Our Story

At Pepper Poles, our journey began with a simple yet powerful realization—staying safe on the trail shouldn't mean carrying heavy, intimidating weapons. Our founder, Derrin, experienced this firsthand while hiking through the rugged landscapes of Colorado.

During his treks, Derrin often encountered unpredictable wildlife, making him think twice about his safety. At first, he carried a firearm, believing it was the best way to stay protected. But instead of feeling secure, he found himself constantly thinking about it—always aware of the risks that came with carrying it. He worried not only about his own safety but also whether carrying it openly would invite concern from others. Over time, he realized it was more of a burden than a solution.

Then came the idea.

One day, as he gripped his hiking poles on yet another trek, a thought struck him —"What if self-defense could be seamlessly integrated into something he already used? What if he had protection quite literally in the palm of his hand, instead of buried in his pack or forgotten at home? That was the moment the idea was born —to integrate pepper spray directly into his hiking poles.

The first 3D printed prototype quickly proved itself invaluable. Every time Derrin embarked on another trek, the peace of mind provided by his modified hiking poles became more and more apparent. He no longer had to fumble through his pack for pepper spray or worry about whether his firearm was the right tool for the situation—he had safety in his hands, ready in an instant.

Partnering with a plastic injection molding company in Denver, he refined the handle and developed an injection mold for production. This wasn’t just about building a product—it was about creating a new standard of safety for outdoor enthusiasts.