Ram Mikulas combines functionality and comfort with his new line of midlayers, aiming to improve the outdoor gear experience in Colorado.
In the vibrant outdoor culture of Colorado, where quality gear is paramount for enthusiasts, one individual has taken it upon himself to innovate and improve adventure apparel. Ram Mikulas, a 52-year-old outdoor enthusiast from Littleton, has launched SkyGoat, a company offering unique midlayers designed for both functionality and comfort.
Mikulas’s journey began in the summer of 2019, when he used his wife’s sewing machine to create a pullover hoodie with a kangaroo pocket, initially experimenting with materials as basic as paper grocery bags. “I’ve always been an active person, cycling and running and ski mountaineering,” he stated, highlighting his familiarity with the gear needed for these activities. His goal was to balance style with practicality, leading him to attend outdoor trade shows and collaborate with a Denver manufacturer to finalize his designs.
The initial concept for SkyGoat was born from Mikulas’s own experiences and frustrations with existing gear, particularly its inability to meet the needs of a dedicated outdoorsman. After months of testing his prototypes with trusted friends and family during various outdoor activities, Mikulas officially launched SkyGoat in October 2020.
One of the primary features that sets SkyGoat apart from competitors like Melanzana is its proprietary fabric, Goatgrid. This microgrid fabric, developed using recycled polyester fibers sourced from water bottles, is designed to be lighter and more effective than traditional fleece while providing breathability and thermal regulation. Mikulas noted, “You can cozy up to the campfire after a day on the river, but you can also wear it on the river while rowing, and it doesn’t get in the way of that movement.” This careful consideration of design extends to the placement of seams, which enhances both functionality and comfort.
While Melanzana has gained popularity for its limited hoodie options, SkyGoat offers a wider variety of styles, including full zip-ups, half-zips, and designs with thumb holes. Mikulas emphasized the importance of availability, noting that while Melanzana appointments can be booked months in advance, SkyGoat maintains an online inventory accessible to customers across the United States and internationally.
In terms of future growth, Mikulas is not resting on his laurels. He is preparing to introduce a lighter-weight half-zip pullover and jogger pants in the upcoming months, with additional plans for a dress and skirt. Looking further ahead, Mikulas envisions a grand expansion that includes a physical headquarters for SkyGoat—a barn-style building that would not only serve as a retail space and service shop for skis and bikes but also as a community gathering spot featuring a taphouse, ice cream counter, and coffee shop.
“This will be a space where the outdoor community can come together over yard games, live music, and a fire pit,” Mikulas said. His vision includes fostering connections among adventurers and creating a home-like atmosphere for those who share his passion for the outdoors.
Source: Noah Wire Services
