Bowndling Hiking Apparel and Backpacks

A new quality-focused outdoors brand for women, by women

“We believe hiking deserves better clothing,” says the all-women team from young, UK-based label Bowndling, which launched November of 2014. The outdoors industry seems reluctant to merge function with fashion for fear of detracting from tech specs—and as a result, women customers are often stuck with choosing the lesser of two evils: hyper-feminine pieces in shades of neon and hot pink, or shapeless silhouettes that …

Western Rise Outdoor Apparel

A new brand for mountain enthusiasts with distinguishing water-repellent technology to keep dry when fishing to hiking

As both a fishing guide and ski instructor in Vail, CO, Will Watters knew that the mountains offered more than just one specific sport or experience. Along with his girlfriend (who would later be his wife), a fellow ski instructor in the valley, Watters wanted to design clothing that encapsulated the diversity of mountain life. The resulting new brand, Western Rise, launches with their debut …