Have you ever chalked up gear discomfort to your body being the problem: the chafing, the shoulder pressure, the hip belt that just won't cinch down far enough?
It's not you. It's the gear.
Sarah Berkeley (trail name: Mellow!) is the founder of Symbiosis Gear, an ultralight backpacking gear company designing packs and accessories that actually fit women's bodies.
Sarah went through three backpacks on the Pacific Crest Trail before she decided to stop waiting for someone else to solve the problem! She founded Symbiosis Gear, an ultralight backpacking gear company built specifically for women's bodies.
See Her Outside is partnering with Western Colorado University's Outdoor Industry MBA — a remote degree program built for people who want to lead, build, and create in the outdoor space. If you've ever thought about building a career or business in the outdoor industry, WCU's Outdoor Industry MBA was made for you.
Sarah and Angie talk about:
- The heavy backpacking and camping gear Sarah started her outdoor adventures with
- Thru-hiking the Vermont Long Trail solo and running into gear problems
- Sarah’s journey to ultralight gear after meeting other hikers
- Tips for solo hiking after experiencing urban assault
- Going through three backpacks on the PCT and finally deciding to build her own
- Gear and safety: The moment she fell through a snow bridge in the Sierra and had to make a fast call
- Why the outdoor industry isn't designing for women
- How Symbiosis Gear fits differently: curved straps, adjustable sternum, and a waist belt that fits every body size
- Lessons from building a product-based business and what’s ahead
Check out these resources:
🌐 Symbiosis Gear
📱 Symbiosis on IG
📱 Sarah on IG
➡️ The Cairn Project on IG
✨ The Cairn Project's newsletter
🥾 Become a Trailblazer
📅 Summit Scholarship Foundation
🎓 Western Colorado University Outdoor Industry MBA
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You can help us close the gender gap outdoors and beyond
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Check out the Summit Scholarship Foundation.
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