If you’re looking to diversify your outdoor gear, support local craftsmen (ahem, and women), and connect with how, where, and why your gear is made, an intro to Hidden Collective is your one-stop shop. Launched this year, Hidden Collective brings together unique makers of all kinds of outdoor gear, from skiing to fishing, and of course rock climbing. It’s like an online farmer’s market of rad outdoor makers whose gear you’ll want and whose missions you’ll want to support. Today we’re giving you the rundown on a few of our favorite Hidden Collective makers… and, whatta ya know, we’re just in time for the holidays! Let’s get into the topic; An intro to hidden collectives, below.
We have shared an interesting story of our business life of Cara, check it out!!!
SKIDA HEADWEAR & ACCESSORIES
Born in Vermont, Skida has now been churning out high-quality, bold, and sustainability-made headwear and accessories since 2008. Founder Corinne Prevot suggests the Tour neck warmer for climbers because, “You’ll get the most bang for your buck: a wide headband that fits under helmets, a neck warmer for when the sun goes down, and a soft fuzzy glasses wipe in between. Plus, it won’t get stashed in the winter with other climbing gear as that’s its time to shine! Alpine climbers? Say hello to your new best friend.” In addition to the Tour, we’re personally loving the Powder Pom hat for those chilly bouldering days. Further to the topic; An intro to hidden collectives is below.
“We’re excited to be featured on Hidden Collective because of the other like-minded brands that we get to be aligned with on their platform! Each one has a unique story and some very neat products to offer,” says Corinne. Check out the unique story of Skida and their products on Hidden Collective. If you want even more of Skida’s offerings check out their website too.
AILERO
This brand new company just got its start this year and is working hard to design smart, technical climbing gear, with the ironic goal of having it disappear into your climbing experience. Ryan from Ailero explains, “Putting the experience of climbing in the mountains first, with a commitment to designing physical products and systems that fall away from awareness, is what makes Ailero’s process special.”
Their primary product is the Airfoil, a lightweight belt of sorts, where you can stash everything you’d need for multi-pitch climbing, alpine missions, and everything in between. The idea is to ditch the pack on your back and keep it all stowed away in your Airfoil. You can even be a part of the design and development process by testing out a prototype and giving your feedback. Then you’ll receive the finished version when it’s ready. Further to the topic; An intro to hidden collectives is below.
Ryan also sings Hidden Collective’s praises, saying, “It’s an environment that makes it possible for individuals and brands that are hand-making products or producing domestically, to connect with people. Beyond the storefront, it’s also growing and strengthening the community of users – hikers, climbers, surfers, photographers, etc. – that want to find and connect with these makers. Further, their excitement and support of being a part of Ailero’s testing process by giving Aileron the opportunity to connect prototypes with climbers through their storefront has been really exciting, and speaks to their true appreciation for the process of making quality goods.”
CEDAR RAVINE
Stephanie and Christine, the brainchildren of Cedar Ravine, pour their love for the outdoors and eagerness to live creatively into each piece they design. “We hope to create products that are functional and fashionable. We want you to feel good about what you wear. That is why we choose to have everything made 100% in the USA utilizing small businesses and environmentally friendly processes,” says Stephanie.
From hats to scarves, to fanny packs (yes, actual cool looking fanny packs!), these two ladies have hit the “feminine, but not too girly” nail on the head, telling us, “We strive to make products that break stereotypes and feel fantastic to wear. Keeping it wild and beautiful. We continue to strive to be smart and innovative with how we create products to build a more sustainable future for our home, Mother Earth.” Further to the topic; An intro to hidden collectives is below.
For climbing (or for a perfect stocking stuffer) we suggest any one of their headbands. They’re lightweight, stretchy, versatile, and come in a bunch of solids and tie-dyes. We also seriously love their Fanny Pack… for real! Plus every purchase adopts a square foot of land for preservation in the USA. Check out their goods on Hidden Collective and for even more check out their website.
PANDA POLES
Sure, most climbers don’t use trekking poles to get to the crag, but most climbers also ski and hike, making Panda Poles perfect for your supplementary activities. These poles have bamboo shafts, super sticky grips, are made in the USA, and as CEO Tanner Rosenthal puts it, “They come imbued with love, that seeps out of every pore. They are made by people who love the outdoors, and live to be with nature.”
Their primary product is the Magic Ski Wand, but for climbers and hikers they suggest the Panda Wander Wand and Panda Trekking Wand. “Both products do the job they were meant to, without adding a bunch of gimmickry to the sports we all love,” says Tanner. Both also come with a lifetime warranty. Further to the topic; An intro to hidden collectives is below.
Panda Poles share the feelings of other Hidden Collective makers, telling us, “We prefer to promote and be involved with other up and coming brands in a way that helps us all rise together. We want to be a part of the small business revolution, that caters to customer interaction and localized economies.”
KIND APPAREL
Female-owned and operated, Kind Apparel, creates handmade one-of-a-kind pieces in small batches. “Our products are made from up-cycled, post-consumer fabrics, meaning we’re creating everything from thrift store clothing, mill ends, and factory seconds,” says founder Mallory Ottariano. The company strives to celebrate individuality and create products that are kind to the earth and our bodies. Further to the topic; An intro to hidden collectives is below.
For keeping fly-aways out of your eyes while heading up a route, Mallory suggests the bold and colorful Corra Headband. For warm weather or indoor climbing, the Vesta Top is great. This tank features a built-in shelf bra that’s made from up-cycled cotton/spandex knit so it moves with you. The Chilla neck warmer is great for ice climbing too. So whatever the weather or climbing conditions, Kind Apparel has got you covered.
Be sure to check out all the makers at Hidden Collective and show them some love this holiday season.
Climb on!
Mary
