What AllGear Digital does

AllGear Digital owns and operates a portfolio of eight category-leading enthusiast media brands focused on outdoor, active-lifestyle, and gear content. The portfolio comprises GearJunkie (outdoor news and gear reviews, founded 2006), Switchback Travel (gear testing and affiliate content, founded 2011), The Inertia (surf and outdoor media, founded 2010), Pack Hacker (one-bag travel gear, founded 2017, acquired January 2024), Bikerumor (cycling gear news, founded 2008), iRunFar (trail and ultra-running, founded 2007), ExplorersWeb (mountaineering and polar expeditions), and WildSnow (backcountry skiing). The company also operates AGD Studios, an in-house branded content production house offering video, editorial, audio, photography, and design services. Collectively the network reaches 60M+ monthly unique visitors and 225M+ annually across owned properties, with 700M+ pageviews, 20M+ email subscribers, 6.8M+ social followers, and 800K+ YouTube subscribers.

The company monetizes primarily through custom direct-sold digital advertising campaigns to enterprise brand partners, priced between $15,000 and $3M+ per engagement on multi-year contracts, with documented enterprise customers including Toyota, Chevrolet, Kia, Hoka, KEEN, Fjällräven, Columbia, Gerber, Athletic Brewing, Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water, REI, Backcountry, and Visit California. A second revenue stream is affiliate marketing, with Switchback Travel recognized as the top affiliate publisher in the outdoor space and the network driving $100M+ in attributed e-commerce sales, including $21.5M+ for a single REI campaign. Distribution is amplified through AGD+, an extended advertising network that incorporates partner inventory from AllTrails, Teton Gravity Research, RVshare, and Backcountry (joined October 2025 as the network's first retail media partner), pushing combined global reach above 300M annually.

Founded in 2018 in Los Angeles by Eric Phung (formerly CFO, transitioned to CEO in March 2021), AllGear Digital was originally named Lola Digital Media and rebranded in December 2022 alongside a $40 million financing round led by Bardin Hill Investment Partners. The company is structured as AllGear Digital LLC, domiciled in Minnesota, with offices in Los Angeles, Denver, Detroit, and Minneapolis. Leadership combines former BlackRock and Houlihan Lokey financial executives with editorial talent from Virgin Islands Daily News and former sales leadership from Outside Interactive, Active Interest Media, and Red Bull Media House. Strategic direction since 2022 has emphasized network aggregation through acquisitions and partnerships, deeper integration with commerce platforms, and selective vertical expansion beyond traditional outdoor categories into travel and one-bag content.

Name

AllGear Digital

Legal name

AllGear Digital LLC

Website

https://allgeardigital.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

AllGear Digital owns and operates eight outdoor and active-lifestyle media brands - including GearJunkie, Switchback Travel, The Inertia, Pack Hacker, and iRunFar - and monetizes them through custom direct-sold advertising campaigns and affiliate marketing to enterprise brand partners across outdoor, automotive, beverage, and travel retail verticals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outdoor Digital Media & Advertising

NAICS

Media Representatives (541840), Media Buying Agencies (54183), Media Buying Agencies (541830)

SIC

Services-Advertising Agencies (7311)

akta.pro primary industry

Full-Service Media Planning & Buying (MPAAABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Activation/Experiential Creative Agencies (MPAAAAAO), Shopping/Deal & Affiliate Content Aggregators (MPACAKAK)

Keywords

• Digital media publishing
• Outdoor advertising network
• Branded content production
• Affiliate marketing publisher
• Active lifestyle media

Headquarters

HQ city

Santa Monica

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Display Advertising: Standard and high-impact display media buys, run-of-site, run-of-network, homepage takeovers, and category takeovers across the owned media portfolio and AGD+ network.
2. Affiliate Sales: Commission revenue from affiliate links driving e-commerce sales. Switchback Travel recognized as top affiliate site in outdoor space. Generated $21.5M+ in e-commerce sales for REI campaign and $100M+ in AGD-only e-commerce sales attributed to network.
3. Branded Content and AGD Studios: Full-service production house creating branded content across video, editorial, podcasts, photography, and design. Custom content campaigns, microsites, and storytelling series for brand partners.
4. Video and Pre-Roll: Video production and pre-roll advertising placements across the network.
5. Live Activations and Events: Creative digital and live activations including sweepstakes, microsites, audience studies, and live events that inspire meaningful interaction with brand partners.
6. Distribution Services: Content distribution across social media, influencers, syndication, e-newsletter, and CTV channels.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

AllGear Digital owns and operates a portfolio of eight outdoor and active-lifestyle media brands and monetizes them through the AGD+ extended advertising network, branded content production (AGD Studios), and affiliate commerce. The company sells integrated media campaigns, display and video advertising, sponsored content, and live activations to enterprise brand partners seeking reach into a purchase-intent outdoor enthusiast audience.

Product overview

AllGear Digital is a media publishing company that operates a portfolio of owned-and-operated outdoor and active-lifestyle publications alongside an extended advertising network (AGD+). The portfolio includes eight acquired media brands: GearJunkie (outdoor news/reviews), Switchback Travel (gear testing/affiliate), The Inertia (surf/outdoors media), Pack Hacker (travel gear reviews), Bikerumor (cycling gear), iRunFar (trail running), ExplorersWeb (mountaineering/expeditions), and WildSnow (backcountry skiing). AGD Studios provides in-house branded content production services. The AGD+ advertising network extends reach by integrating partner brands including AllTrails, Teton Gravity Research, RVshare, and Backcountry.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AGD+ Advertising Network Extended outdoor-adventure advertising network uniting AllGear Digital's owned-and-operated brands with premier partners including AllTrails, Teton Gravity Research, RVshare, and Backcountry, reaching over 60 million monthly outdoors enthusiasts with display, video, content, and affiliate placements. Designed for enterprise brand partners seeking integrated media plans across owned and partner inventory.
• AGD Studios Full-service in-house production house offering branded content creation across video, editorial, podcasts, photography, and design for enterprise brand partners seeking custom content campaigns, microsites, and storytelling series.
• GearJunkie Leading source of outdoor news, gear reviews, and product journalism founded in 2006 with offices in Minneapolis and Denver, covering hiking, backpacking, camping, climbing, skiing, and more.
• Switchback Travel Gear testing and affiliate-focused outdoor publication founded in 2011, recognized as a top affiliate site in the outdoor space by leading retailers and winner of multiple AvantLink Content Affiliate of the Year awards.
• The Inertia Digital outdoor media publication founded in 2010, the definitive voice of surf and the outdoors, featuring news, gear reviews, videos, films, and live events.
• Pack Hacker Authoritative source for one-bag travel founded in 2017, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, testing and reviewing the latest gear while traversing the globe with comprehensive articles and videos.
• Bikerumor Covers cutting-edge bike gear and tech-influenced products for riders, founded in 2008, known as the go-to source for millions of riders for product releases and bike industry news.
• iRunFar Trail and ultra-running focused publication founded in 2007, with reporters covering major races worldwide and producing live coverage for blog and social media.
• ExplorersWeb Top source for news on polar expeditions and high-altitude mountaineering with over 20 years of original reporting on climbing and adventure travel.
• WildSnow Covers cutting-edge skis, boots, bindings, and backcountry gear, founded by author and legendary skier Lou Dawson.

Quantifiable outcome

• 75% of readers credit AllGear Digital with influencing their purchasing decisions
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• AerminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 March 2026Product collaboration between Pack Hacker and Aer to create the Aer Ultra Sling, a limited-edition 2-liter travel sling. 17-month design partnership merging Pack Hacker expert user insights with Aer high-performance design and technical manufacturing. Sold out original Refraction Pro in 81 minutes.
• Immersion NeuroscienceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 November 2025Collaboration with Toyota Trucks and AllGear Digital on 'Destination Detours' project. Used SIXApp neuroscience-based technology to measure emotional engagement during 36-hour analog-style competition. Bridges worlds of adventure and science.
• MatadorminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 October 2025Pack Hacker collaborated with Matador to create ReFraction Pro Packable Backpack. Leveraged decades of travel and pack knowledge plus Pack Hacker consumer insights from thousands of miles of travel and community feedback. Sold out in 81 minutes.
• BackcountrycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 October 2025First retail media partner joins AGD+ extended advertising network. Partnership connects advertisers with outdoor consumers actively shopping for gear and apparel. Allows brands to reach purchase-intent audiences at multiple touchpoints: while engaging with trusted media, during shopping journey, and out on trails.
• Teton Gravity Research (TGR)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 June 2025TGR, renowned action sports media and apparel company, joins AGD+ network. Brings award-winning film production capabilities and deeply engaged audience. Partnership expands action-sports reach and experiential portfolio. With TGR addition, global annual reach exceeds 300 million.
• RVshareminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 May 2025Largest online community for RV renters and owners joins AGD+ extended advertising network. Expands advertiser access to millions of outdoor and RV enthusiasts. Natural alignment of values around adventure, accessibility, and authentic outdoor experiences.
• ToyotamajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 April 2025Multiple campaigns including 2025 4Runner 'Your Window to the Wild' and 'Destination Detours' collaboration. Partnership includes sponsored trail lists on AllTrails, custom video content, and editorial coverage across AGD+ network brands.
• AllTrailscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAllTrails is a key partner in the AGD+ advertising network. 2023 iPhone App of the Year winner. Provides sponsored trail lists and integrated advertising opportunities reaching outdoor enthusiasts planning adventures.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Strava: Subscription social network for athletes (runners, cyclists) that monetizes a large first-party endurance audience through advertising and partnerships. Comparable as a destination platform for the same running/cycling audience AGD reaches via iRunFar and Bikerumor.
• Hearst: Diversified media conglomerate that owns (or has owned) enthusiast titles such as Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics. Comparable as a large incumbent operating outdoor/active-lifestyle media brands with deep advertiser relationships and integrated commerce.
• Future plc: Large U.K.-listed digital media conglomerate operating hundreds of enthusiast titles across technology, sports, and outdoors. Comparable at the business-model level (multi-brand portfolio + e-commerce / affiliate monetization) but operates at much larger scale and across many verticals.

Direct peers

• The Dyrt: Digital camping and outdoor recreation platform with a large U.S. audience. Rob Hudson (AGD's Head of Sales) previously led sales at The Dyrt, indicating direct operational overlap in monetizing outdoor enthusiast audiences through digital advertising.
• Active Interest Media: Operates a portfolio of enthusiast media brands (Backpacker, Yoga Journal, SKI, Climbing) serving outdoor and active-lifestyle audiences. Closely comparable to AGD's portfolio strategy of acquiring and operating category-leading enthusiast titles with shared advertising infrastructure.
• Teton Gravity Research: Action-sports media and film production company that joined the AGD+ network in 2025. Comparable as a premium content studio + media brand targeting outdoor/adventure audiences through film, video, and integrated brand partnerships.
• Outside Inc. Multi-brand outdoor media company publishing Outside Magazine and operating subscription, maps, and event businesses. Directly comparable to AGD as both monetize outdoor enthusiast audiences through integrated advertising, branded content, and affiliate, while building vertical media networks.

Others

• REI Co-op: Outdoor retailer with a large owned media hub (REI Co-op Journal, expert advice, gear guides) and a major AGD advertiser/affiliate partner. Comparable as both a counterparty (advertiser, affiliate program) and a competitor in producing authoritative outdoor content.
• Backcountry: Outdoor specialty retailer and AGD+'s first retail media network partner. Comparable as a strategic counterparty (purchaser of AGD inventory and producer of first-party purchase data) rather than a direct competitor; illustrates the retail-media model AGD is building toward.

Regional players

• Surfline: Surf forecasting and media company producing video, news, and commerce content for surfers. Comparable as a vertical-specific digital media + content brand in the action-sports space where AGD also operates (via The Inertia).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/allgear-digital
• Facebookfacebook.com/TheGearJunkie

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AllGear Digital