How Morrison Outdoors Went From a Garage Idea to a Shark Tank Favorite
It all started with a worried dad and a cold baby. Tavis Malcolm wanted to take his baby camping, but couldn’t find a safe sleeping bag. So, he made one. What came next? A growing business, national attention, and a spot on Shark Tank.
This story shows how Morrison Outdoors turned a small idea into a big deal. From the product line to the values behind it, one brand changed how families camp—with safety, comfort, and purpose in mind.
It Started With One Cold Night In The Woods
Tavis Malcolm was a new dad who loved the outdoors, but camping with a baby? That was tricky. No baby sleeping bag felt safe enough. So, he improvised—layers of clothes, blankets, and hope. It wasn’t great. That’s when it hit him: why not make one himself? He quit his job, used $3,000 from savings, and got to work in his garage. In 2018, Morrison Outdoors was born.
Shark Tank Gave Them A Major Boost
Fast-forward to 2024. Tavis stepped onto the Shark Tank stage, asking for $300,000 in exchange for 10% of his company. Sales were solid—$850,000 that year, with an aim of $1.1 million. The Sharks liked it.
Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran even offered $300K for 20%. Tavis said yes. But after filming, the deal fell through. The upside? The national spotlight. After the episode aired, more families discovered Morrison Outdoors, and sales kept climbing.
Parents Trust The Brand—And Here’s Why
When it comes to baby gear, safety comes first. Morrison Outdoors gets that. Their sleeping bags are made for babies as young as six months. They don’t have hoods or drawstrings—just soft collars, snug cuffs, and high-quality insulation.
They’re:
- Lightweight
- Water-resistant
- Easy to wash
Parents can pick between RDS-certified down or synthetic fill. Either way, it’s comfy, safe, and made with care.
The Product Line Grew With The Kids
What started as a baby bag? Now covers the whole family.
Morrison Outdoors now makes:
- Sleeping bags for toddlers, kids, and adults
- The Mega Mo (for grown-ups—yes, really)
- Outdoor gear like baby carriers, base layers, and maternity wear
You’ll find their products at REI, MEC, and 80+ stores across the U.S. and Canada. Or order online from Amazon or their site.
They Learned To Grow Smart—Not Fast
Tavis admits he messed up once. In 2023, the company spent too much on marketing and barely saw a return, so it changed the plan. In 2024, they only paid $15,000 on marketing and made $850,000 in sales.
The secret? Simple:
- Honest customer feedback
- Word of mouth
- Social media and influencer shoutouts
It worked. The business stayed lean and profitable.
A Brand With Values, Not Just Products
Morrison Outdoors gives back. In 2020, the company joined Pledge 1%, promising 1% of profits to causes that help families and nature.
They support:
- Kids Who Explore
- Nature Niños
- Make-A-Wish
- Direct Relief
In 2025, they partnered with OutGrown to help more kids experience the outdoors. There’s also a trade-in program—return used gear for store credit. It helps the planet and families on a budget.
Recognition That Says, “You’re Doing Great”
Since launching, Morrison Outdoors has earned absolute praise.
- Finalist at the Outdoor Retailer Innovation Awards (2020)
- Named “Best in Show” by GearJunkie
- Featured in Forbes NEXT1000 list (2021)
- Over 10,000 sleeping bags shipped
In 2024, their Little Mo 40 bag won Product of the Month. They even ran a photo contest with $500 in prizes. The brand keeps winning—both in sales and in hearts.
Why Morrison Outdoors Really Matters
Here’s the big idea: families shouldn’t have to choose between safety and adventure. Morrison Outdoors bridges that gap. Their gear makes it easy to camp with little ones, so parents feel confident, and kids stay warm.
And everyone gets to enjoy the great outdoors together. The brand speaks to today’s families: eco-conscious, adventure-ready, and values-driven. Whether it’s your first night under the stars or your 50th, Morrison Outdoors has your back.
FAQs
What age group are Morrison Outdoors sleeping bags made for?
Babies 6 months and up. They also make sizes for toddlers, kids, and adults.
Are the products baby-safe?
Yes. They follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines: no hoods or drawstrings.
Where can I buy them?
At REI, MEC, Amazon, or the Morrison Outdoors website.
Did they get a Shark Tank deal?
They accepted one on-air, but it didn’t go through after filming.
Which charities do they support?
Kids Who Explore, Nature Niños, OutGrown, Make-A-Wish, and more.
Final Words
Tavis Malcolm had one goal: keeping his baby safe while camping. That small moment sparked something big. Morrison Outdoors isn’t just selling sleeping bags; it’s helping families make memories.
It’s a reminder that with some creativity and heart, even a chilly night in the woods can lead to something amazing. So the next time you pack for a trip? Bring the kids. Morrison Outdoors has them covered.
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