The Uphill Climb: How Project16x is Catapulting Women in the Outdoor IndustrY

See how this small but mighty summit is paving way for huge opportunity...

We’ve decided to climb up the San Juan Range’s Sheep Mountain. After all, the summit is seemingly a stone’s throw away from our hut. There is no clear path so everyone - artists, writers, brand reps, climbers, bikers, runners, entrepreneurs, east and west coasters alike - scatters across the base of the mountain to start making their own. Quickly, I realize this hike would be a little different than the ones conquered before.

It’s not long until we find ourselves on hands and knees, hunting for every notch that will get us each a little closer to the top. Breaks are taken frequently, but after a few moments, each of us keeps on climbing. From all corners, words of encouragement and smiles are teeming, despite the slog to a destination out of sight.

At the end of it all, it was clear that this wasn’t too different from the present day outdoor industry…