We had the good fortune of connecting with Joseph Ernst and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joseph, what is the most important factor behind your success?
We have two main factors behind our success: The high quality of our self-manufactured gear, and the high quality of our customer service. Too many businesses only do one really well. Both are necessary.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business partner, Andrew, started Bedrock Bags in the spare bedroom of his house back in 2012, after I encouraged him to start making and selling gear. At the time, I had been earning a reputation as “the bikepacking guy” with the bike shop I owned. Bikepacking wasn’t yet the large bike industry category it is today; Andrew and I worked together on innovative designs and after a few years we partnered up officially. Since then we’ve brought many revolutionary products to our not-so-little niche market and equipped many adventurers for trips around the globe. It hasn’t always been easy, but we’re proud of our gear, our employees, and our business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Durango, Colorado: Quickly becoming the home of Sprinter-driving Californians escaping wildfires and oppressive regulation. If an acquaintance came to visit, we’d probably go ride bikes in Test Tracks before heading down to 11th Street Station for grub and a drink. Walking on Main Street is always entertaining – there’s a lot going on. Visiting trail meccas like Phil’s World and Alien Run would have to happen, along with taking in views from Fort Lewis College’s campus. A float down the river would be nice. And don’t forget live music at the Wild Horse!

If a really good friend came to visit, we’d be hitting up all the secret spots. 🙂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We would be nothing without our longest-running employees. Shandra, Jackie – you know who you are and how much we appreciate you!

Website: www.bedrockbags.com

Instagram: @bedrockbags

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.