Rethinking the Backcountry Essentials: Founder Friday Series
Rethinking the Backcountry Essentials: Founder Friday Series
This week, we’re highlighting two founders who prove that whether you’re counting grams or craving gourmet flavor, there’s always room for a little more ingenuity in your pack. Introducing Andrew Vargo of Trail Stuff and SalsaQueen Zapata of Salsa Queen!
Andrew Vargo, Trail Stuff
One of the most common hacks for anyone trying to save weight—be it thru-hikers or backcountry skiers—is to chop off most of their toothbrush handle. It only saves a few grams but every gram counts when you’re moving fast and light. Andrew Vargo, who thru-hiked the Appalachian trail, realized he could go one step farther so he designed a brush and brush cap that fits on the end of most long-handled camping spoons—eliminating the need for any sort of handle at all. His brush comes in at just two grams, or 4.4 grams with the cap, making it the lightest toothbrush you’ll ever carry.
When we spoke to Andrew he told us that in the world of niche products, a feathery toothbrush probably takes the cake, but he’s learned a lot in the process and is proud of his company’s ingenuity. “We focus on taking fun, truly novel ideas for a product, and trying to drag them, kicking-and-screaming, into reality in the most efficient way possible,” he said. The plan is to now use this same no-holds-barred spirit to solve other problems for people who love to play outside. “Down the road I’m hoping to expand the product list to challenge some core concepts of what gear is, and how we use it,” he said.
SalsaQueen Zapata, Salsa Queen
Yes, you read that correctly. The owner of Salsa Queen salsa officially changed her name to the same thing as the brand because she’s that invested. Originally Maharba Zapata, SalsaQueen is a mother of seven who founded the company to support her family and made a name for herself by selling fresh, flavor-forward salsas at local farmers markets around Salt Lake City, Utah. Thanks to the quality of the product and the amazing taste, the company grew exponentially and is now sold online and across the country.
The Salsa Queen brand started with traditional offerings—everything from tomatillo salsa to chipotle dip—but more recently blazed into freeze-dried products. Today you can buy several different freeze-dried salsas that have a three-year shelf life and come alive with just a few ounces of water. Perfect for morning eggs in a backcountry ski hut, this new offering has found a strong following with anyone who loves good food just as much as they love being outside.
Why Discovery Matters for Retailers
These brands represent just a fraction of the innovation happening at the grassroots level of our industry. Small brands are the lifeblood of gear evolution! They are agile, they are hungry, and they are listening to the users because they are the users.
For specialty independent retailers,
- Elevate your retail strategy by offering products big box stores ignore.
- Forge strategic partnerships with founders who are eager to grow with you.
- Engage your community with stories of authenticity and problem-solving.
Don’t miss your chance to meet brands like these and dozens of other innovators at the Summer 2026 show. This is where discovery happens!
Be sure to stay tuned, we’ll continue to highlight new and emerging brands every week on our LinkedIn as a part of our Founder Friday Series!