Latest news with #outdoorapparel
CNN
03-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
School's out, camping is in. Save up to 40% in Columbia's annual 4th of July sale
The deals are coming in hot as we creep closer to the long weekend. If you're going to have some downtime post-work, check out the latest 4th of July deals from Columbia. The brand's entire site, for the most part, is up to 40% off and we're seeing some serious discounts on best-tested dresses, editor-approved beach shorts and even camping gear for your next family outing. Stay cool, calm and collected all weekend long and add the latest deals to your cart while sitting poolside since many of these items are even lower than they were during the brand's previous spring sales. Columbia Women's Up Next Golf Skort Back in April, Columbia had its Whatever the Weather sale to kick off the spring season and this breezy skort was one of the items I spotted on sale. Currently, it's $10 cheaper than our previous inclusion in this icy grey color. Columbia Women's Freezer III Dress This exercise dress can do it all! Wear it as a beach coverup, on the pickleball courts or out to lunch with friends. It's designed with skin protection in mind, featuring UPF 50 fabric and cooling our review Columbia Women's Sandy River Shorts II Five-inch athletic shorts are my go-to all summer long. As a Patagonia Baggies loyalist, these hiking shorts caught my eye with their similar construction and even lower price point. Columbia Women's Anytime Tank Jumpsuit Getting dressed in the morning has never been easier. This jumpsuit will make you look put together during busy mornings in a snap. Luckily, it's back down to this ultra-low price in all four neutral colors. Columbia Women's Helvetia II Cropped Half Snap Fleece Pullover Bundle up with this buttery fleece during those chilly summer nights spent around a bonfire. It comes in ten on-trend colors ranging from a bright orange to a neutral beige to sport in the fall. Columbia Men's Kenville Lake Shorts Stay cool in these stain-repellent tech shorts during your next off-roading session with friends. They're versatile enough to wear fishing on the lake and have enough pockets to hold your essentials during your next mileage run. Columbia Men's PFG Freezer Polo Shirt Golfers will love this country club ready polo during their next round on a hot sunny day. This sweat-wicking shirt keeps harmful rays out and body temps down with its innovative Omni-Freeze technology. Columbia Men's Wanoga Lightweight Pants Keep outfits simple and functional with a pair of ultra light utility pants. They can be worn hiking in a variety of climates and have thoughtful design features like utility pockets, adjustable ankle cuffs and more. Columbia Cove Beach Pants I'm simply obsessed with these breezy beach pants and considering purchasing them since they're a sweet $20 off in both colors. They'll look great with rugged Tevas, flip-flops and even Birkenstocks. Columbia Men's PFG Fly Range Zero Long Sleeve Shirt Keep your chest and arms covered on high UV index days with Columbia's vented shirt. It has a handy snap-down collar for harsh winds and a built-in rod holder to go hands-free when fishing. Columbia 25-Quart High Performance Cooler Bait, tackle and the like will stay protected in this $50 off cooler. It's $10 less than our last spotting and keeps ice intact for up to five days. The removable bottle opener for cracking open beers and the line cutter make it perfect for the fishing season. Columbia 32-Ounce Double Wall Vacuum Bottle Keep hydrated with an affordable but, most importantly, durable insulated water bottle. It's matching its rare low price from this spring and keeps drinks cold for up to 32 hours. Columbia Packable Down Alt Throw This packable blanket rolls down to fit in a slim drawstring bag. For those who would rather kick back at the campsite, it's a must for lying on while stargazing or snuggling up in the tent. Columbia Tabor Point Tent Fix a family of six in Columbia's now under $200 tent. The last time we checked, it was going for $160, but as a 4th of July treat, the retailer is enticing summer outdoors people with an additional price drop. Columbia Mesh Folding Chair From park hangs, to kids' baseball games, you'll be happy to have a seat wherever you venture to with Columbia's compact chair. It's equipped with two cupholders and an ultra-plush seat. We consistently keep our finger on the pulse when it comes to price drops from our favorite outdoor retailers. Unlike past sales in recent months, this current one encompasses almost the entire site. So instead of a few markdowns here and almost everything is up to 40% off. With the start of the summer season, many of us could use a gear or apparel refresh when it comes to activewear, camping and the like, so this pre-4th of July event is making adding to your cart all the more enticing. Our deals team has over a decade of combined commerce journalism experience. Rikka Altland, Jacqueline Saguin and Elena Matarazzo source the deals for the day each morning to curate one-offs and retailer-specific roundups of the best sales to shop. Searching everything from coveted tech essentials to the best 4th of July sales, the team works across a wide variety of categories to ensure we're finding the best buys for our readers.
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
REI's 4th Of July Sale: Shop Popular Brands Like Hoka, Yeti And More
REI's 4th Of July Sale is officially live, and the deals are already currying favor. Now through July 7, you can take up to 50% off gear and apparel from top brands like Teva and The North Face, along with many of the retailer's popular in-house designs. And unlike its member-only events, the REI 4th Of July Sale is open to everyone. That said, members still get a few extra perks, including 20% off one full-priced Yeti product, so consider joining the Co-op if you'd like to score additional savings. During REI's 4th Of July Sale, you can save up to 50% on summer essentials like camping gear, ... More footwear, UPF clothing and more. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTOS: RETAILERS Throughout the sale, you'll have the chance to save up to 50% on clearance items, up to 30% on camping gear and up to 20% on water sport equipment—like kayaks and paddle boards. Here are the best offers we've spotted so far, plus everything else you need to know to make the most of this year's sale. Versatility is key when you're on the trail. These dual-purpose shorts are made of a durable, quick-drying fabric and feature two hand pockets and a zippered back pocket to stash valuables. They'll keep you dry and protected from the sun while you're hiking and can even double as a bathing suit. Another versatile find, this hiking shirt is practical enough for the trails yet polished enough to wear out to dinner. It's made of a breathable, 2-way stretch fabric that dries quickly and features a zippered chest pocket and rolled-forward shoulder seams to prevent chaffing from hiking packs. Three patterns are on sale in sizes small through XXL. It may seem counterintuitive to purchase an insulated jacket in summer, but sometimes that's when you find the best deals. Whether you're planning a cold-weather escape or just thinking ahead to winter, this North Face jacket is an extremely popular find. The design is water-repellent and will keep you warm, even when wet. The jacket also packs down into its own front pocket for easy, compact storage. These versatile pants are rugged enough for the trail but comfortable enough for everyday wear. They're made of a lightweight, abrasion-resistant material that's breezy and durable, and include extra features like zippered pockets, a harness-compatible waist and more. Three colors are currently on sale for 20% off. A favorite among hikers, this Sunday Afternoons hat keeps you dry and protected from the sun while you're out on the trail. It's comfortable, water-resistant, sweat-wicking and includes useful features like a sunglass lock to keep your shades in place. Five colors are available for 25% off. Whether you're fishing, hiking or simply enjoying the sunny weather, this UPF 40 button-up top is sure to keep your skin protected from the sun. Many reviewers love wearing this lightweight long-sleeve top year-round because it's quick-drying, fast-absorbing and has pockets to store all their necessities. This highly rated top is currently on sale in seven colors and eight sizes. These multitasking board shorts are great for wet and dry activities, including surfing, walking, workouts and more. Made from a performance fabric that offers plenty of stretch, these shorts feature anti-odor and quick drying properties. Sun shirts are a great way to stay comfortable and protected throughout the summer. You can toss it over your bathing suit for more coverage or wear it on its own for quick-drying, UPF 50+ coverage all day. This discount is available in three colors and almost every size. This new arrival is made of a lightweight, stretchy cotton-blend fabric with an elastic waist and webbed belt, so you can adjust the fit as needed. It also has side pockets and a secured back pocket to stash away the essentials. If you're looking for a simple swim top, this Carve Designs option has a supportive T-strap construction with removable pads for additional coverage. Reviewers say it holds similarly to a sports bra and is a great pick for active swimming—but one person notes they wish it had adjustable straps. Designed to hold up against intense workouts, this racerback top is soft, moisture-wicking and supportive. Three colors are currently on sale, so you can pick up a few to cycle through during the week. There's nothing like pulling on some cozy pants after a long day on the water. These breezy pants are lightweight and have a comfy wide-leg silhouette that's perfect for post-beach day lounging. This style is currently on sale in three colors and most sizes. Stay warm during chilly summer nights and throughout the rest of the year with this Patagonia vest. Despite its thin appearance and lightweight feel, this outerwear is sure to keep you warm in all conditions, including the rain (it's water-resistant) because it has the brand's P.U.R.E technology. The vest is currently on sale in five colors and seven sizes. When it comes to athleisure clothing, deals and coupons writer Bianca Alvarez loves Vuori's Halo series. 'Each item in this line, including the shorts, is made of a lightweight, buttery soft fabric that makes you want to lounge all day,' she says. 'But the best part is knowing I can also wear it out of the house and complete my workouts in them, too.' Unwanted pests can quickly lead to a bad day on the trail. Protect your gear from ticks, chiggers, mites and mosquitoes with this beloved insect repellent spray. The bottle has enough to coat up to four full outfits and can last up to six weeks before you need to reapply. Whether you're camping or posting up for a day at the lake, a good camp chair is paramount. This Coleman design is easy to set up and includes extra features, like a cup holder and a small cooler pouch to keep your next beverage cold. This foldable kayak is one of the best purchases I've made in years. If you live in a smaller space but still want easy access to the water, this no-frills kayak snaps together in minutes and can be folded back down just as quickly. (I also picked up its backpack accessory so I can easily cart it to the lake on foot.) It's pretty bare bones, so it's not especially comfortable for long stints on the water, but it's fun, effective and does exactly what I need it to. Use this spacious backpack for weekend getaways, hiking adventures and more. The 30 liter pack has plenty of storage and organizational pockets to secure your items, while its exterior is made to withstand the environment and repeated use. Reviewers appreciate that it's durable and large enough to accommodate their necessities, but also find it comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to its padded and supportive straps and backing. With its double-wall vacuum insulation, this tumbler can help keep your water cold for up to 11 hours or iced for up to two days. The stainless steel reusable water bottle has a 40 fluid ounce capacity for fewer refills and an ergonomic handle for easy handling. It also comes with a versatile lid that allows you to keep your drink fully covered or choose between sipping it with its accompanying straw or using its drink opening. Whether you're hiking with friends or planning a picnic lunch in the park, this packable blanket is sure to come in handy. It has a waterproof coating, weighted corners and metal ground stakes to keep it tethered on windy days. Keep in mind, it provides seating for two to four adults. Summer sandals don't get more classic than a pair of Tevas. This minimalist design is quick-drying, durable and adjustable. The shoe is also treated with a peppermint-based anti-odor treatment to keep you feeling fresh, even after a long day on your feet. The 24% discount is available in three colors and most sizes. We like the Brooks Ghost 16 for serious walkers, people who are on their feet all day and new runners. The versatile sneaker is grippy, stable and has a cushioned foam midsole that's great at absorbing shock. This style is on sale in three colorways, but the pictured color has the most available sizing. Our favorite men's hiking sandals check off all the boxes: The design is comfortable, durable, supportive and very affordable—even when it's not on sale. The shoe is a little bulky and its reinforced arch may bother those with flat feet, but overall it's a beloved classic for a reason. A great choice if you need a new running shoe, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel V4 is both lightweight and supportive. It has maximum cushioning and breathable uppers to prevent your feet from overheating. Grab a pair while they're 21% off. Socks are easy to overlook, but a great (or terrible) sock can make a huge difference when you're on your feet for long periods. This Balega design has a seamless toe, compression arch support and moisture-wicking properties to keep your feet dry and cool. Hoka is well-known for its comfortable, supportive shoes, and this pair is no exception. The flat knit uppers provide increased breathability (compared to older models), and the molded EVA midsoles provide exceptional support through your run. When Is REI's 4th Of July Sale? REI's 4th Of July Sale kicked off June 27 and lasts through July 7. Last year's sale ended July 4, so this is a nice opportunity to shop through the holiday weekend. How Long Is REI's 4th Of July Sale? REI's 4th of July Sale typically lasts around two weeks, though it's varied the past two years. Last year it ran for exactly 14 days and the year before that it ran for 12 days. However, this year's sale is only 10 days long, so you'll want to make the most of it. Is REI's 4th Of July Sale Open To Everyone? Yes, REI's 4th Of July Sale is open to the public. That said, REI Co-op members usually receive special coupons for full-priced items or brands that are excluded from the main sale. This year, members can take 20% off a full-priced Yeti product at checkout. If you're interested in joining for these perks, it costs $30 to become a lifetime REI Co-op member. What Is REI's Biggest Sale Of The Year? REI's Anniversary Sale in the spring is typically considered the brand's biggest sale of the year. The event is open to everyone and often includes the widest array of offers, as well as exclusive discounts for REI Co-op members. If you missed the sale in May, there are still plenty of opportunities to save in 2025. Its current 4th Of July Sale is a great chance to grab summer essentials. Meanwhile, REI's Cyber Week Sale in the fall is perfect for stocking up on winter gear.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
California Leads with Favorable Climate, Market Thrives on E-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer Trends
The US Outdoor Apparel, Footwear, and Equipment Market, valued at USD 35.2 billion, is growing due to rising outdoor activities, e-commerce expansion, and consumer demand for durable gear. California leads the market with its outdoor culture. Key growth drivers include health-focused lifestyles and increased outdoor participation. The market is set to expand with eco-friendly products and direct-to-consumer strategies. Dublin, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "US Outdoor Apparel, Footwear and Equipment Market Outlook to 2029" report has been added to offering. The US Outdoor Apparel, Footwear and Equipment Market is valued at USD 35.2 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. The market has experienced steady growth, fueled by a surge in outdoor recreation activities, expanding e-commerce channels, and rising consumer demand for durable, high-performance gear. The value further increased with strong brand collaborations, retail investments, and the growing adoption of direct-to-consumer models by key continues to dominate the US Outdoor Apparel, Footwear and Equipment market due to its favorable climate, high population, and established outdoor culture. The region supports extensive hiking, camping, and trail-running activities. Washington, Colorado, and New York also lead due to their expansive national parks, tourist footfall, and strong consumer base. High GDP contribution and mature distribution infrastructure reinforce their regional U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), through agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service, has implemented stringent activity controls across major national parks and wildlife regions. Over 300 million acres of federal land are regulated for commercial recreation, with seasonal permit issuance reduced by 18% in 2024 due to environmental impact concerns, according to DOI. Restrictions impact product demand for specialized climbing and camping gear, while also encouraging low-impact equipment Outdoor Apparel, Footwear and Equipment Market SegmentationBy Verticals: The US Outdoor Apparel, Footwear and Accessories market is segmented by verticals into outdoor equipment & accessories, outdoor apparels, and outdoor footwear. Outdoor equipment & accessories holds a dominant share under this segmentation. This is due to their higher average price points and product durability. Items like tents, backpacks, and headlamps cater to frequent hikers and climbers, making them essential, high-value Material Type: The US Outdoor Apparel, Footwear and Accessories market is segmented by material type, with synthetic fabrics widely used due to their low cost, durability, and suitability for activewear. Natural fabrics like cotton and wool are preferred for casual outdoor clothing. High-performance blends such as GORE-TEX are favored in technical gear, while rubber, alloys, and composites serve specialized uses in equipment and outdoor Outdoor Apparel, Footwear and Equipment Market Competitive LandscapeThe US Outdoor Apparel, Footwear and Accessories market is dominated by a fragmented mix of global conglomerates and emerging domestic players. Key companies like VF Group, Deckers, Columbia, Amer Sports, and Patagonia operate through multi-brand portfolios and direct-to-consumer channels. However, a large share of the market remains with niche and premium brands, opening avenues for consolidation, sustainability-focused investments, and growth in high-margin outdoor lifestyle Outdoor Apparel, Footwear and Equipment Market AnalysisGrowth DriversExpansion in Outdoor Recreation Activities: Increased outdoor engagement is driving demand across equipment, footwear, and apparel. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, consumer spending on recreational goods and services reached USD 628 billion in 2024, up from USD 605 billion in 2023. National Forest System lands alone recorded 168 million visits, according to USDA data, reflecting a strong outdoor culture supporting product demand for rugged and specialized Surge in Middle-Aged Recreation: Participation by older demographics is fueling premium segment growth. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that over 110 million Americans are aged 40 and above in 2024, with significant disposable income. This group is increasingly engaging in hiking, trail walking, and national park travel, aligning with the rise in national park visits, which surpassed 325 million annual visits as per National Park Service Towards Health-First Lifestyle: A shift toward fitness and wellness is increasing demand for outdoor gear. According to the CDC, over 50% of adults are now participating in moderate to high-intensity physical activity on a weekly basis in 2024. Additionally, over 66 million U.S. residents use walking trails, national parks, or urban green spaces monthly, driving up demand for performance-based outdoor clothing and ChallengesIntegration of High-Fashion Collaborations: Luxury fashion houses are now co-branding with performance gear manufacturers. Brands such as Gucci, Moncler, and Arcteryx have reported multi-season collaborations with record pre-booking levels. This integration has turned outdoor fashion into aspirational daily wear, especially in urban markets. Department of Commerce data shows over 12 million urban Americans bought hybrid wear products merging fashion and function in Q1 and Digital Resale Boom: Personalized outdoor products and secondhand marketplaces are thriving. In 2024, the U.S. apparel resale market crossed 58 million active users, as reported by the U.S. Census e-commerce tracker. Platforms like StockX and ThredUp have shown exponential growth in outdoor segment resale, including trail footwear and parkas. This trend aligns with increased Gen Z and millennial buying behavior favoring customization and Outdoor Apparel, Footwear and Equipment Market Future OutlookOver the next five years, the US Outdoor Apparel, Footwear and Equipment Market is expected to witness sustained growth. Key drivers include the rising participation in outdoor recreation, strong retail and e-commerce momentum, and increasing consumer interest in performance-oriented and sustainable products. Additionally, expanding direct-to-consumer channels and fashion collaborations are likely to broaden the market base, supporting long-term demand across OpportunitiesGrowing Preference for Eco-Friendly Products: A major consumer shift is underway toward sustainable outdoor gear. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 80 million U.S. consumers prioritize buying environmentally friendly products. With over 15,000 retail brands receiving sustainability certifications under the Green Guides revision in 2024, outdoor gear companies now have the infrastructure to scale recycled, low-carbon materials specifically for tents, jackets, and trail in Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Retail Expansion: Over 70,000 DTC businesses were registered in the United States by early 2024, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Outdoor brands are actively launching online-first or hybrid retail models to tap into high-margin channels. With digital advertising spend on outdoor and recreation products crossing USD 3.5 billion in 2024, brands like The North Face and Patagonia are investing heavily in direct sales infrastructure. Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary1.1. Product Taxonomy1.2. US Outdoor Apparel, Footwear and Equipment Market Size1.3. Key Market Drivers and Restraints2. US Outdoor Apparel, Footwear & Equipment Market2.1. Country Overview2.2. Ecosystem of US Outdoor Apparel, Footwear & Equipment Market2.3. Historical Market Size (2019-2024)2.4. Market Segmentation by Verticals (2024)2.5. Market Segmentation by Activity Type (2024)2.6. Market Segmentation by Material Type (2024)2.7. Market Segmentation by Region Type (2024)3. Competition Scenario3.1. Market Share of Major Players3.2. Company Profile: VF Corporation - The North Face, Timberland, Vans3.3. Company Profile: Deckers - HOKA3.4. Company Profile: Columbia3.5. Company Profile: Amer Sports - Arc'teryx, Salomon, Atomic3.6. Company Profile: Patagonia4. Industry Analysis4.1. Market Growth Drivers4.2. Seasonality Trends4.3. Market Challenges4.4. Government Regulations for US Outdoor Apparel, Footwear & Equipment Market4.5. Legislative Acts Governing the Industry4.6. Regulations for Consumer Safety and Product Compliance5. Future Outlook of US Outdoor Apparel, Footwear & Equipment5.1. Market Outlook (2024-2030F)5.2. Future Segmentation by Vertical & Activity Type (2030F)5.3. Future Segmentation by Product Type & Region (2030F)6. Analyst Recommendation6.1. Competitive Landscape and Whitespace Analysis6.2. Strategic Market Entry: Identifying White Spaces for Differentiation6.3. Execution Roadmap: 6-12-18 Month Plan6.4. Market Risks and ChallengesDisclaimerContact Us A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to: VF Group Deckers Outdoor Columbia Sportswear Amer Sports Patagonia For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Hiking Apparel Startup Seniq Is Building A Million Dollar Business In The Midwest
Think this is nice? It's a version of the weekly Under 30 newsletter and would be even better in your inbox. courtesy of Seniq When Valentina Thompson and Madison Hilson look outside their windows in Columbus, Ohio, they're surrounded by a whole lot of flat land. But the smooth terrain hasn't stopped them from building Seniq, their hiking apparel company made for the mountains. Pronounced 'scenic,' the Under 30 Local: Columbus listers launched the startup in 2023 after years of working at some of the biggest retailers in the country—like Outdoor Voices and Victoria's Secret. But when Thompson and Hilson moved to Utah in 2021 and 2022, respectively, they came face to face with the growing industry of extreme sports apparel for activities like hiking, skiing and climbing. 'Fully immersing ourselves into the outdoor world and culture of Salt Lake City and Park City, the product opportunity was just so painfully obvious for us,' Thompson said. In a community so focused on performance gear, there was a surprising lack of quality—and stylish—womenswear. It started with a sketch for their now best-selling 'Trailmix Cargo Pant,' which they created because, like many women, they couldn't find a pair of pants that fit both their waist and their butt comfortably. This first product helped shape their whole ethos: They wanted to meld the technicality and durability of legacy brands like Arcteryx and Patagonia with the trendiness and careful edit they saw in indie lines. They now sell a range of products from $448 ski jackets to $118 hiking cargo shorts and $48 tanks. 'We literally got a business plan template from Canva and started writing down all of our ideas and really took a couple of weeks to flesh out our strategies, our roadmap, how we were going to execute,' said Hilson. 'We came to the conclusion that the next step was finding design help.' They moved back home because they figured they'd need the family support, set up shop in their parents' basements-turned-distribution centers, and used finances from a round of friends and family funding to hire their head designer. 'Since product was the No. 1 focus, our most important relationship we knew would be our manufacturer. So we had a list of 10 of the best manufacturers that either us or our head of design had worked with, or who we knew other great brands had worked with,' Thompson said. 'We basically sent a collection pitch to each of these manufacturers, and only three responded.' But three was more than nothing, and they started 'interview-dating' the manufacturers to see who would be the best fit. They landed on a full-service vendor based in China and started placing orders from there. (They've since begun to diversify where their products are made—a process they intended to prioritize eventually, but was expedited by concerns around President Donald Trump's tariffs.) Initially launched direct-to-consumer, Seniq is now also available at more than 16 retailers (25 storefronts) including REI, Backcountry and Evo. In 2024, they brought in more than $330,000 and are on track to surpass the million-dollar mark in 2025. Many might question the idea of building an outdoors brand away from the Pacific Northwest, or mountainous regions in general: 'It would be a dream come true if we could product-test right out of our back door. That is something that does take travel time to go and actually product-test,' Thompson said. And, in turn, creating content can also be difficult. But there are more pros than cons to building in the Midwest, they said. For instance, they find Columbus to be one of the best places in the country to grow a retail startup due to the network that surrounds them. For example, it's the home of headquarters for Abercrombie & Fitch and Victoria's Secret, among others. 'The community of retail professionals here is unmatched to any other city,' Hilson said. The two say that Jeni Britton, the founder of local ice creamery Jeni's Ice Cream, is one of their biggest mentors. And they shoot all of their ecommerce content at a creative editorial studio founded by a former Express executive. 'We have so many retail executives to lean on from every function: finance, marketing, merchandising, operations,' Thompson said. As for what's next, they're continuing to expand beyond their Ohio roots. They have in-person community activations planned across the country this July, are currently finalizing their ski and fall hike collections, and have more wholesale partnerships expected to launch this winter. 'There's more women forward outdoor brands launching than ever and all different aesthetics, different missions and goals, and there's so much space for so much newness,' said Thompson. Hilson jumped in: 'And we do think there is room for all of us.' Want to meet more Columbus entrepreneurs? Our annual 30 Under 30 Summit is coming up in the Ohio state capital. Register for your ticket here. Talk next week, Alex, Zoya & Alexandra JonnyPops JonnyPops may just be the hottest, or perhaps coolest, treat in frozen aisles this summer. What started with freezing 'smoothies-on-a-stick' in the basement of a St. Olaf college dorm is now what Forbes estimates to be a $100 million business. The popsicle entrepreneurs and 2018 Under 30 food & drink alums, Erik Brust and Connor Wray, are redefining the sweet treat market. With natural ingredients and rich flavors, children and adults alike are flocking to JonnyPops this summer. Their Unicorn popsicle may be an element of subtle foreshadowing for the rapidly growing company. Read more about Erik Brust and Connor Wray here. -Tyler Haney, under 30 alum and founder of retail company Outdoor Voices, announced this week an $11 million Series A for her second startup, TYB. It stands for 'try your best,' and it's a web 3 consumer loyalty platform that connects brands with engaged consumers through features like badges and discounts as rewards to posting online, submitting reviews, or other actions. Clients include Rare Beauty and Glossier. -Is $14.8 billion worth the end of your company? That's the question Scale AI, cofounded by Lucy Guo and Alexander Wang, might be asking today. Founded by the 30 Under 30 enterprise technology alums in 2016, it was announced this week that Meta plans to acquire a 49% stake in Scale. With the nearly $15 billion deal, Wang will take on a new role at Meta to lead AI strategy (Guo is no longer part of the company). But some believe this is the beginning of the end: One former Scale staffer says clients (which include Google and Open AI) will 'want to cut Scale off now' if it's half owned by Zuckerberg's empire. -This week, Under 30s made up a large chunk of AdAge's '23 rising voices reshaping marketing at Cannes Lions 2025.' They include Bita Jedo, global celebrity and influencer lead at Bumble; creator and brand consultant Robyn DelMonte, creator and podcast host Jake Shane, the brains behind Duolingo's social media strategy (and owl) Zaria Parvez, and more. -The internet erupted last week when Tesla CEO Elon Musk condemned the Trump Administration in a series of X posts with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act at the center of the controversy. The bill passed the House of Representatives last month, but is still awaiting action from the Senate. What does this news mean for student loan borrowers? The package could set borrowing limits and increase penalties for payments in default. (CNBC) -Looking to splurge before your next paycheck? Apparently so is everyone else. BNPL (buy now, pay later) services, allowing shoppers to pay for a product in installments, are becoming increasingly popular for Gen Z and Millennial consumers. Although companies like Afterpay and Klarna market the installments as interest-free loans, there is a growing number of users falling behind on payments. Remember to be mindful about your transactions. (PBS) -Google has dealt a crushing blow to top publishers—again. The integration of generative AI into their search engine models is depleting organic traffic to media sites worldwide. Google's AI Overviews and Gemini features, which offer quick and easy summaries of the top headlines and the most complex of searches, are rapidly replacing traditional search—and even social media's role as an alternate information source. Some media companies are fighting legal battles with AI startups for copyright infringement, arguing that the infiltration of click-free answers is a serious threat to what has become a modern business model for journalism. (Wall Street Journal).
WIRED
12-06-2025
- WIRED
The Best Merino Wool T-Shirts for Every Occasion
We are talking about $80 (or more) T-shirts here, so this is valid question. I think merino T-shirts are worth the investment. They offer considerable benefits over cotton and other natural fibers, as well as synthetics. Merino offers great temperature regulation, excellent moisture wicking, and they don't smell, which means you can wear them more and don't need as many of them. Three merino T-shirts in your wardrobe will last you as many days as 10 cotton shirts, so from a financial angle it's a wash. Here's a quick rundown of some of the benefits of merino wool: Odor-resistant: One of merino wool's superpowers is that it's naturally resistant to odors. This means you can wear a merino T-shirt multiple times before needing to wash it. How many times? I'd say that depends where you are and what you're doing, but usually three to seven times. Our top pick is, after all, called the 72-hour shirt, because that's how long you can wear it before it needs a wash. Thermoregulation: Merino wool can keep you warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather. Yes, there are limits to this—no T-shirt is going to keep you cool on a hot summer day in the tropics—but merino far outshines cotton and synthetics. Moisture wicking: This is an important one for anything you're wearing while hiking or at the gym. Merino wool is excellent at moving moisture away from your skin, through the fabric, where it can evaporate quickly. This is why it makes such a good base layer. Versatility: Merino wool shirts are great for travel, hiking, backpacking, and as everyday shirts for around town. They can also be used year-round, even in the cold, as part of a good layering system. Packable: Merino wool T-shirts tend to pack up smaller than cotton and many synthetics, meaning they take up less room in your bag when traveling. Combine this with the odor resistance above and your have the ultimate travel T-shirt. The one place cotton and nylon blend T-shirts might possibly have an edge is durability. Merino wool isn't really any less durable in my experience, but it can pill, which is where the wool fibers break and tangle together in tiny knots, forming little balls on your T-shirt. Some pilling isn't a big deal, but if a T-shirt pills a lot you know it's made of very made of short wool fibers, rather than longer continuous fibers. Unfortunately, most manufacturers don't advertise the length of their spun fibers, which is where our testing comes in. I hate pilling, and I have eliminated all the T-shirts that have pilled on me, except one, which I like anyway (the pilling is not that bad).
