The Centennial State keeps drawing in more and more outdoor gear manufacturers. Meet some brands who craft gear that does their home stomping grounds proud.
Steamboat Springs
1. Big Agnes Shield 2
Big Agnes is the original Colorado success story. Founded by funhogs who simply wanted the right gear to play in the local hills, and currently employing likeminded folks even after so much success, the brand is an anchor in Steamboat Springs. The Shield 2 typifies what Big Agnes does best—a small, lightweight two-person tent that’s up to the task of any adventure in the mountains or desert of this state. $390; bigagnes.com
Boulder
2. Revellion Superfine Merino Baselayer
The idea behind brand-new ultraruning-and-climbing-focused Revellion is that the finer the merino, the better it feels against your skin—and performs in the field. As our IFMGA-guide contributing editor Rob Coppolillo told us, “It’s like running in a cashmere baselayer while being serenaded by angels peeing ice-cold Chateau d’Yquem over your head on a hot day.” Sold. $108; revellion.com
Denver
3. Flylow Iron Eagle
Once upon a time, Dan Abrams, the founder of Flylow, wandered into our offices with a sturdy pair of pants he was going to bring to market for telemark skiers. The brand has grown to not just continue to build stylish, functional apparel, but, more so, to define the freestyle vibe. We wear the comfy, warm, casual Iron Eagle jacket almost every day around town in the winter. $150; flylowgear.com
Pagosa Springs
4. Voormi Inversion
Forget Colorado, no brand on the planet is doing the same type of innovative things with wool that Voormi dreams up down in the San Juans. The locally sourced wool blended into the Inversion helps create a cozy fabric that feels sturdy and truly can hold up to heavy use on the ski hill, shucking off snow and breathing as well as other, artificial fabrics. $499; voormi.com
Denver
5. Mile High Mountaineering Sultan
This smart backpack brand crafts packs that actually feel as if they have been tested up in the mountains. The new, roomy, 4.9-pound, 50-liter Sultan manifests that ethos. It allows easy access into the guts of the pack from any panel, or you can zip open the entire hauler flat to go through your gear. Plus, a built-in waterproof stuff sack holds stinky and wet clothes. Available in November. $219; mhmgear.com
Boulder
6. Wallaroo Savannah
We were skeptical when we heard that this hat could be rolled up and packed. But it held up through two cross-Atlantic flights. And it offers outstanding UV protection whether you’re on the beach or taking a sun-drenched foothills hike. $52; wallaroohats.com
Boulder
7. Mountain Standard Camp Chair
The founders of Mountain Standard have made their way in the outdoor industry designing some of the best gear for big-name companies. Their own brand is rooted here in Colorado and produces apparel without the attitude. Oh, and this, the best camp chair we ever plopped our butts down into. $140; mountainstandard.com
Boulder/littleton
8. Outlaw YOGA Leggings
Forget what you know about yoga: The folks at Outlaw celebrate Harleys and hard rock along with their handstands—oh, and they like skulls. You can show off that soul-rebel mindset with these sexy, new four-way-stretch pants made from 75-percent recycled materials. $79; awakenline.com/product/outlaw-yoga-pants
Denver
9. Meier Skis
Quick Draw
Skiing is simply what you do when you live in Colorado, so Meier founder Matt Cudmore decided to turn his back on big, out-of-state brands and build skis (and snowboards) that would make the locals proud. At 88 mm underfoot, the stable Quick Draw is just the ticket for a day of “I-grew-up-skiing” carving and banging out power laps before you belly up to the bar to watch the Broncos. $695; meierskis.com
Breckenridge
10. RMU Grrowler
Dogs are an essential part of being a Coloradoan. So it’s not really a surprise that local ski and gear brand Rocky Mountian Underground would come up with the ultimate dog collar. If James Bond had a pup, he would want the Grrowler: This clever piece features a built-in water bowl, extra room for poop bags and a spare leash. That means you always have all you need to get your best bud outside. $39; rockymountainunderground.com
Aspen
12. Strafe recon Pant
Touring, whether in the backcountry or out the resort gates has become the norm for Colorado rippers. Strafe’s founders, twin brothers John and Pete Gaston, created the brand simply because they loved to hike Highland Bowl and wanted gear that was up to the task of both uphill and downhill. With a built-in belt and active fit, the light Recon pant is ideal for chasing hot laps. $185; strafeouterwear.com
Boulder
12. Amrita Flower of Life Bottle
Front Range yogi Cicily Carter wanted to make a difference in her world—and the planet. And so were born these bottles that hold the amount of water that the average individual should drink every day. Since they’re made of recyclable glass, hand-etched with powerful designs, you won’t worry about BPA and other toxins when you sip. $39; amritabottles.com
Boulder
13. Tenkara USA
Sato Set
Boulder’s Daniel Galhardo is the evangalist of this simple Japanese style of fly fishing that makes it quick and easy to catch trout without a reel. The Sato Package is ideal for beginners, including everything you need to get on the water with the adjustable, thus versatile, Sato rod. $259; tenkarausa.com
Steamboat Springs
14. Moots Mountaineer 27.5” YBB
The people who work at Steamboat-based Moots make sure to get out and ride bikes like this beauty, designed specifically for the type of bikepacking and big adventures they love. It will put you out spinning in the Colorado wilds in a hurry. $7,899; moots.com
