About US

As I sit in the dark at camp, there are three noises.

The first is conversation, the second is campfire,

The third are the crickets.

The Idea

In the spring of 2024, this observation was made and put forward the idea that there are three requirements to camping and experiences in the outdoors.

The first is our friends, family, and those we care about. Even if traveling solo we do so with them in mind.

The second is the tools we use to live outside. From a simple piece of flint to a portable firepit or grill, we use pieces to create warmth, comfort, and gathering spaces.

The final requirement is the space itself. Nature of any kind, from a city park to the most remote bit of land while backpacking, areas where we touch the soil and listen to the world around us.

KōROGI, Japanese for 'Cricket' embodies the natural space.

Our History

At KōROGI, we believe that connecting with nature should leave no trace but positive change. Based in Portland, Oregon—our hometown and the hub of system camping in America—we curate and craft thoughtfully designed camping equipment that prioritizes durability, functionality, and sustainability.

Founded in mid 2024, KōROGI was born out of a decade of enjoying and supporting the growth of system camping. As passionate members of the community, we’ve seen firsthand how modularity and personalization can transform the camping experience. Yet, we also saw an opportunity to better serve the camping community: the need for a wider variety of tools and equipment to support these innovations.

Our passion for the outdoors does not end at delivery. We’ve witnessed the effects of climate change firsthand—longer wildfire seasons, harsher environments, and shrinking wilderness. These challenges fuel our mission to innovate responsibly and advocate for sustainable practices in every step of our process. Every order you place helps support impactful environmental initiatives, from planting trees and restoring kelp forests to offsetting carbon emissions.

Our Mission

To Empower

To empower those with discomfort in their lives to feel comfort. To create a space that you own, that is flexible, offering you with what you need to achiever your space with pieces that grow and age with you.

To Connect

To connect with the outdoors in a way that does not seek to conquer or posses, nature is not something to be claimed, but to use it in a way that allows for returning to how it was.

For you to be able to return to who you are.

To Recognize

To recognize that experiences with the outdoors do not need to be difficult - and with that recognition understand length is not a requirement.

To see the joy in the process, and to be able to become unaware of how we feel and the stress we carry, even if only for a weekend.

These pillars were written on the first page of my notebook, October 21st, 2024. I was seated outside my tent, with a small campfire, watching the sunrise over the rest of the campground. My coffee was hot, my body was cold, but I felt content in a way that I had spent months searching for after big life changes. These three pillars outline why I go outside, and why I started KōROGI a few months prior.

Nathan Matos, Founder

SUSTAINABILITY + RESPONSABILITY

At KōROGI, long term sustainability of the natural spaces we love is a necessity, and therefore our responsability.

Living amidst the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty, we’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change, from longer, harsher wildfire seasons to the loss of precious ecosystems. 

With every order placed, KōROGI does what we can to make a difference. Together with our customers, we directly support and fund global initiatives to plant trees, restore kelp forests, and fund carbon offset projects that fight climate change. 

"long term sustainability of the natural spaces we love is a necessity, and therefore our responsability."

FAQs

KōROGI uses the GreenSpark platform to fund climate initiatives we support.

With every order placed, we pay to have actions performed that align with our own goals, such as planting a tree. These actions may change from time to time, and can always be seen live in the icon above.

We do not accept donations to support these climate actions. But, any order you place will ensure the actions are funded! We also always encourage funding charities and groups directly.

Through GreenSpark, the Public Ledger is always available to review what has been funded. It is updated quarterly. You can also view the KōROGI GreenSpark Page to see more information about what we have done.

THE KŌROGI STUDIO

Our History

Opened in our hometown of Portland, Oregon in early 2025, the KōROGI Studio is our warehouse, workspace, photo studio, Snow Peak Museum, and showroom all wrapped into the top story of a 130 year-old building.

Visitors are welcome to explore, touch, and get a feel for our product line. We can move things around, build IGT setups, and test how pieces work together. Visitors are also welcome to borrow gear at no charge*, so it can be put to the test in their own setup.

The KōROGI Studio is open to the public most days and most hours. Please contact us for confirmation of when you will be arriving so we can ensure we'll be around to support.

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Gear Borrow Details

*Customers of KōROGI are welcome to borrow gear at no charge. Requires 100% refundable purchase of new item. Gear supplied is used, and will be exchanged for new piece upon completion of borrow window. Subject to availability. Service offered to local customers only.