Today, many people aren’t just looking to procure the products they want and need. Instead, they’re using their buying power to support causes they care about.
Brands in the outdoor industry have caught on to this trend and are sticking to their morals to attract their dream customers, while raising money and awareness about worthy causes.
Support Women-Led Brands That Are Doing Good in the World
Here are six lady-led outdoor companies that are making moves and supporting important causes on their way to success.
1. Salmon Sisters
Claire and Emma Teal grew up in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, and they’ve kept their business close to their roots. Their apparel and home goods company, Salmon Sisters, now based out of Homer, features the work and designs of local makers and fisherpeople.
You may have come across their “Cranberry Wild & Free Pullover Hoodie” and “Wild & Free Enamel Mug” on Instagram.
Salmon Sisters partners with local fishing crews to offer amazing Alaskan seafood products you can have shipped directly to your door like boxes of halibut, Pacific cod and sockeye salmon. For every purchase, the growing company donates a can of wild local salmon to Food Bank of Alaska.
The sisters write, “Eating Wild Alaska salmon makes us feel healthy, happy and strong – which is something we want to share with as many people as possible.”
2. Wylder Goods
Jainee Dial and Lindsey Elliott believe in doing business better. The duo created Wylder Goods, a Utah-based women’s clothing and lifestyle company with philanthropy in mind.
They started the small business after a 2016 Kickstarter campaign raised just over $54k of their $45k goal. Today, the growing organization partners with big names like Patagonia as well as smaller makers like jewelry creator Bri Bol. The high-quality products in the Wylder marketplace are meant to last and can be repaired. These are pieces you can hold onto for a lifetime — a major change from much of today’s fast-fashion and short-lived products.
Wylder is a B-corp, meeting intense social and environmental standards for the way their marketplace partners with fellow B-corps and other mission-driven, sustainable companies.
3. Coalition Snow
If you want to shred some powder on skis designed by a female-focused company, then you’ll love the unique style of Coalition Snow. They create skis, snowboards and apparel for outdoor women who are tired of the limited graphics and gear options available in much of today’s outdoor market.
Their major value? No bullshit. The feminist company doesn’t hesitate to get real with their “4 Letter Word” line of apparel featuring words like “boss,” “rage” and “bold.” Their skis aren’t just pretty – they earned Powder Magazine’s 2017/2018 Skier’s Choice Award and the publication even referred to Coalition Snow as “the Beyonce of the ski world.”
Coalition Snow encourages women to break the rules and own up to their achievements. If you dig snow and feminism, sign up for the #sisterhoodofshred and join their Lady Parts mailing list to be the first to know about updates on their blog.
5. Okiino
In July 2015 Okiino was funded thanks to a successful IndieGogo that raised nearly $32,5000. The goal? Creating leggings with built-in UV protection for surfers, yogis and athletes.
Today, the co-founders, Angeline Kung and Robyn Tosick, have expanded the company from the colorful, original Scales Leggings to include a basics line of black high-waisted multi-purpose leggings. They also recently funded pre-orders for a new design series called Cultura created by local artist Greg “Pnut” Galinsky.
Okiino products are made in San Francisco, CA, with responsibly sourced fabric from Italy. A portion of the proceeds is donated to one of three organizations and customers choose their preferred charity at checkout. Currently, you can select The Skin Cancer Foundation, 5 Gyres, or Surf For Life.
5. Gitchi Adventure Goods
This Eau Claire, Wisconsin based company is run by Sam and Sarah, two Midwesterners who are in love with the region. Gitchi Adventure Goods apparel and lifestyle products are made in the U.S. from organic and Global Organic Textile Standard-certified cotton, recycled polyester and hemp.
Their unique prints, like this Wisconsin State Parks Map & Checklist, are made by local artists and printed on Forest Stewardship Council-certified, Green-e Certified, Green Seal-certified or post-consumer recycled fibers. Even their packaging is made in the U.S.A. from 100% recycled content and Gitchi uses Terrapass to offset the carbon from every package they send.
For every purchase, the company donates to national parks, state parks and other public lands to further support the growth and protection of the local outdoor spaces they love so much.
6. Compass Paper Co
Annie Lang Hartman, owner and artist behind Compass Paper Co, lives in Northern Michigan. Her love of the outdoors comes through in her colorful, hilarious and touching stationary and lifestyle products that are perfect for dirtbags and weekend warriors alike.
Compass Paper Co. designs include images of s’mores, puffy coats, beers, boats and dream adventure rigs for every occasion. Need a celebratory card for your bff’s wedding? Grab the double camp chair “Congrats Newlyweds” design.
The cards are 100% post-consumer Forest Stewardship Council certified paper that was milled in the U.S. The envelopes are 100% recycled and each card comes in a compostable cello sleeve.
We’re celebrating women all month at The Dyrt, with stories from and about women who are overcoming obstacles, facing doubts, accomplishing goals, and loving the outdoors. Share your story with #StillSheGoes on social media!
