Connecting with Climbers Through High Mountain Gear

Connecting with Climbers Through High Mountain Gear

As rock climbers for over 20 years, we own a lot of climbing gear!  In addition, making a climbing gear purchase is not done without some research and testing.  This is because climbing gear should be built to withstand the rigors of climbing, and many pieces are designed to literally save your life!

Therefore, most experienced climbers do not purchase on a whim.  They buy climbing gear based on their need to complete an objective, and then do some research, read product reviews, and gather recommendations from trusted climbers.

When we were introduced and asked to support Kyle Willis, the Founder of High Mountain Gear, we were excited as Kyle makes most of his gear in Tacoma, Washington and it is often he who’s behind the sewing machine!  Kyle started out fixing his own climbing gear then, word spread, and to keep gear out of landfills, Kyle started fixing other people’s climbing gear too!  Fixing soon led to creating, and before long, Kyle was making his own products.

Marketing Climbing Gear to a Niche Market

At Top Rope Media, we love working with brands in the outdoor recreation industry and we were so grateful to add High Mountain Gear to our roster.  Rock climbing is a sport that has grown exponentially in the last decade, and it attracts both youngsters and an older generation.  Families often start together in a local gym and then transition to the outdoors.  Climbers develop skills over time and move from bouldering and top roping in the gym to sport climbing, trad climbing, ice climbing, big wall climbing, free soloing, and ski mountaineering.  There are so many different types of climbers, and in turn, different climbing gear for each of them.

As Kyle creates climbing gear for big wall climbing and big objectives like high altitude climbing expeditions, we wanted to take the right approach to reach his niche audience.  Big wall climbers often have extensive climbing experience, rely on well-made gear to support their climbing endeavors, and are willing to spend on the right equipment.  To connect with this audience, we wanted to share Kyle’s story.  Stories from his ambassadors that inspire.  Showcase the uniqueness of his gear, and how much thought goes into each piece.