TELLUS OUTDOOR

Founded in 2023, Tellus was born out of a shared love for community, nature and the great outdoors.

Adventure With Purpose

Tellus is a Colorado company that creates premium outdoor gear from recycled and organic materials and gives 100% of its net profits back to nature.  

The world doesn’t need more outdoor gear. It needs better gear that’s built to protect and perform in the wild places we all love. That’s what we call Adventure With Purpose. 

"We believe that every adventure is an opportunity to make a difference. Our goal is to create eco-friendly outdoor wear that not only shields against the elements but also protects the landscapes, waters and terrain we all cherish."
- Joe and Melissa Basta, Tellus Co-Founders

How the Adventure Began 

Before Tellus ever hit the trail, our team was driven by a commitment to community, people and the planet. 

Co-founders Joe and Melissa met through the Peace Corps, serving in some of the world’s most underserved places. After decades of adventuring together, they combined their experiences to build something that gives back.

They founded Tellus in Fort Collins, Colorado—a place filled with open spaces, diverse wildlife and people who respect the outdoors. Today, the Tellus family includes local and global conservation partners, and outdoor enthusiasts who share our commitment to Adventure with Purpose. 

Our Name & Our Promise

The name Tellus comes from an ancient word for Earth—a reminder of who we serve and what we stand for. It reflects our belief that protecting the planet is more important than profit, and that every piece of gear we make should honor the landscapes that inspire us. 

Every product is built to last, made from recycled and organic materials, and backed by our promise to give 100% of net profits back to nature. That promise lives in every detail, from the people we partner with to the fabrics we choose. 

“Every adventure is an opportunity to make a difference. We built Tellus to prove that protecting the planet can be the most adventurous thing you do.” - Melissa Basta, Co-Founder, Tellus 

Better Gear, Better Planet

At Tellus, we don’t pretend to have all the answers, but we do put thought into every step of the process: from selecting mills and factories to choosing fabrics that are lighter on the planet or that convert waste into something useful. For us, sustainability isn’t a marketing label — it’s a challenge we take seriously every day.

All Tellus gear is made with 75–100% recycled or organic materials that keep waste out of oceans and landfills, using fabrics from bluesign® certified mills that operate without harmful chemicals or wasted energy.

That’s how we create premium outdoor gear that’s durable, performance-driven, and as light on the planet as possible.

GiveBack100 Promise

1% won’t cut it anymore. Our planet deserves more. 

Through our GiveBack100 initiative, we donate 100% of net profits to fight climate change and biodiversity loss. At checkout, you choose where your impact goes: coral reef protection, land and water conservation, or reforestation here in Colorado. 

Our GiveBack100 recipient is The Nature Conservancy and local organizations leading this work.  

When you shop with Tellus, every purchase restores ecosystems, protects wildlife, and helps future generations enjoy the vital outdoors.  

Born in Colorado. Built for Anywhere

Our products are designed to perform everywhere: from the trails, mountains and taverns of Colorado to the most remote destinations on the planet. Wherever you Adventure with Purpose, there’s a piece of Tellus gear built to help you get out, stay out and perform your best.

Our partners include organizations that embody Adventure with Purpose—from the scientists and researchers at The Nature Conservancy, to the forest and watershed managers at the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed (CPRW) and the field teams at the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies working to protect birds and their habitats.