Riding the Current: AFFTA Confluence 2025 Recap from Boulder
Earlier this month, Boulder became the epicenter of fly fishing at the American Fly Fishing Trade Association’s Confluence 2025. The event was a true convergence of commerce, conservation and community. Here are four of our favorite takeaways: A Health Check on the Industry: Data That Tells a Story The outdoor economy is still trying to find its footing post-pandemic, and fly fishing shows signs of sustained strength. According to the 2024 TrackFly Spring Report, specialty channel sales in fly fishing rose +4% year-over-year, driven by: +0.6% growth in wading gear +4.7% in softgoods +12.1% in flies and +3.3% in fly tying, showing both core engagement
Why Outdoor Brands Should Prioritize Authenticity in 2025
Authenticity taps into emotional and cognitive drivers that influence consumer behavior. When a brand’s mission aligns with personal values, customers develop deeper trust and brand loyalty. In 2025, outdoor consumers will demand more than quality products; they will seek brands embodying purpose, transparency and expertise. Additionally, consumers are shifting away from big-name corporations, gravitating toward brands that offer authenticity, unique value and performance gear designed for real-world use. The brands that embrace these challenges as opportunities to innovate, connect genuinely with consumers and stay true to their mission will achieve greater success. The psychological values outdoor brands must consider to be truly
TREAD Attends IWA Outdoors Classic in Germany with Montana Department of Commerce
Last week, TREAD Agency had the opportunity to attend IWA Outdoor Classics in Nuremberg, Germany, as an opportunity that came about through our partner, the Montana Department of Commerce, and its Export MT program. This initiative helps Montana businesses to expand into international markets and increase business opportunities that flow back to Montana. Being a part of this program provided a unique opportunity to engage with fellow entrepreneurs and industry professionals while expanding TREAD’s network by talking with businesses that we may not otherwise have the chance to meet. IWA is an iconic tradeshow and is considered one of Europe's premier
Building Genuine Connections as a Team and Within Our Work
In today’s fast-paced marketing world, true connection isn’t just about the final product; it’s about the process, passion and honest conversations we have along the way. At our recent All Hands meeting, we stepped away from our daily routines to dive deep into our strategies, our storytelling and the core of what makes us a transparent marketing team. Transparency isn’t a buzzword. It’s a commitment. It means having those necessary conversations about how to improve our skills. During our All Hands meeting, our team gathered to celebrate successes and challenge ourselves. President and CEO of Kahn Media Dan Kahn set the
That’s a Wrap on SHOT Show 2025!
This year, we kicked off the trip to Las Vegas for the annual SHOT Show with Beretta Range Day. This incredible day at the range offered the chance to enjoy a full day of trying out products from Beretta, Sako, Burris, Tikka, Norma and SilencerCo. We enjoyed hands-on experiences with the brand's variety of products, including pistols, rifles, scopes, ammo, shotguns and some very special instructors from the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic Shooting Team. On the tradeshow floor, we had a chance to check out the latest products from our friends at Guzzle H20, who were exhibiting at the show for
Snow Season Essentials
Top Backcountry Touring Tools for Winter Snow season is upon us, and with it comes exciting new safety features and cutting-edge technology. Here are our top picks for backcountry touring this season: #1 - OnX Backcountry The OnX Backcountry app offers a multitude of features for backcountry adventurers, especially when venturing into areas with no cell service, unpredictable weather or avalanche-prone terrain. The app's latest update includes an improved slope angle classification tool, 15 additional Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) regions and five new expert-curated Guidebook Content ski tour zones. One often-overlooked safety feature is the Tracker, which allows users to pinpoint their current
MEET THE TEAM: ALLY PALMER
Q: You have a passion for the outdoors. Where did that start? Honestly, I can’t pinpoint an exact moment because my passion for the outdoors feels like it’s been part of me forever. It is something deeply ingrained in who I am. Growing up in Wyoming, a place I can’t stop talking about (seriously, ask anyone!), meant being surrounded by amazing scenery and endless opportunities for exploration. My childhood was spent in the mountains and on lakes, riding horses, fishing, hiking and going hunting with my dad and brother- you name it. I feel so fortunate to have had a childhood
The Conversation Around Lead vs. Copper Ammo: A Closer Look at the Issue
At TREAD Agency, we are passionate about diving into topics that impact the outdoor and hunting communities. One issue at the forefront of conservation and hunting ethics is the use of lead ammunition. It's a complex subject, and we wanted to explore its history, impact and alternatives to help shed light on this ongoing debate. A Long History with Lead Let’s start with what we can all agree on: lead is toxic. While the dangers of lead were discovered as early as 2,000 B.C., it wasn’t until the 1970s that the U.S. banned its use in households. Yet, lead continues to be
Engaging the Community: Unlocking Value for Outdoor Brands
For outdoor companies, thriving isn’t just about selling products but building a lasting community. Whether it’s hunters, off-roaders or hikers, the sense of belonging in the outdoor world is powerful and deeply rooted. As a marketing agency, our role is to act as the bridge between outdoor companies and their target audiences, helping brands tap into the emotional and experiential connection that their customers crave. Why does building a genuine connection to your customers matter? Read on to find out. The Value of Community Engagement Brand Loyalty and Trust: Outdoor enthusiasts often form tight-knit groups where trust and shared experiences are essential.
How E-Commerce, Tech and New Hunters Are Transforming the Future of Hunting
The hunting industry is evolving, fueled by advancements in technology, the rise of e-commerce and a more diverse group of participants. As online platforms become the go-to for gear, hunters are embracing everything from trail cameras to GPS devices, transforming how they scout and prepare. At the same time, the growing presence of women, younger generations and urban dwellers is reshaping the culture, sparking new trends and innovations. The future of hunting is here, and here are three trends we are seeing: Growth in Hunting Equipment Sales Through E-commerce: In the rapidly evolving world of hunting, staying ahead of the curve is