This paper examines Go Lite, a Boulder, Colorado-based outdoor clothing and equipment manufacturer founded in 1998 by Kim and Demetri Coupounas. The company specializes in ultra-lightweight packs, sleeping bags, and down jackets while prioritizing environmental sustainability. Go Lite uses environmentally preferred materials (EPMs) such as recycled nylon and polyester, with 67% of current materials meeting this standard and a goal of reaching 100% by 2015. The company operates a product take-back program for recycling and reuse, and is working toward zero-waste facility operations. The paper analyzes customer reviews, highlighting positive feedback regarding product quality, pricing, and customer service, before concluding with observations about Go Lite's investment potential and alignment with environmental priorities.
Go Lite is an outdoor clothing and equipment manufacturer based in Boulder, Colorado. The company was founded in 1998 by backpackers Kim and Demetri (Coup) Coupounas. The company specializes in ultra-light packs, sleeping bags, and down jackets designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Go Lite has earned recognition for its commitment to environmental responsibility, ranking third in Forbes's list of "companies considered best for the environment." The company's ambitious mission is to mitigate 100% of its environmental footprint, setting an example for the outdoor industry and the broader manufacturing sector.
To achieve its environmental goals, Go Lite employs "Environmentally Preferred Materials" (EPMs), including recycled nylon and polyester, in place of newly produced petrochemical-based fabrics and components. Currently, 67% of the company's materials meet EPM standards, with a target of reaching 100% by 2015. Beyond material sourcing, Go Lite operates a product take-back program in which customers can return items for recycling, reuse, repair, donation, or repurposing. The company is also working toward converting its headquarters into a zero-waste facility, where all garbage will be recycled or composted. These initiatives demonstrate that despite being only a 16-year-old company at the time, Go Lite is already performing at a remarkably high environmental standard.
Online reviews on Yelp reveal predominantly positive customer sentiment. Reviewers consistently highlight the company's reasonable and low pricing, the high quality and comfort of the clothing, and the friendly customer service. One detailed customer review stated: "Amazing prices on locally designed products. Many products feature recycled material which is fabulous. Additionally the company also has a product take-back program which gives them the opportunity to repair, donate, re-purpose, recycle, and/or store for future recycling everything they get back, lock, stock and zipper pull, regardless of its condition. Bottom line, the staff is super friendly, the products are amazing, and the company is locally owned. What more could you ask for?"
The same customer provided specific product feedback, noting: "I recently purchased the Black Mountain Thermal wind pants and jacket for snowshoeing adventures. I've been both snowshoeing and hiking with these new items and have only great things to say about them." This testimony demonstrates that Go Lite's commitment to sustainability does not compromise product performance or customer satisfaction.
"Why Go Lite represents a compelling investment opportunity"
You’re 72% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 1 section.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.