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Colter Backcountry to move to Steamboat Springs through Rural Jump-Start program
ColoradoBiz Staff //May 4, 2026//
Courtesy of Coulter Backcountry.
Courtesy of Coulter Backcountry.
Colter Backcountry to move to Steamboat Springs through Rural Jump-Start program
ColoradoBiz Staff //May 4, 2026//
In Brief:
- Colter Backcountry joins Colorado‘s Rural Jump-Start program
- Company receives $15,000 grant and up to four years tax benefits
- Headquarters relocation includes product assembly and order fulfillment
- Move expected to support job creation in outdoor recreation sector
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Colter Backcountry LLC will move its headquarters to Steamboat Springs after joining Colorado’s Rural Jump-Start program, state officials said.
The company, which makes fly fishing apparel and gear, plans to establish operations in the city, including product assembly, inventory storage and order fulfillment.
Colter Backcountry was founded by brothers Patrick Bauman and Daniel Bauman, who developed ultralight gear after hiking the Continental Divide Trail. The company focuses on minimalist backcountry fishing equipment.
The Rural Jump-Start program provides incentives for businesses to locate in rural counties. Colter Backcountry will receive a $15,000 grant and up to four years of tax benefits. Eligible employees may also receive state income tax credits during that period.
“At Colter Backcountry, we’re on a mission to make great gear for backcountry fishing,” Patrick Bauman said. “We’re excited to join the Rural Jump-Start Program and expand our business in Steamboat Springs.”
State officials said the move is expected to support job creation and contribute to the outdoor recreation sector. The industry supports more than 404,000 jobs in Colorado, or about 12% of the state’s workforce.
“We are thrilled to see Colter Backcountry choose Steamboat Springs for its headquarters,” said Eve Lieberman, executive director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
Local partners, including the Routt County Economic Development Partnership, supported the company’s participation in the program.
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