Minimal Gear Launches New Brand, Cowboy Camping, in Partnership with Whitney “Allgood” La Ruffa

February 19, 2026

Cowboy Camping joins Cnoc Outdoors and Diorite Gear in the Minimal Gear family of brands and will offer ultralight backpacking accessories made from HDPE flashspun fabric.

Portland, OR (February 19, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ — Minimal Gear announces the launch of Cowboy Camping, its third brand, created in partnership with outdoor industry veteran Whitney La Ruffa. Cowboy Camping joins Cnoc Outdoors and Diorite Gear in the Minimal Gear family of brands and will offer ultralight backpacking accessories made from HDPE flashspun fabric.

Cowboy Camping products are designed specifically for nights spent sleeping under the stars, often referred to as “cowboy camping.” The brand has long been a passion project for La Ruffa, originating during his 2016 thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail.

“We would lie there scheming up ideas for new gear or hiking-related businesses,” says La Ruffa. “I would often joke that someone should start a brand making items for people who go cowboy camping, with a product line of ground sheets, and a few accessories to help keep your gear sorted and out of the dirt.” La Ruffa says. “I have been close with Gilad, the founder of Minimal Gear, since he first launched his brand in Portland years ago. Through our friendship, I have also had the chance to witness how hard it can be to run a small business successfully… It’s a big hill to climb to do it well, and since Minimal Gear already had these key pieces in place, it made sense to work together on this brand using shared resources instead of starting from the ground up.”

The range will feature groundsheets, sit pads, as well as a variety of stuff sacks, zip cubes, and other bags upon launch – all made of HDPE flashspun fabric. HDPE flashspun fabric is already widely used by experienced do-it-yourself makers in the ultralight backpacking community due to its lightweight, durable, and cost-effective qualities. With the launch of Cowboy Camping, users can now access products made from this proven material without the need for sewing or assembly.

Cowboy Camping products will be available for purchase on the Minimal Gear website and offered for wholesale accounts.

To learn more, visit minimalgear.com/cowboycamping. For additional information, please contact rebecca@minimalgear.com.

About Minimal Gear
Minimal Gear is a B Corp–certified, multi-brand outdoor company based in Portland, Oregon. Its mission is to make outdoor adventures simple, enjoyable, fulfilling, and sustainable. Minimal Gear’s values guide decisions across manufacturing, supply chain partnerships, and relationships with its community and users.

Contact Information

Rebecca Booroojian
Marketing Manager, Minimal Gear
971-500-3424
rebecca@minimalgear.com