Our shop is growing! We’ve partnered with some amazing brands that offer high-quality products, making it easier and more fun for your family to get outdoors. They also happen to have missions and values that pair well with ours here at Morrison Outdoors. Is there a brand or product that you think we should carry? Let us know by sending an email to hello@morrisonoutdoors.com !
One of the brands we are delighted to add to our shop is Iksplor. We have heard time and again how perfectly their Merino Wool layers pair with our Morrison Outdoors sleeping bags, so adding them to our shop was a no-brainer! We sat down with Karissa Tuthill, co-founder of Iksplor, to learn how a dream of better gear turned into a family-run business providing quality gear to adventurous families.
What is your Mission at Iksplor?
Our mission at Iksplor is to make it easier for families to get outside and explore together, creating lasting memories in nature, without the stress of worrying about having the right gear. As moms and adventure lovers, we know firsthand how intimidating it can be to wrangle the kids for an outing. So, we set out to remove one big hurdle: uncomfortable, unreliable clothing. If we can keep your little ones comfy from the trailhead to the summit (and every playground in between), we've done our job. Beyond clothing, we aim to build a community that inspires families to unplug and enjoy nature together—because those are the moments that truly matter.
How Did Your Brand Start?
The seed for Iksplor was planted long before it officially became a business. We're sisters (and best friends) who grew up in Colorado, with dirt trails under our feet and nature as our playground. Our parents took us skiing, hiking, camping—you name it. Those adventures shaped our childhood, especially helping us navigate tough times like losing our brother Michael at a young age. The outdoors have always been our family’s bonding ground and source of strength.
As adults, we both landed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, continuing our outdoor lifestyle. When we became moms, our passion faced new adventures (and challenges!). Getting outside with babies and toddlers was wonderful, but chaotic. We quickly saw that quality, reliable clothing layers were essential but hard to find. In true sister fashion, we decided to create them ourselves! Karissa was three weeks postpartum, and Kailey was newly pregnant when our first shipment arrived. With family support (our dad literally unpacking boxes alongside us), Iksplor was born as a mom-founded, family affair—built to make outdoor adventures easier for our own kids and yours.
Why Do You Feel It's Important for Families to Get Outdoors?
Getting outside is at the core of who we are. Our most cherished childhood memories are camping trips, ski days, and simple walks in nature. We deeply want that magic for our own children. Nature allows families to disconnect from screens and daily routines, offering genuine connection, confidence-building adventures, and priceless memories. Our family's healing through outdoor experiences, especially after the loss of our brother, underscores how powerful nature can be. Ultimately, outdoor adventures create resilient kids, strong bonds, and unforgettable family stories.
How Do Your Products Help Families Enjoy Nature?
As parents ourselves, every Iksplor product is thoughtfully designed to enhance family adventures:
- Year-Round Comfort: Merino wool keeps little explorers warm in winter and cool in summer, so your family can comfortably adventure through every season.
- Easy Care: Our merino layers handle all the spills, mud, and stains of family adventures—simply machine wash and dry.
- Kid-Friendly Features: Longer torso and sleeve lengths, thumbholes, tagless, soft fabric—every detail designed to keep kids cozy and complaint-free.
- Fun and Functional: Vibrant, gender-neutral colors and playful designs kids love, combined with durability to last through adventures and multiple children. Our Pre-Loved platform makes reselling and reusing gear easy, too!
Plus, our baselayers are a perfect match with Morrison Outdoors sleeping bags, making your family camping adventures cozy and worry-free.
Is There Anything Else You Would Like to Share?
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who supports our family-focused journey. From our "Chief Mom Officer," Barb, to our own little ones testing and modeling products, Iksplor thrives on authentic family involvement. Sustainability is also key for us—using ethically sourced merino wool, biodegradable materials, and our resale platform, we strive to protect the planet as we explore it.
This summer, we’re thrilled to launch more colors than ever—a rainbow that embraces inclusivity, letting kids express themselves freely. Plus, exciting new styles for nursing parents are on the way, making adventures with newborns easier and more comfortable.
You can find Iksplor Merino Wool layers in our shop, with options for the whole family from the Baby Adventure Zippy to the Grown-Up Everywhere Nursing Hoodie.
