We’ve been developing some new clothing pieces, which will be released this summer around early August. There have been some comments and questions about it here on Rokslide, as well as several folks asking about it at the SLC Hunt Expo. And someone might have seen video footage of some prototypes being tested in Alaska.
So for now, I’d like to put out SOME info about the context of these developments, basic info about what each piece is, and lay out the basic design intent for each piece. The 3 pieces we’re releasing this summer are a pant, midlayer, and down puffy jacket. I’ll go into more detail in the future, and of course answer questions if they come up. What I’m adding today is definitely not everything there is to know.
1 - Context.
First, let’s address the connection of these pieces with Exo Mtn. Gear. First, we are friends. I have very high respect for Exo, and hold Steve and Mark in high regard. That respect and regard pre-dates this project. I don’t speak for them, and I certainly don’t want to put any burden on them to comment on or explain anything. Of course, it’s their prerogative to share anything they want if they choose to.
Yes, there is a connection, and yes, we have collaborated with them on this project. What does that mean? Steve and Mark, primarily, have had significant input as to what the product concepts are, including the intent and desired outcome. They have had significant input on the design, materials, fit, and targeted performance of each piece. They have been testing prototype iterations of this gear for the past 2 years, with feedback and input. There is no monetary / commission incentive, kickback, or cut between Exo and OV. We - meaning Outdoor Vitals - didn’t ask Exo to collaborate with us on this project. It was the other way around.
Prior to this project, I would send Steve and/or Mark gear to test, in prototype and production form - no obligations attached. I just value their perspective and feedback if they choose to give it. They’re just great guys to test lightweight backpacking gear, and provide meaningful feedback.
In early 2023, Steve messaged me with a “give me a call.” I called, and Steve laid out his idea. To sum up his idea, Steve / Mark / Exo get a lot of questions on gear recommendations, and when it comes to clothing Steve isn’t interested in making clothes, but he likes us and wants to support a brand he likes, and feel good about that recommendation. To do that, he wanted to have first hand confidence in his clothing recommendations, so he asked if we’d be interested in coming up with some key clothing pieces designed how he would like and recommend. The quick and easy answer was, “yep, let’s go. What do you want?” I had already been developing an active insulation piece, and in addition to that we decided to start with pants and a down jacket. Off we went. Since then, testing of high fidelity prototypes has expanded from Steve, Mark, Tayson, and Me, to a group of about a dozen more guys that spend a lot of time in the mountains.
Continued...
So for now, I’d like to put out SOME info about the context of these developments, basic info about what each piece is, and lay out the basic design intent for each piece. The 3 pieces we’re releasing this summer are a pant, midlayer, and down puffy jacket. I’ll go into more detail in the future, and of course answer questions if they come up. What I’m adding today is definitely not everything there is to know.
1 - Context.
First, let’s address the connection of these pieces with Exo Mtn. Gear. First, we are friends. I have very high respect for Exo, and hold Steve and Mark in high regard. That respect and regard pre-dates this project. I don’t speak for them, and I certainly don’t want to put any burden on them to comment on or explain anything. Of course, it’s their prerogative to share anything they want if they choose to.
Yes, there is a connection, and yes, we have collaborated with them on this project. What does that mean? Steve and Mark, primarily, have had significant input as to what the product concepts are, including the intent and desired outcome. They have had significant input on the design, materials, fit, and targeted performance of each piece. They have been testing prototype iterations of this gear for the past 2 years, with feedback and input. There is no monetary / commission incentive, kickback, or cut between Exo and OV. We - meaning Outdoor Vitals - didn’t ask Exo to collaborate with us on this project. It was the other way around.
Prior to this project, I would send Steve and/or Mark gear to test, in prototype and production form - no obligations attached. I just value their perspective and feedback if they choose to give it. They’re just great guys to test lightweight backpacking gear, and provide meaningful feedback.
In early 2023, Steve messaged me with a “give me a call.” I called, and Steve laid out his idea. To sum up his idea, Steve / Mark / Exo get a lot of questions on gear recommendations, and when it comes to clothing Steve isn’t interested in making clothes, but he likes us and wants to support a brand he likes, and feel good about that recommendation. To do that, he wanted to have first hand confidence in his clothing recommendations, so he asked if we’d be interested in coming up with some key clothing pieces designed how he would like and recommend. The quick and easy answer was, “yep, let’s go. What do you want?” I had already been developing an active insulation piece, and in addition to that we decided to start with pants and a down jacket. Off we went. Since then, testing of high fidelity prototypes has expanded from Steve, Mark, Tayson, and Me, to a group of about a dozen more guys that spend a lot of time in the mountains.
Continued...
