| This is a really crowded space, what sets you apart? Patagonia, GoLite, Nau and others all have social commitments and are doing rally cool things in terms of supply chain transparency or you can buy from a small cottage maker like nw alpine, cilogear or westcomb (all made in the usa or candada). Are you a B-corp like some of the others mentioned? Do you have any connection to the culture you appropriated for your name? Sherpa Adventure Gear is at least owned made and tested by sherpas... Looking at this stuff as an experienced climber/hiker/mountaineer/skier it looks poorly thought out or poorly described. Ie either the designes were thrown together or the guy who wrote the description wasn't aware of the purpose and has no experience layering for the outdoors. Focusing on the Pacaya coat for example, Polartech alpha is a really cool breathable puffy coat fabric released in the last couple of years but you don't mention that or if the face fabric you use complements that (ie the westcomb tango similar to your pacaya uses pertex equilibrium. See also the rab strata, marmot isotherm, and new patagonia nano air (non alpha but similar fabric) all of which make a big deal of the increased breathability of these new fabrics) or even list a denier for it...it could be some pu coated nylon that breathes like a ziplock. You mention polartech power stretch which is a specific fabric but don't mention where it is used or why you would want to add a breathable fleece panel to an already breathable alpha jacket. And what the hell is a scuba hood? Does it go under or over a helmet? And how much does this thing weigh? This is the single most important piece of information most serious outdoor people will look for. Some of the pieces seem technical and some are made from waxed cotton with buttons...as a young brand i'd suggest focusing either on pieces that actually work in the outdoors or stylish ones but not trying to do both until you develop a following. I can't tell what is up with the packs. I'm ignoring the cotton/leather ones and the luzon does look okay (similar to athe popular rei flash) but the rest have tons of zippers in strange places and there is a hugh gap in your line in the "actually useful for serious outdoor pursuits ranging from 1-3 day trips" 30-55 liter size. My suggestion would be that, if you want to market yourself as an outdoor company focus on making quality pieces that fill outdoors peoples needs and be better about listing specs to help people decided if what you have is better then what else is out there. Being "for good" is not particularly unique in this industry. If you want to do fashion do fashion. |
Regarding the product feedback, our designers are award-winning gear and apparel designers who previously worked at Black Diamond, Gregory, Marmot, Dakine, Columbia and Nike. We used data to determine which products to launch with - more is coming soon, so keep an eye out for the 30-55 liter packs.
Regarding your feedback about sticking to core outdoor products, we aren't looking to be like everyone else. I'd be happy to discuss in person or offline, and I think you'd understand why we're going with this approach. I've spent 10 years as an entrepreneur, building e-commerce businesses and brands. We have plenty to learn, and we'll certainly make some mistakes, but I feel pretty confident in our brand positioning, line logic and product strategy. Loved the feedback though. I'm going to share it with our team. Really appreciate you taking the time to give it to us!