Skip to main content

Help Our Wild Places Grow and Get The Best Damn Jeans Ever with Backcountry Denim

When you think about the best apparel for hitting the trail, jeans are probably one of the last things on your list.

Sure, your favorite pair of selvedge denim will look great for some après-ski cocktails or telling your latest fly-fishing tall tale to your buddies, but hiking in jeans? Hard pass. The average pair of denim jeans doesn’t mix well with a hard day on trail or your favorite bouldering spot (read: chafing and swamp-ass). We just discovered a pair of jeans that solves those problems and will probably outlast everything else in your wardrobe. Our friends at Backcountry Denim just launched their all-new Heritage Collection on Kickstarter.

BCD_Product-Rear-View
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Backcountry Denim got their start in 2014 after founder Jordan Phillips saw a need for some functional denim for outdoors pursuits. He spent some time working with major brands in the industry and saw traditional denim companies and core outdoors brands both struggle to translate the design and functional needs a modern outdoorsman has into a pair of jeans that fit well, looked stylish, and could stand up to serious abuse on the trail and around the campfire. Additionally, Phillips wanted to give back to his favorite wilderness spots and aid in reforestation and clean up efforts on publics lands. With those goals in mind, Backcountry Denim and their Plant, Remove, Improve program were born.

Recommended Videos

For every pair of denim they sell, the Backcountry Denim team is committed to working with local land managers and conservation groups. Whether they’re traveling for a trade show, expedition, or just a weekend getaway, every single pair of jeans sold fuels local reforestation efforts. In areas that public lands have been harmed or put in danger, they plant local species, remove invasive plants and garbage, and work with locals to improve trail networks. It’s not every day that your jeans contribute to major wilderness conservation efforts.

BCD_Front-Pocket
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Aside from looking damn good on just about everyone, the major feature that sets these jeans apart is the inclusion of Dyneema fibers in the denim. Dyneema has fifteen times the strength of steel cable, and is much lighter than comparable nylon and cotton blends. In short, your pair of Backcountry Denim jeans will stand up to more abuse than you could ever put them through. Even better, their entire supply chain is sourced in the USA – from rivets and zippers to fabric milling and cutting, to the final sewing, every pair of jeans is 100% made in America. You won’t find another pair of jeans as comfortable or durable anywhere.

Take our word for it, this is one Kickstarter campaign you need to back right now.

Austin Parker
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Austin Parker is a former contributor at The Manual Parker is a powder skier and sport climber and is no stranger hauling…
How fast can a golf cart go? It depends on more than you think
Golf cart too slow? Here's what you can do about it
People loading their golf bags into the cart to start playing a round

Golf carts are great for speeding around golf courses, gated communities, campgrounds, and more. I've done my fair share of zipping around places, but how fast can a golf cart go? Typically, a golf cart's speed is determined by model type and whether any modifications have been made. Standard electric or gas-powered golf carts usually max out at 12 or 14 miles per hour due to factory settings and course regulations, which usually have speed limits of 15 mph for the safety of everyone around. That said, some golf carts can go a whole lot faster. Here's what you need to know.
Can you change a golf cart's speed?

How to make a golf cart go faster
Before you consider modifying your golf cart, please check the laws for your area. Thompson Law put together a great resource to see if you can drive your golf cart on the road in your state. Some states will allow more golf cart modifications than others. Even if you do get your golf cart to "street-legal" readiness, some areas will only allow modified golf carts on certain roads, or they may need to meet extra requirements. In addition, modifications can make any warranties void, so make sure you know what you're getting into before you dive in.

Read more
3 easy hikes in Sedona that are big on views, not effort
Experience the beauty of Sedona with minimal effort
Hiking in Sedona, AZ

Nicknamed "Arizona's Little Hollywood," Sedona, Arizona, is known for its stunning red rock formations, which make for a perfect backdrop for movies and TV. With over 270 known hiking trails in the area, hiking is undoubtedly the main activity for visitors to Sedona. Even for the non-hiker, the views while driving through the town are enough to make you want to go on a hike and see more.

Whether you have a week-long vacation ahead or only a half day to spend in this beautiful mountain town, you can't skip out on trying at least one hike here (the views are worth it). These three easy hikes in Sedona are worth adding to your trip itinerary for a great view of the town's rock formations with minimal effort. I stopped here for these three easy, yet beautiful hikes on the way to the Grand Canyon -- and I'm really glad I did. Don't skip these simple hikes for beginners on your next visit.

Read more
Our ultimate guide to festival camping: What to bring and how to make the most of it
How to make festival camping fun and comfortable
Festival camping tents glowing from flashlights at night

Festival season is right around the corner, and if you've never been festival camping before, it's quite the trip. Personally, I think there's no better way to connect with people in the music scene, and you're bound to make some friends along the way. Whether you're planning to enjoy Glastonbury, Coachella, or the renaissance faire, here's are my top tips for festival camping, including what to expect, what to bring, and how to make the most of your time.
What to pack for festival camping

The essentials for festival camping are more or less the same when you look at the basics. Just like with normal camping, you'll want to be as prepared as possible for any weather you might encounter. Between the scorching sun, chilly nights, and sudden rain, pack for these surprises. A tent and a good sleeping system are a great start.

Read more