Originally published at https://www.escondido.org on February 3, 2021.
Action Sports Lifestyle Company Encouraging Customer to go ‘Off the Grid’
Since the start of the pandemic, outdoor activities, RVing, and camping have become the go-to activity for people everywhere. And as the traditional camping season is ramping up, the Escondido-based outdoor adventure clothing brand, Off the Grid, not only makes quality clothing for outdoor enthusiasts, the team also hopes to inspire its customers to live the outdoor spirit every day.
“We want to capture the essence of what it looks like to get away from your day-to-day,” said CEO Bobby Klein.
CEO Bobby Klein and Off the Grid Founder Josh Patterson at pop-up store
Klein is partnered with Josh Patterson, who started the business in 2013. The two men met at their church, and realized a space in the market for their product.
But Off the Grid is more than a clothing brand; the company hopes its purpose statement, “to support and inspire connection through adventure,” motivates customers to continue to get outside, enjoy time with family and friends, and most importantly, to continue to do what they love.
Patterson, who grew up in Escondido, has been an outdoor enthusiast his entire life. “He’s always been an off-road kid,” said Klein. “Going to the desert and the river and enjoying motorsports, has been his lifestyle.” Patterson spent his career working in the lifestyle clothing industry, designing for surf brands Rip Curl and Quicksilver and was the head men’s designer at the Carlsbad-based lifestyle brand Prana before he broke out on his own with Off the Grid.
Off the Grid apparel is made for every terrain
In 2017, Patterson designed and sold the company's now-signature Trailblazer stretch canvas pants through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign. The pants were so popular and successful, they sold out in just six weeks. With a background in marketing, Klein soon came on-board as the company's CEO.
Knowing the customer base is what is making their brand so successful. Klein explained, “That’s been a huge part of our company.”
Off the Grid’s customers include off-roaders, overlappers (those who camp with tents on top of their SUVs), climbers, hikers, motocrossers, and RV enthusiasts. Many of them are also military, retired military, and law enforcement. “They want to be off duty in apparel that is very specific to the function of their sport,” said Klein.
What makes Off the Grid’s apparel so appealing is that the design has all the function with added comfort and a clean, sporty style. “We call it subtle tactical,” said Klein.
The pants come with a nine-pocket configuration, and an upper hip pocket, spacious enough for a wallet or phone, which is better for the wearer’s back especially on long rides. Zippered leg pockets are also handy to stash valuables and keep them secure. The stretch canvas gives the pants more mobility and comfort for long rides, climbing, and movement.
Crafty pocket design helps hold every tool safely and comfortably and hideout denim is made for work or play
Lifestyle apparel has become daily wear for many, and while some brands come at a premium price point, Off the Grid strives to keep its price accessible to all customers. “We just made a decision that we wanted to make it accessible to the average guy,” said Klein. “A lot of our guys are bumping up from the Costco or Walmart brand and are saying they are willing to spend the extra money to get the extra function and quality.”
Shorts, shirts, jackets, and hats round out the clothing options for men. A women’s apparel line is just beginning to come to market with a stylish yet functional pant, and a selection of tops. The Off the Grid logo is a nod to the endurance and grit of the company’s customers. The crossed shovel and ax are important and necessary instruments for these outdoors enthusiasts.
“Those are super important tools when you’re out on an adventure,” said Klein.
As these enthusiasts tend to be way off the grid, they need shovels to dig out of messy situations, and the ax, among other things, helps cut wood for fire. More importantly, these tools represent hard work and perseverance, something that Klein and Patterson feel is at the core of their belief system. The shovel bars logo, which is the company’s shovel/ax logo with flag bars, has recently been added to Off the Grid’s apparel and has been well-received.
Overlappers get both utility and comfort in Off the Grid apparel
While they have made a name in the off-road community and are sponsors of the ultimate off-road race, King of the Hammers, the company is working to expand its brand and have made Escondido its home base, with a storefront on Grand Avenue, which serves as both primary offices and a showroom.
Like Patterson, Klein grew up in Escondido and he sees the city as an inlet to the desert and the mountains. He also realizes there are many people in the city who are outdoor enthusiasts as well.
“So there’s been a resurgence of the outdoor industry, our shorts became our best-selling item during this year of COVID,” said Klein. He emphasized that the storefront location is maintaining the highest COVID standards. “We are being COVID safe. We stay at 15-20% capacity, offer hand sanitizers, and we give away masks at the door.”
Off the Grid is one of numerous action sports and lifestyle brands that populate the 78-Corridor. Amber Tarrac, Escondido’s Deputy Director of Economic Development, said Escondido, which is surrounded by nature, is the perfect backdrop for a company like Off the Grid.
“From the beautiful lakes, mountains and deserts, any outdoor activity is just a short car ride away. Having Off the Grid on Grand gives residents and visitors a place to access outdoor clothing just before they head out for an adventure.” she said.
Meanwhile, Klein hopes to use the storefront as a place to help build community.“We want to work with the City to have an off-road night,” he said, hoping it could somehow happen in conjunction with Cruisin’ Grand.
In the meantime, Klein and Patterson are using their online presence to connect with their customers. Klein is blogging about getting off social media and getting outdoors, while sometime this spring Patterson will be documenting his training for the King of the Hammers, which he hopes to compete in.
“For us, Off the Grid is a state-of-mind,” Klein said.
Adventures Await within Escondido
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the outdoors. There are many parks and campgrounds nearby for campers, fishers, hikers, and more. Dixon Lake, has year-round camping opportunities, shoreline and boat fishing, hikes, trails, and climbing options for permitted climbers. Some activities have been suspended due to the pandemic. Check the website for reservations and COVID-19 updates.
Off the Grid is located at 157 E. Grand Avenue, Ste. 100. For more information call 442-257-2847