UpFront with Alpine Fit's Jen Loofbourrow (Part 2)

UpFront with Alpine Fit's Jen Loofbourrow (Part 2)

By Dave Gardner, Editor/Publisher of The NEEDLE'S EYE

In her early twenties, Alpine Fit Founder/Owner Jen Loofbourrow fell in love with expeditions kayaking the outer islands of Alaska's southeast coastline. Inevitably, she experienced variable weather conditions, from sun to rain, and everything from freezing water temps to natural hot springs.

With no access to laundry for weeks at a time, and limited space, she could take only essential basics, and each piece of gear had to perform. 
Jen refined and honed her packing list and found substitute products for what she really wanted, which all too often were not available. 

Since then, she has embarked on many extended traveling and backpacking trips, in addition to the activities she likes to do regularly in her normal life - a quick hike after work, or biking around the block with the kids and their dog. 

Jen Loofbourrow, Alpine Fit Founder/Owner, at the Brooks Range in the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve

Raised in Ontario, Canada in a hard-working, outdoor-loving family. She went on to live in Vancouver followed by Galway, Ireland before settling down in Anchorage with her husband, and two children, and they all love the outdoors including hiking, running, skiing, kayaking, and camping.

Jen’s journey into apparel manufacturing began as a materials developer at Lululemon Athletica in Vancouver (British Columbia), Canada then as a lingerie and swimwear retail store owner in Ireland, and later, as a wholesale and operations manager at Swedish women's apparel brand Skhoop in Anchorage, Alaska. 

Jen Loofbourrow kayaking the outer islands of Alaska's southeast coastline.

These jobs formed building blocks for what she would realize is her passion… making outdoor gear basics for a multitude of adventures and activities, with fabrics that she believes in while being an excellent employer for her dedicated and creative team.

More than that, she knows that every person has unique body characteristics and that the standard fit offered by most brands does not work for all. At Alpine Fit, they work tirelessly to design and refine products that are offered in twice the fit options, and therefore twice the number of size combinations for more people to be able to find their perfect fit with their clothes.

Jen will be excited to help outfit you for your outdoor experiences and looks forward to seeing you on the trails.

I created Alpine Fit to be an outdoor clothing brand in line with our customers’ values. Fit options for body shapes, odor-resistant fabrics for longer adventures, recycled fibers and reducing waste built into the design process, essential styles that work and transition between your favorite activities and domestic manufacturing!

This is me out doing one of the many things I love to do field testing gear in the mountains here where we are based, Anchorage, Alaska. 