The Big Gear Show showcases and champions new brands from once-underrepresented communities that are poised to grow the industry.
By Bevin Wallace
Left to Right: Susan Viscon of REI Path Ahead Ventures; Martha Y Diaz, founder of Itacate Foods; Qudsia Khan, COO and co-founder of babygami.co; and Muna Mohamed, founder and CEO of Kalsoni.
Showcasing and championing the diversity of new faces in the outdoor industry is at the heart of the Big Gear Show’s existence. “This event features dozens of companies that are being led by people who aren’t historically represented in the industry,” says show director Kenji Haroutunian. “By being more inclusive, we’re showing the industry its future—a future where marginalized groups are woven into the fabric of our industry.”
Part of putting the concept of inclusivity into action comes in the form of supporting new and emerging brands while they develop their innovative product ideas and try to get a foothold among the industry’s behemoths. Participants in two outdoor business accelerator programs—the Moosejaw Outdoor Accelerator and REI’s Path Ahead Ventures—are well-represented here at the Big Gear Show. “This year, specialty retailers, working media, and consumers will be able to meet with a variety of exhibitors they will not see at other shows this year,” says Haroutunian. “Our industry is looking for a broader palate of exhibiting companies and a new model of show experience; The Big Gear Show delivers that new model focused on greater value for attendees, in providing them an opportunity to meet these emerging industry leaders they may not otherwise see.”
While there are several distinctions between the programs, they both were created with the goal of providing support to innovative small companies and lifting up businesses that otherwise may not receive enough support be successful.
“Our industry is looking for a broader palate of exhibiting companies and a new model of show experience; The Big Gear Show delivers that new model focused on greater value for attendees, in providing them an opportunity to meet these emerging industry leaders they may not otherwise see.” —Kenji Haroutunian, The Big Gear Show, show director
“We strongly believe in supporting the next generation of outdoor entrepreneurs because they breathe a fresh perspective into our community, and through their distinctive products, they are able to introduce more consumers to the outdoor experience,” says Eoin Comerford, CEO of Moosejaw. The eight-week MOA program is a unique collaboration between Moosejaw and the ICELab at Western Colorado University. Participants work with mentors to learn about growing a successful business through topics such as marketing, financial modeling, HR, supply chains, and retailer relations. They spend several weeks living in Gunnison, Colorado, where they utilize the ICELab facilities and the gear-testing lab on Western’s campus as well as the trails and public lands around Gunnison and Crested Butte.
Applicants are voted on by Moosejaw customers, and this year’s winners are exhibiting at the Big Gear Show. WNDR Outdoors was founded by two women, Arwen Turner and Kara Hardman, who met on a plus-sized hike; the brand makes apparel for women size 16-30. “The fact that we were chosen exemplifies the need,” Arwen says. “On day one we pitched, and the feedback we got was that we were thinking too small.” Another MOA participant, Coastal Range Equipment, makes a super lightweight camping stove that is also larger than comparable stoves. “It’s designed for how people want to camp,” says creator John Peretti, about the stove that can cook for more than just one person. Near Zero (bundled lightweight backpacking gear) and Fernweh Food Co. (plant-based dehydrated meals in sustainable packaging), as well as several MOA alums including Gnara, Outdoor Element, PACT, and Lume Six.
Also at the Big Gear Show, REI’s Path Ahead Ventures program is hosting its “Founders Market,” showcasing 14 brands that are owned or led by founders of color in a setting where they can share their stories, network with industry professionals, and drive sales. “REI recognized the need to do more work to support founders of color with the overal goal of diversifying the outdoors,” says Keenan Corrigan, senior program manager at REI. The Path Ahead Ventures program consists of two accelerators: Embark, a 12-week virtual program for early-stage businesses needing help with refining their idea and launching their product; and Navigate, a 20-week hybrid in-person and virtual program for young companies that are ready to scale their business; as well as an investment program for early-stage companies—all with a strong emphasis on increasing diversity and inclusion in the outdoors.
Among the 14 founders exhibiting, Raquel Vélez of Alpine Parrot says the participating in the program helped her refine her messaging. “But most importantly, it introduced me to other hounders and to my advisor, who still coaches me,” she says. Alpine Parrot designs technical apparel for women sized 14-30 with a focus on diversity. Another founder, Charlotte Young Owens, started her business Conscious Gear, after she checked out a sewing machine from the local library to make herself a plus-sized hydration vest that would fit her comfortably. Martha Diaz, creator of Itacate Latin backpacking food, which launched in 2022, says the program helped her build a strong network. “The most important thing has been the community,” she says. “They’ve been championing me, and that means so much.”
Photos by Billy Michels
