Demetri Coupounas

Demetri Coupounas is a prominent figure in the outdoor gear industry, currently serving as the President of GoLite and the CEO of My Trail Company. His journey in this field began after he was inspired by Ray Jardine's philosophy on lightweight backpacking, which led him to co-found GoLite in 1999 alongside Kim Coupounas. They aimed to revolutionize outdoor gear by creating lighter products that would enhance the backpacking experience.12

Coupounas holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and has a background in policy and strategic planning, having worked for organizations such as the Concord Coalition and the American Stock Exchange before venturing into entrepreneurship. His experience also includes serving in various capacities within the U.S. government during the first Bush administration.12

Under his leadership, GoLite introduced innovative products that significantly reduced the weight of outdoor gear, making it more accessible and enjoyable for outdoor enthusiasts. Although GoLite faced challenges and eventually went through a bankruptcy process, Coupounas continued to focus on developing My Trail Company, which aims to rebuild a strong brand in the outdoor market.35

Coupounas is based in Boulder, Colorado, a hub for outdoor activities and companies, which aligns with his passion for the outdoors and sustainable practices in gear production.24