A complete brand relaunch is no easy feat, but since being acquired by Outdoor Gear Inc. in 2007, Boulder Gear has reinvented itself as a detail-oriented company that provides affordable outerwear for the discerning consumer. Designed in Aspen, CO, and tested throughout the Rockies, the company’s goal is to pack as much technical value into its outerwear as humanly possible.
Longtime Aspen resident Cindi Houston Davis heads up the design process and skis alongside BG athletes to receive immediate feedback on product performance. She then takes that information and implements it into the design process, yielding products like the Resolute Tech jacket and Valiant pant.
Both the Resolute and the Valiant are fully seam sealed and feature four-way stretch fabric and waterproof zippers. A secondary face gusset on the jacket—strategically shaped fabric that provides added surface area—also delivers facial protection from weather.
Bruce Ruff makes a slash. Photo by Casey Day
Boulder Gear’s fabrics are tech-savvy, with the entire line of jackets featuring at least a 10K waterproof rating and the Tech line boasting a four-way stretch fabric. The higher-end BG Tech+ styles sport 20K/20K ratings along with 6-percent elastic construction for even more mobility. But the most impressive part is that not one piece in the line exceeds an MSRP of $250.
In addition to highly technical construction, Boulder Gear works to instill street styling into its products, like the Jawstone jacket, which features a nylon-canvas fabric that Boulder Gear president Adam Garry describes as “outdoor styling rather than a traditional Alpine look.”
To that end, rounding out the 2014-15 product line is a collection of lifestyle and performance fleeces, like the Highland Fleece jacket, constructed of 100-percent polyester, heathered interlock microfleece for warmth retention with breathability—a solid layering option.
Going into fall 2014, the company is exploring a variety of options to “increase the level of protection while keeping price points down,” says Garry. The result has been a full line of three-layer performance fabrics, even in the insulated products.
Bruce Ruff. Photo by Casey Day
In an effort to manufacture products that almost anybody can appreciate, the brand looks to cater to the full spectrum of body shapes and size preferences. In its men’s selections, the brand offers XS to 4XL jackets and up to 6XL on select pants. Park rats, take note.
In the future, the company will continue to remain focused on providing the best bang for your buck. “Anything that you’ll find in a typical $400 jacket, you’ll find in our $250 jacket offering,” Garry asserts.
The brand will also continue to develop new features and test out new innovations. “The things that people loved about Boulder Gear in the past will be paired with a new mindset to address all- mountain conditions and all levels of skiers and types of pursuits on the hill,” adds Garry.
While the brand has undergone big changes over the years, Garry maintains, “The commitment to delivering performance and value has and will always remain the same.”
Boulder Gear Jawstone Jacket
“Born on a mountain, raised in the city, the Boulder Gear Jawstone jacket embraces the slope to street vibe with a proprietary nylon…” Click for full review and scores.
Boulder Gear Resolute Tech Jacket
“This performance-driven design features waterproof/breathable 4-way stretch fabric, our lightest weight insulation, off-center waterproof front…” Click for full review and scores.
Boulder Gear Valiant Pant
“Enjoy the freedom of unrestricted movement in the Boulder Gear Valiant ski pants. Featuring waterproof/breathable…” Click for full review and scores.
