Outdoor Element

Outdoor Element, a Colorado-based company, manufactures and sells outdoor adventure and survival gear. The company was founded in late 2017 by Mike Mojica, a mechanical engineer with a background in aerospace and military vehicle modifications, who left his corporate career to pursue his passion for the outdoors and product design. Mojica's journey into entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to create quality, functional gear at accessible prices.

The business operates on a direct-to-consumer and wholesale model, serving outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels. A key part of its funding and product validation strategy involves launching new products through Kickstarter campaigns, a method used for all its offerings to date. This approach allows the company to gauge customer interest and secure funding without relying on traditional venture capital. Sales channels include their website, major retailers like REI, Scheels, and specialty shops, with wholesale accounting for the majority of its growth. In 2024, the company more than doubled its year-over-year sales, moved from the founder's garage to a warehouse, and made its first acquisition, buying Fiber Light, a US-based maker of all-natural fire starters.

Outdoor Element's product line centers around multi-use survival tools, often with a fire-starting component, a theme inspired by Mojica's Native American name, "Bodaway," which means "Fire Maker". One of its flagship products is the Firebiner, a patented multi-tool carabiner that includes a fire-starter, a utility blade, and a bottle opener. Another significant product line is its series of survival knives, such as the Contour Feather and Scout Feather, which are crafted from VG10 steel and integrate features like a fire-starting ferro rod, an emergency whistle, and a built-in sharpener within the sheath. The company emphasizes creating durable, multi-functional, and affordable gear, enabling customers to "Explore with Confidence".

Keywords: outdoor gear, survival tools, multi-tool carabiner, fire starter, camping equipment, hiking gear, survival knives, bushcraft, adventure gear, Kickstarter funded, Mike Mojica, Firebiner, outdoor product design, camping knives, emergency preparedness, outdoor retail, adventure accessories, EDC gear, survival multitool, camp kitchen