The Outdoor Retailer 2025 show, hosted in Salt Lake City, is spotlighting six local brands that exemplify the innovative spirit of outdoor entrepreneurship in Utah.
Nebu Clothing, Timpanogos Hiking Co., ChuckRack, Coalatree, Duct-Aid, and Paddlesmash are taking center stage at the booth created by the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation.
This new initiative, termed the “Utah Outdoor Business Incubator” booth, serves as a pivotal platform designed to showcase the best of the Beehive State’s outdoor companies.
Tara McKee, deputy director of grants and outdoor industry relations for Utah’s Division of Outdoor Recreation, expressed the mission behind this endeavor in a recent press release.
“Our goal is to elevate emerging Utah companies by giving them a national platform to connect with buyers, media, and outdoor industry leaders,” McKee stated.
Highlighting nearly 300 brands, the Outdoor Retailer show stands as the premier business event showcasing wellness-focused gear that emphasizes sustainable practices and innovative technologies.
According to last year’s report from Utah’s Department of Natural Resources, the state’s outdoor recreation economy is not only rich in creativity and adventure but also significantly contributes to job creation, supporting nearly 72,000 jobs and generating $9.5 billion in revenues.
Nationally, the outdoor industry plays a crucial role in the U.S. economy, contributing a staggering $1.2 trillion and supporting 5 million jobs across the country.
On the opening day of the event, keynote speakers from well-known Utah-based companies like Skullcandy and Cotopaxi took the stage, sharing insights into their experiences in the outdoor industry.
Cotopaxi, known for its vibrant outdoor gear featuring the iconic llama logo, emphasized the benefits of an early partnership with the Division of Outdoor Recreation.
This collaboration has been instrumental in propelling the brand forward since its inception, beginning with its participation in the state’s inaugural Outdoor Recreation Summit in 2014.
The Outdoor Business Incubator program, a collaboration between the nonprofit Grow Utah, the city of Ogden, and the Division of Outdoor Recreation, aims to support local businesses by minimizing exhibitor costs, enhancing visibility, and paving pathways to larger markets.
This initiative reflects the Division’s broader objective: promoting a sustainable outdoor recreation environment for both Utah residents and visitors.
“This incubator booth reflects our state’s commitment to not only outdoor access and infrastructure but also the innovators building gear and experiences that get people outside,” McKee remarked.
Each of the six featured brands at the show brings a unique offering to the outdoor space:
Nebu Clothing focuses on technical apparel characterized by performance and minimalist design, while Timpanogos Hiking Co. specializes in high-quality, handcrafted leather hiking boots.
ChuckRack introduces innovative systems for hunting gear organization, and Coalatree presents eco-minded outdoor lifestyle apparel made from upcycled materials.
Paddlesmash, a fast-growing game combining pickleball and roundnet, promotes fun outdoor activity for families and friends.
Finally, Duct-Aid offers comprehensive first-aid kits tailored for any adventure.
In addition to showcasing these brands, the Utah Division of Recreation is actively participating in the retailer show to discuss ongoing initiatives funding outdoor infrastructure and stewardship efforts, further solidifying Utah’s reputation as a leader in outdoor recreation.
image source from：deseret
