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

About GEAR

Empowering the outdoor recreation industry through connection, education, and community.

Mission & Vision

Why GEAR exists

Our Mission

We exist to empower people to recreate outside in the most accessible and sustainable ways through expanded knowledge of gear and services.

Our Vision

GEAR helps individuals, groups, businesses, nonprofits, and government sustain and grow the outdoor recreation industry. We boost the desire, access, and growth of the outside consumer economy through online and in-person events that provide education, connection, and the sharing of best practices.

By the Numbers

The Outdoor Recreation Industry

$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.

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.

Additional Values We Champion

Outdoor IndustryGear & EquipmentWellnessConnectionEducationStewardshipSustainability

Programs & Activities

What We Do

Networking Events

Host monthly Tap Into Tuesdays on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 4–7 PM. Speed-networking to meet industry professionals.

Goal: 12 events / year

Educational Events

Panels, seminars, workshops, and skill-building on sustainability, gear innovation, industry trends, and best practices. We encourage junior presenters to gain experience.

Community & Connection

Maintain a LinkedIn Group and Slack community where members share gear recommendations, job openings, pro deals, and discounts.

Environmental Stewardship

Organize trail cleanup days, sustainability initiatives, and gear swap events to reduce waste.

Goal: 2 events / year

Outdoor Activities

Organize hikes, bike rides, ski meetups, camping trips, fishing excursions, and climbing adventures.

Goal: 6 activities / year

Fundraising & Support

Help people in the outdoor industry facing hardship through fundraising events like banquets with silent auctions.

Goal: 1 major event / year

Community

Who We Serve

Companies in outdoor recreation, sports, fitness, nutrition & beverage
Small business owners, startups & consultants
Employees in the outdoor industry
Students interested in outdoor careers
Nonprofits focused on outdoor recreation
People who love to recreate outside

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.