Outdoor Retailer Announces First 10 Creators for Wild Reach Initiative
Outdoor Retailer Announces First Wild Reach Creator Lineup, Powered by Popfly
10 storytellers reaching nearly 6.4 million followers to amplify brand narratives through live, on-the-ground content and measurable engagement
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (May 4, 2026) — Outdoor Retailer, the platform for connection, learning, and outdoor innovation today, announced the first 10 creators as part of the new Wild Reach Initiative, a creator-powered program developed in exclusive partnership with Popfly. Connecting leading outdoor brands with a curated network of storytellers, the program delivers real-time product exposure, authentic content creation, and direct engagement with highly targeted audiences.
Collectively reaching over 6 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, these creators bring immediate scale to participating brands, providing a level of visibility and content generation that typically requires significant standalone investment.
Embedded directly within the Outdoor Retailer environment, the Wild Reach Initiative transforms the traditional trade show into a live content engine, where brands debut next year’s products, drive discovery, and generate storytelling at scale, all in one place. By removing barriers to creator access and investment usually required to drive this level of engagement, Outdoor Retailer enables brands to tap into high-impact creator partnerships in a way that is both efficient and measurable.
“At a time when stakeholders are demanding real results, Wild Reach injects a new level of energy, return and authenticity to the show,” said Lindsay Hubley, senior vice president of the Sports and Outdoor division at Emerald. “This program gives brands a powerful opportunity to put products into the hands of creators, spark meaningful storytelling, and extend their reach far beyond the show floor, all within a single, highly curated environment.”
The first group of Wild Reach creators includes:
- Aaaron Lutze (Second Nature Podcast) 406k, @superridertv – Mountain Biking
- Alexandria Gallizioli – 121k, @sheroamswild – Hiking, Biking, Skiing, Camping
- Coach Livingston – 268k, @coach-1981 – Backpacking and Hiking
- Dan Bernstein – 739k, @outdoorwiseliving – Swimming, Hiking, Connecting to Nature
- Gordon Crum – 278k, @gordon-crum-27796 – Camping Gear, Wilderness Survival, Conservation Stories
- Gwyneth Manser – 112k, @gwynandami – Travel, Outdoor Recreation and Lifestyle
- Keahu Kahuanui – 315k, @keahu – Outdoor Endurance Athlete
- Myranda Hausheer – 52k, @myranda-hausheer – Hiking, Skiing, Backpacking, Camping, Yoga, Fishing
- Nataliya Zasadko – 122k, @littleradadventure – Skiing, Travel, Family Adventures
- Thruhikers – 3,950,000 @thruhikers – Backpacking, Hiking, Skiing
Representing a wide range of disciplines, from hiking and climbing to camping, fishing, trail running, and outdoor lifestyle storytelling, these individuals were selected for their distinct perspectives, engaged audiences, and commitment to sharing authentic outdoor experiences.
“Creators continue to be a key part of how outdoor brands’ reach and inspire their communities,” said Taylor Hoekstra, founder of Popfly. “Through Wild Reach, we’re building the infrastructure helping brands and creators connect, collaborate, and produce authentic content in real time, turning those moments into long-term relationships and measurable impact.”
Wild Reach participants will partner with exhibiting brands through curated activations and a structured engagement model designed to encourage hands-on product discovery and in-the-moment storytelling. The result is content rooted in firsthand experience, highlighting performance, innovation, and the human connection to outdoor gear and adventure.
The program has already generated strong interest within the creator community, with applications continuing to grow week over week. Outdoor Retailer will introduce additional creators in the lead-up to the August event, further expanding opportunities for brands to connect with new voices and audiences.
Outdoor Retailer takes place August 19–21, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
About Outdoor Retailer
Outdoor Retailer is where the outdoor industry comes together to move the business of the outdoors forward. Designed in collaboration with brands, retailers, and industry leaders, the event creates space for connection, practical education, and the discovery of innovative products shaping the future of outdoor recreation. Outdoor Retailer is where the outdoor industry gathers to connect, collaborate, and take ownership of what comes next – #MakeItYours. Learn more about and #MakeItYours at outdoorretailer.com
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