Independent Innovators
Small Brands. Big Ideas. Built, Not Bought.
In every corner of the outdoor industry, there are a few rare creators doing it the hard way — designing, prototyping, and sewing their own gear by hand. Not chasing trends. Not copying what's safe. But quietly building the future from their basements, garages, and small studios.
At TUFA Climbing, we believe those people deserve to be seen. The ones who actually innovate — not just market the word.
Below are a few of the small, independent brands that remind us why this work matters: authenticity, originality, and the relentless pursuit of better design.
Yama Mountain Gear — Shelters, Redefined
Where: Missoula, Montana
What they do: Ultralight shelters and tarps engineered with elegance and precision for serious backcountry travelers.
Why we love them: Gen Shimuzu has been innovating on shelters for over 15 years, bringing a deep understanding of materials, geometry, and the subtle intricacies that separate a good design from a great one. Yama’s work reflects mastery in design and craftsmanship, and represents years of dedicated iteration.
Sockdolager Equipment — Innovation on Water
Where: Bend, Oregon
What they do: Hand-built packrafting and river-running equipment pushing the boundaries of weight and durability.
Why we love them: Dan Ransom is reimagining what it means to move fast and light on water. No buzzwords, no compromise — just precision craft from people who actually get their gear wet.
Runout Customs — Hardware for the Vertical World
Where: Yosemite Valley, California
What they do: Purpose-built big wall gear and hardware, crafted with an obsessive eye for strength, function, and simplicity.
Why we love them: Luke Malatesta builds for climbers who live high on the biggest walls in the world - offering the most durable and well-crafted products on the market. Their work is made by someone who’s hung in the same storms their customers face.
High Above — Bags That Ride Hard
Where: Bellingham, Washington
What they do: Handcrafted mountain bike hip packs and accessories built to outlast everything else on the trail.
Why we love them: Spencer Kadas and Kyle Thrackray merge novel materials with clean designs, leading the way in MTB carry. Every product is built to move by experienced and passionate riders.
A Rising Tide for True Makers
Supporting these brands means supporting original thought — the kind that can’t be outsourced, scaled overnight, or replicated by marketing departments.
Every share, comment, and purchase helps keep the spark alive for independent design and true outdoor innovation.