Rachel S. Gross

Rachel S. Gross, a historian of consumption, explores the evolution of outdoor gear, highlighting how retailers transformed shopping into a source of expertise. She discusses the origins of brands like Eddie Bauer and the influence of military needs on scientific gear testing. Joshua Kerner offers a critical take on General Littlejohn's aesthetic decisions, which led to critical failures in soldier winter supplies. Together, they reveal the intricate relationship between outdoor gear, military innovation, and consumer culture.