Before Capilene, NanoPuff Hoodies, and Houdinis, Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard sold regulation rugby shirts to fellow climbers. Rugged and vibrant, the imported rugby tops performed just as well on Yosemite's granite faces as the rugby pitch. Following his passion for outdoor pursuits, Chouinard continued to incorporate his passion for the outdoors into the design of equipment that allowed others to get out and get after it. The rest is history.

The Gear Project is a web-based reality television series exploring the relationships between people, place, and product.  Each season follows two passionate outdoor enthusiasts who take an idea for new outdoor gear from sketchpad to SKU. Join Anders and Bruce as they tackle many of the same challenges faced by Yvon Chouinard to create functional outdoor gear born from the passion of experience.

Anders Born and raised in Boulder, CO, Anders’s father, Stan, co-founded the preeminent cycling apparel brand Pearl Izumi in the US. Anders learned very quickly that outdoor gear is the avenue to adventure. Anders is a Junior Olympian, a champion collegiate runner, and an accomplished mountaineer. He has designed products, accessories, and collections for renowned outdoor brands such as Giant, Merrell, Cabela’s, and Yeti. Anders lives and breathes gear. He is compelled by the design process and driven by the opportunity to get outdoors.

Bruce Born above 9,000’ in Silverton, CO, Bruce is no stranger to getting outside in extreme conditions. A recent five-year stint in Alaska exposed him to remote outdoor adventures. While living in the Last Frontier he cut his teeth big mountain telemark skiing, wildland big game hunting, and open water sea kayaking. Long winter nights and even longer summer days put his skills and gear to the test.  A former college athlete and now an ultramarathon competitor, Bruce’s experience as an outdoor industry market analyst puts his finger on the pulse of the outdoor world.