Hi, I’m Ram (yes, this is my real name...LOL), the founder of SkyGOAT. Let me take you on a little journey—the story of how this brand came to life, my passion for creating functional, stylish outdoor apparel, and the incredible community that’s grown around it. SkyGOAT isn’t just a brand for me; it’s a reflection of my life in the mountains, my love for adventure, and my desire to share something truly special with others.
How It All Started
SkyGOAT began as a personal passion project. I’ve always loved being in the mountains—whether hiking, trail running, skiing, biking, or just soaking in the beauty of the Rockies. But I found myself frustrated with most outdoor clothing. It was either too bulky, didn’t fit right, or looked completely out of place anywhere other than on the trail. I wanted something that could seamlessly transition from the trails to the local brewery or even just lounging at home.
I started envisioning what my ideal outdoor gear would look and feel like: it needed to be comfortable, functional, and stylish. So, I took matters into my own hands and created SkyGOAT, initially crafting apparel for myself, my friends, and the outdoor mountain community I love so much. It’s surreal to see how far it’s come since those early days.
Why the Name SkyGOAT?
People often ask about the name, and I love sharing the story behind it. Goats are incredible creatures—they’re agile, resilient, and able to navigate the toughest terrains with ease. I love getting up above tree line and seeing these amazing creatures. That spirit really resonated with me and the values I wanted SkyGOAT to represent. The “Sky” part symbolizes reaching new heights, both in adventure and in life. Together, “SkyGOAT” felt like the perfect fit for a brand that celebrates pushing boundaries and embracing the mountain lifestyle.
The logo, featuring a stylized goat, was designed to be fun, approachable, and memorable. It’s become such a recognizable part of our identity, and I couldn’t be prouder every time I see it out in the wild on someone’s jacket or hoodie.
Creating the Gear I Wanted to Wear
When I started designing SkyGOAT apparel, I knew I wanted to create something that blended comfort, performance, and style. The real game-changer was developing our custom GOATgrid fabric. It’s a lightweight microgrid fleece made from recycled polyester, offering incredible warmth, breathability, and softness. Whether you’re out on a hike, hitting the slopes, or hanging by the fire, this fabric keeps you comfortable and ready for whatever the day brings.
We also pay close attention to the fit and details. An athletic cut, raglan sleeves, and practical features like pockets and thumbholes make our clothing versatile and easy to wear. It’s designed to make you look and feel good, no matter where your adventures take you.
One of the features I’m most proud of is the unique hood attachment on our products. Instead of the typical bulky, uncomfortable hood design, we’ve created a sleeker, more functional approach. The hood attaches seamlessly to the collar in a way that enhances comfort and allows for better coverage when you need it, without getting in the way when you don’t. It’s the little things like this that make SkyGOAT stand out and elevate your experience.
Building a Community
One of the most rewarding parts of running SkyGOAT is the connection I’ve built with the outdoor community. From the start, I’ve stayed connected with customers through emails, social media, and word-of-mouth feedback. Hearing stories about how people use and love our gear inspires me every day. This community is what drives me to keep improving and innovating.
Our customers share our passion for the outdoors, and seeing SkyGOAT products out in the wild—on the trails, in posted pictures and even at breweries—reminds me of why I started this brand in the first place. SkyGOAT isn’t just about clothing; it’s about celebrating the mountain lifestyle and connecting with others who value adventure, comfort, and quality.
Looking Ahead: The SkyGOAT Mountain Hub
One of my dreams for SkyGOAT is creating the SkyGOAT Mountain Hub, a space where the outdoor community can come together. Imagine a cozy spot in a Colorado mountain town with a coffee shop, taproom, bike and ski service shop, community event space and outdoor hangout areas with a fire pit and live music. It’s about more than just gear—it’s about fostering connections, sharing stories, and building something that truly feels like home for adventurers. Anyone out there with some spare change that shares this vision and would like to help it come to fruition? Haha!
Why I Do This
At its core, SkyGOAT is about more than clothing. It’s about creating something that brings joy, comfort, and connection to people who love the outdoors as much as I do. Every piece we make is a reflection of the life I live and the community I care about. My hope is that when you wear SkyGOAT, you feel not only ready for adventure but also part of something bigger—a family of explorers, dreamers, and mountain lovers.
Thank you for being part of this journey. SkyGOAT wouldn’t exist without people like you who share our passion for the mountains and the lifestyle they inspire.
Most of all, thanks to my lovely wife Jean, as none of this would happen without her!
Here’s to many more adventures together!