From humble beginnings, Outter Limits has been celebrating adventures for 33 years. Starting in a small store front in Wildwood Mall, to creating a home on Broadway Ave in Saskatoon (with a seasonal store in Waskesiu), Outter Limits has prided itself on its connection to the environment and community. Outter Limits believes in partnering with like-minded companies, employing staff who value the environment while enjoying outdoor activities, and doing their part as a company to reduce their environmental impact. Outter Limits believes that they hold a responsibility in doing their part to protect the environment so future generations can enjoy the outdoors and adventures alike.
The brands Outter Limits have chosen to partner with create the foundation of their environmental footprint. It’s no secret that the fashion industry has a notorious reputation for pollution and the negative impacts it has on the environment. By partnering with brands that have made commitments to stop fast fashion, increase the amount of recycled materials used and source raw materials sustainably/ organically all help lessen these negative impacts.
Meanwhile, staff at the store love to get outside. There are a mix of paddlers, runners, hikers and climbers all adding to the diversity of the team. Many of the staff choose to use bike transportation throughout the year, and the store is equipped with bike storage and showers for staff to use. Getting outside as a team is a particular favourite activity. This past winter staff participated in an overnight winter camping trip to Prince Albert National Park, and do regular snowshoeing nights throughout the winter. In the summer, many back-country adventures are planned amongst staff and you can see regular slack-line and spikeball games down by the river.
As a company, Outter Limits has made a commitment to reduce their environmental footprint by practicing small changes in their everyday work environment. Proper recycling bins have been put in place throughout the store to reduce the chance of the wrong items being recycled. The store also uses a selection of BioBags versus traditional plastic bags for when bags are needed. During renovations many upgrades were included to increase the energy efficiency of the building, including extra insulation, high efficiency furnace and the use of V.O.C free paints. In the current store, many of the supplies used were recycled from the previous store or were scraps collected from Saskatchewan Sawmills. All extra materials that were not used during construction were donated to habitat for humanity. Outter Limits also makes a commitment to donate to environmental causes throughout the year. Supporting the community is important to Outter Limits and they are always so grateful for the work organizations like CPAWS provide.
During this time of global uncertainty, they are very humbled and grateful for the healthcare professionals, grocery store workers, farmers, delivery drivers and many others working hard to help others. Outter Limits has made a commitment to stay active and engaged in the community. Each year for Earth Day, Outter Limits has planned a park clean-up down by the river.
Though they have postponed this year’s clean-up due to the current COVID-19 situations, they have found ways to connect virtually with their customers through an online Earth Day event. They want to foster a feeling of hope by continuing to talk about adventures. Outter Limits has been doing regular workshops with a variety of groups to talk about gear and trip planning. The store has also continued to have a few employees in the store during the week working in a safe physical distancing environment to help you get ready for your next epic adventure. They are always happy to talk about backpacks, tents, boots and clothes alike. As always, talking with their customer base is one of their favourite ways to connect with adventure. Many adventures staff have embarked on have come about from hearing about customers’ adventures. The community which supports them also inspires them.
As a store, they encourage you take a moment and breathe in the nature around you. It’s pretty amazing, the beauty you can see in your own backyard. Though adventures and trips have been temporally put on hold, they hope you are able to connect locally through nature. Submersing yourself into local trails will help ground and calm your nervous system. When you are feeling stressed or anxious, it is crazy the healing benefits of fresh air and sunshine. Go for a walk, do yoga outside or just sit and let the rays beam down. We are all in this together and we will get through this.
Outter Limits
“Your Adventure Begins Here”
Though their storefront is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, you can support Outter Limits by shopping on their website, open 24/7.