Hibear

Hibear operates as an internet-first brand in the outdoor and travel gear market, specializing in versatile and sustainable insulated bottles. Founded in 2017 by Mark Tsigounis, a U.S. Navy veteran and avid adventurer, the company is headquartered in Reno, Nevada. The idea for Hibear stemmed from Tsigounis's personal experiences during his global travels and as an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, where he identified a need for multi-functional gear. His background, which also includes roles as a financial consultant, inspired the creation of a single piece of equipment that serves multiple purposes, embodying a "pack less, do more" philosophy.

The company's flagship product is the All-Day Adventure Flask, a 32oz insulated bottle designed as a multi-tool for beverages. This product distinguishes itself by integrating several functions into one unit. It can be used to make pour-over coffee, brew tea and cold brew, infuse water, decant wine, and act as a cocktail shaker. Key features include a double-wall stainless steel body for insulation, a removable thermal core that can be frozen to chill drinks without dilution, a steel filter, and a protective silicone sleeve that doubles as a shareable cup. The design, which took over three years to develop, has received recognition with a Red Dot Award in 2020 and an iF Design Award in 2021.

Hibear's business model is transactional, with revenue generated through a direct-to-consumer approach via its website, sales on Amazon, and placements in independent retail stores. Corporate sales, which involve customizable flasks for corporate gifts, represent a significant portion of the business, accounting for 40% of sales. The company initially launched with a successful Kickstarter campaign in October 2020, raising over $98,000. Subsequently, Hibear secured $248,000 in seed funding over two rounds, with investors including Reno Seed Fund and FundNV. A core tenet of the company's brand is its commitment to sustainability; Hibear is a Climate Neutral Certified company and a member of 1% for the Planet, donating a portion of its sales to environmental non-profits.

Keywords: outdoor gear, insulated flask, beverage multi-tool, adventure travel, sustainable products, direct-to-consumer, camping equipment, hiking gear, versatile water bottle, pour-over coffee maker, cocktail shaker, cold brew maker, travel accessories, corporate gifts, Climate Neutral Certified, 1% for the Planet, Kickstarter success, Red Dot Award, iF Design Award, outdoor lifestyle