About OpenBound
We believe more people belong outside.
OpenBound is an outdoor adventure and technology company built around a simple idea: getting outside should feel more possible. We're creating the tools, experiences, preparation, and community that help people move from “I'd love to do that” to “I'm going.”
Our founders
Two paths, one shared invitation.
Technology and education. Fitness and movement. Personal growth and a long love of the outdoors. Mary and Sarah come at this from different directions — and OpenBound is what happens where those paths meet.
Mary Brown
Co-Founder
@that.solo.wandererMary's career has always centered on growth — first as a teacher, then as an education consultant, and now through her work on a grant dedicated to strengthening teacher education. At the heart of it is a belief that meaningful experiences change the way people see themselves.
That same belief draws her outside. A hiker, backpacker, and yoga instructor, Mary found space through movement and time in nature to challenge herself and grow in ways that extend far beyond the trail. She's building OpenBound so more people can step past their comfort zone and find a deeper connection to themselves, each other, and the world around them.
Sarah Wear
Co-Founder
@hybridwithsarahSarah has spent much of her career leading technology teams and solving complex problems, but the most meaningful parts of her life happen outside — on a trail, at a campsite, or somewhere new with her five kids.
An avid hiker, backpacker, athlete, and personal trainer, she's building OpenBound because getting outside shouldn't feel intimidating. She's set on using technology, fitness, and community to help more people go from “I wish I could do that” to “I'm going.”
Our story
Adventure shouldn't feel out of reach.
There are incredible places to explore and experiences to have outside. But getting there isn't always simple.
Where should you go? What should you bring? Are you fit enough? Where can you camp? What permits do you need? What's the weather going to do? What happens if you've never done this before?
For experienced adventurers, those questions are part of the process. For everyone else, they can become reasons not to go.
OpenBound exists to change that — removing the barriers between wanting an adventure and feeling prepared enough to take it.
Why OpenBound
Open to what's possible. Bound for what's next.
Open
Possibility. Being open to new places, experiences, people, movement, growth — and to discovering something new about yourself.
Bound
Movement. Trail bound. Adventure bound. Outward bound. Choosing a direction and taking the first step toward what's next.
Be open to what's possible. Then go toward it.
What we believe
The outdoors isn't only for experts.
01 · ACCESS
Adventure should feel approachable, even when you're starting from zero.
02 · CONFIDENCE
Preparation changes what's possible. The right knowledge, tools, fitness, and support turn uncertainty into confidence.
03 · CONNECTION
Some of the best things that happen outside aren't about the destination. They're about the people beside you.
04 · GROWTH
Adventure gives us room to challenge ourselves, learn, move, disconnect, reconnect, and discover what we're capable of.
You don't have to already be an outdoors person to belong outside.
How we're building OpenBound
More than one way to get outside.
OpenBound is building an ecosystem around the entire outdoor journey — from wondering where to go to actually standing at the trailhead.
OpenBound Journey App
Plan it yourself.
An intelligent outdoor adventure planning platform that brings the complicated parts of trip planning together — discover adventures, build itineraries, organize logistics, prep gear and packing lists, plan meals, understand conditions, and coordinate your group in one place.
Open the Journey AppJoin the WaitlistOpenBound Experiences
Go with us.
Small-group camping, backpacking, hiking, yoga, and fitness experiences built to grow confidence, connection, and skills — including private trips and Build Your Own Retreat.
Explore ExperiencesOpenBound Training + Yoga
Prepare for what you want to do.
Personal training, yoga, mobility, and recovery designed around active lives and real-world adventure goals.
Explore Training + YogaOpenBound Gear
Don't let gear be the reason you can't go.
Camping and backpacking gear rentals that cut the cost and complexity of trying something new.
Explore Gear
We're not trying to get everyone to climb the biggest mountain.
Maybe your adventure is your first night sleeping in a tent.
Maybe it's hiking somewhere you've always wanted to see.
Maybe it's carrying everything you need on your back for three days.
Maybe it's getting strong enough to attempt something you once thought wasn't for you.
Or maybe you've been doing this for years and you're simply ready to see what's next.
OpenBound isn't about how far you go. It's about making it easier to go.
Our mission
To make outdoor adventure more accessible, approachable, and possible by bringing together technology, experiences, preparation, gear, and community.
We want more people to feel confident saying:
“I can do that.”
And then give them what they need to actually do it.
There's more out there.
However you choose to experience it, OpenBound is here to help you get there.
Open to what's possible. Bound for what's next.
You belong out here.