Outdoor brands you might not know, but you should — Big Agnes.
I'm an affiliate, meaning I partner with brands and earn a commission if you purchase through the links on my site. This helps support my website. Big Agnes is not an affiliate of Overland Girl, but REI and Amazon are, and they carry Big Agnes.
Blog Series: 06/11 | BIG AGnesI love quality, well-made products. Working in advertising as a creative, from the giant agencies to the boutiques, has given me a unique perspective. It's not always about the big names you know; sometimes, it's the ones you don't that capture your eye.
Now, stepping away from agency life with Overland Girl, I'm spotlighting the brands that ignite my passion and confidence. With my creative roots and a career that's crossed paths with both the well-known and the obscure, I'm excited to share the brands that stand out—not just for their products but for their stories, commitment, and undeniable spirit. This blog is part of a series where I highlight some of the most unique and inspiring outdoor brands. Let’s dive into the world of these hidden gems, exploring what makes them tick and, perhaps, finding the one that speaks to you. You might already know these brands; if so, that’s great: Mammut, Black Crows, Wild Rye, Stio, Snow Peak, Dragon Alliance, Big Agnes, Mountain Gazette, Wild Sam, HipCamp, Rumpl, and Rovr Coolers.
Today, I’m excited to focus on Big Agnes, a brand that has redefined outdoor comfort by creating innovative and award-winning tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads designed to elevate your camping experience,
Big Agnes: Crafting Comfort from the Heart of the Rockies.
Photo by Luis Olmos
Based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Big Agnes is known as "The Mother of Comfort" and stands out for its innovative camping gear. This brand has made a significant mark in the outdoor industry by developing products that combine comfort with exceptional functionality. Ideal for camping enthusiasts, Big Agnes offers a range of high-quality tents, sleeping bags, and camp furniture designed to enhance outdoor experiences.
The Story of Big Agnes.
Big Agnes was founded in 2001 by Bill Gamber alongside his partners. Gamber, an avid outdoorsman with a deep passion for camping and adventure, launched the company in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. His goal was clear: to enhance the camping experience by developing outdoor gear combining innovation and comfort. Drawing from his extensive background in outdoor activities, Gamber was committed to addressing the practical needs of campers and hikers, filling a gap he saw in the market. Under his leadership, Big Agnes has become a successful, sustainability-focused brand known for its reliable and thoughtfully designed products.
Photo from bigagnes.com
Big Anges: The Thinking Behind The Name.
Big Agnes is named after a peak in the nearby Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, where the company is based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This naming reflects the brand's deep connection to the local landscape and its commitment to the outdoor lifestyle, symbolizing the ruggedness and beauty of the wilderness areas that inspire their products.
Big Agnes: Crafting Comfort-Driven Camping Gear for the Outdoors.
Each product category from Big Agnes is developed with deep consideration for the needs of outdoor recreation enthusiasts to provide not just gear but solutions that enhance the outdoor experience. Here are the main product categories offered by Big Agnes:
Photo from bigagnes.com
Tents: Big Agnes’s tents are engineered for the modern adventurer, offering a blend of lightweight construction and durability. Their range includes options for ultralight backpacking, camping, and mountaineering, featuring advanced materials and designs that prioritize ease of setup and weather resistance. Standout series like the Copper Spur and Tiger Wall are favorites among both thru-hikers and casual campers for their exceptional balance of weight and functionality.
Sleeping Bags: With options tailored to different weather conditions and personal sleep preferences, Big Agnes's sleeping bags utilize high-quality down and synthetic fills to ensure warmth and comfort. Their innovative sleep system bags, which integrate with sleeping pads, offer a unique solution that prevents the bag from twisting during the night, providing a stable and cozy sleep environment. The Big Agnes just made it in our
Sleeping Pads: Complementing their sleeping bags, Big Agnes’s sleeping pads are designed to provide optimal warmth and cushioning. These pads vary from ultra-light, packable models ideal for backpacking to luxurious, thicker pads for maximum comfort during car camping trips.
Camp Furniture: Understanding the need for comfort in camp, Big Agnes offers a line of lightweight, durable camp furniture. This includes chairs, tables, and travel-ready accessories that don’t compromise comfort or portability, making them perfect for any outdoor setting.
Accessories: Rounding out their offerings, Big Agnes provides a range of accessories that enhance and support the use of their core products. From tent footprints to gear lofts and repair kits, these accessories ensure that adventurers can rely on their gear in any conditions.
Sustainability Efforts.
Sustainability is a core component of Big Agnes. The company strives to minimize environmental impact by using recycled materials and ensuring that its manufacturing processes are as eco-friendly as possible. It is also actively involved in various conservation efforts, partnering with organizations to preserve the natural beauty that inspires its products.
Big Agnes's Commitment to Sustainability.
Big Agnes is deeply committed to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices throughout their product lifecycle and operations. Their approach to environmental stewardship is comprehensive, affecting everything from material choices to energy use. Here’s how they’re making a difference:
Sustainable Materials and Processes: Big Agnes utilizes water-saving solution-dyed fabrics, recycled and bio-based materials, and PFAS-free coatings across their camping gear. This dedication to eco-friendly materials minimizes environmental impact and demonstrates their commitment to responsible sourcing and production.
Energy Use and Carbon Footprint: The company has significantly reduced its carbon footprint by powering all its US facilities with 100% renewable energy since 2021. This effort is part of a partnership with the City of Steamboat Springs and uses renewable energy credits from the Yampa Valley Electric Association.
Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs: Big Agnes focuses on minimizing waste through initiatives like the 2nd Routt program, which recycles and repurposes leftover materials from production. This program reduces waste and creatively reuses materials to make new products.
Community and Conservation Efforts: The company partners with over 20 organizations committed to protecting public lands, supporting sustainable practices, and advancing equality and inclusivity. These partnerships expand the reach of Big Agnes's sustainability efforts, contributing to broader environmental and community health.
Product Lifecycle Responsibility: Big Agnes ensures its products are durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lessening environmental waste. It also offers repair services to extend the lifespan of its gear, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability throughout the product lifecycle.
Big Agnes's sustainability mission goes beyond creating high-quality outdoor gear; it encompasses respect and responsibility for preserving the natural environments in which their products are used.
Community Involvement and Customer Loyalty.
Big Agnes isn't just about making products but about creating a community. They engage with their customers through events and advocacy programs that promote outdoor activities. This community-centric approach, coupled with its high-quality gear, has earned Big Agnes a loyal customer base that values not only the performance of the products but also the ethos of the brand.
Big Agnes: Uncomplicated Excellence in Outdoor Gear.
In conclusion, Big Agnes might seem like a smaller player in the outdoor gear market, but their focus and output are impressive. I first came across Big Agnes during a blog review on camping gear and was immediately struck by their straightforward approach. Their website is simple and to the point, a sign that they invest more in product development than in flashy online presence. They don’t oversell themselves, because they don’t need to—the quality of their gear speaks loudly enough. It’s true, their products aren’t cheap, but you get what you pay for: durability, functionality, and a commitment to sustainability that’s hard to find elsewhere. For those who venture outdoors, Big Agnes is a brand that delivers on its promises without any fuss.
