Welcome, Astral!

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, Astral has been designing innovative outdoor gear since 2002. Today, we're excited to welcome this sustainability-focused steward to Remark's partner community!

Astral was founded by Philip Curry, who set out with a clear mission: to create gear that enhances people’s experiences in nature while protecting the soil and water around us. What further sets Astral apart is their focus on practical innovation. They introduced Airscape, the world’s first breathable life jacket, and Foam Tectonics™, a technology that allows their life jackets to move with the body while fitting securely—a new standard for paddlers.

In 2011, Astral expanded into footwear, bringing the same environmentally conscious approach to shoes as they had to life jackets. Their first shoe, the Brewer, quickly won Outside Magazine’s Gear of the Year Award, thanks to its blend of comfort, grip, and water-ready design. Astral’s proprietary G Rubber compound, used in their outsoles, offers outstanding traction on wet surfaces and is featured in models like the Brewer and Loyak. Across their product line, Astral uses materials such as hemp and recycled components to reduce their environmental impact.

Astral’s recent product launches highlight their ongoing leadership in the outdoor industry. Last year, they introduced the YTV 2.0, a life jacket made with a bluesign®-approved, 100% recycled polyester shell. Last month, they announced their Spring 2025 footwear collection, including Rechargeable hiking shoes with drop-in midsoles designed to extend the life of the product.

On a personal note, every time I’ve started a new sport or hobby, I’ve always had someone to turn to—a friend who could share what gear actually works and what is overkill. That’s the spirit behind our partnership with Astral: turning complex product decisions, like choosing the right PFD for big water or finding shoes with reliable grip, into conversations that feel as easy as texting a knowledgeable friend.

Our outdoor specialists are available around the clock, helping customers with questions about PFDs and footwear. More than half of these conversations happen outside regular business hours, and we typically respond in under 8 seconds. This level of support means shoppers get honest, expert advice when they need it most.

“I love the honesty of the conversation. My rep was outstanding at educating me on the shoes from Astral.” — Erik

The results are clear: customer satisfaction scores consistently exceed 97%, and 20% of all conversations lead to a purchase on their website.

As Astral continues their environmental leadership journey, our collaboration ensures every customer receives the guidance needed to make informed purchasing decisions. Together, we're helping outdoor enthusiasts find gear that not only enhances their adventures but also aligns with their values.

For brands looking to bring the personal, in-store experience online, Astral’s story shows how real expert interactions can transform the DTC shopping journey. Just as they test their gear in challenging whitewater, our partnership proves that combining technical know-how with friendly guidance builds customer loyalty that lasts.