Boulder’s outdoor industry giants are sounding alarm bells as new tariff proposals threaten to upend their business models. Local companies face potential disruption that could ripple through Boulder County’s economy, where outdoor recreation has long been a cornerstone of both culture and commerce.
“We’re looking at a 10-15% increase in production costs almost overnight,” says Jennifer Meyers, CEO of TrailTech, a Boulder-based manufacturer of high-performance hiking gear. “That’s not something we can simply absorb without consequences.”
The proposed tariff changes target imported materials essential to outdoor equipment manufacturing – including specialized textiles, lightweight metals, and technical components. For Boulder’s outdoor recreation sector, which contributes an estimated $412 million annually to the local economy according to the Outdoor Industry Association, these changes represent a significant threat.
Boulder County hosts over 40 outdoor brands ranging from nimble startups to industry leaders. These companies collectively employ nearly 5,000 workers in manufacturing, design, marketing, and retail positions. Many of these businesses operate on thin margins that leave little room to absorb sudden cost increases.
Rocky Mountain Outfitters, founded in Boulder in 1998, sources specialized waterproof membranes from Taiwan. Their production manager, Carlos Vega, explains their dilemma: “These materials aren’t produced domestically at the scale and specifications we need. We’ve spent years perfecting our supply chain relationships. Now we’re facing impossible choices.”
The concern extends beyond direct manufacturing impacts. Boulder’s interconnected ecosystem of outdoor companies supports a network of local businesses – from small component suppliers to marketing agencies specializing in outdoor brands. Economic analysts suggest potential job losses could approach 600 positions if companies are forced to restructure or relocate operations.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the industry, which is still recovering from pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. Boulder Economic Council data shows the sector had finally returned to pre-pandemic growth trajectories in late 2023, with a 4.2% increase in employment and expanded manufacturing capacity.
City officials recognize the stakes. “Boulder’s identity and economic health are deeply intertwined with our outdoor industry,” says Boulder Economic Development Director Michael Davidson. “We’re working to understand the full implications and advocate for policies that protect this vital sector.”
Some companies are exploring adaptive strategies. Altitude Gear, which produces technical backpacks in east Boulder, is investigating domestic material alternatives. “We’re looking at every option,” says founder Sarah Wilson. “But American-made alternatives are typically 30% more expensive and often don’t meet our technical specifications.”
The University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business recently completed an economic impact study on the potential tariff effects. Their research suggests that for every direct job lost in outdoor manufacturing, the local economy loses an additional 1.7 supporting jobs in related sectors.
“These tariffs create a cascade effect,” explains Dr. Robert Chen, economics professor at CU Boulder. “The outdoor industry doesn’t exist in isolation – it supports restaurants, retail, service providers, and attracts talent to our innovation ecosystem. Disrupting this sector affects Boulder’s entire economic framework.”
Industry leaders have formed the Boulder Outdoor Alliance to coordinate their response. The group is meeting with congressional representatives and exploring potential exclusions or modifications to the proposed tariffs. They highlight the industry’s contributions to sustainability initiatives and community development as reasons for special consideration.
The current uncertainty comes as several Boulder brands were planning expansions. Vertex Climbing, which manufactures climbing gear, had recently secured funding for a new production facility that would add 35 jobs. “We’re putting those plans on hold until we understand the full impact,” says operations director Maya Thakur. “This regulatory uncertainty makes long-term planning nearly impossible.”
Local retailers also anticipate challenges. Neptune Mountaineering, a Boulder institution since 1973, carries products from dozens of local brands. “Our customers specifically seek out Boulder-
