Outreach

We’re sharing stories, skills, and stoke

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Content That Connects

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Podcast

The KORE Outdoors Podcast shines a spotlight on the people behind the gear. Each episode features candid conversations with outdoor industry entrepreneurs and innovators, exploring the real challenges and big ideas shaping the future of outdoor gear.

July 22, 2025
Episode #29 – Lloyd Vogel Part II

Lloyd Vogel, CEO of Garage Grown Gear and keynote speaker at the upcoming KORE Summit, returns to the podcast for a timely conversation about leading a growing business, why ultralight backpacking has become backpacking, and the future of independent outdoor retail.

Episode Highlights:

  • The personal evolution from doing everything to leading everything — how Lloyd shifted from solopreneur to CEO.
  • Garage Grown Gear’s framework for saying “no” to good ideas to make room for great ones.
  • Why ultralight backpacking isn’t a niche anymore—it’s becoming the new norm in outdoor retail.
  • The importance of staying deeply connected to your brand’s purpose and resisting horizontal sprawl.
  • How independent retailers can win by creating spaces of discovery, not sameness.

See Lloyd speak live by registering for the KORE Outdoors Summit happening October 2-3, 2025 in Kimberley, BC: https://koreoutdoors.org/summit

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Speaker Series

The KORE Outdoors Speaker Series brings leading voices in design, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and innovation to our community, both virtually and in person. These free sessions are open to members and the public, offering an hour’s worth of inspiration and practical insight from people pushing boundaries in the outdoor industry. Each talk includes a Q&A so you can connect directly with the experts and get answers tailored to your business or creative journey. It’s part learning, part spark, and fully focused on moving the Kootenay outdoor sector forward.

Latest Episode

Sam Cohen of Gripped Magazine: Demystifying Modern Media

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Articles

KORE Outdoors articles dive into what matters most to gear makers and outdoor entrepreneurs in the Kootenays. From how-to guides on product development to member profiles, event recaps, and sustainability tips, each piece is written with our local outdoor economy in mind. The goal? To share ideas, celebrate community wins, and provide helpful resources for anyone building something outdoorsy and awesome. Whether you’re reading up on trends or just want to see what your fellow KORE members are up to, the articles section is your knowledge base.

Vince Hempsall
Jul 3, 2025
Articles
Vince Hempsall
Mar 1, 2025
Articles
Vince Hempsall
Jan 21, 2025
Articles
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Events

KORE Outdoors hosts a dynamic lineup of events that celebrate and support the outdoor gear industry. Each October the KORE Outdoors Summit in Kimberley brings together industry leaders for workshops, panels, and networking focused on outdoor rec-tech manufacturing and design. Additionally, KORE partners with the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, showcasing Kootenay-made gear and fostering connections within the global outdoor community. Plus there are multiple festivals, meet-ups, and other in-person events throughout the year.

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The KORE Summit is an annual gathering of outdoor gear makers, designers, and industry leaders held in Kimberley, BC. It features hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities—all focused on growing the outdoor rec-tech sector and building community across the Kootenays and beyond.
KORE Outdoors Summit
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KORE Outdoors is a proud sponsor of the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, showcasing innovative gear from Kootenay makers at the Festival Marketplace. The partnership boosts visibility for local brands, connects entrepreneurs with a global audience, and highlights the region’s role in sustainable outdoor innovation.
Banff Mountain Film Festival
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KORE Outdoors is involved in multiple festivals and events throughout the year including the Kootenay Coldsmoke Powderfest, KOREfest + Localpalooza, and the Re-Hub Repair Tour. Its presence at all these festivals supports the local outdoor gear industry and fosters engagement with the Kootenay community and beyond.
Re-Hub Tour & Festivals

Get in Touch

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