Articles of Interest Gear: Chapter 3
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Nov 5, 2025 Pete Cunningham, son of innovative gear-maker Jerry Cunningham, shares captivating family stories and insights on his father's pioneering designs that transformed outdoor gear. Joined by gear historian Bruce Johnson, they dive into the evolution of the outdoor industry post-World War II, examining how military surplus influenced civilian gear and led to the rise of iconic brands. They also discuss Jerry’s groundbreaking inventions, including the baby backpack, which made the outdoors more accessible for families, showcasing a shift toward inclusivity in outdoor activities.
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Young Gear Maker’s Breakthrough
- Jerry Cunningham made homemade ski climbers from pony-skin scraps as a teenager and sold them for $8 a pair.
- He funded his skiing and discovered a lifelong knack for improving outdoor gear.
War Shaped His Gear Obsession
- Jerry served with the 10th Mountain Division and was shaped by combat in the Apennines and the Riva Ridge mission.
- He returned with PTSD but kept designing lightweight tents, packs, and jackets from those wartime experiences.
Surplus Fueled Outdoor Retail
- The War Assets Administration flooded the market with surplus clothing, turning military gear into cheap civilian essentials.
- That surplus seeded army-navy stores and jump-started the postwar outdoor retail boom.
