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Made in Colorado 2013: Miscellaneous sports
Eric Peterson //April 1, 2013//
Wiggy’s
Grand Junction
Sleeping bags
Jerry Wigutow started making sleeping bags in 1986. Today, his 35-person company is the only domestic manufacturer of sleeping bags in existence.
His competitors “all left the country,” says Wigutow. “Nothing’s changed. They still don’t make any money on their bags because they aren’t any good.”
Wiggy’s sleeping bags, on the other hand, are very good, thanks to Wigutow’s trade-secret Lamilite insulation, which he spins from continuous filament fiber on a custom machine, just like he did a quarter-century ago. “Heat retention in my bags is superior to anyone,” he says. “And if moisture gets in, it doesn’t make any difference.” For this reason, you’ll find Wiggy’s sleeping bags in everything from Air Force jets to Coast Guard boats.
Wigutow estimates he’s shipped a quarter-million bags in all. And Wiggy’s exemplifies the “Made in the USA” credo. “All of the vendors I use are in the United States,” he says. “Even the zippers are domestically produced.”
Gibson Athletic
Denver
www.gibsonathletic.com
and www.ragefitness.com
Gymnastics, CrossFit and occupational therapy equipment
When Brian and Tamara Smith bought Gibson Athletic in 2006, the company, originally founded in 1972 by Holly and Gary Gibson, had nine employees and $1.5 million in annual revenue. Now those numbers are 80 and $15 million, respectively, and Brian expects them to grow even more in 2013. “We’ll probably be at 120 to 140 employees by the end of the year,” he forecasts.
What’s behind the Gibson boom? Brian says the company broadened its focus in 2008 from its traditional gymnastics market and moved into CrossFit-oriented gear with its new brand, Rage Fitness. Thereafter Gibson added another, Moving Mountains, geared toward occupational therapy.
“Both Rage Fitness and Moving Mountains have taken off,” says Brian. The company is going into retail for the first time after 42 years of targeting the institutional market, with Rage on the shelves at Sports Authority and Dick’s Sporting Goods locations.
“The Gibson brand wouldn’t have an opportunity to lead in the big-box space,” says Brian. But Rage does and “it’s helping across the board in all segments,” leading Gibson into broader retail channels.
Brian says the “explosion in CrossFit” made for an exponentially escalating growth curve that went from 5 percent in 2007 to 22 percent in 2010 to 69 percent last year. For 2013, he’s projecting it to be even higher.
Gibson makes a wide range of gear in Denver, from medicine balls to barbells to gymnastics equipment. Of local manufacturing, Brian says, “I think it’s important to grow jobs here in Colorado.”
Topo Designs
Denver
Backpacks, bags and outerwear
Mark Hansen co-founded Topo Designs with Jedd Rose in 2008 between Denver and Louisville, long after most backpack manufacturers had moved production to Asia. In 2010, Topo’s production ramped up as the market took note of the company’s simpler designs, with fewer pockets.
“The Klettersack is our flagship,” says Hansen. “The style resonates with a lot of people. It reminds them of a pack their uncle or dad had.” Topo also makes jackets and has additional plans to move “beyond bags” in 2013, says Hansen.
Manufacturing in the U.S. requires a commitment, he adds. “It takes more effort to get something made in our back yard than it does halfway across the planet.”
PLUS
Custom Caddy Werx
Brighton
Custom golf carts
Golf carts that look like baseballs and more.
Denver Tent Co.
Denver
Tents and fishing bags
Established in 1890, Denver Tent makes tents for sportsmen and events, plus Arcticreel fishing bags.
Derbyville
Denver
Custom roller skates
This Denver store makes flamboyant custom skates for the roller-derby crowd.
Honey Skateboards
Grand Junction
Skateboards
Handcrafted wooden longboards from the Western Slope.
Judd’s Custom Cues
Yellow Jacket
Pool cues
Cue-master Judd Fuller makes 50 to 100 superlative cues a year.
Melanzana Mountain Gear
Leadville
Outdoor clothing
Performance hoodies and shirts handmade on Leadville’s main drag, Harrison Avenue.
Pappy’s Golf
Colorado Springs
Golf clubs
Home of the Colorado Classic brand.
Paradigm Putters
Denver
Putters
Digitally designed and hand-milled.
Scott Fly Rod Co.
Montrose
Fly rods
In business since 1973; Colorado-made since 1993.
Spire
Boulder
Backpacks and bags
Based in Boulder, Spire sews its bags in Denver.
Spyderco
Golden
Knives
The Glesser family makes many high-end knives in Golden.
Trango
Louisville
Climbing gear
Trango makes its eGrips brand in Colorado.
Whistle Creek
Estes Park
Walking sticks
The largest manufacturer of rustic walking and hiking sticks in the U.S.
Wolfman Luggage
Longmont
Motorcycle bags
Packs, racks and accessories for motorcycle travel.
Wright McGill Co.
Denver
www.wright-mcgill.com and
www.eagleclaw.com
Eagle Claw fishing tackle and other brands
The Eagle Claw brand is one of the best known in the fishing industry and the only manufacturer of fish hooks in the U.S.
