Fayettechill, an outdoor lifestyle clothing brand based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, run by a couple of entrepreneurs under 25-years old, has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the development of their new product — the Journeyman Dry backpack, a waterproof pack designed to meet the needs of everyday life while remaining technical enough for outdoor adventures.
The campaign launched July 14 and is slated for a 35-day run. Backers of the Kickstarter can pledge anywhere from $1 to $500 and will be “rewarded” with a selection of current Fayettechill products. The goal of the campaign is to raise $30,000 for the development and production of the new backpack.
The 25L Journeyman Dry backpack features a traditional roll-top dry-bag waterproof main compartment, a water-resistant zippered top lid and front compartment, mesh side water bottle pockets, padded breathable straps and hip belt. It can accommodate a 15-inch laptop in a removable internal laptop sleeve. The pack body is constructed of a waterproof TPU nylon-coated oxford fabric.
“Most packs out there were designed for hardcore use or they were little more than a book bag with straps,” said Fayettechill co-founder Mo Elliot. “We wanted a pack that could bridge that gap and be equally at home on the trail as it is on campus. Having it waterproof was essential in order to protect the various electronics everyone uses.”
In addition to Fayettechill’s network of 50 retailers in 12 states, the company owns and operates a retail basecamp. Plans are underway to move the current shop to a new 3900-square-foot store in the heart of Fayetteville, planned for September, 2014.
“We want the new shop to be the place for the local outdoor community to congregate, not just to shop for gear. We plan to conduct athlete workshops, a place to hold events with our charitable partners and we’ll even have a small café serving coffee and local beers.”
Since its beginnings in 2009 as t-shirt company started in a dorm room at the University of Arkansas, Fayettechill has grown to a multi-million dollar outdoor lifestyle clothing company.
It was originally conceived to be a “culture brand” focused on promoting an outdoor lifestyle. As the brand grew, they realized it was not just a laid-back lifestyle that they were attracted to, but their Ozark Mountain setting that allowed it to take place. Now Fayettechill creates “experience inspired apparel” for outdoor enthusiasts and promotes “the relaxed and fulfilled state of mind that is brought about by adventuring into the wild.”
Click here to learn more about Fayettechill or visit their Facebook page.
Coincidentally, Water Stone Outdoors in Fayetteville, West Virginia, are big fans of Fayettechill, and are carrying many of their products.
