As all outdoor lovers know, gear is an inevitable piece of the lifestyle. With everything going on in the world, I’ve decided to start making it a point to use my purchase as my vote. Meaning, I will no longer rely so heavily on brands that do not make the ethical, or social considerations that are needed to propel. our society forward. What I will do is start making these BIPOC and women run companies/organizations part of my new purchasing routine.
After having made this decision, I found myself stumped. It was difficult to find brands that offered the traits and values I was searching for. This was bothersome on a multi-layered dimension. Not only is the BIPOC community so often excluded from out outdoor/climbing activities, but there seems to be limited platform for their business that exist to help the community do what they’ve doing as safely and as comfortably as possible.
With the help of some Instagram sluthing, I was able to find a pretty good number of business to support in the future. I hope that by sharing them here, you can also make a more conscious choice next time you need to gear up for an adventure.
*This list will continue to be updated as I find more companies/groups to support. If you have any of your own you’d like to share, please do so in the comments below!*
BADASS INSPIRATION/ADVOCACY:
APPAREL:
Rock Deep Global- Apparel and Footwear
Sierus Gear– Cold weather essentials are always on the list.
WhitePaws RunMitts– Are you a runner? Do you need gloves? This is your spot!
OPE Outdoors– Cute, sustainable t-shirts & cool candles
Outdoorisim– We all belong. Enough Said.
Sweet Skins– Comfy hemp fashion!
Natives Outdoors– Accessories made to support and serve indigenous peoples
Dynamite Starfish– A place for climbers, non climbers, and everyone in-between. If that doesn’t convince you to visit, the name alone should.
Monopkt– Punny apparel made by climbers for climbers. (Plus the founders have a pretty sweet love story attached to the brand)
OUTFITTERS:
- Slim Pickings Outfitters: The nation’s first black-owned outdoor store.
- Intrinsic Provisions: First-generation, family-owned, small business outdoor store in New England!
TRAINING EQUIPMENT:
- Beast Fingers Climbing– Stronger hands for all!
SUNSCREEN:
- Black Girl Sunscreen– Natural sunscreen without the white residue left behind. “From carrying expensive umbrellas to the beach and downright neglecting to go outside all together, our founder thought it was time to create a natural non-white residue sunscreen brand for women of color.”
FOOD/BEV:
- Backcountry Wok: Dehydrated, vegan, sustainably packaged asian inspired meals for all your on the go needs.
- Copper Cow Coffee: Woman-owned on-the-go Vietnamese coffee! Hello yum!
I hope this list proves useful and that you come back to this wether you’re in need for some wicked threads or a rockin’ campsite meal, these companies have you covered!
As always, be well and adventure on ,
FM
Finola McDonald 
Leave a Reply