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Glade Field Testers
We’re stoked you’re interested in joining the Glade Field Testers crew. At Glade, we build gear for people like us: riders, skiers, and explorers who value performance first, so the focus stays on the mountains, not the equipment. But here’s the thing — our perspective alone isn’t enough.
We want real feedback from real people. That’s where you come in.
INTERESTED? READ ON
Glade Field Testers
We’re stoked you’re interested in joining the Glade Field Testers crew. At Glade, we build gear for people like us: riders, skiers, and explorers who value performance first, so the focus stays on the mountains, not the equipment.
But here’s the thing — our perspective alone isn’t enough. We want real feedback from real people.
That’s where you come in.
INTERESTED? READ ON
The Field Tester Program
This isn’t a “free gear” program. Field Testing is about putting products through the wringer and giving us the kind of insights that help shape what we make next. That means thoughtful feedback, detailed notes, photos, and measurements — the works. If that sounds like your kind of project, you’re in the right place.
If accepted, you may receive current or unreleased Glade products — anything from our current product catalog — goggles, helmets, sunglasses, apparel, or accessories to brand new products not yet offered by Glade. In return, you’ll provide us with detailed feedback on performance, fit, and usability — and anything else that you believe would make our gear better in any way.
Example: If you typically wear a size Large helmet, we might send you a pair of large-fit sunglasses. After testing, you’d complete a feedback form telling us how they fit and performed.
Why Glade
We love the mountains. Whether we’re sliding on snow, trekking through the woods, ripping singletrack, or drifting dries; the mountains are where we truly feel alive.
We’re here to share the joy we’ve found, drive accessibility through product design, and encourage folks to experience the same feelings we have when we're deep in the mountains.
As kids we were inspired by the dirtbags, the ski bums, and the crusty river rats that founded our industry. While many brands have grown, their founding principles have faded - and that doesn’t sit well with us. We’re here to get back to the roots.
We’re here to create high-fives and inspire adventure. If you daydream of mountains, Glade is for you.
CURT NICHOLS
FOUNDER
A SKI BUM WITH A VISION.
Our fearless leader. Curt built Glade to shift the outdoor industry status-quo and return to a time when mountain businesses were built, and run, by mountain people. He lives the life… one that prioritizes dawn patrol ski tours, lunch laps, and alpenglow singletrack shred sessions.
DOG: ELLIE (aka: Drop it!). GOLDEN RETRIEVER
MICHAEL BARKER
PRODUCT & SUSTAINABILITY
IDAHO-BASED. DAD. CHARCUTERIE AFICIONADO.
His smile is infectious, as is his passion for mountains and the streams that run from them. In his 20+ year outdoor-industry career we’re not sure he ever turns off his brain. Which is a perk as he spends his time testing his ideas while sliding snow, chasing trout, and ripping through the woods with his kiddos and pups.
DOGS: ISHKA & TALVI. SIBERIAN HUSKIES
DREW WEINGART
BRAND & CREATIVE LEAD
COLORADO-NATIVE. HYPER CREATIVE.
The snowboarder in the group. Drew wakes up every morning thinking of how to destroy the saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none”. When not curating the Glade customer experience, or shooting a lot of our killer photography, you’ll find him sewing bags for his other venture, or whisking his wife away for some bikepacking fun.
DOG: PROFESSOR J.L. RABBIT. WIRE-HAIRED POINTING GRIFFON
CAROLINE FLETCHER
ECOMMERCE GURU
EAST-COASTER. BACKPACKER. (VERY) AMATEUR COMEDIAN.
An outdoor enthusiast living in a concrete jungle, Caroline spends her free time hunting down green space and thinking of ways to get more people outside. If she’s not busy perfecting the Glade Shopping Experience, she’s probably out walking miles through the city discovering new coffee shops or trying the weirdest restaurants she can find.
DOG: NONE YET! IN THE MEANTIME, SHE’S WALKING ALL THE NEIGHBORHOOD DOGS SHE CAN.
The Field Tester Program
This isn’t a “free gear” program. Field Testing is about putting products through the wringer and giving us the kind of insights that help shape what we make next. That means thoughtful feedback, detailed notes, photos, and measurements — the works. If that sounds like your kind of project, you’re in the right place.
If accepted, you may receive current or unreleased Glade products — anything from our current product catalog — goggles, helmets, sunglasses, apparel, or accessories to brand new products not yet offered by Glade. In return, you’ll provide us with detailed feedback on performance, fit, and usability — and anything else that you believe would make our gear better in any way.
Example: If you typically wear a size Large helmet, we might send you a pair of large-fit sunglasses. After testing, you’d complete a feedback form telling us how they fit and performed.
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
DETAIL ORIENTED GEARHEADS
Do you obsess over the details? We need detail-oriented folks who know their way around outdoor gear.
Someone with patience & Time
We are looking for applicants who can commit time not only to the application but to ongoing feedback and product testing.
People who push their gear
Field testers aren’t just excited to unbox shiny new equipment, but to test it, push it, and tell us exactly how it holds up.
People we want to ride with
Being a tight-knit crew, we want to bring people into the Field Testers that are easy to work with and are stoked about helping us build better products.
EXPECTATIONS
If you’re selected, we expect you'll:
- Fill out detailed feedback forms when requested.
- Not resell any test gear we send your way.
- Be an honest and constructive; advocate for our gear if you believe in it, but don’t hold back on critique.
- Stay engaged and easy to work with.
EXPECTATIONS
If you’re selected, we expect you'll:
- Fill out detailed feedback forms when requested.
- Not resell any test gear we send your way.
- Be an honest and constructive; advocate for our gear if you believe in it, but don’t hold back on critique.
- Stay engaged and easy to work with.
What You'll Need
In order to complete the application, you'll need a few things.
About 30 minutes of focused time.
A tape measure (tailor’s tape preferred).
A scale (if you don’t know your weight).
Basic info about your gear experience and background.
The Application
We’ll ask you about your outdoor gear use, age, height, body measurements, and other details. Some questions will be multiple-choice, others will be long-form. The more detail you provide, the better.
Ready? Dive in!
Our DNA
1. Gear should be “Tools, not Jewels”
Our gear is built for the actual conditions the people who rely on it face — from whiteout storm days to intense high-alpine sun — and we never cut corners. We obsess over fit, performance, and durability so you can trust it without question. Your Glade gear is made to get the job done and do it exceptionally well; let’s not overcomplicate it.
2. Service, Without Exception
Premium isn’t just about product — it’s about how we take care of you — the customer. Our service reflects our mountain-town values: do the right thing, every time, no excuses.
3. Mountain Town Roots
Our gear is designed, tested, and perfected amongst Colorado's best skiing/snowboarding, mountain biking, trail running, flyfishing, and all-around outdoor living. If our gear doesn't pass the test after a day of use & abuse, we have to hear about it from our own buddies at the local watering hole (and we don't take that lightly).
4. Versatility is Performance
Conditions change, plans change — your gear should be ready for it all. We design everything with a “run what you brung” approach in mind; save the guesswork and leave all the extra lenses at home. Your gear should do the work for you & only enhance your outdoor experience.
5. Honesty Over Hype
We respect your knowledge and experience. No flashy gimmicks, no exaggerated tech claims — just honest performance, straight talk, and gear that delivers.
What You'll Need
In order to complete the application, you'll need a few things.
About 30 minutes of focused time.
A tape measure (tailor’s tape preferred).
A scale (if you don’t know your weight).
Basic info about your gear experience and background.
The Application
We’ll ask you about your outdoor gear use, age, height, body measurements, and other details. Some questions will be multiple-choice, others will be long-form. The more detail you provide, the better.
Ready? Dive in!
FAQs
FAQs
How will i know if I'm accepted?
We’ll email you directly. Please don’t reach out to ask — we’ll get back to everyone, but it may take time.
How long does the application take?
Plan for ~30 minutes.
Can I stop part-way through and come back?
Most browsers will save your answers, but if they don’t, you’ll need to restart.
Should/Could I apply more than once?
Nope — one application per person, please.
What if I run into a technical issue with the form?
Email fieldtesters@gladeoptics.com with the subject line “Application Tech Issue.”
How will i know if I'm accepted?
We’ll email you directly. Please don’t reach out to ask — we’ll get back to everyone, but it may take time.
How long does the application take?
Plan for ~30 minutes.
Can I stop part-way through and come back?
Most browsers will save your answers, but if they don’t, you’ll need to restart.
Should/Could I apply more than once?
Nope — one application per person, please.
What if I run into a technical issue with the form?
Email fieldtesters@gladeoptics.com with the subject line “Application Tech Issue.”
