From Alaskan Glacier to Global Brand: GG Edwards on Building Gnara & Redesigning the Outdoors for Everyone
From Alaskan Glacier to Global Brand: GG Edwards on Building Gnara & Redesigning the Outdoors for Everyone  
Podcast: Hikes and Mics Podcast
Published On: Mon Jun 08 2026
Description: Send us Fan MailWhat does it take to redesign the outdoors for everyone? Gnara Co-Founder GG Edwards joins our Season 14 finale to share how a glacier in Alaska sparked a revolution in outdoor apparel.While guiding on the Mendenhall Glacier, GG faced a choice every woman in the backcountry knows too well: trek across crevasses and peel off layers in freezing temps, or risk dehydration. Instead, she asked a simple question — what if her fly worked like the guys'? That idea became the patented GoFly® zipper and the brand now known as Gnara (formerly SheFly).In this conversation, GG opens up about sewing prototypes in her Vermont dorm room, a Kickstarter that raised over $100K in a single day, surviving a factory collapse during the pandemic, and the bold rebrand from SheFly to Gnara.We dig into why 56% of women report a bathroom accident outdoors, the taboo Gnara is dismantling, and the customer stories that prove this is so much bigger than a zipper — from Yosemite climbing guides to a solo round-the-world sailor. Plus GG on mountain biking, ice climbing, and training for the NYC Marathon.Episode Links:Gnara on InstagramGnara's WebsiteGnara on YouTubeThis episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeysFollow us on Instagram, @HikesandmicsThis episode's music was created by Ketsa, follow him on Instagram @Ketsamusic AllTrails+I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier.Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership!Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app)Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.