Discover New Brands Bringing Higher Quality of Life Products to Outdoor Retail: Founder Friday Series
Discover New Brands Bringing Higher Quality of Life Products to Outdoor Retail
In our latest installment of the Founder Friday Series, we’re highlighting two brands that continue to push the outdoor industry toward smarter design, greater inclusivity, and more joyful time outside! These founders saw everyday challenges on the trail and responded with solutions that are both practical and deeply human. From reimagining comfort and autonomy to elevating your typical backcountry meals, these entrepreneurs are reshaping what it means to feel prepared and cared for outdoors. Meet the creators behind two standout brands whose passion and purpose shine through in every product they make.
Jamie and Jayson Poe, Poe & Co. Folk Foods
Most pre-dried camping meals tend to follow a similar formula: pack in calories and rely on widely-palatable flavors. Jamie and Jayson Poe, who are both trained chefs, decided there was room to improve so they launched their company and drilled down on flavor and creativity. What they came up with was a series of creative recipes like black garlic ramen that are packed with healthy, all-vegan ingredients and deliver an elevated flavor that you’d expect in a restaurant, not on the side of a trail.
“The goal was straightforward: real ingredients, bold flavor, clean fuel, and food you genuinely look forward to eating after a long day outside,” they told us. “Garlic ramen is a great example of how much flavor you can build when you approach these meals like chefs instead of manufacturers.” The best part? It’s only up from here. Creative breakfast and snack recipes are likely next and the duo said they plan to continue making sure food is an essential part of any outdoor experience. “We believe what you eat outside should be just as good as the gear you bring.”
Krista Eickmann, pStyle
Many people find it easier, faster, more convenient, and even safer to pee standing up, especially when playing outside. To offer this convenience to as many users as possible, Krista developed the pStyle personal urination device (PUD) all the way back in 2006 and to date the company has sold thousands across the world. Made in the U.S. from a sturdy and recycled plastic, the pStyle allows women (cis and trans), non-binary folks, intersex people, trans men, and some cis men to stay hydrated and pee in a convenient way that eliminates any need to squat or partially undress. Offered in a wide variety of colors, from Lilac to skin colors, pSyles are purposely designed to be easy to use and easy to clean, both at home and on the trail.
Krista says that going forward she’ll continue to offer pStyles online, but also wants to increase her relationships with local retailers where buyers can hold and feel the device in a welcoming space that allows them to understand the convenience firsthand. And as the company grows, she also hopes the acceptance of a PUD becomes second nature to anyone who loves to travel or spend time outside. “Eventually, I see us getting to the place where pee funnels are as common and accepted as a toothbrush,” she said.
Why These Founders Matter
Both pStyle and Poe & Co. Folk Foods demonstrate what happens when founders listen to the needs of the outdoor community and respond with thoughtful, human-centered design. They’re not just selling products—they’re reshaping what it means to feel prepared, cared for, and empowered in nature.
For retailers, these brands represent the kind of innovation your customers crave: practical solutions that enhance comfort, inclusivity, and quality of life outdoors. Whether it’s offering the freedom to stay hydrated without hassle or transforming mealtime into a moment of genuine enjoyment, these founders are proving that the best gear starts with understanding real people and real challenges.
Ready to stock products that make a difference? Discover more innovative brands like pStyle and Poe & Co. Folk Foods at Outdoor Retailer, where the next generation of outdoor solutions comes to life.