Poler Gear Review: Your New Favorite Outdoor Brand
Hey there, fellow adventurer! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for cool outdoor gear that looks great, works hard, and doesn‘t break the bank. So when I discovered Poler, the funky brand from Portland, Oregon, I knew I had to put their gear to the test. After weeks of hands-on testing and research, I‘m excited to share my in-depth Poler review with you.
In this post, we‘ll dive into:
- Poler‘s unique brand story and mission
- Hands-on reviews of their best-selling Napsacks and backpacks
- A peek at Poler‘s latest apparel and accessory drops
- Insights from real Poler customers and fans
- How Poler stacks up against other outdoor brands
- Poler‘s commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing
- Answers to all your burning questions about sizing, shipping, returns, and more
By the end, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if Poler is right for your next adventure. Let‘s dig in!
What‘s the Deal with Poler?
Poler was founded in 2010 by Benji Wagner and Kharma Vella, two outdoor enthusiasts who were tired of the "elitest" vibe of most camping gear brands. As Benji tells it, "We felt like there was a huge gap between the core outdoor customer and the occasional camper. We wanted to make gear for the ‘normal‘ people who just want to go camping and have fun."
And so, Poler was born with a simple mission: to make cool, accessible outdoor gear for the everyday adventurer. The brand quickly gained a cult following for its funky prints, laid-back aesthetic, and affordable price points.
In their heyday, Poler amassed over 390,000 Instagram followers and collaborated with the likes of Nike, Patagonia, and REI. But in 2018, the brand abruptly filed for bankruptcy, citing "financial missteps" and fierce competition in the crowded outdoor industry.
Poler 2.0: The Revival
Just when it seemed like Poler was down for the count, the brand made a surprise comeback in 2019 under the wing of Cape Capener, a veteran of Nike and Adidas. With fresh funding and a renewed focus on direct-to-consumer sales, Poler is back and better than ever.
"Poler still has huge brand equity and a die-hard fan base," says Capener. "Our goal is to build on that legacy while expanding into new categories and reaching new customers."
Today, Poler is doubling down on its original mission, collaborating with the likes of Airblaster and Slowtide on bold new designs. The brand has also expanded its product lineup to include apparel, camp furniture, and pet gear, all with Poler‘s signature funk factor.
Putting Poler to the Test
Alright, enough backstory – let‘s get to the good stuff! Over the past month, I‘ve been living in Poler gear to see how it holds up to my active lifestyle. Here‘s my unfiltered take on some of the brand‘s bestsellers:
Napsack Sleeping Bag Review
Specs at a glance:
- Temp Rating: 50°F
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
- Insulation: Synthetic
- Shape: Mummy
- Price: $130
Poler‘s OG product is still its most popular – and for good reason. The Napsack is a wearable sleeping bag that‘s part blanket, part puffer jacket, and 100% awesome.
I tested the classic Napsack in Poler‘s signature "Rainbro" print, a trippy rainbow pattern that‘s sure to turn heads at the campground. But this thing is way more than a pretty face.
The Napsack is surprisingly warm for its weight, thanks to the cozy synthetic insulation. I comfortably camped down to 50°F in this bad boy. The DWR-coated nylon shell also did a solid job repelling light rain and snow.
But the real magic of the Napsack is its versatility. You can wear it around the campfire, buddy up two bags to make a double sleeping bag, or even rock it as a wacky jacket on chilly walks. The zippered arm holes and drawstring bottom let you adjust the fit on the fly.
I did find the Napsack a bit snug in the shoulders (for reference, I‘m 6‘1" and 215 lbs). If you‘re broader up top, consider sizing up.
At $130, the Napsack is pricier than a basic sleeping bag, but the premium materials and multi-use design make it a killer value in my book. Plus, you‘re guaranteed to make new friends everywhere you wear it!
Backpack Review: Poler Roll-Top
Specs at a glance:
- Capacity: 20L
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- Materials: 300D Polyester w/ DWR coating
- Laptop sleeve: 15"
- Price: $90
As a digital nomad, I‘m always seeking the perfect pack for work and play. The Poler Rolltop is a strong contender.
First off, this pack looks slick. The all-black colorway and streamlined silhouette give off major urban explorer vibes. The rolltop closure is not only practical for shielding your gear from the elements, but also provides major style points.
On the functionality front, the Rolltop delivers. The spacious 20L main compartment easily fits a change of clothes, toiletries, and my 15" laptop in the padded sleeve. Two stretchy water bottle pockets and a zippered front pouch provide quick access to essentials.
The 300D polyester fabric feels burly and has a DWR coating for water resistance. After a month of daily commuting and weekend adventuring, I‘ve seen no signs of wear and tear.
At 1.8 pounds, the Rolltop is no ultralight wonder, but it carries comfortably thanks to the padded back panel and shoulder straps. The sternum strap is a nice touch for stability on bike rides.
My only wish? A waist belt for better load distribution when I‘m hauling heavier cargo. But for the price and intended use, the Rolltop is a versatile winner.
What Real Customers Are Saying
You don‘t have to just take my word for it – Poler has garnered heaps of praise from gear nerds and casual campers alike. Peep these rave reviews from verified buyers:
"I‘ve owned a lot of sleeping bags in my life, but the Napsack is by far the most fun. It‘s like wearing a big, cozy hug." – Sarah M., Campendium
"I was skeptical about the Napsack‘s warmth-to-weight ratio, but I was pleasantly surprised. Kept me toasty down to the low 40s." – Mark R., Trailspace
"The Rolltop has become my go-to everyday carry. It looks great, fits all my essentials, and seems highly durable." – Jenn K., Carryology
Poler products also get high marks for style and "cool factor":
"Poler gear always gets me compliments on the trail. The prints are so fun and unique." – Caleb G., Outside Online
"I love how Poler doesn‘t take themselves too seriously. Their gear is high-quality but still has a sense of humor." – Lauren P., GearJunkie
How Poler Stacks Up
So how does Poler compare to other popular outdoor brands? While Poler gear may not be the most technical or lightweight, it offers unbeatable value for the everyday adventurer.
For example, the Poler Napsack retails for $130, while comparable wearable sleeping bags from brands like Selk‘bag and Big Agnes can run upwards of $200+. Similarly, the $90 Rolltop backpack is a steal compared to bags with similar features from Topo Designs ($169) and Fjällräven ($110).
Where Poler really shines is in its commitment to fun, accessible outdoor gear. You‘d be hard-pressed to find another brand offering such bold prints and playful designs at such affordable price points.
Of course, if you‘re embarking on a serious expedition or thru-hike, you may want to invest in more specialized ultralight gear. But for car camping, festival-going, and everyday adventuring, Poler is tough to beat.
The Verdict
After putting Poler gear through its paces, I can confidently say this funky brand from Portland is the real deal. From the cozy Napsack to the versatile Rolltop backpack, Poler delivers on its promise of cool, functional gear that won‘t break the bank.
But Poler is about so much more than just the gear. It‘s a lifestyle brand that celebrates the everyday adventurer – the weekend warrior, the urban explorer, the van lifer. Poler‘s laid-back vibes and sense of humor are a breath of fresh air in an industry that often takes itself too seriously.
In short? If you‘re looking for affordable, high-quality outdoor gear with a heavy dose of style and personality, Poler is your brand. Trust me, you won‘t be disappointed.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a Napsack, hit the road, and start living that #CampVibes life. And be sure to tag @polerstuff in all your adventures – who knows, you might just end up featured on their legendary Instagram feed.
Happy trails, Poler people! 🏕️
