Locally sourced gear for the outdoors-loving executive

With the internet, you can buy virtually any product from any corner of the globe. 

But sometimes doesn’t it just feel better to buy from a hometown company? 

The connection to the product is stronger. Maybe you go to church with the local company’s marketing director. Maybe your kids go to the same school as the founder. 

Thankfully, for outdoor recreation enthusiasts in the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado there’s no shortage of local gear companies. 

BizWest has compiled a brief list of products from such firms to help you represent the Front Range while chilling outside in the late summer and early fall. 

One of the reasons the region has become such a hotbed for gear manufacturers is the plethora of local opportunities to recreate outside, Outdoor Industry Association executive director Lise Aangenbrug said. 

“Our founders love to get outside,” she said. “So they place a priority when selecting where to locate their companies in places that have wonderful outdoor attributes.”

This provides “an advantage with consumers because you’re living your brand,” Aangenbrug said. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has been both a blessing and a curse for local gear makers.

One one hand, more people than ever are getting outside in search of fresh air after so many months cramped up at home. 

“That’s been great for our industry,” Aangenbrug said. 

On the other, the pandemic has gummed up supply chains across the country, sometimes making it difficult to fulfill the glut of new orders. 

“As we see COVID dramatically reemerging, it just contributes to additional supply-chain challenges,” Aangenbrug said. “People are learning to manage better, but COVID has made things very unpredictable.”

Here are some examples of locally sourced gear for you to try while the weather’s still warm. Hopefully they’re not all sold out.

Relaxing next to the pool

Crocs Inc., Broomfield

Classic Crocs Sandal – $39.99

Exploring the wilderness

Brunton Outdoor Inc., Louisville

Vintage Pocket Compass – $199.99

Camping

Kelty, Boulder

Varicom Complete System (sleeping bag/tent) – $1,049

Rock climbing

La Sportiva, Boulder

Cyclon (women’s climbing shoe) – $160

Running

Newton Running, Boulder

Fate 7 (men’s running shoe) – $140

Backpacking

Ortovox, Longmont (U.S. Headquarters)

Ascent 40 Avabag (backpack) – $750

Boating

Otter Products, Fort Collins

Venture 25 Cooler – $195.99

Cycling

Pearl Izumi USA, Louisville

Summit AmFIB Lite Pant – $160

Staying hydrated

Skratch Labs

Hyper Hydration Passion Fruit (drink mix) – $23.50

Fishing

Tenkara USA, Boulder

Rhodo Rod and Kit – $300

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