By Kevin K Burnett | March 17th, 2025
Last week, TrailEagle Packs had the incredible opportunity to represent Michigan at SXSW in Austin, Texas!
As part of the Midwest House Student College Pitch Competition, we pitched the TrailOrigin 75L to an audience of founders, investors, and industry leaders. It was an amazing platform to share our mission to innovate the outdoor gear space and connect with other student-led startups doing impactful work.
Beyond the Pitch
Between events, we explored the SXSW expo floor, attended sessions, and met creative minds from across tech, entrepreneurship, music, education, and culture. Being immersed in the energy of Austin and SXSW was both inspiring and eye-opening for our team.
A Community Effort
This opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our partners. We’re deeply grateful to the Lansing Regional SmartZone for sponsoring our trip and to the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation for supporting us every step of the way.
What’s Next?
This experience has only strengthened our drive to push TrailEagle forward and continue innovating for adventurers everywhere. We’re taking what we learned back to Michigan and into everything we’re building next.
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About the Author:
Kevin K. Burnett is the CEO and co-founder of TrailEagle Packs, a company founded on a passion for outdoor adventures and a mission to improve the hiking experience. As an Eagle Scout and student entrepreneur, Kevin’s journey began on the rugged trails of New Mexico, where he and his co-founder faced the challenges of carrying heavy gear in demanding conditions.
Inspired by his experiences, Kevin is dedicated to solving the frustrations of traditional backpacks with thoughtfully designed gear that prioritizes organization, accessibility, and comfort. When not designing innovative products, Kevin shares his love for the outdoors through practical advice and tips to inspire fellow adventurers.
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