📍 Serving Colorado's outdoor recreation community Free monthly networking — Tap Into Tuesdays · See events

Outdoor Industry Nonprofit · Colorado

Grow. Explore.
Adventure. Recreate.

Empowering people to recreate outside in the most accessible and sustainable ways — through expanded knowledge of gear, services, and each other.

Why the outdoor recreation industry matters

$1.2T
Economic output of outdoor recreation (2023)
5M
Quality, high-paying U.S. outdoor industry jobs
2.3%
Of U.S. GDP from outdoor recreation
181.1M
Americans participating outdoors (2024)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis & Outdoor Industry Association.

Our Mission

We exist to get more people outside — sustainably.

GEAR empowers people to recreate outside in the most accessible and sustainable ways through expanded knowledge of gear and services.

We help individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and government sustain and grow the outdoor recreation industry through online and in-person events that provide education, connection, and the sharing of best practices.

Learn more about GEAR

Our Signature Event

Tap Into Tuesdays

Join us the 2nd Tuesday of every month, 4–7 PM for speed networking with outdoor industry professionals — in a relaxed Colorado brewery setting. Free and open to the whole community.

Rotating Locations

A different brewery across Colorado each month.

Network With Peers

Meet founders, makers, retailers, and outdoor pros.

Speed Networking

A structured format that maximizes real connections.

What We Stand For

Our Core Values

Grow

Expand knowledge, opportunity, and community within the outdoor industry.

Explore

Discover new experiences, perspectives, and possibilities.

Adventure

Embrace outdoor experiences and push boundaries together.

Recreate

Build meaningful connections and community through shared passion.

Programs & Activities

What We Do

Networking Events

Monthly Tap Into Tuesdays speed-networking for industry professionals.

Goal: 12 / year

Educational Events

Panels, seminars, and workshops on sustainability, gear innovation, and best practices.

Junior presenters welcome

Community & Connection

LinkedIn Group & Slack community for gear tips, jobs, pro deals, and discounts.

Year-round

Environmental Stewardship

Trail cleanups, gear swaps, and sustainability initiatives that reduce waste.

Goal: 2 / year

Outdoor Activities

Hikes, bike rides, ski meetups, camping, fishing, and climbing adventures.

Goal: 6 / year

Fundraising & Support

Banquets and silent auctions that help industry members facing hardship.

Goal: 1 major / year

Community

Who We Serve

Outdoor, sports, fitness & nutrition companies
Small business owners, startups & consultants
Employees in the outdoor industry
Students exploring outdoor careers
Nonprofits focused on outdoor recreation
Anyone who loves to recreate outside

Partner With Us

Sponsors & Partners

Connect with the outdoor industry while growing access to the outdoors. Choose the level that fits your goals.

Most visibility

Founding Partner

  • Logo on website & all event materials
  • Host 2 educational events / year
  • Booth space & speaking slots
Details
Per event

Event Sponsor

  • Logo on event materials & site
  • Present or demo your products
  • Booth or table space
Details
Ongoing

Community Partner

  • Logo on partners page
  • Newsletter mention
  • Member discount opportunities
Details

Stories & Insights

From the GEAR Blog

Browse all articles
Diversity

Women in the Outdoor Industry: Breaking Barriers

Stories and insights from women leaders on challenges, opportunities, and building a more inclusive industry.

Apr 10, 2026 · 7 min read

Sustainability

Gear That Lasts: Repair, Reuse, Recreate

Practical ways the outdoor community can cut waste — from gear swaps to repair clinics and circular brands.

Coming soon

Careers

Breaking Into Outdoor Industry Careers

How students and career-changers can find a foothold in the $1.2T outdoor recreation economy.

Coming soon

Join the Community

There's a place for you in GEAR.

Whether you're an individual, business, nonprofit, or government organization — come grow the outdoors with us.