Steven Peters, founder of Red Spruce Gear, never intended to become a gear designer, but life often leads you down unexpected trails. His journey began at a Boy Scout meeting with his son, where a fellow parent mentioned reading A Walk in the Woods, a book that sparked Steve’s curiosity about the Appalachian Trail (AT). “I just thought it would be really cool to walk for several days with everything I needed on my back," Steven recalled. Inspired by the idea of long-distance hiking in his home state of Georgia, Steve bought a heavy 45-Liter pack, and with his spirited dad by his side, they set off on their first 3 to 5-day trek on the AT.
Their adventure wasn’t easy. Rain poured relentlessly, and their heavy packs made every step harder. But on the fourth day, the sun broke through. The warmth and light “felt like magic,” Steve vividly remembers how their spirits were lifted, the sense of accomplishment they felt, and despite the challenges, the hike became one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. “It was just me and my dad, hiking and talking for hours. It became a tradition for the next few years,” he recalls. Eventually, Steven’s son and niece joined the annual hikes, and each summer they would section-hike the Appalachian Trail, covering around 100 miles a year.
After those early hikes, Steven realized he needed to lighten his load. This led him to the world of ultralight backpacking, where he became obsessed with perfecting his gear. He began experimenting with fabrics, refining designs, and shaving off grams while customizing his equipment to meet his needs. Steven dove deep into research, learning about innovative materials and gear designs, and fine-tuned every piece he owned. “I became a true gram weenie,” Steven laughs, referring to the ultralight backpacking community’s focus on minimizing pack weight.
To further customize his gear, Steve learned how to sew with the help of his wife, Sally. A serger he received as a Christmas gift soon became his tool for creating his own ultralight gear. Then, a pivotal discovery came when Steve found Polartec® Alpha™ Direct fabric, a lightweight, breathable material developed for U.S. Special Forces. Its warmth without bulk made it perfect for his new project: a minimalist, ultralight beanie.
“I made a beanie out of it, and it was the best hat I’d ever worn,” Steve says. “It kept me warm when I was resting and didn’t overheat when I was on the move.” After several iterations, Steve perfected the design—a simple, gender-neutral beanie with a double-layered edge to keep ears warm and fold down over the eyes for a trail nap.
For fun, Steven listed the early versions of the beanies on Reddit, and they sold out in minutes. Realizing the demand for ultralight beanies, Steven launched Red Spruce Gear, focusing on performance headwear for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With Sally’s help, the business quickly grew. They began selling on Etsy, where orders poured in, and the brand’s 5-Star reputation spread. This success is what led to an interview with Garage Grown Gear. "Turning something I made for myself into a product that really sells has been a cool experience," Steven reflects.
Starting Red Spruce Gear did come with challenges. The product is handmade in Georgia, USA, and sourcing the specialized Polartec® Alpha Direct fabric isn’t always easy. “There aren’t many suppliers, and sometimes it’s just not available,” Steve explains. While one supplier offered a wide selection, their prices were steep, and quantities were limited, making it difficult to keep costs down and scale the business.
Despite these hurdles, Steve remained committed to his vision—creating the best ultralight beanie on the market, with simple, well-made designs and excellent customer service.
The Origins of the “Red Spruce Gear” Name
The inspiration for the name “Red Spruce Gear” came from a memorable solo hike Steven took through the Smoky Mountains in April 2015. He set out to complete 72 miles of the Appalachian Trail in just two days. As he ascended to higher elevations, the forest changed from Douglas firs to red spruces, filling the air with a scent that reminded Steven of Christmas. “It felt magical, like being on a different planet,” he recalls. The dark, mossy forest, the crisp air, and the green scenery—his favorite color—left a lasting impression.
Though the hike left Steve with sore knees, the memory of the red spruce forest stayed with him. It represented the simplicity and beauty of nature, which is now reflected in his brand's mission: to create ultralight gear that is equally simple and beautiful in performance and wear.
Steve’s passion for hiking and the outdoor community keeps him motivated, and Red Spruce Gear continues to grow, one beanie at a time. Whether you're hiking the Appalachian Trail or exploring a trail across the globe, Red Spruce Gear is designed to keep you comfortable. It’s a testament to how Steve’s passion for ultralight backpacking evolved into a company focused on simplicity, innovation, and performance.
Red Spruce Gear continues to make a name for itself in the ultralight community, at Garage Grown Gear, and beyond. The beanies have even been featured by thru-hiking veteran Jupiter Hikes (over 17,00 miles of long distance trails hiked) in a personal gear video. Steven and Sally love when people note in their orders where the owner will be taking the hat. Seeing photos of the hats in the wild enjoying adventures on trails, and in tents across America and the rest of the World also helps Steven feel connected to the hiking community, “I get to live vicariously through the customers,” which is one of the things he loves most about running the company.
Alli is a freelance writer from British Columbia, Canada. She believes in embracing silliness, taking small steps towards personal goals, and inclusiveness for all body sizes in the outdoors. Her message emphasizes that extreme fun isn't limited to extreme athletes. Apart from writing, Alli enjoys backpacking, hiking, snowboarding, trail running, and snuggling with her dog. Find her on Instagram at @bucketsofmoonbeams.
