The Traveler pant, the first product by new local outdoor brand Trekka Designs, has features such as a magnetic closure, hidden zipper pockets, natural bug repellent and four-way stretch. / Photo contributed by Chris LoizeauxWhen Chattanooga resident Chris Loizeaux started his outdoor brand, Luwazo, in 2015, he inadvertently ended up opening a local fly shop, Trekka, and put the brand on the backburner. Now, he's bringing his idea for a local outdoor brand back to the forefront with Trekka Designs.
He and business partner Nick Rader, of Highland Park, are launching the outdoor travel apparel brand with a Kickstarter campaign for their first product, the Traveler pant. Project backers receive a $41 discount on the pant by making a contribution of at least $79. For the product to be funded, they need to reach the $35,000 goal by May 30 at noon.
The idea for the pant was developed on a 10-day motorcycle and fly-fishing trip the business partners went on for motorcycle touring magazine RoadRUNNER. Rainy weather kept them inside for much of the trip, leaving plenty of time to chat, and they chose to discuss the features they wanted in a high-performance travel pant.
"We couldn't find a good technical pant that we think actually looks good," said Loizeaux.
They drew from his retail experience - along with Rader's experience on a six-month motorcycle trip in Africa with just a single pair of pants - to craft the perfect all-in-one pant combining performance and fashion.
The Traveler pant, the first product by new local outdoor brand Trekka Designs, has features such as a magnetic closure, hidden zipper pockets, natural bug repellent and four-way stretch. / Photo contributed by Chris LoizeauxThe antimicrobial fabric is ultralight, quick-drying, and features four-way stretch, Bugger-Off natural insect blocker, SPF 50, and a long-lasting stain blocker that makes it impervious to soil and oil stains, Loizeaux said.
To make them more fashionable, cargo pockets are hidden high on the leg of the chino-style pant.
One unique feature that ups the pant's comfort factor is the patent-pending magnetic closure that slides apart, giving the wearer a little breathing room when necessary and making one-handed opening a cinch.
To back the project, visit the Kickstarter page at kickstarter.com/projects/trekka/the-ultimate-adventure-travel-pants. The product is expected to be delivered by late August or early September.
If the campaign succeeds, Loizeaux said Chattanooga's three major specialty outdoor retailers have expressed interest in carrying the product. He and Rader hope to continue to grow the brand, expanding next into women's pants and shorts.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.