this unbalance, we’re dedicated to re-establishing those ties with nature. We create modern outdoor leisure products—like outdoor chairs, tables, totes, throws, beach towels, and apparel—and community-driven experiences to get people ITA. We’re also developing education and outreach programs that help people of color feel more comfortable and confident outdoors.

What Makes Us Special In The Outdoor Industry

“ITA is developing product collections for beach, park & trail, garden, and camping. We’re creating meaningful experiences that reduce barriers to entry, provide skills, and foster community. With educational content and impactful advocacy, ITA aims to be a catalyst for change and a promoter of the restorative power of nature.

Too many people feel like the outdoors is not for them. When I recognized my own feelings of not belonging and not feeling comfortable in the world of outdoor leisure, I channeled years of marketing expertise into understanding not only my own absence from this arena, but the absence of other people of color in many outdoor activities. Many external and internal barriers to participation soon came into focus, and ITA’s mission—to restore bonds with nature and set people up outside in comfort and style—was born. If more people in our communities, and beyond, are seeing outdoor leisure as a regular re-charging tool that’s beneficial for everyone, then we’re moving in the right direction! We hope you’ll join this empowering movement and get outside with us.” – Jade Akintola

Owner: Susan Clayton

Year founded: 2016

What We Do

WhitePaws RunMitts mittens are purpose-built to address the needs of runners, walkers, and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Our handwear features a pocket where you can stash a handwarmer packet, but the key design element is that you can flip open the top and push the mittens down over your wrist as you warm up. No need to peel them off and stuff them into a pocket. In the online shop, we offer a wide variety of running mitts, plus gaiters and face masks.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“During the course of my coaching with Back on My Feet Baltimore, I saw a real need. I could never find mittens or gloves that kept both my fingers and thumbs warm when training in cold weather, so I sat down at the sewing machine and invented one. I honed my sewing skills which has really paid off: I create and test my own prototypes, so I’m constantly improving my designs. And each pair is hand-cut and sewn in Baltimore. I guess you could call me a hands-on founder!�� I look forward to working with specialty outdoor retailers who think WhitePaws would be a good fit in their shops.” —Susan Clayton

Owner: Janelle Sheppard

Year founded: 2018

What We Do

Sweat and Sunshine is a nature-based wellness business that provides outdoor adventures and fitness experiences designed to maximize the restorative benefits of sunshine and natural spaces. We lead five different outdoor hiking experiences including: a 3.8-mile moderate hike into Hidden Valley, 2.4-mile challenging hike of Piestwea Peak’s Summit Trail, a 2-mile naturalist-focused hike, and two kid-friendly hikes that focus on adventure and science.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“Sweat & Sunshine is unique because each experience offers guests the opportunity to focus on both physical and mental health in the most stunning Sonoran Desert settings. No one can experience the mountains without deepening their connection to the natural world. There is no way to climb to the summit and miss your expanding chest with deep breaths; you’re always reminded that you’re alive and you’re part of the natural world. Guests nearly always learn or see something that expands their appreciation for our precious natural resources. They practice using their curiosity to see deeply and be present in the moment.” —Janelle Sheppard

Owner: Erik Saunders

Year founded: 2019

What We Do

Memory Pilot offers mountain bike fenders (both front and rear) made of high-density polyethylene resin in its Santa Barbara, California factory. Individuals, retailers, clubs, teams, and bike brands can choose from a slew of in-house designs or create a custom design of their own.

We also make compression cycling socks! We had a finicky relationship with socks, so we designed the perfect pair. Our Awesome Bike Riding Socks come in wool and synthetic versions. They have vertical ribs along the back to support the achilles and protect from pedal pins, thinner material across the ankle to alleviate pressure from shoe straps and buckles, and an open weave front for breathability.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“First, our focus is on independent bike dealers because I believe it’s important to be at the right retailers who are a part of the scene. Second, we make high-quality products with low minimums and fast lead times, so we’re easy to work with. In the case of custom mudguards and socks, we offer retailers the chance to local-source customized goods, at low MOQs (minimum order quantity), without sacrificing quality or margin.” —Erik Saunders

Owner: Mark Boles

Year founded: 2019

What We Do

Intrinsic Provisions is an outdoor apparel and accessories store in Hingham, Massachusetts. Our goal is to introduce customers to new brands that they otherwise might not have a chance to discover. We carry a curated selection of brands, but a wider selection of product within those brands. This allows us to tell a fuller brand story and communicate our commitment to certain brands versus others.

Intrinsic Provisions utilizes a hybrid business model akin to pop-up and traditional retail. This model enables us to have a couple of what we call “anchor” (somewhat mature yet emerging) brands, like Stio, which we know will draw in customers. Then we can introduce those customers to what we call “discovery” brands like Vermont Glove, Purist, Corbeaux Clothing, Ruggette, Reima. The anchor brands lend a halo of credibility allowing customers to have some trust in trying the discovery brands.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“We like to think of ourselves as brand storytellers, and the best stories happen outside. Intrinsic Provisions is more than just a store: it’s a place where passion lives. It’s a place where there’s a belief in community, where everyone is welcome. The items we offer are thoughtfully-curated because of a belief in those brands and the people behind them. Almost all of our brands are independently owned and have some element of sustainability and in several cases are certified B-Corps. We’ve taken the time to get to know these brands so we can convey their intrinsic value.” —Mark Boles

Owner: Livio Melo

Year founded: 2020

What We Do

Allmansright is an outdoor gear lab that specializes in ultralight gear including backpacks, cross bags, sacks, food bags, wallets, and more. We personally design and handcraft (to order) everything out of the Bronx and enjoy making things with the user in mind. Our name is inspired by a Swedish Law known as “The Right to Public Access,” because we believe access to nature is ‘allmansright.’ We donate two percent of our monthly profits to organizations that protect and diversify the outdoors.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“As a BIPOC owner from the Bronx with a degree in industrial design, I bring a new perspective to the outdoor industry on ultralight gear which is still primarily a cottage industry. Functionality and purpose is very important to me, and it shows in the designs we offer. I strive to make each product exciting and appealing to a diverse group of people. My ultimate goal is to have our gear inspire more people (BIPOC and inner city folks) to connect with nature!” —Livio Melo

Owner: Brandale Randolph

Year founded: 2013

What We Do

ROCKDEEP��sells outdoor and athletic footwear and apparel, including hiking, running, and trail running shoes, winter boots, joggers, shorts, hoodies, and winter jackets. Our core mission is to provide quality, function, and style at an affordable price.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“As a small company (based in Alexandria, Virginia), we don’t have the luxury of making products that aren’t comfortable the first time you wear them. If bigger companies make shoes that end up hurting your feet, you will give them another chance and maybe even several chances. We literally only get one chance to impress every customer. We differentiate ourselves by providing outdoor footwear which isn’t boring, and catches the eye, but also looks and feels good and is made of high-quality materials. We will proudly put our products up against anyone else in the industry and come out on top.” —Brandale Randolph

Owner: Jason and Joy Hunt

Year founded: 2015

What We Do

Elite Feet is a Delaware-based and family-owned retail specialty running store. Our staff is well trained in our Elite Fit Process. With this process, our goal is to provide an outstanding customer experience while striving to go the “extra mile” for our customers trying to live a more active and healthier lifestyle. We believe it is our duty to help educate our customers on the difficult shoe fitting process for walkers, runners, and growing kids.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“We use gait analysis to choose the right shoe for walking, running, cross-training and organized sports. We measure both feet for length and width, evaluate both arches, observe the customer on the treadmill, and ask a series of questions to determine the proper footwear for the customer’s specific activity. Because all feet are NOT created equal, each customer is individually assessed and given a recommendation based on their unique set of feet. We’re eager to work with new brands and expand our roster of high-quality trail running shoes.” —Jason and Joy Hunt

Owner: Mike Carey

Year founded: 1984

What We Do

Seirus is an outdoor accessories company. We make items that protect your head, hands, and feet. Our mission is to deliver the best products to enable every outdoor enthusiast to enjoy the greatest comfort and performance during any cold weather activity. We use the most advanced technology and fabrics which has resulted in innovative products like rechargeable heated gloves, our award-winning magnetized convertible mittens, and our new Heatwave Base Layers.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“I wanted to create the same thing for others that I wanted for myself, a business environment that provides the space to allow a collaborative being to flourish. What we are creating and working to preserve is a melting pot of stakeholders to build a more inclusive outdoors, filled with transformative experiences. All of this culminates into the development of innovative, high-quality essentials that support everyone to comfortably enjoy the outdoors.” —Mike Carey

Owner: Kevin Knight

Year founded: 2016

What We Do

Urban Events Global (UEG) is a travel company that cultivates adventurous events for professionals of color, like Urban Camp Weekend (UCW). UCW happens every year since 2011 in Canyon Lake, Texas, and draws 1,000 to 1,600 adults, making it the largest camping event in the country. UCW is all about networking, making new friends, and promoting unity while enjoying all nature has to offer.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“Our family reunion-style camping trip welcomes outdoor lovers to engage and enjoy themselves with other like-minded individuals for an activity-filled weekend, which includes river tubing, games, DJs and dancing, barbecue, volleyball, and more. During the UCW weekend, we allow Black-owned businesses to vend for free as it’s our goal to empower and support their growth. As Urban Events Global camps and travels across the world, we hope to encourage our community to explore through group travel and adventure.” —Kevin Knight

Owners: Josh and Amber Gordy

Year founded: 2012

What We Do

Warthen RV Park sits on 27 acres and offers 50 full-hook up RV lots and 12 spacious tent sites. Our amenities include water and sewage hookups, a laundry facility, two shower suites, a volleyball court, a walking trail, and free wi-fi. Warthen is a place where guests can relax, unwind, connect with nature, and recharge whether they’re staying for a night or a month.

Forty-five minutes away is our sister property D&D Outdoor Retreat. Guests can stay in beautiful yurts overlooking a fish pond, as well as a shooting range and walking and ATV trails. Day passes and seasonal specials, like a chef-prepared dinner and special activities around a campfire, are available.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“We like to provide not only a place to camp but an experience. Aside from relaxing by the campfire, many of our guests enjoy our guided ATV Trail rides, which gives them an opportunity to explore 27 acres of beautiful Georgia open land. They leave feeling as if they’ve just attended a family reunion thanks to our down-to-earth hospitality.” —Josh and Amber Gordy

Owner: Monica Garrison

Year founded: 2013

What We Do

Black Girls Do Bike (BGDB) exists to inspire more women, specifically women of color, to ride bikes, and we fund this work by sponsorship, contributions, and selling a variety of cycling swag in our shop designed to celebrate the body types and skin tones of women of color, including shorts, jerseys, jackets, and thermal bottoms. We are equally committed to creating more local BGDB chapters that invite new and old cyclists to join rides or cycling events at least once per month. We currently have 99 BGDB chapters all over the country, as far as Anchorage, Alaska, and we recently expanded beyond the U.S. to London and Antigua.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“BGDB supports initiatives across the country to get more women and girls riding bikes, such as an annual national meetup in a new city each year that brings lady riders together to ride and engage in fellowship. While we are excited about new initiatives like forming a BGDB race team to compete nationally, our top priority is to help break barriers for women in cycling, to encourage women to be bike advocates for change in their communities, and to model this healthy outlet to loved ones.” —Monica Garrison

Owners: Jahmicah and Heather Dawes

Year founded: 2016

What We Do

Slim Pickins Outfitters is a specialty outdoor retailer focused on building up our outdoor community through education and community events. We are the first Black-owned outdoor independent retailer. However, we aren’t the only ones anymore, and we won’t be the last. Our aim is to be a relevant space for our local community and cater to creative outdoor enthusiasts, while diversifying the outdoor industry, as it pertains to ownership and positions of leadership.

“We aim to be a mentor to other Black-owned and minority businesses. In the past, we have reached out to outdoor associations, brands, and even business organizations about starting an incubator & accelerator for Black-owned and minority-owned businesses, brands, etc. It never gained any momentum, but we hope that will change in the future. We have always dreamed of having an intern program connected with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) where we would have interns work at our company for 6 months. This would allow the interns to accompany us to trade shows and network with brands, companies, and other organizations. This is one of the ways we invest in our mission to diversify the outdoor industry as it pertains to ownership and leadership.” — Jahmicah Dawes

Owner: Patrick Robinson

Year founded: 2013

What We Do

Paskho sells high-performance and eco-friendly apparel for men and women, such as pants, shorts, tops, and outerwear. Patrick Robinson was a top designer for brands like Giorgio Armani and Gap. After a backpacking trip in Yosemite National Park, he was inspired by the durable, water-repellant, flexible, and multifunctional outdoor apparel and gear he used and decided to create his own line of sustainable clothes that were stylish and comfortable enough to go from work to play.

Nearly half of all fabrics used by Paskho are reclaimed and 85 percent are vegan. In addition to sourcing fabrics that use less water, energy, and toxic chemicals, the company offset its carbon footprint and donates a portion of profits to 1% for the Planet.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“In summer 2020, Paskho launched a new ongoing project called Community Made. Through Community Made, Paskho is producing a small number of clothing items on-demand through a large network of individual homes of pattern makers and seamstresses who live in the U.S. Paskho has launched the project in the homes of skilled makers in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, with plans to extend to Detroit and California. I hope this project will allow Paskho to provide fair wages and better working conditions for American makers, many of whom are from underserved communities that suffered job loss in the pandemic. If all goes well, we may soon move all of our production from factories in Asia and be an all-American made brand.” —Patrick Robinson

Owner: Al Berrios

Year founded: 2013

What We Do

Since 2013, Outerthere.com has been working with tour operators, rental partners, and other guides collaboratively to host hundreds of small-group hikes, bike rides, paddling trips, and more for beginners in our local New York City market. We’re on a mission to help everyone gain access, feel welcome, and be included in the outdoors.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“Outerthere is a mission-driven outdoor activities brand. We put our guests (aka ‘fam’) first. We don’t treat them like transactions. Rather, we invest heavily in access, support, and quality control of our experiences. That translates into programs that support our fam’s local communities so they can get outdoors easier. We create subsidies for fams going through financial challenges, and offer grants for local environmental conservation groups that include BIPOC feedback in their work. We have also created lending libraries for our fam because not having the fanciest gear shouldn’t be an obstacle to participating in outdoor activities. Most of our fam come from diverse backgrounds, are beginners in many of the activities on our calendar, and are concentrated in the New York/New Jersey area (though this fall we’re bringing our unique trips to Baltimore). We operate year round and about 30 percent of our fams book multiple trips per year.” —Al Berrios

Owners: Roland Burns and Ellie Lum

Year founded: 1998

What We Do

We launched R.E.Load over 20 years ago to design a better messenger bag. Today, we sell all types of cycling bags—basket, seat, and belted bags, as well as backpacks, saddlebags, and chain lock covers. All products are made by hand in Philadelphia. R.E.Load donates a percentage of sales from certain products, like the Lil Jawn Hip Pack, to a rotating selection of projects and groups that amplify Black cyclist voices.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“Cyclists can customize their R.E.Load bag to fit their needs. Bags and accessories can be tailor-made based on features for organization, reflective options, and colorful or long-lasting materials. Even minute details such as the color of the thread can be selected. More notable, R.E.Load was the first company to offer personalized appliqué graphics on messenger bags and continues to be hailed as experts for this specialized service.” —Roland Burns and Ellie Lum

Owner: David Boone

Year founded: 2014

What We Do

The Towne Cycles is a community-based bike shop that specializes in custom builds for commuters. We reuse or upcycle older parts and personally design bike builds for their intended use—whether that’s a daily commute, a race, or riding down the coast of California. That ensures that each bike is fitted to the buyer and no bike goes unloved. We also offer a small selection of pre-built bikes, frames, and parts for purchase.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“We care about community. We care about our buyers and what matters to them. We care that people (women, LGBTQ+, minorities, homeless people, etc.) are empowered and not shunned, neglected, or condescended to for who they are or what they know. The Towne Cycles serves many clientele at discounted rates, sometimes for free, and will work on bikes that other shops won’t. We love to solve a good problem and provide excellent service while doing so.” —David Boone

Owner: Abby Dione

Year founded: 2011

What We Do

Coral Cliffs is an indoor rock climbing gym in Ft. Lauderdale that offers 87 top-roped routes, 25 lead routes, bouldering, slabs, aretes, overhangs, arches, and roofs. The routes change on a weekly basis, so visitors never get bored and remain challenged. Coral Cliffs welcomes new and experienced climbers with classes, private instruction, gear rental, and single-day or seven-visit passes.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“I became the first queer Black woman to own an indoor rock climbing gym when I opened Coral Cliffs 10 years ago. Since then, I’ve tried to make my gym a safe space for BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, and young climbers. This has resulted in such things as a local youth rock climbing team and more women involved in the sport through our monthly Lady’s Night. During the pandemic, Coral Cliffs has struggled to stay open, but the nation rallied to save the gym, raising over $120K through a GoFundMe campaign.” —Abby Dione

Owner: Kokeb Kassa

Year founded: 2019

What We Do

At��Teffley, we make delicious Ethiopian plant-based snacks—crackers, barley kernels and bars—that contain all-natural ingredients like honey and cocoa, with no dairy or processed sugar. Teffley snacks are perfect to take on a bike ride, a hike, a weekend camping trip, or any adventure.

What Makes Us Special in the Outdoor Industry

“Barley Crunch (barley kernels) and Teff Crunch (crackers) are the favorite snacks of our world-famous Ethiopian runners. When these runners train in the high altitude mountains of Ethiopia, they count on these snacks to boost energy, increase immunity, and provide nutrients. Food is integral to any culture and our mission at Teffley is to connect cultures through food. These are snacks that we grew up eating in Ethiopia and now we are sharing them with the world.” —Kokeb Kassa

Article originally published on February 1, 2021 and updated on February 15, 2023

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Eagles Nest Outfitters Inc. (ENO), the leader in responsibly made hammocks and hammock accessories to help you explore, connect, and relax, unveils the , making its high-quality, bestselling hammocks more affordable and accessible than ever before. This hammock and straps combo, a first for the company, will quickly become your go-to hammock for any adventure.��

Inspired by the same hammock counterculture that ENO first introduced more than 20 years ago, the TravelNest Hammock + Straps Combo is designed to go wherever your adventures lead you. Featuring a simplified yet spacious single-panel hammock body, durable stainless-steel carabiners, bluesign-approved fabric, and patented no-knots-needed hammock straps, this versatile, responsibly made hammock is an excellent choice for beginner and seasoned hammockers alike. The hammock and straps pack into an attached stuff sack, storing everything you need to easily and quickly relax on the go, making this set the ideal travel companion.

“We are committed to building more sustainable and responsibly made products that enable more people to enjoy their time outside,” says Ryan Klinger, ENO’s chief product officer. “We hope that this economical and user-friendly hammock helps to remove barriers and inspires people to try hammocking for the first time.”

��The TravelNest Hammock + Straps Combo incorporates many of the features ENO users know and love, including:��

• Supremely comfortable, breathable, and fast-drying FreeWave 70D nylon fabric
• Spacious nine-foot hammock body with integrated stuff sack
• Stainless-steel carabiners quickly and safely connect to included hammock straps
• Patented strap design includes ten combined adjustment points
• No-Knots-Needed setup will have you relaxing securely in seconds
• Durable tree-friendly strap webbing with time-tested construction
• Compatible with all ENO hammock stands and accessories

��TravelNest Hammock + Straps Combo technical specifications:

• Weight: 28 ounces (794 grams)
• Capacity: 400 pounds (181 kilograms)
• Hammock Dimensions: 9 feet x 5 feet (2.7 meters x 1.5 meters)
• Hammock Strap Dimensions: 8 feet x 1 inch (2.5 meters x 2.5 centimeters)

The ($54.95) is available in three nature-inspired colorways: Charcoal, Marine, and Moss. It is compatible with all ENO hammock stands and accessories, including hammock stands, bug nets, rain tarps, insulation, and more. The TravelNest Hammock + Straps Combo is available and at specialty across the country.

About ENO

Founded in 1999 and based in Asheville, North Carolina, Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) is the leader in creating responsibly made hammocks and hammock accessories to help you explore, connect, and relax. ENO distributes its products online, at specialty outdoor retailers across the nation, and in more than 13 countries. As a bluesign System Partner, ENO is proud to be committed to the journey of building more sustainable and responsibly made products and to partner with an exemplary network of nonprofit organizations as a member. For more information, visit .

ENO is the leader in creating responsibly made hammocks and hammock accessories to help you explore, connect, and relax. As a , ENO is committed to building more sustainable and responsibly made products. ENO also donates 1 percent of sales to nonprofits as a member.

The post ENO TravelNest Hammock + Straps Combo Makes It Easier Than Ever to Hammock appeared first on ���ϳԹ��� Online.

In 2005, Mystery Ranch received a box of worn-out backpacks from a group of United States Forest Service (USFS) wildland firefighters in Southern California, otherwise known as “hotshots.” The box came with a challenge. “Here’s what we are currently using in the field. Can you do better?”

Hotshot crews are the first line of defense against wildfires threatening lives and property. In the fire 2022 season, more than 750,00 acres of forest burned. Working dawn till long after dark, hotshots rely on a critical set of equipment, including their backpacks.

With proven experience building backpacks for enthusiast and military markets, Mystery Ranch’s team set to work and designed prototypes, then sent them out to fire crews for real-world field testing.

“There weren’t ,” recalled Marcus Cornwell, fire management officer in New Mexico.“I have scars on my hips from the old packs, and that’s how bad they were.”

Before Mystery Ranch’s involvement in the wildland fire market, firefighters used military style backpacks that lacked durability and had very limited ability to customize for their specific gear hauling needs.

The Bozeman, Montana, company launched its first wildland fire-specific backpack, The Hotshot, in 2007 (retail prices start at $319). Since then, the line has expanded to include seven packs specifically designed for hand crews, fire engine crews, helicopter teams, and medical personnel, plus women-specific models. By 2010,115 hotshot crew members were equipped with Mystery Ranch packs.

Luke Mayfield is the brand’s fire program manager. His prior experience included 18 seasons working with the United States Forest Service, and twelve of those years were spent with hotshot crews.

Since the Hotshot’s launch, sales have grown at least 20 percent year over year. That growth increased to 30 percent in 2021-2022. The Hotshot and Engine models sell over 6,000 units, respectively each year. “It’s safe to say that we have 80 percent of the hotshot market,” Mayfield said.

“Mystery Ranch listened to our feedback, then gave us gear that was designed for people specifically in our line of work,” said Ben Strahan, a hotshot superintendent in region five, which covers national forest land in the North Cascades, the Sierra Nevada, and more. “They’re paying attention to what this niche consumer wants.”

Mayfield’s emotional and professional commitment to his former hotshot colleagues burns as hot as a wildfire. “I firmly believe that we provide and build the best load-bearing packs in the world for wildland firefighters,” he said. “I want to do everything I can to see all firefighters have the best gear possible to keep them as comfortable as possible in uncomfortable situations.”

“Everybody on the hotshot crew is asked to carry extra weight like a hose or medical equipment,” said Jeremiah Jacks, hotshot squad leader in the Pacific Northwest. “The Hotshot has a beefed up suspension system to handle heavy loads up to 50�� to 60 pounds, plus so many different buckles and attachment points so we can attach any type of gear.

Season by season, Mayfield keeps in touch with a network of current and former hotshot crew members, prodding them for their insights and suggestions to fine-tune pack designs. One complaint he heard frequently was frustration with the positioning of the fire shelter pouch, which the USFS requires all wildland firefighters to carry. The 5-pound fire shelters, constructed of fiberglass and aluminum, serve as a “last resort ” method to escape a life-threatening fire situation.

Typically, fire shelters are stored in a pouch at the bottom of the pack for easy access. Firefighters complained of bruised and chafed legs from the pouches bouncing around as they worked a fire line.

So Mystery Ranch changed the design and moved the pouch away from the body. “The new design is now completely off your butt housed in a rugged, secure box,” said Jacks. “This was a much-needed change, and they took time to give us the fix we needed.”

Product design isn’t the only way Mystery Ranch supports hotshot crews. Strahan points out that loyalty for Mystery Ranch packs is fueled by more than just good gear. “They’re helping and supporting the [wildland firefighter] community, and that speaks volumes about who they are. They’re not just selling stuff; they are also an active member of the community.”The company’s Backbone Scholarship Program has awarded more than $12,000 for professional development, and ten percent of proceeds from selling special edition packs fund the scholarships. The company is also heavily involved in wildland fire policy issues. Mystery Ranch supports Mayfield’s work as vice president of the Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, a nonprofit advocacy group focused on improving working conditions for wildland firefighters.

“My number one priority is doing everything I can to provide packs that keep hotshots as comfortable as possible in uncomfortable situations,” says Mayfield.

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the international leader in PFC-free high-performance technical cleaners and waterproofing products for outdoor apparel, footwear, and gear, has introduced the world’s highest-performing waterproof downs. Nikwax Hydrophobic Down+ (NHD+) and Nikwax Hydrophobic Down Recycled (NHD Recycled) offer brand partners the highest-performing waterproof down insulation while also being completely free of all PFCs.

Nikwax Hydrophobic Down+

The world’s highest-performing waterproof down fill:

• �� �� �� �� Completely PFC-free formula
• �� �� �� �� Exceeds 10,000 minutes on the IDFB 18a Shake Test
• �� �� �� �� Responsible Down Certified (RDS)
• �� �� �� �� Available in 650–900 fill powers
• �� �� �� �� Keeps users dry more than 600 percent longer than competing waterproof down products
• �� �� �� �� Designed for lasting performance with Nikwax aftercare products

Nikwax Hydrophobic Down Recycled

The world’s highest-performing waterproof recycled down fill:

• �� �� �� �� Completely PFC-free formula��
• �� �� �� �� Exceeds 1,000 minutes on the IDFB 18a shake test
• �� �� �� �� Composed completely of recycled down fill
• �� �� �� �� Global ��Recycled Standard (GRS) certification available
• �� �� �� �� Available in 650–800 fill powers
• �� �� �� �� Keeps users dry more than 900 percent longer than untreated down
• �� �� �� �� Designed for lasting performance with Nikwax aftercare products

With 45 years of experience in high-performing PFC-free aftercare products, Nikwax is able to deliver the highest-performing hydrophobic down products to outdoor-industry brands. Nikwax understands its fundamental responsibility to preserve the natural environment while preventing further damage to the planet and its people. The company continues to lead with innovative, sustainable, ethical, authentic, and fair practices.

“Our industry partners have been searching for high-performing, PFC-free, sustainable hydrophobic down fill options, and we’ve been able to deliver two that are not only PFC-free but perform better than anything else in their respective categories,” says Nikwax North America President Brian Davidson. “Nikwax is known for being a leader in PFC-free chemistry, sustainability, and high performance, and we’re looking forward to elevating our brand partners with these new insulation options.”

Founded in 1977, is the trusted global leader in environmentally safe cleaning and waterproofing solutions that extend the performance life of outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment. The brand’s 45-year commitment to clean chemistry means never using PFCs or aerosols and not testing on animals. Its product line is water-based and non-persistent, and all product bottles are made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled plastic that can be recycled again. Nikwax has carbon-balanced all 45 years of its operations and recently became an employee-owned trust.

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The Outerwear and lifestyle clothing company continues to bring its direct-to-consumer model into the brick-and-mortar reality with the scheduled opening of three new stores in 2023.

The Jackson, Wyoming-based company announced it was launching three new storefronts in California, Montana, and Massachusetts, its first in those states. These new stores will bring Stio’s total retail locations to ten.

“We started in Jackson Hole with a goal to be an authentic mountain lifestyle brand,” founder and CEO Stephen Sullivan told ���ϳԹ���. “Our apparel has resonated so far beyond the Tetons, and now we’re excited to offer the brick-and-mortar experience to those across the U.S.that have shopped online with us for so many years.”

The Boston, Massachusetts, store is scheduled to open Jan. 6 in the Seaport neighborhood where it will join Helly Hansen, Everlane, Lululemon, Filson, and Outdoor Voices storefronts. The South Lake Tahoe, California store is expected to open in spring 2023 at Heavenly Mountain Resort.

“What attracted us to South Lake Tahoe is its location,” said Megan Odom, director of retail at Stio. “You can access the lake, incredible singletrack trails, resort and backcountry skiing just minutes from our storefront.”

The Bozeman, Montana, store is expected to open in late 2023, the company said.

Called Mountain Studios, these Stio stores are in addition to 58 Stio Outpost kiosks within other outdoor stores and ski shops across the country.Stio was founded in 2011 by Stephen Sullivan as an online direct-to-consumer brand. Sullivan previously founded the brand in 1997 with Brian Cousins, and in 2005. Cloudveil had more than 600 retail stores and $25 million in revenue when it was sold.

“My years with Cloudveil taught me a great deal in growth strategy, which I’ve translated into Stio’s expansion plans slowly and steadily over the years,” Sullivan said. “Stio is actually 4 times larger in annual sales than Cloudveil was at its height of sales.”

As for goals of seeing Stio’s pinecone logo as ubiquitous on slopes and trails as other brands such as Patagonia and The North Face, Sullivan said it’s more important to him to keep Stio’s brand “true to its mountain roots.”

“I’m extremely proud of how successful the brand has been and how much we continue to grow,” he said. “We have over 150 employees and are broadening our omni-channel approach by expanding our wholesale base, increasing our owned retail storefronts, and growing our corporate and group business.”

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VF Corp., parent company of the North Face, is looking for a new leader after the sudden retirement of CEO Steve Rendle.

The parent company of the North Face announced Rendle’s retirement this week with Benno Dorer, lead independent director of the VF board of directors, temporarily stepping into the role of VF Corp.’s interim president and chief executive officer.

Rendle has been with VF Corp. for 25 years, serving as CEO for the past five.

“It has been an honor to lead VF as CEO over the last five years,” Rendle said in a statement. “I depart with the deepest gratitude for the extremely talented and dedicated global team at VF. I remain as confident as ever in VF’s tremendous potential and look forward to watching the company’s continued success.”

Dorer joined the VF board in 2017 and has served as the lead independent director since 2021. He is a member of the board of directors of Origin Materials, Inc. He served as executive chair of the board of the Clorox Company from September 2020 to February 2021, chief executive officer of Clorox from November 2014 to September 2020, and chairman of the board of Clorox from August 2016 to September 2020. Prior to joining Clorox in 2005, he worked for the Procter & Gamble Company in various marketing and sales roles in the U.S. and Europe since 1990.

“The board thanks Steve for his many contributions and leadership during his nearly six years as CEO and nearly 25 years with VF,” said Dorer. “Steve’s commitment to the business, passion for building strong brands and focus on culture have helped VF evolve our portfolio of strong active-lifestyle brands and establish VF as a purpose-led company. We wish Steve well in his future endeavors.”

The move and search for a permanent CEO comes as VF Corp. tempers its fiscal year 2023 outlook.

“VF is revising its FY23 outlook largely to reflect the impact of weaker than anticipated consumer demand across its categories, primarily in North America, which is resulting in a more elevated than expected promotional environment as well as order cancellations in the wholesale channel to manage trade inventories,” the company said in a release. “Also impacting the outlook, but to a lesser degree, are the higher than expected impacts from inflation on consumer discretionary spending in Europe and ongoing COVID-19 related disruption in China.”

VF said it expects total revenue growth in the second half of FY23 to be lower than previously outlined, with revenue for the full year expected to increase 3 percent to 4 percent, compared to the previous guidance of up 5 percent to 6 percent.

In October VF Corp. announced the opening of 300 new stores and outlets worldwide over the next five years, including 70 new stores in North America, and in August announced the layoffs of 600 positions at the company.

VF stock fell 11 percent to $29.51 at market close December 5, the day of the announcement of Rendle’s leaving. It finished November up 16.18 percent above the end of October, from $28.25 at the October 31 close to $32.82 at the November 30 close. VF stock closed at $28.67 December 8, 2022, compared to a $77.12 close on December 8, 2021.

In addition to the North Face VF Corp. brands include Vans, Timberland, and Dickies.

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Cordura re/cor fabric launched at the beginning of this year. Now, with the limited-edition tote from Bach Equipment, the first European bag has been introduced.

“We make it a priority to continually bring new ideas and products to our brand and retail partners, as innovation is at the core of what Cordura truly is. Working with the talented teams at Bach Equipment to develop the durable, reliable, and recycled next generation of a bag together has been an amazing opportunity to bring together the rich heritage we all share. This limited-edition of a tote bag is a great way to honor our longstanding history with Bach Equipment,” says Malayka Erpen, Global Consumer Segment leader for Cordura Brand.

The limited-edition tote bag with Cordura re/cor RN66 is made from 100 percent preconsumer fiber material that is 100 percent GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified. In terms of quantifiable benefits, the production of Cordura re/cor��RN66 creates 83 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions, uses 82 percent less energy, and uses 57 percent less water than the production of N66.

��“Since the beginning, we used Cordura fabrics and never had regret about it. When we heard about the new Cordura re/cor, we were very excited about this new fabric development as it gives the option to ensure durability by decreasing the resources that are needed to create the fabrics. There is a need for more environmentally friendly products, and we are partnering with Cordura to answer the demands of the market without compromising on our values,” explains Nadia Zoller, Product Designer for Bach Equipment.

Backpacks and bags from Bach Equipment with Cordura re/cor��RN66 will be commercially available in the 2024 collection.

Cordura fabric is a primary ingredient in many of the world’s leading high-performance gear and apparel products ranging from casual apparel and activewear to footwear, backpacks, military/tactical wear, and workwear. The Cordura brand is a registered trademark of Invista, one of the world’s largest integrated polymer, intermediates and fibers businesses. To learn more about Invista’s Cordura brand, end-use products, and marketing tools, please visit��, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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With consumers setting out to find that perfect gift for each person on their lists, how can brands cut through the holiday clutter and stand out among their competitors? Finn’s Consumer Lifestyle and Sports team has observed several gift-promoting trends across multiple industries that are doing just that, by tapping into the magic of getting outdoors together.��

“Nothing hits home on the holidays more than getting outside with the ones you love,” said Missy Farren, Managing Partner of Finn’s Consumer Lifestyle and Sports practice. “After a crazy couple of years, we’re thrilled to see more of our clients across wellness, outdoor, and sports industries continue to encourage their customers to give the gift of the outdoors and keep the adventures endless this holiday season.”��

is empowering consumers to treat not only their friends and family for the holidays, but themselves as well. With its great-tasting non-alcoholic craft beer, consumers can enjoy a beverage at the holiday party without the limitations of a traditional brew. Best Day enables consumers to get outdoors for some quality time for that family hike or bike ride, without feeling weighed down by last night’s eggnog.

A gift that is always in style is one that gives back to the community. We’ve seen this firsthand with. Each quarter, the all-weather outdoor lifestyle brand offers a new sock design made from overstock yarn, with all proceeds benefiting the Vermont Foodbank. New gear for everyone on your list, while also helping to end hunger in Darn Tough’s home state? It’s a no-brainer.��

Two brands are capturing the feeling of playing beloved outdoor sports and bringing it comfortably indoors for the holidays. We’ve worked with to highlight its realistic VR models that simulate the weight and balance of an actual tennis racket. Sense Arena’s unique VR physics replicate the real behavior of a tennis racket and ball, allowing you to hone your skills and stay active in the comfort of your home.��

Similarly, we know golfers across the Northeast and Midwest have likely already put their clubs away for hibernation. However, brings the beautiful greens inside year-round with its golf simulator fit for players at any level. Like Sense Arena, TruGolf helps you keep it moving all winter and emerge with a new technique to show off when the weather warms up.

And for outdoor enthusiasts who aren’t deterred by a little blizzard, our client offers a quiz to help shoppers from Florida to Alaska find the perfect jacket for anyone. The brand’s nearly 50 years as a trusted leader in outdoor performance lands it on the top of consumers’ wish lists year after year and keeps adventurers layering like pros.��

From iconic outdoor brands to wellness, virtual reality, sports, and beyond, savvy marketers are making the sale by emphasizing how they can help get consumers outside this holiday season.��

Founded in 2011 on the core principles of innovation and collaborative partnership, Finn Partners has become one of the fastest-growing independent public relations agencies in the world. With more than 1,300 professionals across 33 offices, Finn provides clients with global access and capabilities in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Finn Partners clients are also supported through longstanding partner agencies and its membership in the PROI network of leading agencies around the world. Find us at and follow us on.

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Say hello to versatility and portability with MPOWERD’s newest innovations. Earlier this year, the company launched the transformative two-in-one headlamp and flashlight, the , and the first product in its new Viri® line, . Then in November, MPOWERD rolled out the third member of its popular String Lights family. The provides on-the-go illumination, but because the Power Hub can recharge separately from the string, it can also be part of a more permanent setup.

focuses on creating innovative, reliable, sustainable products that utilize solar energy. Since the company was founded in 2012, its product line has expanded from its original inflatable solar light to include a modular solar bike-light set; Luci Explore, a unique solar speaker and wake-up light; and much more.

With its strong commitment to reducing emissions and the overall global carbon footprint, MPOWERD has helped to avert over 3.1 million tons of CO2 to date, while touching millions of lives along the way.

“Human needs drive our impact deployments, as with the lights we sent to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Ian, or in Ukraine, where many are displaced and without basic necessities,” says John Salzinger, MPOWERD founder and chief business development officer. “The averted CO2 is the additive positive by-product of our technologies, which are distributed by our amazing partners like World Central Kitchen, SBP, Amazon Disaster Relief, and Waves4Water.”

Now, a little more about its exciting new products.

Starting with the latest: provides up to 50 hours of energy-efficient light on a single charge and features a 44-foot braided-nylon cord with 20 shatterproof bulbs shining up to 140 lumens. Along with the detachable 4,000-mAh rechargeable battery and mobile charging capabilities, these solar string lights offer enormous versatility. While the lumen count and length are competitive, the fact they’re completely wireless and portable is huge. The detachability means they can be set up wherever and whenever needed, no matter where the closest power source is and with no messy wires. This device is completely untethered, making it perfect for the middle of the backyard, the living room, or your RV.

The highly anticipated is the first of its kind and delivers up to 300 lumens in a water-resistant body. This long-lasting and rechargeable utility light can be switched from handheld to headlamp with a quick snap of its magnetic connectors. It’s the ultimate dynamic duo for any handyman, crafter, fitness enthusiast, or adventurer.

Product innovation and a commitment to environmental and social betterment are top priorities of MPOWERD. This year, MPOWERD was both a finalist in Outdoor Retailer’s 2022 Inspiration Awards for contributions in these areas and on the Real Leaders Top 50 Eco Innovation Award List. MPOWERD products have won prizes from Best for The World Changemakers, Katerva Sustainability, CES Innovation, United Nations Aim2Flourish, and more.

MPOWERD’s solar-powered products are the gifts on everyone’s list this year. Discover the full selection at .

MPOWERD is on a mission to transform lives with thoughtfully designed, clean technology. As a certified B Corporation and Benefit Corporation, MPOWERD sets strict standards, ensuring that its work enhances both society and the environment. The company’s innovative products give people the power of self-reliance as well as moments of wonder—because everyone deserves to be empowered and inspired regardless of where or how they live. Learn more at .

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Patagonia sells its Snap-T fleece for $149 or less—but the colorful midlayer could be worth a lot more than that if things go the brand’s way in court.

Last week, Patagonia filed a lawsuit against Gap, accusing the apparel company of copying its longstanding Snap-T fleece design. The complaint includes a photo of one of Gap’s pullover fleeces, calling it a “look-a-like product” that is “using a highly similar rectangular logo, all designed to make it appear as though Patagonia is the source of Gap’s products or has collaborated with Gap.” Both garments feature a bright, colorblocked pattern; a snap-closure neck; a triangular, snap-closure chest pocket; and a rectangular logo above the pocket featuring a mountain skyline. Gap’s version is currently available for $79.95.

According to the lawsuit, which the brand filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Patagonia launched the first version of the pullover in 1985 and added the snap pocket four years later, “and an iconic design was born.” The piece appeared in a 2017-2018 exhibition called at New York’s Museum of Modern Art; the show’s catalog noted that the Snap-T’s “functionality and bright color palette took fleece out of the woods and onto the street.” The Snap-T was also featured in the “Values of Design” exhibition, which debuted in 2017 at the Victoria and Albert Gallery in Shenzhen, China. The fleece has remained in Patagonia’s line for decades.

“A brand’s value is in its distinguishing features,” says Sarah Hartley, a partner at international law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner who specializes in part in outdoor industry legal issues (she is not involved in this lawsuit). Not only can trademark infringement take away a brand’s sales, she notes, but it also devalues a company’s reputation. “Particularly with Patagonia’s forward-looking and progressive political stances that they’ve taken, there are people who want to be associated with them. That consumer connection is really valuable. You want to make sure that you don’t have people trying to trade off of the goodwill that you’ve built up with your customers over many years.”

The document, which does not name a specific dollar amount for damages, lays out a long list of harms Gap has caused, including making the public falsely believe Patagonia has partnered with Gap, damaging Patagonia’s reputation, diluting its trademarks, and deceiving customers. It even includes a one-star Gap customer review for the pullover calling it an “Obvious Pata*gonia ripoff” and noting “I had to zoom in just to ensure that the logo was Gap.”

Patagonia’s lawsuit also alleges that “there is no question that Gap’s copying has been willful and deliberate,” based on how similar the two designs are. It adds that Patagonia has warned Gap in the past to stop infringing on its products and logo. A spokesperson for Gap declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation; a Patagonia representative also declined to speak with ���ϳԹ���.

This legal action joins a similar lawsuit Patagonia filed against Walmart and one of its suppliers, Robin Ruth USA, in early October. That suit accuses Walmart and Robin Ruth of copying its famous “P-6” trout logo on products like a T-shirt bearing the word “Montana” instead of Patagonia. “In the nearly-50 [sic] years since Patagonia’s business started, PATAGONIA brand and its P-6 logo have become among the most identifiable brands in the world,” the lawsuit states. “Defendants’ actions have caused and will cause Patagonia irreparable harm.”

“This is not an out-of-the-ordinary kind of lawsuit for a business to bring,” Hartley says. “In order to maintain the value of your company, you’re going to do what you need to do to protect your brand.”

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