Ciao,
We’ve been talking a lot internally at KETL about the idea of the “talent gap” and what it means to stay focused. Truth is, we don’t think of ourselves as particularly gifted individuals. We just stay relentlessly committed to building a brand we’re proud to put our names behind. We’re pretty average humans with an above-average obsession for creating the best outdoor adventure travel apparel we can.
I recently read a line that hit home:
"What looks like a talent gap is often a focus gap. The "all-star" is often an average to above-average performer who spends more time working on what is important and less time on distractions. The talent is staying focused."
It’s been a wild stretch lately as we’ve rolled out our new Fall/Winter lineup. I wanted to give you a quick breakdown of what each piece is for and how I personally use it.
What we are working on.
RLT Merino Hoodie - A breathable midlayer for high-exertion days with incredible merino thermal regulation.
Breakwind Ultralight Windbreaker - My go-to fast-and-light layer with the perfect balance of breathability and wind resistance.
Puffinator Down Jacket - A sub-freezing down layer that lives in my backcountry pack as an emergency piece.
Storm Rider 3L Shell - Our do-it-all, ultra-waterproof, ultra-breathable summit shell. For skiing, downpours, and 14er bagging.
MilesBound Jogger - I rarely use joggers for travel or casual wear, but people love them for that. I use mine for sub-freezing runs.
Pika Alpine Pant - Built with Cordura yarn for serious durability. My pick for high-alpine missions.
RockyLoft Down Jacket - My daily winter grab: standalone on most days, midlayer on the brutally cold ones.
No Chill Merino Base Layers Top and Bottom - My ski-season workhorses. From resort laps to multi-day hut trips.
Shoulder Season Base Layers Top and Bottom - The breathable mesh fabric makes these my choice for cold-weather runs or as a base layer for backcountry skiing.
Lost Boys Merino Tops - The ultimate travel shirt: packs small, wears multiple days without smelling like a dirty egg, and sharp enough for dinner.
Merino Motion Trail Run Glove and Beanie - Gloves use the same RLT thermal grid merino with a durable suede palm for rock scrambles; the beanie is lightweight, comfortable warmth dialed in.
What we are up to.
The last few months have been a mix of work and raising my little man. Outside of KETL, my days have been less about extreme adventure and more about showing my son the small things I love most: traveling, the outdoors, and crushing far too many chips and salsa.
A bit of inspiration.
Writer Harold V. Melchert reminds us that success is sweeter when you savor the path:
"Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point. Climb slowly, steadily, enjoying each passing moment; and the view from the summit will serve as a fitting climax for the journey."
Love to Live. Live to Love.
KETL Mtn. Co-Founder
Dom
