Our Story
The Trail That’s Led to Here
As Mountainsmith nears its 40-year anniversary in 2019, we celebrate not only the gear that has led us here, but the stories, adventures, and experiences that have defined the rugged, Colorado-grown, no B.S. lifestyle we continue to share.
Founded in Golden, Colorado in 1979, Mountainsmith was born and bred in the Rockies. Our story began with Colorado outdoorsmen in need of seriously durable gear that could withstand the rigors of their backcountry pursuits. As their expeditions became longer and more remote, they realized that commercial gear couldn’t keep up with their adventures—so they built their own. With weeks at a time in the woods, they'd come up with new ideas and prototypes out of any materials on-hand, not just building gear, but building a lifestyle and brand that is still rooted in its connection to the Rockies.
Crafted in Colorado
Throughout the 80s and 90s, Mountainsmith’s designs came to life with the help of home sewers across Colorado. The various components of the packs were built in-house and then transported in giant “batch bags” (now the Travel Trunk Series) from one sewer to the next and back to Mountainsmith’s headquarters in Golden. From the Front Range to the top of Vail Pass and out to the Western Slope, these packs were crafted by Colorado’s best. Today, we're still headquartered only miles from where it all began.
Recognition & Partnerships
With awards from Backpacker Magazine, Outside Magazine, ISPO and more, Mountainsmith’s reputation for innovation continues to come to life through creative collaborations. In 2013, Mountainsmith teamed up with Andy Mann (National Geographic photographer) to co-design camera bags built and tested for the elements. 2014 brought a collaboration with fellow Colorado-Native Icelantic Skis, leading to a USA-made ski pack line. Two years later, we sought out Chris Burkard, legendary adventure photographer, to create what he calls, “the most universal camera system on the market.”