High Country Trout Challenge
The Idea
At its core, the High Country Trout Challenge was about creating content with purpose.
Instead of chasing individual posts or short-term engagement, the goal was to build a shared content library that participating brands could use across multiple channels—without constantly starting from scratch.
The project brought together outdoor brands and partners around a single, cohesive concept, allowing each participant to walk away with content that aligned with their own marketing goals.
The RESULT
Trout Challenge Partners
The Trout Challenge wasn’t about fishing — it was about collaboration. Every brand that joined us brought something unique to the table: gear, flavor, and a lot of energy. Rods, boots, coolers, cigars — they helped turn a simple trip into an unforgettable adventure. We support them fully, and we think you’ll want to check out what they’re doing too.
Tried & Trout gets it. They’ve built a brand around the culture of fly fishing — the gear, the craftsmanship, the lifestyle that comes with living on trout water. Meticulously handcrafted in Colorado, their designs carry a timeless, understated quality that feels at home on the water. On this trip, their gear fit seamlessly into the rhythm of the experience, built with the same care and intent that fly fishing itself demands.
There’s something different about fishing with a rod that’s been crafted by hand, by people who live and breathe the river. San Juan Rodworks, based in New Mexico, builds high-quality fly rods with precision and passion. Their gear isn’t just functional — it’s built to connect anglers more deeply to the water, and on this trip, you could feel that craftsmanship in every cast.
Adventure rigs and backcountry roads go hand-in-hand with fishing trips like this, and Toyota Trails is the magazine that brings that culture to life. As the official publication of the Toyota Land Cruiser Association, they’ve been telling stories from the off-road community for decades. Their coverage connects enthusiasts to the heritage, lifestyle, and vehicles that define adventure. Having them along tied the Trout Challenge to a bigger tradition of exploration.
If you’ve ever walked into Tailwaters in Dallas, you know it’s more than a fly shop. It’s a hub for anglers who dream big, whether that’s a weekend trip close to home or chasing fish on the other side of the world. As one of the top outfitters in Texas, they provide gear, travel, and expertise that make adventures like this possible. They bring a sense of community to the fly fishing world, and it showed out there.
Few things pair with a day on the water like a good cigar, and CAO brings the boldness you want in those moments. Known for their adventurous blends and worldwide reach, CAO has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of flavor. Their spirit of exploration made them a natural fit for the Trout Challenge, and they were part of some of the best moments around camp.
Long days in the mountains call for footwear you can count on. Twisted X, a Texas-based footwear company, blends comfort, durability, and western grit in everything they make. From casual styles to rugged outdoor boots, they’ve built a name on innovative design and eco-friendly materials. On this trip, their gear carried us from the riverbanks to camp without skipping a beat.
When you’re miles from anywhere, your gear can’t quit on you. That’s what we love about Bison Coolers — they’re rugged, American-made, and built to handle whatever the backcountry throws at you. With roots in Texas and a reputation for durable coolers, drinkware, and gear, Bison is trusted by outdoorsmen nationwide. We leaned on them hard on this trip, and they delivered every which way.
Sharing a meal around camp is one of the best parts of a trip like this, and having Chisolm Trail Bison in the mix took it to another level. Their bison meat is rich, clean, and raised with care on Texas ranchland. Known for their commitment to sustainable ranching and quality, Chisolm Trail Bison offers cuts of meat that’s as honest as the land it comes from — and it fueled some unforgettable nights under the stars.
Cross Skies is built on a love for adventure and wide-open horizons — values that matched this trip perfectly. As a lifestyle-driven company, they celebrate the spirit of exploration across land, water, and sky. Their mission is to inspire people to live boldly and chase what’s ahead, which is exactly the energy we brought into the high country. Their mounted Starlink on top of the Land Cruiser came in clutch.
When the roads turn rough (or disappear entirely), Dobinsons is the kind of suspension you want under your truck. With 60+ years of experience, they’re trusted worldwide for their 4x4 suspension systems, accessories, and off-road gear. On this trip, their setup did more than just carry us deep into the backcountry — the front-mounted LED lights lit up dark mountain passes, and the spare tire trash bin they hooked us up with kept camp clean and organized. They think of the details that make off-road travel not just possible, but enjoyable.
Constant Mountain builds jackets for real life — the sidelines, the bleachers, the trail, and everywhere in between. Their unique infinity pocket system and dual-zipper design give the versatility of a hoodie with the warmth and protection of a jacket. With the weather all over the place, those small details made a huge difference. Trust me on this — try one of their jackets. The functionality is second to none.
All Knowledge is a brand rooted in creativity and purpose. Their apparel is built to spark conversation, weaving together bold design with a deeper message about pursuing wisdom and truth. Having them represented on the challenge reminded us that the best trips aren’t just about where you go, but what you take away from them.
Thrift for Good takes something simple — secondhand clothing — and turns it into real impact. Every purchase supports meaningful causes, creating a cycle where style and sustainability meet generosity. Their presence in the Trout Challenge tied directly into the bigger picture of giving back, proving that even the smallest choices can ripple out into something greater.
