The Upstart Label of Technical Gear that Turns Heads Off-Trail

The juxtaposition of this powerful technology with the natural beauty inspired co-founder Matt Braun to take his 15 years of experience designing for brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, among others, to make something that felt more aligned with his own interests. “We liked this idea of exploration, [to create] something we could wear while exploring remote places but that [would] also work in everyday life,” he tells me.

When I asked Matt what he hopes people feel and experience when buying a piece of PMO gear, he quipped. “We hope at first, they cheer with joy and punch the air, as we do when we get samples through.”

But really, he says, PMO gear is supposed to make its wearer feel prepared, not just for adverse weather and elevation gains, but also for the mental elements of adventuring. “When you put that PMO jacket on you feel a sense of home, whether you’re on top of a mountain or standing waiting for the bus.”

As part of this mission, Braun explicitly sets out to produce designs that will work for bodies of any gender. “Our pieces are intentionally cut with versatility in mind, room for layering, movement, and adaptability across different body shapes.” He says the company is thrilled to see more and more women embracing the gear. “It reinforces our belief that outdoor and technical clothing doesn’t need to be boxed into rigid categories.”

Source: https://www.fieldmag.com/articles/purple-mountain-observatory-profile