I N S P I R E D B Y A D V E N T U R E + B U I LT F O R T H E J O U R N E Y
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WINTER 2022 Ben Smith x Andrew Mildenberger
RMUOUTDOORS
SPRING/SUMMER
2022
Contents who we are RMU Outdoors is an employee-owned brand that values sustainable innovation and maximizing opportunities, for outdoors endeavors through creation of thoughtful, innovative and authentic adventure products.
what we do We are Skiers, Mountain Bikers, and outdoor folks, and embrace the culture of living in the mountains. We created the RMU lifestyle for every adventure and design to facilitate experiences. We build to exceed our own expectations, and stand by our quality Skis, Equipment, and the experience of visiting one of our retail locations in Breckenridge, CO or Whistler Blackcomb.
new products We’ve been working on some new products for year-round adventures. Take a look at the latest and greatest for mountain biking and skiing.
our process It all starts on the trail...and sometimes off of it. We are inspired by the adventure, and that leads us to our ideas. Descents with friends, routes with locals, conversation with athletes; our brand is our community and our products reflect that. We’re proud of our grassroots background, and we design, create and test each product thoroughly, the devil is in the details. We build for the journey, whatever it might be.
WWW.RMUOUTDOORS.COM 2
photo of RMU Next Door concept location
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We are skiers. We are mountain bikers. We are a mountain company.
There is a Often, this seems to be the natural progression for many skiers, as they begin to move beyond the individualized passion for the sport, and become engaged in the behind-the-scenes; more interested in the products themselves, how they are put together, and the technology behind them. Our goal from the start was not to start an international company; little did we know the extent of the lessons that the industry had in store for us. Rather, our goal from the beginning, as skiers, was simply to understand more about the industry,skis, skiing, and design for our own purposes. Just like every skier we wanted to know more about the process so we began researching the process, equipment, and materials necessary with the same passion that we had previously brought to the table when researching new lines to ski, snow conditions, and weather patterns. We’d love to tell you that our skis were amazing right from the first pair off the press-but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The first pair we pressed we could not even ski on. The flex was way off, the shape was a little asymmetrical... knowing what we know now, even if we had been able to mount it, there wasn’t enough fiberglass in the ski to retain the bindings! This was the challenge we had been looking for; we now had a starting point. So we picked up some wood charts, reworked our flex patterns, and built another pair. This one was skiable... or at least, it looked to be. The tuning equipment we were using in the garage those days wasn’t state of the art, but the ski itself had a decent flex, the right amount of binding retention, and it looked almost like a real ski (except for the wooden sidewalls and cloth graphic). After a week or two of skiing this pair, we were eager to try again, make new improvements, and implement what we had learned. As long-time locals to Summit County, it was only a matter of time until our friends became interested and wanted to try our ridiculous skis. This process continued for what must have been 15 pairs of skis before we got our first inquiry call. “Hey, I have been looking for someone to make me a pair of 176 underfoot pure powder sticks and I heard you guys had a press down in your basement.” Not understanding at the time what we were embarking on, we offered to build the pair for 30 beers and the cost of materials. Before we knew it, we had built about 50 pairs of what we’re slowly starting to become decent skis for friends at a price range of 30 beers to a couple hundred bucks... and the word was out. If you need something built, go see the rocky mountain underground guys. The name was given to us literally because we were pressing skis underground in the rocky mountains, not because we had some well thought out business plan and branding. Right: Upper photo by Jeremy Allen X Frances Courtois, Graeme Meiklejohn in Whistler, postride libations, RMU Tavern in Breckenridge.
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. Carbon Neutral 2025
RMU is more than just a mountain culture company, we have a shared vision and passion for the environment and the mountains we love so dearly. We want to create a shared legacy where we protect and nurture the natural environment for many years to come. Because we want our children to still be able to enjoy ripping up the slopes when we’re gone. With this in mind, RMU created a ‘Carbon Neutral 2025’ pledge to our customer base and all our stakeholders. We ratified this pledge with a signed document outlining the climate goals we will strive to meet over the next 5 years. We aim to be totally carbon neutral come 2025, if not sooner. We’ve split out our carbon neutral objectives into 4 main focus areas: 1. Carbon Neutrality 2. Plastic Free/Zero Waste 3. Locally Sourced 4. Employee/Stakeholder Initiatives
Right: Are Skidfabrik in Sweden laying up some YLE pro 110’s...photos by Klas Hagelbeck. Left: Hydroelectric power for the ski factory..
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. Carbon Neutral 2025
We are proud to offer a 98% recycled line of equipment for mountain biking and skiing. By utilizing recycled fabrics, we are upcycling waste into new products. The liner fabric is a recycled 200D Nylon, and the face fabric is a recycled 420D Nylon...recycled nylon webbing and even a smaller hangtag, help reduce our carbon footprint producing these packs.
Right: Plastic bottles and ocean waste prior to recycling. Left: recycled liner fabric in all new packs.
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Equip
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pment
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EQUIPMENT SPECS
Ta i l g a t e L o c k e r 2 . 0
Enduro F a nny 5L
End uro B e lt
MTB
MT B
M T B
840d Ny lon
420d N y l o n
4 w ay s t re t c h
Te c h B l a c k
Te c h B l a c k
Te c h B l a c k
Large + Sma ll
28” - 44” w ais t
28” - 44” wais t
5 .4 lbs
1.5 l bs
0.5 l bs
61”x 22” x 6” (Lg )
12 ” x 6” x 3”
12” x 5” x 0.5”
54 ” x 1 8” x 6” (Sm)
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C o r e
M TB /
4 2 0 d Te c h
2 . 5 1 8 . 5 ” x
Pa c k 1 5
Core Pack 25
C ore Pa ck 35
B R F C S35. 5 0
/ Skiin g
EDC + RAS
Ad ve n t ure S k ii n g
Boo t Bag
d N y lo
420d Ny lon
630d N y l on
630d N y l o n
B l a c k
Te c h B l a c k
De e p Oc e an
Te c h B l a c k /
3. 0 lbs
4.5 l bs
Waxe d C anva s
2 1”x 12” x 4”
22” x 12” x 6”
4.5 l bs
5 lb s 11 ” x 4 ”
22” x 12” x 6 - 9 ”
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TAILGATE LOCKER 2.0 BIKE + BEER + TOOLS
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TAILGATE LOCKER 2.0 BIKE + BEER + TOOLS
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The
Tailgate Locker 2.0
comes in the
same sizes as the previous model, with a more minimal approach. The weatherproof 840D Nylon with Carbonate + PU coating hold up to the elements, and (x4) Aluminum buckles keep things secure. The food grade liner in the beer pocket keeps the funk out, and locking zippers allow you to prevent sticky fingers. Available in Standard (54” x 18”) Fits small and mid-sized pickups (ie Tacoma, Frontier). XL (61” x 20”) gives full coverage on the biggest trucks (ie Tundra, F250). Left: Photo by Joe DuBois in Crested Butte CO
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TAILGATE LOCKER 2.0
Left: Toyota Tundra with a Large Tailgate Locker in Breck, post- ride libations with @Gnarstie, RMU in Whistler.
LARGE
SMALL
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CORE ENDURO PACK FANNY 25 5L EDC TOOLS + RAS + HYDRATION
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ENDURO FANNY 5L TOOLS + HYDRATION
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The Enduro Fanny 5L was built for the necessities, and to avoid wearing a backpack. We tried to cram as many features as possible into the Enduro Fanny 5L while still keeping things light. Check out the features list below to find out whats in the nooks and crannies. The 420D Nylon has a Carbonate + PU coating to waterproof the fabric and to stand up against abrasion. Fleece lining keeps your screen scratch free, and the reflective screenprints and zipper pulls get you noticed at night. Aluminum hardware on the (offset) main belt buckle and Nylon seatbelt webbing round out Right: Robbie cruising with the
the fabric.
Enduro Fanny 5L in Breckenridge CO.
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ENDURO FANNY 5L
Right: Robby B testing the weatherproof construction in the Colorado high country.
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CORE MTB UTILITY PACK 25BELT EDC ESSENTIALS + RAS ONLY
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MTB UTILITY BELT ESSENTIALS ONLY
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The MTB Utility Belt was built for the necessities, and to avoid wearing a backpack. We wanted something simple and the Utility Belt keeps things light. The recycled stretch fabric allows it to expand, and the Airmesh keeps you comfortable. The reflective zipper pulls get you noticed and aluminum hardware on the (offset) main belt buckle and recycled seatbelt webbing round out the fabric. The stowable bottle holster keeps a beverage at hand at all times, and tucks away when you don’t need it. Right: Luke “Ocho” Allen with a flat repair in Moab UT
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MTB UTILITY BELT ESSENTIALS ONLY
Right: Ocho taking the high line at Apex in Golden, packing only the necessities with the stretch fabric on the Belt.
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CORE PACK 25 15
EDC MTB +PACK RAS + UTILITY BELT
photo by Jeremy Allen
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CORE PACK 15L
MTB PACK + UTILITY BELT
Graeme Miekljohn
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Specifically designed for trail sports, the Core Pack 15L is a hydration quiver killer built for the journey + adventure. Innovative features and best-in-class quality deliver the ultimate day pack. Durable but light(er) 420d nylon fabric with weatherproofing lasts a lifetime. Reinforced tool organization fits a reservoir, tools, extra jacket, and first aid kit. An aluminum perimeter frame and RMU signature CNC buckles & hardware keep things in place, and a breathable vest-style harness securely carries any load. Easily fits a laptop for the days in-between the adventures. Removable Utility Belt for shorter rides and easy carry while traveling light. A fleece lined pocket brings scratch-free protection to delicate items.
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CORE PACK 15
Right: Fillipa takes a break in Breckenridge, with everything organized and prepared.
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CORE PACK 25
EDC FREERIDE + RAS TOURING PACK
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CORE PACK 25
FREERIDE TOURING PACK
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The Core Pack 25 takes everything that we’ve learned over the years and puts in into a 25L vessel, designed to work all day in the backcountry or resort. This uses a ballistic nylon front panel, stowable ski carry + helmet sling, avy pocket,top + backpanel access, and our signature waistbelt with bottle pocket. Ski carry, plenty of access, and bomber construction make this your go to bag daily.
Right: Ocho testing out the Core Pack 25 in the Breckenridge backcountry with the SR126 Butterknife.
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CORE PACK 25
Right: Ben Smith taking a walk in Breckenridge fpr some field testing.
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CORE PACK 35L
ADVENTURE TOURING PACK
Jeremy Allen
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CORE PACK 35L
ADVENTURE TOURING PACK
Joe DuBois
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The Core Pack 35 is the go anywhere travel pack for the outdoor enthusiast. No matter what situation you are in, you will have a pack ready to handle the environment. From climbing in Indian Creek to skiing in Chamonix, we have created technical designs to encourage your adventure. The core pack has 35L of capacity but can still fit in an overhead compartment on any flight. Built with the most durable waterproof fabric we could find it can be tossed around under any jet as well. Once you make it to your destination the core pack is incredibly feature rich for any season and any activity.
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CORE PACK 35
Right: photo by Jeremy Allen
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MOUNTAIN BRIEFCASE ADVENTURE TRAVEL PACK
Joe DuBois
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MOUNTAIN BRIEFCASE ADVENTURE TRAVEL PACK
photo by Huckberry
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The Mountain Briefcase is the adventure travel pack for travelers and mountain enthusiasts. As passionate travelers, who view the world as our oyster, and seek simplicity while on the road, we built the Mountain Briefcase to be the ideal partner for those journeys. The Mountain Briefcase is an adventure travel solution that is not only built to last but built for the most functional pack in the world. The expandable 35L design fits the smallest airline carry-on rules, while the accordion-style expansion brings the pack’s capacity to multi-week compatible 50L.
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MOUNTAIN BRIEFCASE
Left: Keri Herman sports the Wax Canvas Briefcase, outside RMU Next Door in Breckenridge.
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S22 EQUIPMENT
-waxed canvas-
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Form follows function
design
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Right: iterations of the Enduro Fanny 5 being sampled at the factory.
development + testing
Travel is inherently part of the adventure and is filled with all kinds of obstacles along the way. We’ve learned to embrace the problems as an opportunity to grow, and solving for those issues are part of the fun. This is what gets us inspired, motivated, and excited to work everyday. Our design philosophy revolves around the need for better solutions. Asking the right questions, and failing early are part of our process. This allows us the opportunity for plenty of field testing with professionals, and fine tuning. Working with our athletes, ambassadors, and Amigos provides us the ability to make smart design choices. We start with a conversation and some doodles on paper to start any project. Exploring more
A lot of time goes into the design process, whether it be Skis or Equipment...paper gets a lot done for us before moving into production. Our products are manufactured in some of the best facilities in the world. The majority of our ski line is built in a geothermal factory, reducing our carbon footprint as well as providing proper testing grounds.
conceptual ideas eventually leads to more feasible options. A rough prototype is built, so we can evaluate and refine several times before reaching out to manufacturing. A lot of the process relies on paper...whether its sketching out concepts, building prototypes, or looking at topsheet graphics.
“A lot of time goes into the design process, whether it be Skis or Equipment...” 59
Sk
Photo by Jeremy Allen
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kis
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SKIS 2022
Aptleos 3.0
Ripah 98
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Aptleos 3.0
Aptleos 3.0
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106
(Carbon) Tour
(Carbon) Tour
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Aptleos 3.0 106
Aptleos 3.0 106 (Metal) Pro
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126
(Carbon) Tour
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SR126 BUTTERKNIFE POWDER
The SR126 Butterknife was drawn from inspiration, in deep snow and surf by our good friend Wiley Miller. As a rough sketch, the Butterknife started as a weird shape...short and wide, allowing the rider to float through trees in powder. That big shovel comes up to plane quickly, and smears anything soft. With an asymmetrical side-cut, it slips and butters through deep snow for effortless fun. Drawn in Montana, designed and prototyped in Colorado, and manufactured in our hydroelectric ski factory in Sweden...the SR126 Butterknife is finally here
ASYMMETRICAL SHAPE ROCKER TIP/CAMBER UNDERFOOT/ROCKER TAIL
1 CONSTRUCTION
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Painting by Juli Watson
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employee owned.
As of today, RMU employs over 40 Staff members internationally.
We have realized
that growth is necessary for our brand. We have implemented an employee ownership program, used our skis to donate and raise funds for several nonprofits, and continue to maintain a “50+ days on snow” policy as a job requirement for our employees. We are faced with new challenges every day, and as we take steps towards the future of RMU and towards creating the brand we are setting out to build, our goal is to build a business in which our entire staff is afforded the opportunity to live comfortably, ski, and pursue the lifestyle that has connected us all.
If we can continue to
shape our company this way and adhere to the values we are built on while maintaining a reputation of innovation and providing value for our customers, we are fulfilling our goals.
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