Later while raising my own family in Portland, Oregon, I took my son and daughter on many long, overnight backpacking trips. Trekking through the wet forests of the Northwest, loaded down with heavy gear, I dreamed of the day when we could camp with more reliable (and affordable) lightweight gear.
After moving back to Arizona, I spent more time outdoors with my retired father, Dean. Dean was the quintessential camping enthusiast who was so passionate about lightweight gear that he would weigh his backpack before every hike. He’d often walk a mile from his home and camp in the desert, just to try out his latest purchase. It became a near obsession for him. He was determined to find the best and lightest gear. Then, in June 2018 after exercising on a warm Arizona evening, Dean collapsed and died from a sudden heart attack.
I had already been dreaming to some day start my own outdoor gear company, but after Dean’s passing it became an overwhelming drive for me. I wanted to continue Dad’s legacy by designing the most affordable range of ultralight camping, hunting, survival, and backpacking gear. That dream has become a reality with Denatti.