At eVent Fabrics, we're proud to collaborate with brands that share our commitment to performance, design, and purpose. One of those brands is Big Rock Candy Mountaineering—a bold, emerging voice in the ourdoor space that blends heritage-inspired style with serious mountain-ready functionality. We caught up with the BRCM team to learn more about their story, what drives their design philosphy, and why they chose eVent alpineST for their latest outerwear.
eVent Fabrics: Can you share the story behind Big Rock Candy Mountaineering? What inspired the brand, and what mission drives you today?
Samuel Hardeman: Big Rock Candy Mountaineering designs clothing based on early American alpinists, mountaineers, and gear innovators who defined the outdoor style of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. My co-founder, Peter Middleton, and I had the idea to make ourselves an iconic mid-century parka design after struggling to find a vintage one that would fit at a reasonable price. That idea grew into our brand concept: design vintage-inspired clothing made to fit well and last a lifetime. We have found the stories and characters who created the outdoor sports and gear we love today endlessly inspiring and want to share this history with a new generation the best way we know how—through clothes.
eF: What core values drive your product development and brand philosphy?
SH: All of our product design has some connection and inspiration to vintage outdoor clothing. We're obsessive over quality and storytelling. Every silhouette, fabric, trim, graphic, colorway, and manufacturing decision is meticulously thought through to present a high-quality, functional, and meaningful product.
eF: The eVent Dawn Wall Jacket is an exciting new piece in your lineup! Can you tell us more about the jacket and what inspired its design?
SH: One of the greatest innovations in clothing technology from the ourdoor industry is the stormproof jacket. It has seen many innovations in both fabrication and silhouette since its initial introduction.
Our goal with the eVent Dawn Wall Jacket was to create a silhouette that took inspiration from early iterations of stormproof jackets, but rather than using an older traditional 60/40 fabric, we wanted to incorporate something new and cutting-edge. We are really excited with the results; a jacket that is perfectly vintage in style and futuristic in fabrication.
eF: What led you to incorporate eVent alpineST in the Dawn Wall Jacket? What specific performance benefits did you want to achieve for your customers?
SH: We were already fans of eVent before starting Big Rock Candy Mountaineering and when it was time to develop this style, eVent was our first choice.
eVent has been at the forefront of developing a world-class product range known for both its technical performance and sustainability. We chose alpineST for its high-end quality, weather performance, and recycled and PFAS-free fabrication. We are also excited and honored to be the first brand to utilize the new alpineST fabric.
eF: What's been your most memorable outdoor adventure, and how did it shapre your perspective on technical gear?
SH: My father and I took a mountain biking trip in Sedona right around the age when I started to take a serious interest in clothing design and how I dressed. In the middle of the biggest ride we had planned that week, a major storm came out of nowhere that neither of was prepared for. We eventually made it back to town soaked, freezing, and covered in mud. It was one of those 'aha' moments when I realized the need for technical clothing for safety beyond having the necessary equipment (helmet, gloves, etc.). Experiences like that have helped shape my belief that clothing should not only be stylish but be well-made and functional too.
eF: Besides your own products, what's one piece of gear (big or small) you never hit the trail without?
SH: These days it is a Kelty Journey Pack—my daughter is two and loves to go hiking.
As Big Rock Candy Mountaineering continues to carve out its space in the outdoor world, it’s clear their vision is as bold as the landscapes that inspire them. Their partnership with eVent Fabrics reflects a shared commitment to performance, authenticity, and pushing boundaries—both in design and in function. We’re proud to be part of their journey and can’t wait to see where they take their community next. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning.