LetteR FRoM Ceo
JennIFeR MULL
Welcome to your first 2010 issue of the Backwoods
Pinecone Press! This publication is the “modern-day”
version of The Outback, an award-winning publication
close to the heart of many Backwoods enthusiasts until
its last edition went to press in the late ‘90’s. Similar to
its predecessor, the Pinecone Press contains compelling
interviews with outdoor industry icons and athletes,
highlights outdoor vendors, takes you around the world
with tales of interesting travel, highlights regional and
Backwoods’ store events, and offers insights about the
“latest and greatest” through gear reviews and product
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testing results.
Our passion and our goal at Backwoods is to inspire you
to seek an active, adventurous life…..regardless of whether
you join us on a two-week trip to Machu Picchu, take an
hour-long walk somewhere in the Midwest, or travel to
Europe to see its fabulous history. Through our stores,
our trips, and our publications we strive to excite, inspire,
educate, and provide you with a terrific experience!
I certainly hope you enjoy the Pinecone Press and would
We want to hear your stories! We know that many Backwoods
love it if you take a few minutes to sit back, relax, and
enthusiasts have GREAT stories to tell—some harrowing,
dream a little!
some exciting, some funny, some daring…….and many more. Play often and experience the world in 2010.
So we’re going to reward you for sharing your best “You Had
to be There!” stories!
—Jen
Each month, starting in April, 2010—we’ll gather your
stories at info@backwoodscom (please submit by the 25th
And for those of you not familiar with us…a bit about
of the month and keep your story to 300 words or less!) and
Backwoods…
the person with the BEST STORY will WIN a prize worth $300
(or more!) The top 5 finalists will have their stories published Backwoods was founded in 1973, by Lewis Mull, after he was unable to
on backwoods.com and all finalists will receive a fun gift for
find the clothing and equipment in his home town that would withstand the
their participation. There will be grand prize at the end of the
rigors of his outdoor adventures. Traveling to places all over the world—
safaris in Africa, backpacking in Scotland, climbing in the Western U.S.,
year for the #1 story and the winner will win a prize package
hiking in the Rockies—Lewis knew firsthand that the success of a trip often
valued at $1000!
hinged on having high-quality products. He discovered there were many
Each month we’ll have a different theme so
other adventurers with the same dilemma. So, in 1973, he opened the first
Backwooders…….start thinking about all your great stories! Backwoods in Wichita, Kansas.
Here’s what we’ve got in store for you. For full information,
Growing up, I was a frequent companion on my father’s trips. I quickly
please see backwoods.com—the community page.
learned that I had inherited his tremendous passion for adventurous travel
and the outdoors. Though not pursuing this career path immediately, in
2003, I became the President and CEO of Backwoods. From the beginning, I
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recognized that Backwoods had established itself as a tremendous resource
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for gear and clothing for the outdoors. As I shaped my personal vision for the
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roots of outdoor adventure—while also expanding its scope in specific areas.
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Today, Backwoods has expanded its product mix substantially in daily
lifestyle apparel, footwear, and travel as well as sustaining and growing
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our technical brands and product selection. We also stepped into the world
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of adventure travel in 2004 with the launch of Backwoods Adventures. We
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are now not only outfitting people for adventure, but are personally taking
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MAKE www.BACKwooDs.CoM YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
SPRING/SUMMER 2010 3