Switchback Spring, May 22-24, 2027 in New Orleans, LA
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Switchback at TRE, December 1-3, 2026 in San Antonio, TX
Just one year after Switchback’s debut in Nashville, the spring event is heading to New Orleans with even more momentum. This outdoor industry gathering—which brings together specialty retailers, emerging brands, and industry leaders—already has 230+ brands confirmed for its sophomore year. Among them are eight younger brands and under-the-radar makers we think deserve a spot on your agenda at Switchback.
Background: Recovery footwear usually takes the form of a slide or slipper. BERT, however, is a lightweight, packable slip-on bootie that looks like any other shoe but is designed for pre- and post-activity. Founded in 2020 in Bogotá, Colombia, originally as a dog-walking shoe named after a rescue dog, Berta, the brand’s mission is to design footwear for the moments around movement. The shoes are made in Medellín, and 5 percent of the profits go to sterilization campaigns for stray dogs in the country.
At Switchback: BERT will debut The BERT Knit, its new 100 percent knitted, ultra-packable slip-on for US wholesale. They’re looking to connect with retailers who carry specialized outdoor and performance footwear and are ready to offer their customers the shoe for everything around it.
Background: As an athlete and member of the d/Deaf and hard of hearing community, runner and cyclist Dennis Heathfield started DEAF Athletic to create performance gear specifically designed for the community’s needs. Products include bib buttons, hats, and shirts that express allyship and membership in the community to raise awareness and promote safety.
At Switchback: DEAF Athletic will introduce the newest addition to its lineup: the DEFIER vest with customized logos for running, cycling, and hiking. They’re looking to connect with retail partners and brand collaboratives who share the same passion for helping people in the d/Deaf and hard of hearing community to feel more welcome moving outdoors and safer in their sport.
Background: Furnigami proves that camping furniture can be beautiful and functional—and also comfortable and portable. The Denver-based outdoor gear company is just getting started with engineering thoughtful chairs and tables designed for camp life. The chair, for instance, collapses into a slim, easy-to-carry package that’s perfect for tight spaces and long hauls. A patented leg system adapts to the terrain beneath you, keeping you stable on uneven ground.
At Switchback: Furnigami will showcase its premium outdoor furniture and is looking to connect with retailers, partners, and outdoor enthusiasts who believe great gear should perform wherever the adventure leads.
Background: In 2025, power outages left 60 million households in the dark. Lectric Boil, a Detroit-based company, saw that as more than an inconvenience and built a case for resilient cooking infrastructure and started making USA-made battery-powered induction stoves and portable power systems. Its flagship lineup—the Overlander Duo, Overlander Scout, and Backpacker—let users cook off-grid using solar power, a 12V vehicle connection, or a standard wall outlet. No propane. No carbon monoxide. No disposable canisters.
At Switchback: Lectric Boil will showcase these products and is looking to build relationships with more retail partners.
Background: Long Weekend is a bag and accessories brand co-founded by prominent film photographers Willem Verbeeck and Allison Simon in collaboration with the creator-focused platform Moment. Popular products include the recycled nylon and ripstop Santa Fe Shoulder Bag and Monterey Sling, both with a dedicated film camera pocket. If you’re looking for a shoulder bag that stands out and carries all your things, this is it.
At Switchback: Moment will showcase their latest Fast & Light collection, a line of camera bags and carry solutions built for creators who prefer to move fast and carry less. Long Weekend will showcase their summer release, including a new Chili Red colorway and the new Crossbody Camera Pouch.
Background: Growing up, brothers Dane and Scott Barnes along with their best friend Alex Slater spent every summer at the beach. Frustrated with wrestling umbrellas and tents in the wind, they started Shibumi Shade as a lightweight solution that harnesses the breeze. Their canopies come in three sizes, and they’ve since expanded to beach furniture.
At Switchback: Shibumi Shade will showcase its latest innovation: the Park Vista, a just-launched “shade anywhere” ground-stake shade system designed for parks, sports sidelines, festivals, and campsites. They’ll also feature new chairs that are quickly becoming the premium go-to option for lightweight but durable comfort that’s built to last. Shibumi Shade is looking to connect with outdoor retailers who share the belief that great design should follow you wherever adventure takes you, not just to the beach.
Background: A Nalgene water bottle is a blank canvas. THE GEOPROJECT works with artists to create art to fill the canvas—aka stickers. The brand also makes insulated bottles and Nalgene bottles that come with weatherproof stickers for all 50 states, letting users track where they’ve traveled by adding stickers along the way. Retail and nonprofit partners include REI, 1% for the Planet, DarkSky International, several national parks, and more.
At Switchback: THE GEOPROJECT will showcase its National Parks Sticker Bottle Collection, including bestselling collaboration with Nalgene. They’re looking to connect with retailers and partners who share their passion for supporting America’s national parks, hand-crafted artwork, intentional design, and products built to inspire adventure for years to come.
Background: WildBatch is an outdoor hygiene brand that makes it easier to stay clean without leaving a trace. Its flagship product, a concentrated, biodegradable cleansing powder, packs your entire cleaning kit into a single bamboo capsule weighing just 1 ounce. Formulated by a PhD chemist using plant-derived ingredients, it washes your body, hair, dishes, clothes, and gear with just a sprinkle and some water.
At Switchback: WildBatch will feature their all-in-one concentrated cleansing powder. They’re looking to connect with retailers ready to offer something genuinely new, and with brands who share their obsession with advancing sustainable materials science.
To discover more emerging brands that will be at Switchback Spring, peruse the Exhibitor Directory and toggle the star icon. You can also filter for BIPOC-owned, woman-owned, Pathfinders brands and more. See you there and register today!
