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.

The post Firefighters Asked for Special Backpacks. Mystery Ranch Delivered. appeared first on ���ϳԹ��� Online.

Truth: canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards are perfectly suited to family fun.

A day paddling on a mirror flat lake, fishing from a kayak, or splashing in the waves on a SUP for the first time can build vivid lifelong memories for kids and parents. And great specialty retail shops are often people’s first point of contact with the joys of paddlesports.

How can retailers introduce more families to these activities and build lifelong customers in the process? We turned to five of the continent’s coolest paddlesports retailers to get their advice for creating a thriving, bustling, shop full of happy families looking to get out on the water. Dive into their advice.

1. Throw a Party

Experience-based birthday parties are the top choice for many kids. Instead of paintball, the climbing gym, or trampoline park, offer parents the opportunity to host kayak parties, where they can get their kids and their friends into boats in a safe, comfortable, guided environment.

“When we first started offering youth kayak parties, every parent that received an invitation would call me with lots of questions and concerns. Fifteen years later, they don’t bat an eye, as kayaks have become prominent in everyday life. A party gives them a chance to develop a personal connection with our store and distinguish between different types and quality of kayaks. The cool thing is, the birthday boy or girl and many of their friends become hooked on paddling, adding paddling equipment to their birthday or Christmas wish lists, which is, of course, good for business.” —Dave Lindo, owner, OKC Kayak, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

2. Offer Something for Everyone

Space limitations often challenge a retailer’s ability to merchandise a variety of products, but if you want to attract families, you have to showcase gear for the whole gang.

“It’s so important to prominently display products for every size family member, whether it’s paddles, thermal apparel, or PFDs. It’s not just parents who need quality stuff. Kids will become lifelong adventurers if their early experiences on the water are safe, comfortable, and fun. Be sure to merchandise and present your product in a way that appeals to both kids and adults. When you offer products like swim goggles, masks, and snorkels near the PFDs, that diverse selection expands the activities offered within the store and purchase opportunities.” —Jonathan Earle, co-owner, The Outfitters, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada

10 Hot-Sellers in Family Paddlesports

OtterBox Yampa Dry Duffle

OtterBox’s waterproof Yampa Dry Duffle Keeps gear safe from water, sand, and dirt. Available in three sizes: 35-, 70-, and 105-liter. MSRP: From $249

Leader Adult Full-Face Snorkel Mask with Camera Mount

Delivering a whole new underwater experience, delivers easy breathing and fog-free vision. MSRP: $80

Astral Brewess Water Shoe for Women

With its super-sticky outsole and quick dry uppers the Brewess elevates the common sneaker to a new level of performance and versatility round the water. MSRP: $110

Leader Stingray Adult Goggle

blends the performance of a one-piece universal bridge design and hypo-allergenic silicone eyeseals with a minimalist strap design featuring a 1-Step strap adjustment system. MSRP: $22

Kokatat Naiad

Kokatat’s new women-specific life vest offers a soft external fabric and an internal PVC-free foam cut to allow for a liberated fit. Cool features: attachments on the back for a hydrations system, three zippered pockets, and two fleece-lined hand warmer pockets. MSRP: $139

Nite Ize Flashflight Discs

This light-up disc is a must have campsite game for all ages—day or night. MSRP: From $22

Perception Prodigy XS Kayak

Built especially for kids, the Prodigy’s sit-in design protects them from the elements and lowers the kayak’s center of gravity to further enhance stability for beginning paddlers. MSRP: $439

Leader Montego Bay Jr. Snorkel Kit

This three-piece snorkel kit includes a mask, adjustable fins, and a snorkel sized for kids sized for kids age seven and up. MSRP: $44

Old Town Inlet Junior

The feature-rich Inlet Junior is a comfortable, well-priced PFD, making it the ideal choice for kids who can’t get enough of the water. MSRP: $79

Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Kayak

Use the to add exercise and fun on the water to your daily routine. A kid’s jump seat makes family outings a breeze and there’s even enough room for your dog to join the family adventure. MSRP: $2199

3. Welcome First-Timers

Families looking for new adventures are thirsty for information. One of the best ways to turn interest into action is to host events that let them try paddling in a supportive environment.

“We’re located on a 22-acre lake, and we take full advantage of that by offering regular ‘Friendly First Timer’ demo events. Those first experiences are critical. If they have a good time, they’re coming back for a second demo. I have people come off the water with a grin on their face. It’s like a six-year-old boy getting off his first roller coaster. There are a lot of people that just haven’t had an opportunity to get into the right size equipment and be engaged by a great instructor. We want to be the ones to give people that.” —Joe Butler, owner, Black Creek Outfitters, Jacksonville, Florida

4. Host a Summer Camp

Working parents are always looking for wholesome summer daycamp experiences for their kids. Located in Bryson City, North Carolina, Nantahala Outdoor Center offers week-long beginner, intermediate, and advanced paddling summer camps for children age 13 to 17.

“With a high percentage of kids returning to our camps year-to-year we’ve established strong relationships with lifelong paddlers. We hear kids gets off the water and the first thing they say to their parents is ‘I’m coming back next year.’ We actually get mom and dad getting involved in paddling through these camps because if you can instill passion in a teenager, that can really pull mom and dad into paddlesports.” —Jan Wojtansinski, director of marketing Nantahala Outdoor, Center, Bryson City, North Carolina

5. Talk to the Kids

Everyone has a voice that needs to be heard. Take time to listen to what kids have to say and actively acknowledge their contributions.

“The first question I ask people is where do you see yourself going to paddle? The fears and the anxieties surface automatically, especially if someone is afraid of the water. Kids will blurt out, ‘my mom’s terrified to do this’. Parents will notice when you’re listening to the kids and answering their questions and concerns. That approach can lead to long term customer relationships with both parents and the children as they get older.”—Darren Bush, chief paddling evangelist, Rutabaga Paddlesports, Madison, Wisconsin

The post How to Drive Sales in Your Paddlesports Department appeared first on ���ϳԹ��� Online.