Freeride systems outerwear and accessories.

• Author: Peterson, Eric
• Position: COLORADO COOL STUFF SMALL biz

Mike Collins made himself a webbing-based accessory to strap his skis on his back in Colorado's "slackcountry," hikeable in-bounds terrain not served by lifts. Last March at Wolf Creek, some people asked where he got his rig, and he started making the "Boot Pack 1" himself, first with a sewing machine from Target, then an industrial model, and then four contract sewers.

A few months later, he introduced Freeride jackets and sold out in a month. He then launched heavy-duty Prospect Pants, lighter, more breathable than Carhartt ("and made in the USA, not Mexico," Collins adds), and his best-selling products are unbranded...