I love your outdoor life.
Agueda | Denver, CO
AGUEDA, WE Love GETTING OUTDOORS, TOO.
That’s why our Outside Lab puts outdoor gear to the test, so whatever you take on your adventures is up to the challenge.
Campus Location
Denver
The University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) and Outside Interactive, Inc. have launched The Outside Lab at CU Denver, a cutting-edge facility dedicated to gear testing, education, brand consultation, and product reviews. Located in downtown Denver, this lab serves as a hub for evaluating outdoor equipment and supports Colorado’s $9.6 billion outdoor recreation industry.
The new lab provides a unique space for CU Denver faculty, students, Outside editors, and industry partners to test product performance with top-of-the-line equipment and protocols that are beyond the reach of most brands. Managed by CU Denver’s College of Engineering, Design, and Computing, the lab offers companies opportunities to test their products and connect with customers through detailed reviews.
“Our goal here is simple,” says Outside SVP Jon Dorn. “We’re on a mission to increase outdoor participation by improving gear comfort, safety, and accessibility. By adding controlled lab testing to our existing trail tests, we help the industry elevate product performance while publishing more sophisticated reviews that guide our readers to the gear that’s best for them.”
Martin L. Dunn, dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Design, says, “We’re excited about this partnership, which offers our students and faculty unique opportunities while supporting Colorado’s growing outdoor sector.
“We are thrilled to be part of this innovative partnership, which gives our students and faculty unique opportunities, and supports our burgeoning outdoors ecosystem,” says Martin L. Dunn, dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Design.
“The lab anchors product testing and workforce development in our innovation district, creating a skilled outdoor industry talent pipeline for Colorado while providing essential services to companies developing outdoor gear.”
The collaboration between Outside and CU Denver combines their strengths to benefit consumers, brands, and students. Outside gear editors work closely with CU Denver’s engineering students and faculty to conduct thorough product tests, while media students and faculty help small companies develop marketing strategies to tell their stories.
This partnership provides CU Denver learners with hands-on experience, preparing them for employment in the crucial outdoor recreation sector and enhancing Colorado's global standing in the industry.
