Directors Gathering Spotlight: Aidan Smith's Board Role
Meet Aidan Smith, the latest addition to our Board of Directors! This outdoors enthusiast fell in love with nature from his family's outdoor industry business. Weekends were spent exploring the Rockies, hiking, fishing, and skiing, cultivating a lifelong passion for the wilderness.
As CEO of American Outdoor Products, Aidan leads brands like Backpacker's Pantry and Astronaut Ice Cream. The company promises to contribute one percent of its revenue towards enhancing outdoor access, conserving wild spaces, and educating future environmental stewards.
Aidan's journey in the outdoor world isn't limited to work. Prior to joining American Outdoor Products, he worked at Skratch Labs, a Boulder-based sports nutrition company. He graduated from Saint Mary's College of California, majoring in International/Global Studies.
During college summers, Aidan dedicated his time to outdoor education, working with both an overnight program and a local camp that focused on environmental stewardship, earth science, and nature connection for budding young nature enthusiasts. He continues to inspire the next generation of outdoor adventurers as a member of the Thorne Nature Experience Board of Trustees.
When he's not running his company or inspiring the youth, Aidan can be found running trails, hiking, or indulging in culinary delights in his hometown of Boulder, Colorado. His goal is to visit all seven continents over the next decade.
Here are some insights we've gathered from our chats with Aidan:
What ignited your love for hiking?Hiking, for Aidan, offers a unique connection to nature that's both accessible and enjoyable for individuals of different fitness levels. Growing up, hiking was a constant companion, offering him an opportunity to immerse himself in various ecosystems and appreciate the sheer beauty of nature. Over the years, hiking has taken him on incredible journeys across four continents, leaving him with a profound reverence for the outdoors.
Favorite hiking spots?Living in Boulder, Aidan enjoys hiking in the Flatirons, the unique and picturesque rock slabs in the foothills. He has a soft spot for desert landscapes, especially places like Utah, New Mexico, and Nevada, where the dry, arid environment fires up his imagination. Moab, with its stunning hiking trails, is one of his favorite spots.
Unforgettable hiking memories?A trip to Nepal and Bhutan with his college class to hike to the Tiger's Nest monastery was an unforgettable experience for Aidan. The reverence for nature in Bhutan was particularly striking, with signs along the trail reminding hikers to keep the trails clean and respect the environment. Hiking through the stunning Himalayan mountains and reaching the monastery felt like a religious pilgrimage.
Why join AHS's Board?Having worked with AHS for several years, Aidan has always admired the organization's mission to increase accessibility to hiking trails and focus on stewardship. As an outdoor recreationalist, he aims to provide more opportunities for others to experience the joy of hiking and encourage them to become responsible stewards of nature.
Advice for hiking newbies?Like any new experience, diving into hiking can be intimidating. But Aidan suggests starting small - taking easy trails close to home before venturing out to more challenging terrains. The key is to take the first step and embrace the community that surrounds hiking.
What better fits Aidan than being on AHS's Board?Aidan, at just 27, is eager to bring a fresh perspective to the outdoor community, which is often dominated by older voices. He believes that it's time for the next generation to step up and take an active role in shaping the future of outdoor organizations, and he applauds AHS for their commitment to diversifying the board.
Aidan's favorite Backpacker's Pantry meal?Aidan is fond of the Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken, having grown up sampling new Backpacker's Pantry meals with his brother. However, his palate has evolved, and he now appreciates the Three Sisters meal as well.
Welcome Aidan Smith to the American Hiking community! The next time you cross paths with Aidan on a trail, don't forget to share your favorite Backpacker's Pantry meal!
Aidan's Favorite Hikes:Sanitas Mountain in Boulder, COAnywhere in Moab, UTTiger's Nest Trail, Paro, Bhutan
- As a passionate outdoor enthusiast and CEO of American Outdoor Products, Aidan Smith supports initiatives that enhance outdoor access, conserve wild spaces, and educate future environmental stewards.
- In addition to his professional commitments, Aidan Smith is an advocate for personal growth and the next generation of outdoor adventurers, serving as a member of the Thorne Nature Experience Board of Trustees.
- With a love for hiking nurtured from an early age, Aidan Smith has experienced awe-inspiring journeys across four continents, including the Tiger's Nest monastery in Nepal and Bhutan.
- Outside of work, Aidan can be found relishing in the hometown cuisine of Boulder, Colorado, or exploring local trails during his spare time, which includes favorites such as Sanitas Mountain and Moab's hiking trails.
