For the past 35 years, Title Nine has been scouring the globe in search of killer products that get women where they want to be – OUTSIDE. So we’re back with another year of T9’s Pitchfest Outdoor Edition, opening the doors to support women makers in the outdoor industry, like us, designing and wear-testing products we’d be proud to sell (and buy)!
On September 27, nine brands will pitch their products to our panel of industry and outdoor experts for a chance to join our product lineup and community of women entrepreneurs. Yeah, that’s a lotta pressure, but these women–every one of them–are fearless. After all, it takes a crazy amount of grit, ambition and guts to start your own business. AND to take it to the next level.
So now, let’s cue the drum roll 🥁 Here are our T9 Pitchfest Outdoor 2024 Finalists:
Rebecca Garske
@kaleidoscope.yogatowels
Yogi and mom Rebecca create yoga towels that bring a splash of color and optimism to our practice, while being incredibly grippy and absorbent. Their anti-slip backing is designed to stay put as we move through challenging inversions and fast-paced flows, so we can focus on our zen, not on our mat.
Tamara Mekler
@nutshellcoolers
On a Stanford grad school project in the Philippines, Tamara noticed heaps of coconut husk waste. She quickly discovered the fibers could be repurposed into a super-cooling insulation that keeps food fresh for up to two days. These soft-side coolers not only fight waste, they’re collapsible – which means stowing one in a gear closet isn’t going to take up a nutty amount of space.
Emma Wilson
@herzog_shop
Emma, an illustrator and mom-of-two, believes dogs are family. After struggling to find durable, non-toxic gear for her adopted Wolfhound mix, she and her mom launched Herzog. Their secret sauce? Waterproof silicone. It keeps splash-filled adventures going strong without all the nasty odors, stains, mildew and mold. Paw yeah!
Madison Hilson and Valentina Thompson
@seniq
Madison and Valentina get it: Outdoor adventures are game-changers for mental health. These founders are just as committed to working hard as they are to decompressing by hiking, skiing or floating the river. They started SENIQ because they wanted gear that could also strike a healthy balance. Together, they landed on design-forward, mountain-ready gear that makes women feel fierce as they kick ass to the summit.
Niki Roxx Murray
@nikiroxxsurf
Niki Roxx is all about taking on new challenges. She picked up surfing for her 50th ride around the sun, and noticed her surf gear wasn’t keeping up. That’s when her design background and love for retro styles kicked in. She launched Niki Roxx to offer gear that fits women’s bumps and curves as they focus on catching new adventures–in and out of the water.
Sara Chen
@pangooapparel
One day at the climbing gym, Sara and her friends agreed there was nothing more frustrating than finding good climbing pants. Sara set out to solve their shared struggle by founding Pangoo Apparel. Her women-first climbing gear actually fits and flatters real bodies–with special attention to our waist, hips and thighs. But it’s not just about fit; Sara is dedicated to building a brand that serves as an inclusive entry point for women of color to get into the outdoors.
Abby Ahlgrim
@surf_gems
California-based artist and surfer Abby has mad love for the ocean. She channels it through her art, turning excess surfboard resin into colorful earrings and necklaces. With a focus on mindful consumerism, her handcrafted jewelry proves that sustainability and style can merge as seamlessly as a surfboard riding the waves.
Robin Hall
@townhallco_
Mountain-lovin’ mama Robin’s on a mission to get families outside and into the wild. Based in Steamboat Springs, CO, she’s used to all outdoor days and designs her gear to keep pace. The brand is also big into sustainability and community (just look at its name!). Robin uses her 20+ years in the outdoor design industry to craft recycled gear that encourages fun, without introducing textile waste into the environment.
Laura Davey
@aeronautoutdoor
Laura, co-founder of Aeronaut Outdoor, understands the importance of a good night’s sleep–after all, she’s wrangling four kids at home! She also knows that women naturally run cold. So the award-winning outdoor designer set out to create sleeping gear that’s super warm, totally fuss-free and ready to catch some Z’s after an adventure. So no matter where we are, who we’re with, or how we sleep, we get the rest we need and deserve.
We can’t wait to host these risk-taking small business owners in our own backyard for Pitchfest this September. Follow along on our Instagram stories to keep up with the women-powered fun, the pitches, and the camaraderie. We’ll be back to announce the winners from this line-up of finalists, so stay tuned!
That cooler sounds better than I’ve ever hoped for! I’m still using a Coleman lunch cooler because I don’t want to deal with the space problem a real cooler causes – but it would be nice to be able to take some more cold things on a car camping trip.