Outdoor equipment company Durston is strengthening its roots in Golden by expanding its design capabilities and bringing more of its manufacturing process in-house, a move expected to boost local innovation and economic activity.
The business has grown rapidly since its establishment in 2018. This year, president and product architect Dan Durston made two significant advancements: he established an in-house prototyping division in Golden and hired Chris Stone, formerly of The North Face, as senior designer to work alongside him.
“Bringing prototyping in-house means a much faster pace of innovation and will give us the ability to really push the limits of what we can do technically,” Durston said.
“Sending things overseas, it takes us longer and is harder to get things right and so, we’re moving towards prototyping in-house, because we can do it faster and better.”
“Plus, having such a talented designer as Chris Stone on site is a major advantage.”
Stone relocated to Golden from Denver, Colo., drawn in part by the community’s direct access to the outdoors.
“Durston’s geographic location is an amazing benefit,” Stone said.
“I love being able to prototype where I play. Going straight from the lab into the field to test in our backyard is very satisfying.”
The shift to in-house prototyping allows Durston to design, test and refine products locally, reinforcing Golden’s reputation as a hub for outdoor innovation and skilled talent.
Widely respected in the ultralight backpacking community, Durston has built a strong reputation for design innovation through its award-winning X-Mid tents and Kakwa packs. The X-Mid is now one of the best-selling ultralight tents on the market, and the company’s Iceline trekking poles are described as the world’s lightest three-piece adjustable poles, weighing 134 grams.
Durston is also one of the original members of KORE Outdoors, a Kootenay-based industry alliance for gear makers, designers and repair technicians.
“KORE’s mission is to establish the Kootenay region as a global leader in outdoor gear innovation,” said board chair Matt Mosteller.
“Durston’s decision to bring prototyping in-house is a meaningful win for the region and reinforces the Kootenays’ growing role in shaping the future of outdoor gear.”
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