{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"EP 207: It's Been TWELVE Years...What's Next?","description":"In this solo episode of the Live Ultralight Podcast, Tayson marks the 12th anniversary of Outdoor Vitals by detailing the brand\u2019s evolution from a college startup to a successful creator of performance-first ultralight backpacking gear. This discussion serves as a comprehensive update for the hiking community on company growth, technical product development, and the future of remote wilderness equipment. Key Topics Covered: The Transition to Performance-First Ultralight: An analysis of how the brand shifted its mission from &quot;Opening the Outdoors&quot; via affordable entry-level gear to developing high-performance equipment specifically for remote wilderness and high-mountain environments. Expansion of Women\u2019s Specific Gear: Details on the strategic hire of a second designer to focus on refining and expanding the women\u2019s technical apparel and gear lines. Product Innovation Pipeline: A preview of upcoming limited edition innovation drops for late fall 2026 and a development update on the highly anticipated CIRC two-person tent. Inventory &amp;amp; Logistics Strategy: Insights into how the company has significantly increased inventory levels to reduce stockouts on popular items like the Mountain Pursuit line and Shadowlight backpacks. Founders Day Sale Details: Information on the biggest sale this summer plus a GIVEAWAY announcement.&amp;nbsp; Episode Chapters: 0:00 \u2013 12th Anniversary Reflection and Opening&amp;nbsp; 1:11 \u2013 Company Origins: From College Idea to Direct-to-Consumer Model 3:15 \u2013 Evolving Gear Philosophy: Focusing on Backcountry Performance 5:34 \u2013 Internal Milestones: Approaching 10-Year Employee Anniversaries 6:41 \u2013 The OV 100-Mile Challenge: Impact of the DIY Backpacking Program 9:13 \u2013 Product Retrospective: Mountain Pursuit, Backpacks, and Zulu Down 12:27 \u2013 Long-Term Growth: The Power of Sticking to a Single Vision 16:52 \u2013 Design Philosophy: Why We Build for High-Mountain Wilderness 21:17 \u2013 Strategic Hires: Expanding Capabilities in the Women\u2019s Gear Category 24:03 \u2013 Content Strategy: Renewed Focus on On-Trail Video and Education 25:24 \u2013 2026 Sneak Peek: Late-Year Releases and Innovation Drops 28:22 \u2013 Development Roadmap: CIRC 2-Person Tent Status 29:34 \u2013 Founder\u2019s Day Sale: Black Friday Savings in June Gear Mentioned in This Episode: Shadowlight Backpack: https:\/\/bit.ly\/4opNN7x Carbon Evo Backpack: https:\/\/bit.ly\/4xnnB1n Altura Pants: https:\/\/bit.ly\/4gf6Cbw Vantage Alpine Jacket:  https:\/\/outdoorvitals.com\/products\/vantage-alpine-down-jacket?_pos=1&amp;amp;_psq=vantage&amp;amp;_ss=e&amp;amp;_v=1.0&amp;amp;utm_source=podcast&amp;amp;utm_medium=link Pursuit Hoodie:  https:\/\/outdoorvitals.com\/products\/pursuit-hybrid-fleece?utm_source=podcast&amp;amp;utm_medium=link Zulu Down Jacket:  https:\/\/outdoorvitals.com\/products\/zulu-down-jacket?_pos=1&amp;amp;_psq=zulu&amp;amp;_ss=e&amp;amp;_v=1.0&amp;amp;utm_source=podcast&amp;amp;utm_medium=link Circ 1-Person Tent:  https:\/\/outdoorvitals.com\/products\/cirq-trekking-pole-tent?_pos=1&amp;amp;_psq=cirq&amp;amp;_ss=e&amp;amp;_v=1.0&amp;amp;utm_source=podcast&amp;amp;utm_medium=link &amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"Live Ultralight Podcast  | Backpacking, Travel, and Adventure","author_url":"https:\/\/www.liveultralight.com\/","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/41613865\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/202887355"}