Allmansright

BIPOC-owned cottage brand founded in the Bronx, now in Sweden. Allemansrätten, the right to roam for everyone. Hand-sewn, recycled ECOPAK, innovation in every detail. Inclusive ultralight.

Livio Melo is born in the Dominican countryside. Outside, there is life. Then his family immigrates to the United States. "There was no reason for me to be outside. In fact, outside was dangerous sometimes. I had no idea there was such a thing as a trail." He discovers hiking at 28. It's a revelation. "When I got reconnected to nature, it brought something else out of me."

An industrial designer by training, he starts sewing bags in his free time while working in a coffee shop. Minimalist, ultralight packs, for himself and his loved ones. Jennifer Jacobsson-Melo, his Swedish partner of Philippine origin, grew up with 'allemansratten' - the Swedish right of free access to nature. She sees the potential. "This could really be something. Let's make this a legit business."

In 2020, they convert a corner of their 46-square-meter apartment in the Bronx into a workshop. Livio had never touched a sewing machine before starting. REI selects them for the Path Ahead Ventures program - an accelerator for entrepreneurs of color in the outdoor industry. A $25,000 grant, mentorship, access to the REI network.

Today, they have a real workshop, hand-sew bags out of ECOPAK and Dyneema, and donate 2% of profits to environmental protection. Among enthusiasts, the stuff sacks with their signature opening tabs have become a classic. "A little bit of power and a whole lot of perspective." From the Bronx to the trails, outdoor for all.