Outdoor Element x Near Zero at Costco

We Made It Into Costco—Together

What happens when small brands back each other? This.

By Mike Mojica · Founder of Outdoor Element · April 2026

Now this is a backflip-worthy moment! ... And you know how much I love a good backflip! 

We made it into Costco, guys!

Okay, before you rush down to your local Costco, we're not yet on the shelves in warehouses, but we are ONLINE on Costco.com!

And here’s the part that means the most to me. We didn’t do it alone.

This happened through a collaboration with another small brand we admire and believe in: Near Zero.

They created one of the best lightweight backpacks and curated an incredible backpacking bundle, featuring high-quality lightweight gear, including our fiber light fire starter and our award-winning firebiner multitool. 

It's a fully dialed backpacking system and is currently being tested on Costco.com.

And if it performs well, it goes nationwide.  Yep, you read that right! Nationwide!!

Check out the Near Zero Lightweight Backpacking Kit on Costco.com

 

How This Came Together

At Outdoor Element, we’ve always believed in showing up for other innovators in the outdoor space.

Not just talking about “community”, but actually doing something about it.

Making introductions. Sharing opportunities. Backing people who are putting in the work.

So when we came across what Near Zero was building, it just clicked.

They created something a lot of people need but don’t realize exists yet:

A fully dialed backpacking setup. It's lightweight, thoughtful, and ready to go.

No piecing things together.
No second-guessing your gear.
No wondering if you’re missing something important.

Just add food, your clothes, and get outside.

Then Costco Got Involved

Near Zero connected with the right people and got in front of Costco buyers.

Costco saw what they were building, and they liked it.

They had one ask:

“Include a fire-starting solution.”

Scott Jensen, founder of Near Zero, graciously recommended us, and after sending in samples of fiber light and firebiner, Costco buyers really liked it and went with his suggestion.

He could have easily sourced a cheap solution with a book of matches, but he pushed to have us included. 

And just like that, this became something bigger than either of us.

They added our fiber light fire starter and our award-winning firebiner into the bundle as the Fire Kit.

This Is What Community Looks Like

This didn’t happen by accident.

This is how we try to operate every day.

Entrepreneurial Support

We’ve got an entire page on our site, titled Entrepreneur Support, dedicated to highlighting products by other small brands we believe in, including Near Zero, Grim Workshop, Wazoo, Revel Gear, and more. 

No catch. No angle. 

Just sharing good gear we use from good people we trust. 

Because if we can help someone else grow, that’s a win for everyone!

Campfire Co-op

We’re also part of Campfire Co-op, a group of brands that would rather collaborate than compete.

We get together for events like Demo Days where outdoor businesses, media, and buyers meet. Sort of like an expo but way better.

Because it's just people outside, camping, cooking, using the gear, talking honestly.

That’s where trust gets built.
That’s where relationships form.
And sometimes, that’s where opportunities like this start.

What You’re Getting (Without the Guesswork)

Near Zero really dialed this in. It’s not just random lightweight gear.

It’s a complete system.

Dean TR 50 Pack: organized, labeled compartments, adjustable fit & built to carry comfortably
Sleep system: bag + liner to keep you warm in colder temps
Cook kit: stove, pot, mug, and long-handle spork
Hydration + essentials: bladder, first aid, checklist
Fire kit: our Fiber Light + Firebiner built right in

And if you go premium, you’re adding:

3-person tent + footprint
Water filtration system

Everything works together. No mismatched gear. No overthinking it.

And the price? You’re not going to beat it buying everything separately.

For the Gear Geeks

Want the full breakdown of every item, total weight, and spec?
Check out the full bundle details on Costco. 

Real Use, Real Feedback

Maylynn, our marketing lead, along with her family, took the Dean TR 50 Pack out on a recent yurt trip in the Wasatch. Hers was not the bundle, just the backpack, loaded with her own gear setup inside.

Three miles in. Mud everywhere. Full overnight load.

She came back and said:

“I love this backpack. And now I wish I would’ve waited for the Costco bundle to include the sleeping bag and other lightweight gear that fit so perfectly in it, and for such a great price!"

Here’s Where You Come In

Right now, this bundle is on a trial run at Costco.com.

If it performs well, it potentially goes into stores.

That’s how this works.

Essentially, every purchase is a vote.

A vote for small brands.
A vote for thoughtful gear.
A vote for doing things the right way.

If You’ve Been Thinking About Backpacking…

This is honestly one of the easiest ways to get started or upgrade your setup.

It’s all there. It’s dialed. It’s priced right.

And you’re supporting two small brands that care deeply about what they’re building.

Check out the Near Zero Lightweight Backpacking Kit on Costco.com

When small helps small, it makes big.

This time, it helped get us into Costco.

And I couldn’t be more grateful, or more excited about what this could turn into. 

-Mike Mojica

Outdoor Element Founder, CEO & Chief Dreamer