History

In 2021, Josh Bossin, a long-time outdoor educator based in Vermont, had the idea for an event designed to showcase Vermont-based makers of outdoor apparel and equipment. He found common enthusiasm from folks at Ranch Camp and Rasputitsa, and the Gear Makers Festival was born. The first annual fest was held in April 2022 in Stowe, VT, and featured 12 gear makers from across the state who gathered to sell their goods farmers market-style, and to network with fellow makers. Free gear repair was offered to the public by Sterling College students. The second and third annual festivals in 2023 and 2024 each featured over 25 vendors.

In 2025, the Fest will start what we hope will be a ~3 year rotation between different sites around the state. First stop: downtown Montpelier, where the Fest will be held in conjunction with Onion River Outdoors’ Muddy Onion bike ride.

In 2024, Gear Makers Festival LLC formed to continue organizing the Vermont Fest and to look at bringing similar events to other states. While our roots are in Vermont, we know there are makers of outdoor gear, goods and apparel worth celebrating elsewhere, too!

GMF in the media:

VT Digger press release on the inaugural Gear Makers Fest

The Boston Globe’s travel news piece ahead of the 2023 Gear Makers Fest: College students will fix your gear

WCAX reporting on the event:
Outdoor enthusiasts gather to celebrate Vermont-made gear (article)
Vermont Gear Makers Fest News Segment (video)

Video about the 2024 Vermont Gear Makers Festival by Dylan Woodrow