FlipFuel® Anniversary: 10 Epic Things to Celebrate
Sep 20, 2024
It’s FlipFuel.co’s three-year anniversary! And it’s true what they say: Time flies when you’re having fun. We’re loving being a part of the outdoor community and offering a tool that helps fuel outdoor adventure and support Leave No Trace.
Should I pack a partial fuel container (lighter backpack and less fuel for the trail)? A partial fuel container along with a full one (more fuel but extra pack weight)? And what to do with this box of partial fuel containers that I won't take on a trip?
The answer was to launch the FlipFuel® fuel transfer device. It allowed him to combine two half-empty canisters and pack a full one. Problem solved. Opportunity unlocked. Other backpackers must be experiencing this too?
So, alongside longtime business partner Frank Healy and longtime marketing lead Mary McWilliams, our small team of Arizona backpackers introduced the device to the outdoor community in 2021.
Outdoor Element was one of our first connections. And if you know the OE team, this isn’t surprising! They are all about elevating other small businesses in the space and helping one another find success. Not to mention, they’ve engineered a ton of innovative gear. Their Handled tool works hand-in-hand with our fuel transfer device and helps you prep that empty fuel canister for the recycle bin. [Find it on our site here.]
Our first brick-and-mortar retail partner also happened to be a fellow local Arizona business: Peace Outfitters in Flagstaff, Arizona. It’s a special spot that’s been around since the early 1970s and our team has popped in there over the years for our own gear. They have an amazing team, and it was an epic moment to see our device hanging in their store!
Another big milestone moment for FlipFuel was joining the Garage Grown Gear family last year! We can’t talk about the cottage gear without highlighting outdoor legend Lloyd Vogel and the awesome crew over at GGG. They’re known as the hub for all-things ultralight backpacking gear, but also developing a community and celebration of small outdoor gear brands.
In 2024, FlipFuel was even highlighted as a 2024 Best Seller on Garage Grown Gear!
FlipFuel is now available at REI Co-op! We kicked off 2024 with this news, and it was quite the milestone for our small Arizona-based business. REI is the nation's largest consumer co-op and specialty outdoor retailer, and we’re thrilled to help fuel the adventure for REI’s 23 million members.
The FlipFuel fuel transfer device is available for purchase online at rei.com and at more than 127 REI stores nationwide. FlipFuel has recently been added to the shelves at SCHEELS! This outdoor sporting goods store has 33 locations in the US and help adventures find the best hunting, fishing, camping, fitness and sports gear. Find our device in store and online at SCHEELS.
You can also find FlipFuel in store at L.L.Bean! L.L.Bean was founded in 1912 by a hunter and fisherman in Maine. The outdoor equipment store has since expanded to 54 store locations nationally and offers all kinds of outdoor clothing, gear and more, all made for the shared joy of the outdoors. Please note: We are not available yet on their website.
They are a rad group of:
Eric Hanson, an outdoor legend who is also an Arizona local. You might remember him as the longtime host of Epic Trails and BackpackingTV. He's now focused on creating cinematic masterpieces on his own channels. In spring 2024, we were so fortunate to be a part of one of those videos! FlipFuel's Eric Flottmann met up with Eric Hanson for a 3-day backpacking trip in the Superstitions. Check out the adventure in the video below.
A special shoutout to our first international partner: Coffee Outdoors in New Zealand! Tom and the Coffee Outdoors team are absolute legends. They spotted FlipFuel back when we were just starting out and the rest is history. If you're adventuring in NZ or trekking Te Araroa trail, be sure to stop in at their shop in Wellington.
We're so grateful for all of our amazing retail partnerships and the opportunity to found in more than 100 shops across the globe and counting. With the help of our partners, FlipFuel is all over the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and more. We're always adding new shops to our store locator. Check it out here!
We’re proud that the FlipFuel fuel transfer device has helped hikers adventure responsibly. The tool helps make full use of camping fuel canisters and helps users prep the newly empty canisters for recycling. This means canisters are less likely to end up in landfills. We continue to take additional steps toward reducing our environmental impact, such as shipping our orders in 100% compostable packaging.
For FlipFuel, it’s also important to give back to the local community. Earlier this year, Eric helped lead the efforts as day chair for a Keep Tempe Beautiful Cleanup at Tempe Town Lake. We were so stoked about the day! More than 100 volunteers cleaned up nearly 300 lbs of trash and diverted 52 pounds to recycling.
We continue to be in awe of these numbers. Our small team still remembers the very first orders coming through the site in 2021, and we still celebrate our orders just as hard today! It has been a small business dream to watch our shop grow.
We love reading the reviews left on our website from 500+ outdoor adventurers. It’s incredibly meaningful to see: how the device has helped people lighten their packs, save money, reduce their environmental impact, and more. This is truly why we do what we do every day!
There are a number of things that we’ll be keeping the same as we move forward. For instance, our small outdoor gear company is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, and we’ll continue to manage all of our shipping and customer service in house.
Where are we headed next? Here are some things that are top of mind:
Build upon our FlipFuel.co foundation. We are excited to continue to grow our relationships with outdoor adventurers, FlipFuel champions and retail partners across the globe.
Expand backcountry food offerings. Our team is also working to help fuel outdoor adventure in new ways. For instance, we’ll be continuing to team up with new partners and expand our selection of backcountry foods offered on our website. Our shop features backpacking meals and foods that are team-tested and hand-selected.
We’re truly looking forward to all of the possibilities in our fourth year of business!
Have an idea or would like to partner up with FlipFuel in some way? Drop us a note at info@flipfuel.co. We’d love to connect!
#DontPackaHalfie
Backpacker Beginnings: A Quick Look Back
It was only a couple short years ago that our founder, Eric Flottmann, was trying to find a solution for a problem on his backpacking trips: partially empty isobutane fuel canisters.An experienced backpacker, isobutane fuel canisters were a key piece of gear for long-distance hikes and weekend camping trips. However, there were never clear answers to questions like:Should I pack a partial fuel container (lighter backpack and less fuel for the trail)? A partial fuel container along with a full one (more fuel but extra pack weight)? And what to do with this box of partial fuel containers that I won't take on a trip?
The answer was to launch the FlipFuel® fuel transfer device. It allowed him to combine two half-empty canisters and pack a full one. Problem solved. Opportunity unlocked. Other backpackers must be experiencing this too?
So, alongside longtime business partner Frank Healy and longtime marketing lead Mary McWilliams, our small team of Arizona backpackers introduced the device to the outdoor community in 2021.
Three Years & 10 Things to Celebrate
Three years later, here are 10 big things that we are celebrating as we reflect on our first years in business.#1: The Outdoor Community
We’re super grateful for all of the support for FlipFuel from the outdoor community! So many adventurers have enthusiastically embraced the “Don’t Pack a Halfie” spirit. (Learn the story behind the slogan on Garage Grown Gear.)We also want to give a special shout-out to the early adopters. We had a group of trail-blazing thru-hikers bring the FlipFuel fuel transfer device on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022.
They tested the hypothesis that our device was the perfect companion to use alongside leftover fuel found in hiker boxes. It was a huge success! And shout out to Jarred at @JayCrushesIt. He was the first to conclude that he never had to purchase another can of fuel during his time on trail. Still stoked about this!
#2: Local Outdoor Businesses
Another great thing about the outdoor space? The amazing people at local gear shops and other small outdoor businesses.Outdoor Element was one of our first connections. And if you know the OE team, this isn’t surprising! They are all about elevating other small businesses in the space and helping one another find success. Not to mention, they’ve engineered a ton of innovative gear. Their Handled tool works hand-in-hand with our fuel transfer device and helps you prep that empty fuel canister for the recycle bin. [Find it on our site here.]
Our first brick-and-mortar retail partner also happened to be a fellow local Arizona business: Peace Outfitters in Flagstaff, Arizona. It’s a special spot that’s been around since the early 1970s and our team has popped in there over the years for our own gear. They have an amazing team, and it was an epic moment to see our device hanging in their store!
Another big milestone moment for FlipFuel was joining the Garage Grown Gear family last year! We can’t talk about the cottage gear without highlighting outdoor legend Lloyd Vogel and the awesome crew over at GGG. They’re known as the hub for all-things ultralight backpacking gear, but also developing a community and celebration of small outdoor gear brands.
In 2024, FlipFuel was even highlighted as a 2024 Best Seller on Garage Grown Gear!
#3. Gear Junkie, Outside’s Backpacker.com and Outdoor Editors
Another one of the coolest things to happen in our company’s journey? Turning the heads of Gear Junkie and their outdoor media editor Will Brendza, who put the FlipFuel fuel transfer device to the test. Here are some of our favorite quotes:
"The FlipFuel is a tiny device that is tackling one of backpacking’s most universal problems — the issue of half-full fuel canisters."
"The FlipFuel is now a staple of my camping/backcountry cooking gear.”
"I’d recommend the FlipFuel as a gift for every camper you know, including yourself. It’s cheap (at just $35), it’s functional, and it’s the kind of thing that outdoor enthusiasts will inevitably use."
This article not only put our device to the test…it SOLD OUT our product for the Holiday Season 2022! Such a cool moment for our small business!
In addition to Gear Junkie, we were so fortunate to have amazing outdoor editors from Outside's Backpacker Magazine, The Boston Globe, Forbes, Bikepacking.com, Climbing Magazine, Explore Magazine, Trails Magazine, TheTrek, Bike Gear Database, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, also take notice -- bringing our device on trail and including us in some amazing write-ups.
Bikepacking.com also named FlipFuel as a 2023 Gear of the Year!
#4. On the Shelves at REI, SCHEELS and More
All of the FlipFuel buzz also landed the attention of some of the big guys in the outdoor space, and we couldn’t be more excited about these new amazing retail partnerships. Here are some highlights.FlipFuel is now available at REI Co-op! We kicked off 2024 with this news, and it was quite the milestone for our small Arizona-based business. REI is the nation's largest consumer co-op and specialty outdoor retailer, and we’re thrilled to help fuel the adventure for REI’s 23 million members.
The FlipFuel fuel transfer device is available for purchase online at rei.com and at more than 127 REI stores nationwide. FlipFuel has recently been added to the shelves at SCHEELS! This outdoor sporting goods store has 33 locations in the US and help adventures find the best hunting, fishing, camping, fitness and sports gear. Find our device in store and online at SCHEELS.
You can also find FlipFuel in store at L.L.Bean! L.L.Bean was founded in 1912 by a hunter and fisherman in Maine. The outdoor equipment store has since expanded to 54 store locations nationally and offers all kinds of outdoor clothing, gear and more, all made for the shared joy of the outdoors. Please note: We are not available yet on their website.
For our friends in Canada, we're thrilled to share that FlipFuel is also offered at Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) and Valhalla Pure Outfitters. More about our international retail partners in #6 below.
We’re honored to help fuel their athletic achievements, outdoor goals, treks, trails, expeditions, and more. So stoked to have them as champions of the FlipFuel fuel transfer device and for the opportunity to collaborate on some epic outdoor projects.#5: FlipFuel Ambassador Athlete Team
More than 120 epic adventurers have joined the FlipFuel Ambassador team! They’re experts in their chosen adventure sport and outdoor niche.They are a rad group of:
- backpackers
- bikepackers
- thruhikers
- climbers
- anglers
- hammock hangers
- adventure parents
- gear experts
- national park aficionados
- travel specialists
- overlanders
- survivalists
- so much more
Eric Hanson, an outdoor legend who is also an Arizona local. You might remember him as the longtime host of Epic Trails and BackpackingTV. He's now focused on creating cinematic masterpieces on his own channels. In spring 2024, we were so fortunate to be a part of one of those videos! FlipFuel's Eric Flottmann met up with Eric Hanson for a 3-day backpacking trip in the Superstitions. Check out the adventure in the video below.
Also on the team? Cam Bostock, an outdoor influencer and Australian adventurer who makes some epic travel and adventure videos. He's currently trekking the Pacific Crest Trail. Cam joins many other FlipFuel Ambassador thruhikers, such as Triple Crowners Carl Stanfield "Professor" and Al "Lookout" Marriott.
There are a number of climbers on the team, too. This includes Ty Lekki from Argentina, Aniek Lith (who just completed the Arctic Triple) and Andreas Widlund from Norway. Andreas recently made the first pioneering ascent of "South West Face" on Stetind in Norway.
Not to mention, UK adventurer Jim Hart is taking FlipFuel to Mera Peak in Nepal this month!
Not to mention, UK adventurer Jim Hart is taking FlipFuel to Mera Peak in Nepal this month!
#6: Our International Outdoor Community and Partners
Speaking of international awesomeness, we can't say enough about our global retail partners. From major retailers like MEC and VPO to locally owned shops like Biker Gadgets in the Netherlands and Keep Pedalling in the United Kingdom.A special shoutout to our first international partner: Coffee Outdoors in New Zealand! Tom and the Coffee Outdoors team are absolute legends. They spotted FlipFuel back when we were just starting out and the rest is history. If you're adventuring in NZ or trekking Te Araroa trail, be sure to stop in at their shop in Wellington.
We're so grateful for all of our amazing retail partnerships and the opportunity to found in more than 100 shops across the globe and counting. With the help of our partners, FlipFuel is all over the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and more. We're always adding new shops to our store locator. Check it out here!
#7 Supporting Sustainability and Outdoor Initiatives
As many of you know, founder Eric Flottmann is a longtime Scout Leader for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). This means the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace are guiding principles for how we treat our outdoor spaces and run our company.We’re proud that the FlipFuel fuel transfer device has helped hikers adventure responsibly. The tool helps make full use of camping fuel canisters and helps users prep the newly empty canisters for recycling. This means canisters are less likely to end up in landfills. We continue to take additional steps toward reducing our environmental impact, such as shipping our orders in 100% compostable packaging.
For FlipFuel, it’s also important to give back to the local community. Earlier this year, Eric helped lead the efforts as day chair for a Keep Tempe Beautiful Cleanup at Tempe Town Lake. We were so stoked about the day! More than 100 volunteers cleaned up nearly 300 lbs of trash and diverted 52 pounds to recycling.
#8. Nearing 30k Direct FlipFuel.co Orders
Another celebration-worthy moment: FlipFuel recently hit the 28,500 mark in direct-to-consumer orders! And this does not include wholesale orders through our global network of retail partners.We continue to be in awe of these numbers. Our small team still remembers the very first orders coming through the site in 2021, and we still celebrate our orders just as hard today! It has been a small business dream to watch our shop grow.
#9. 550+ Reviews on FlipFuel.co
That said, it’s about so much more than just orders. It’s about helping fuel the adventure for backpackers and outdoor trailblazers across the country and globe — on every epic mountain range and throughout the backcountry.We love reading the reviews left on our website from 500+ outdoor adventurers. It’s incredibly meaningful to see: how the device has helped people lighten their packs, save money, reduce their environmental impact, and more. This is truly why we do what we do every day!
#10. BRUCE – Team Mascot
We can’t wrap up our company story so far without mention of BRUCE. He is Eric’s new Australian Shephard puppy and our newest team member. He is earning his backcountry badges right now and brings a ton of fun to our office each day!Thank YOU! And what’s next for FlipFuel?
We’re so humbled by all of the support from the outdoor community over the past three years. A big thank you to all of the adventurers who saw the value of our device and supported our small business! It truly means a lot to our small team in Tempe, Arizona.There are a number of things that we’ll be keeping the same as we move forward. For instance, our small outdoor gear company is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, and we’ll continue to manage all of our shipping and customer service in house.
Where are we headed next? Here are some things that are top of mind:
Build upon our FlipFuel.co foundation. We are excited to continue to grow our relationships with outdoor adventurers, FlipFuel champions and retail partners across the globe.
Expand backcountry food offerings. Our team is also working to help fuel outdoor adventure in new ways. For instance, we’ll be continuing to team up with new partners and expand our selection of backcountry foods offered on our website. Our shop features backpacking meals and foods that are team-tested and hand-selected.
We’re truly looking forward to all of the possibilities in our fourth year of business!
Have an idea or would like to partner up with FlipFuel in some way? Drop us a note at info@flipfuel.co. We’d love to connect!
#DontPackaHalfie
