Industry Trailblazers Pt 1 Intro

Paying homage to the early pioneers who paved the way for the outdoor industry’s formation

(OutInUnder is proud to host Bob Woodward's ongoing history of the outdoor industry. Parts of this have been seen in outdoor industry publications and in SNEWs. Each article covered multiple trailblazers. They are being segmented slightly differently here to allow easy reference from other stories...but with a reference in the title and structure to the original format.)

Introduction

Like so many great enterprises, the outdoor industry rose from humble origins, growing slowly as Americans became more interested in being in the outdoors to camp, hike or ski. And ironically, had it not been for World War II, outdoor sports and recreation­al activities might not have flourished as they have.

The war prompted the formation of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, a unit that exposed men to skiing, climbing and living outdoors. After the war, the skills some vets of the 10th Mountain Division used to survive in battle were applied to help shape the beginnings of Americas ski and outdoor industries.

Joining those active 10th Mountain vets outdoors were thou­sands of other GIs and war-weary citizens who sought solace in the mountains and backcountry. The more time they spent outdoors, the more they started needing better gear and apparel. And they went looking for it.

To be serialized over the next several months. Sign up for our Newsletter to be kept current.

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