#174 Bridging the Divide: Hunting vs. Rec with Kevin Timm of Seek Outside

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In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Timm, founder of Seek Outside, to discuss the intersection of hunting, backpacking, and innovation in outdoor gear design. Kevin shares his thoughts on bridging the divide between recreational users and hunters, the role of durability in product design, and the stories behind Seek Outside's tents and backpacks. We dive into the evolution of his minimalist, high-performance shelters and why they’ve become a staple for serious adventurers around the world. Kevin also talks about the philosophy that drives his company’s commitment to user-tested, proven gear and why experience in the outdoors should always trump external validation.

Key Takeaways:

• Bridging the Divide: Kevin discusses how marketing has contributed to the division between hunters and recreational adventurers and emphasizes the shared love of nature.
• Gear That Lasts: Seek Outside's products are designed to be user-tested and capable of thriving in diverse environments, from Alaskan hunts to desert hikes.
• Innovation in Design: Kevin shares how Seek Outside’s tents, particularly their zipperless shelters, provide durability without sacrificing weight.
• The Power of Minimalism: Experienced backpackers tend to favor simple, functional gear that reduces bulk and increases versatility.
• Access and Conservation: Kevin explains the importance of public land access and highlights issues such as landlocked public areas and the complexities of wildlife conservation.

Show Notes and Links:

• Introduction: Welcoming Kevin Timm back to the podcast and revisiting his journey with Seek Outside.
• The Outdoor Divide: Discussing the divide between hunters and recreational adventurers and how marketing plays a role.
• The Origins of Seek Outside: Kevin’s motivation for creating gear that excels in harsh conditions.
• Tents That Survive Anything: A breakdown of the Red Cliff and Cimarron shelters and their legendary durability.
• Packs that Redefine Comfort: How Seek Outside integrates backpacking and hunting designs to create sub-3lb packs that carry heavy loads comfortably.
• Simplifying Gear Needs: Why minimalist pack designs are often superior to overbuilt models full of pockets.
• Conservation Conversations: The importance of public land access and issues like corner crossing and landlocked land.
• Valuing Experience Over Trophies: Kevin’s reflections on why outdoor experiences matter more than external validation.
• https://seekoutside.com/
• https://seekoutside.com/silex-1p-xl/
• https://seekoutside.com/sunlight-2p/
• https://seekoutside.com/cimarron-4p/
• https://seekoutside.com/flight-3/

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