Virginia-based Mountain Laurel Designs has announced that it’s now up for sale. With founder Ron Bell looking to retire, the lauded gear maker has opened up his company to a full sale or partial acquisition. Find out more details below…

Mountain Laurel Designs is a long-standing ultralight gear maker. Ron Bell founded it in 2002, drawing on his 40+ years of outdoor experience to craft some of the best tents and bags in the business. Playing a crucial role in the development and proliferation of keystone materials such as UltraX and X-Pac, Mountain Laurel Designs has had a significant impact on the shape and direction of ultralight gear. Alas, after 20+ years in business, Ron is looking to retire.

MLD Poco Panniers V3 Review
  • MLD Solomid XL Tent Review
  • mountain laurel designs poco panniers v3

Announced on Instagram earlier this week, Mountain Laurel Designs is seeking either a complete takeover or a partial acquisition. In an email, Ron laid out four options. The first would be a full sale that relinquishes 100% ownership and control of the company, its brand, and future direction. The second and third options detail majority or minority ownership, with both requiring a 40+ hour-per-week on-site job and “likely some personal production work to learn the biz.” The fourth option is a little different, however.

Mountain Laurel Designs Pono Panniers V3 Review

For those interested but lacking capital, Ron detailed a management-to-ownership role with no upfront investment required. “Earn your equity. A very moderate base salary plus escalating profit-sharing and progressive ownership accrual — all tied to your tenure and company performance. Designed for the right operator who wants meaningful skin in the game without day-one capital. Expect very hard work and some odd hours. Note: this is a dynamic, immersive leadership role, not a conventional 40-hour work week position. This would initially require a 45+hr p/w onsite management and moderate amount production work to learn every part of the biz. The ideal candidate brings proven mid-level management experience, strong outdoor product development instincts, and a mature track record within the outdoor industry. Do not expect any work life balance the first year. This could be the golden ticket for a single person or a couple that wants to build a future in outdoor equipment together.”

  • MLD Solomid XL Tent Review
  • MLD Solomid XL Review

Regarding the sale of the company, Ron went on to say, “I’ve built Mountain Laurel Designs from the ground up over 25 years and am now transitioning into retirement. I’m not in a rush—and I’m fully committed to remaining fully involved through any transition, for as long as it takes, to ensure the company continues to thrive. The right person or team will inherit not just a solid business, but a platform with real room to grow. I’m open to many possible ownership structures and committed to make the transition as smooth as possible. In 2026 MLD is continuing to launch new products and improve existing ones. Upside growth potential is solid and only limited by an owner’s ability to execute on initiatives.”

Those interested in any of the opportunities should reach out to Mountain Laurel Designs via their website.

Further Reading

Make sure to dig into these related articles for more info...

FILED IN (CATEGORIES & TAGS)

Dispatch

Please keep the conversation civil, constructive, and inclusive, or your comment will be removed.