Outdoor Retailer Provides Launch Pad for Emerging Brands

From outdoor apparel to accessories, games and safety gear, these brands are bringing innovation, design, and creativity to the industry.
Published: June 6, 2025

Retailers know how much consumers value newness, and that’s why it’s important to tap into the emerging brands coming onto the scene that are eager to grow their wholesale relationships.

This year a long list of Outdoor Retailer exhibitors fit that description. Some are members of OR’s new, sold-out Ascent program for emerging outdoor brands and others will be showcased by the Utah Outdoor Recreation Division.

“These are high-caliber, ambitious brands with passionate founders,” said Sean Smith, OR show director. “They have deep expertise in their respective niches and are working to highlight and fill gaps in the marketplace.”

Here are some of our must-see picks.

Ascent’s Springboard to Success

The new Ascent program at Outdoor Retailer will showcase emerging outdoor brands bringing something new to the industry.

Don’t miss:

  • Haseru Towels – luxurious, compact, quick-drying, and sand-resistant, these plush towels get softer with time and are perfect for outdoor excursions.
  • Stikage Adventure– outdoor adventure daypacks, backpacks, and sleeping backs designed to withstand the toughest conditions.
  • Safely Self Defense – safety tools such as pepper spray and dog spray designed to keep consumers safe while outdoors.
  • Nature’s Willow – pain and itch creams made with natural ingredients such as white willow, bark, and menthol.
  • Fitz Outfittersclimbing gear such as belts and chalk bags made sustainably with recycled ropes.
  • Four Rabbit– colorful, graphic bananas, tote bags, and scarves made by Designer and Creator Arielle Toelke.
  • TiCK MiTT – the winner of last year’s Product of the Year at Outdoor Retailer’s Innovation Awards is back again this year with its tick protection gear.
Coalatree

Photo courtesy of Coalatree.

Showcasing Utah Innovation

The Utah Outdoor Recreation Division is curating a collection of innovative homegrown brands at booth #20027, including:

  • PaddleSmash – a new outdoor game that’s perfect for the beach or the backyard. Combining elements of Pickleball and Roundnet (also known as Spikeball), you may have seen PaddleSmash on Shark Tank, The Today Show, and Good Morning America.
  • Duct-Aidthis medical grade duct tape is designed to treat gashes, cuts, and to be used for splints or tourniquets to help consumers navigate the outdoors safely.
  • Nebu apparel designed for a variety of sports to help bridge the gap between work and play.
  • Coalatree apparel and accessories for adventure and everyday life with an emphasis on sustainability with recycled materials and low-impact production methods.
  • Chuck – known for the Chuck Bucket trailer hitch rack solution, Chuck’s goal is to make family ski days easy with products designed for loading up gear.
  • Timpanogos Hiking Co. – wearable art inspired by Mount Timpanogos in the form of T-shirts, hoodies, and trail accessories.

Find out more about who’s exhibiting at Outdoor Retailer, which runs from June 18 to 20 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, and register here.

Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series