This month’s just concluded Outdoor Retailer show, marking the event’s return to Salt Lake City after five years, highlighted a good representation of creative entrepreneurship and collaborations. Even for those not interested in outdoor recreation, there were many inventive, artistic, and elegant product lines that showed that the market tent can be expanded to accommodate virtually any lifestyle, aspiration, or appeal. The next Outdoor Retailer event will take place at the Salt Palace Convention Center, June 19-21. The Utah Review highlights many examples.
PAKA APPAREL
Kris Cody, a paragon of bootstrapping for aspiring entrepreneurs and a model of how to make a business work, transformed the unforgettable impression of the handwoven alpaca wool sweater that he bought nearly eight years back from a Quechua woman while on a trip in Cusco, Peru, into Paka Apparel. The company also won an Innovation Award at this month’s Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City. The award was given for Paka’s patent-pending PAKAFILL® insulation, which has consistently tested as staying warmer and drier than customary synthetics in lightweight puffers.
Cody spent 2015 traveling throughout South America as a gap year, before he began his University of Virginia neuroscience degree. Cody noticed, while back in the U.S., that the sweater handwoven from Quechua artisans felt more soft than cashmere and merino sweaters.
Cody was enthralled by the compliments and made a move that would amaze any experienced entrepreneur. Completing his freshman year, he returned to Cusco, wondering if he could turn his dream of bringing traditionally-made Incan apparel to the U.S. “I bought a ticket for a one-way flight,” he says in an interview with The Utah Review. Soon he established a network, including many women, of artisan weavers. As he explained in a UVA feature from 2017, “Last summer it was just a dream. The first round of sweaters was my design. Every single morning, I’d go over and meet with the Chaskis, a family of weavers outside Cusco. We’d cook eggs together and work on prototypes. It was really a shared vision.”
Along with the prototypes for apparel he created using the Quechua craftsmen’s input, he realized the craft was an anthropological medium for preservation and expression of indigenous culture. It also served as a way to empower the weavers in Peru and the Alpaqueros, Peruvian families located in the Andean highlands. The alpaca herds they oversee are usually 60 to 90. Cody says that while it takes four sheeps to shear enough fleece to make a single sweater of sweater, one alpaca can produce enough fleece to make four. Alpacas must also be sheared at minimum once a year. This protects them from overheating, immobilization, predators, and parasitic infections.
Cody was back in the U.S. when he created a website with his friends that featured the first Paka sweaters. He won a spot in UVA’s i.Lab summer incubator to guide the founding of the company. He understood the power of social media and influential influencers like many millennials. These included Leah Dawson, a pro surfer, Chase Josey from the U.S. snowboarding team and Chance The Rapper. The company was launched in 2017 with a successful Kickstarter campaign. Yes, he did his neuroscience degree.
Cody created Paka to give direct economic returns to the weavers who sign every piece of clothing. There are more than 100 Quechua women employed, and they are paid four times the regional average family living wage. A university scholarship program was also established by the company, which provides six full-ride scholarships for Peruvian women. One of the board directors is Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a Quechua weaver who established the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco more than a quarter of a century ago. Cody says that it was important to ensure the weavers have a voice in ensuring the cultural integrity of Paka’s apparel and products and Alvarez is overseeing those efforts.
Cody’s scientific background and his experiences in the Andean Highlands have expanded into other products for the company. Focusing on the challenge of making products that avoid the micro plastics contamination problem, the company now offers lightweight puffers which are packed with alpaca fiber — the award-winning PAKAFILL® insulation — encased in a water-resistant shell made with certified recycled polymer. The new puffers, like all other Paka apparel products, have QR codes that allow you to trace the origin of the product.
LIMBER BOWS
Handcrafted products signaled a definite trend at this month’s show, particularly for the ingenious process that led to their creation. John Hermanson, a Bozeman, Montana musician, is also part of Storyhill Folk Duo. He also plays the violin. This leads to Limber Bows, which is a versatile and almost all-purpose set trekking poles. He began by creating his own garage, and interest in his invention has steadily grown.
Any musician who plays a stringed instrument with a bow can relate to the underlying physics and benefits of Hermanson’s invention. The poles are made up of seven layers of materials and include layers of woods like ash, hickory, ipe, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.
Hermanson claims that he became obsessed with the project after he was able to navigate the North Cascades’ steepest ridges. He wanted poles that could support his weight and be flexible enough to maneuver through rough terrain without compromising his ability to hike. He discovered that the poles could be used for hiking up to 20 miles. “I could feel my oxygen levels were better and even at the end of a long hike, I feel like I am full of energy,” he adds, in an interview with The Utah Review. Hermanson added the right punctuation to the point by wearing Skinners Footwear’s smartly designed pair of socks shoes (which are featured elsewhere in this roundup).
His website contains information about the central significance of Limber Bows’ progenitor.
The stick that I found under 5 inches of ash on that day is still mine. It was melted into a beautiful semicircle during the 2015 Wolverine Creek Fire. It travels with me in my VW bus everywhere I go and works great as a frame to twist a string of USB LED lights around so I don’t have to worry about my dome light draining the battery. It also sits inside the “hot box” with every bow I build, for the final stage of the 24 hour curing process. It’s a small ritual I perform to recognize the lineage every new bow belongs to, a reminder that each new prototype is the result of lessons learned from all its predecessors, reaching all the way back to this found original.
Imagine a violinist using good bowing techniques to create the best sound. While thinking about the speed, force, and position of the bow, it is easy to see how they do this. Likewise, the poles’ recurved bow design, which stand at a person’s shoulder height, will give the user the benefit of more limber movement and spring in their step. This improves endurance for outdoor recreation and hikers. To wit: Hermanson’s father has been chair of the physics department at Montana State University.
Hermanson claims that he tried out many designs before settling on the best one. “My father says that the bows allow him to exercise three times longer than before,” he adds. Although he originally designed the bows for trekkers and hikers who were moving over steep terrain, the bows can be used by anyone.
Hermanson requests testimonials from customers who have bought the bows. A trail yoga enthusiast from St. Paul, Minnesota shared her experiences about using them on a hike through a steep ravine in Michigan: “I can feel the bows vibrating and moving in sync with the flex and release of my muscles. They help me keep my stride rhythmic and steady, anticipating the contours. And when I stop to catch my breath, I lean back on them to release my spine and look at the sky.” She added that the sensation was like surfing waves, practicing yoga or playing a bass guitar.
ALLIED FEATHER + DEEP AND FUZE BIOTECH
Allied Feather + Down is a California-based family business that has been leading the industry for over 35 years. They are known for their practical advances in products and have met the highest standards of sustainability, traceability, accessibility, climate change, and environmental conservation. Two of the most important programs in quality assurance, social responsibility and outdoor recreation were created by Allied Feather + Down: Track My Down and Responsible Down Standard (RDS).
Allied Feather + Down, in collaboration with FUZE Biotech, won an Innovation Award (ExpeDRY) at its latest Outdoor Retailer appearance. This was recognized as the first widely-applicable chemical-free and fast-drying down insulation.
Notable is the collaboration with FUZE (based in West Valley City. Utah). FUZE has extensively tested and developed a technology that is free from chemicals. It can be applied to any fabric surface to prevent bacteria, pathogens and mold contact. One million yards of fabric can be treated with a five-gallon jug of ExpeDRY. This solution will virtually eliminate any side effects for both the individual and the environment.
Unlike previous forms of nanotechnology which have sometimes failed to meet their expectations, FUZE uses a high power method to make nano-particles that are specific for specific purposes. Researchers have discovered that nanoparticles are not ionic and in FUZE’s lab work, it has been discovered that these smallest of particles also exhibit anti-microbial features.
Visitors saw the ExpeDRY technology in action at the FUZE facilities. Also, they learned about the development of a new topical therapy for cystic fibrosis. The phase is now being reviewed by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The company started the project with supporting grants from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the University of Washington and a children’s hospital in Seattle to see if the technology would be effective in killing pathogens, especially those connected to cystic fibrosis.
The discussion led to the creation of ExpeDRY. The solution could be used to treat quality fabrics and give them anti-microbial properties that would last for dozens of washings. Scientists initially tested silver particles with gold, which were safe enough to be used without any adverse effects on humans or the environment. They discovered that gold nanoparticles with a permanently bonded structure were able to achieve the desired results. Thus, the gold nanoparticles set up an electro-static barrier, which enhances the hydrophobic characteristics and interacts with water’s hydrogen bonds. This allows water droplets to be separated from the garment before they are saturated. It also prevents humidity from creating additional droplets.
FUZE Biotech and Allied Feather+Dpwn ExpeDRY.
This application is used in the down cluster to significantly reduce drying times for people who work in wet conditions. Science has shown that these nanoparticles of gold bonded with water can enhance the evaporation process without using heat (a clothes dryer). The applied solutions act as a hydrophobic agent in conventional water-resistant down treatments. This allows water to bead, allowing the apparel to stay drier longer. Once the fabrics have become saturated, conventional treatments are no longer effective for drying. ExpeDRY’s tests have replicated the following results consistently: the larger evaporation rate outweighs the benefits of conventional fabric treatments and treated garments dry nearly twice as fast as those saturated with other treatments
These implications could have far-reaching consequences, beyond outdoor recreation and performance, to laundry, bedding, and linen services at large institutions such as hotels, resorts and hospitals.
Daniel Uretsky (president of Allied Feather + Down) made a prepared statement highlighting the partnership with FUZE. “Using their incredibly knowledgeable and unique approach to innovation and dedication to sustainability, we are finally able to realize our quick-drying product,” he said. “This is a potential game changer for the European market that relies on condenser dryers, which have always made down insulation difficult to care for and dry properly.”
Customers will find products from Jack Wolfskin, Artilect and other outdoor recreation brands, particularly later in the year. These products will be treated using ExpeDRY.
SKINNERS FOOTWEAR
Skinners Footwear, based in the Czech Republic has established itself as a leader in the European minimalist footwear market. But, the Outdoor Retailer show this month was the ideal opportunity for early adopters in the North American market to be introduced to the company’s newest lines of sock shoes and sneakers. These shoes offer a barefoot experience that many outdoor enthusiasts want, including hikers, runners, and trekkers. In fact, as mentioned earlier, Limber Bows’ John Hermanson sported a pair of Skinners’ sock shoes at his exhibitor’s booth.
Skinners footwear offers a simple elegance and reliable protection. Michal Presse (chief marketing officer) stated that the main focus of the company is quality, but not sacrifice its minimalistic goals. Only 13 compounds are used in the manufacturing of the footwear. This ensures that it is durable and can withstand the elements. “No gluing. No stitching,” he says. “Our focus has shifted from the objective of the individual adapting to the shoe to the more satisfying outcome of the shoe adapting to the individual’s needs. In other words, it’s feet-first design.”
The sock shoe’s features include improved moisture wicking capacity, so feet will stay dry as well. Ultra-thin, polymer sole layers measuring only a tenth inch thick have been engineered to last up to 500 miles. The use of synthetic and natural fibers are compounded to fit to anyone’s feet.
Skinners Footwear has already sold more than 700,000. pairs in over 100 countries in six-years. The North American entry is therefore a positive step. The Outdoor Retailer show became a showcase for two of the company’s newest product lines: the Compression 2.0 and Walker series. The Walker line of sneakers is affordable, comparable or even lower than many other brands on the North American marketplace. Their minimalistic, stylish design is what makes them a good choice for consumers. The shoes are made with Italian leather and a zero-drop flexible rubber sole. Presse notes that there is enough space between the toe boxes to allow for toes to move freely through each step. The soles are constructed so that the movement then allows an individual’s muscles and tendons to open up naturally, which is optimal for leveraging the benefits of physical activity and exercise, indoors or outdoors.
Presse says that zero-waste technology requires eco-conscious manufacturing. The polymers are Swedish-made, while the leathers and fibers are from Italy. The sole is made of recycled materials.
GRAND TRUNK
After moving from Chicago in 2020, Grand Trunk now operates in Utah. It is now in its third decade. In the couple of years since it moved to Utah, as Paul Asay explains in an interview with The Utah Review, the company – which produces product lines of hammocks, chairs, stools, blankets, pillows and miscellaneous accessories for outdoor recreation – has added 10 items. The company has also expanded its design options and colors to meet a wider range of lifestyle preferences, styles, and desires.
And, as with many of the exhibitors at the Outdoor Retailer show, Grand Trunk used its venue to showcase products, which could suit everyone’s preference, regardless of how intense or casual their preferred form of outdoor recreation might be. The chairs and stool are lightweight and compact so they can be carried in a car trunk or passenger car. They can be used for soccer games and parades. For those who are uncomfortable pitching a tent while camping or relaxing at home, the Evolution Hammock is a good option. Asay claims that this hammock combines the functions of a sleeping bag with the benefits of a hammock. A baffled insulation underquilt prevents the hammock from freezing to the body when temperatures drop. Asay claims that the hammock can be as comfortable and appealing as a cozy bed or sleeping bag if it is combined with a pillow. The hammock weighs just six pounds and can easily be carried in any car.
Grand Trunk has also introduced Color Block Collection options for patterns and colors in its hammocks. One is a gorgeous green design that is inspired by Bauhaus. Flamingo print, Fungi Field, and Ugly Sweater are some of the other limited-edition products.
Asay claims that the products come with a lifetime warranty. Durability is critical for gear quality and it is Grand Trunk’s objective to ensure that customers are motivated to keep their products and to avoid thinking about tossing them when they ultimately end up in the landfill.
SHWOOD EYEWEAR
In celebrating some of the nation’s national parks, Shwood Eyewear recently introduced the CAMP collection of sunglasses, in which a portion of the proceeds (5%) is given directly to the national park featured in the respective product. The collection includes Arches National Park, Joshua Tree, Glacier, and Crater lake. The Crag product for Arches includes clay and walnut components, along with a chamois cloth featuring a line drawing of one of the park’s iconic images.
The eyewear is made from plant-based, bioplastic and the wood inlays make a great complement. Additional features include polarized glasses to reduce glare, spring hinges that keep your glasses secure even when you are doing active recreation, and adjustable temple tips. The glasses can be purchased for as low as $69.99 per pair or $99.99 per set.