2 Brothers 1 Dream
Launched in January 2023, ZIGZAG Climbing was founded by brothers Matt and Lucas Hidalgo with a simple mission: to create highest-performance climbing gear with the largest environmental impact of any on the market. What started as a homegrown operation in Eugene, Oregon, is still a homegrown operation now in Redmond, Oregon — proving that big dreams can thrive in small spaces.
The Name: Everyone remembers their first climb. For Matt this was in the small town of Zigzag Oregon inside the Mt. Hood National Forest. The first experience is always captivating and leaves you wanting more. The name ZIGZAG embodies more than just the small scenic mountain town in the Pacific Northwest - it represents a manner of action. Just like the best adventures, the best path normally isn't a straight shot. The name inspired us, and represents our mission as a company to take the path less chosen, and create innovation along routes that everyone thought were complete. They Zig, we Zag.
Hidalgo
As a former professional Pole Vaulter, founder Matt Hidalgo has a lot of experience falling on pads. Just like many others, he became obsessed with the activity of Rock Climbing the first day he walked into a climbing gym. It wasn't just the activity that captivated him, but the fact that all walks of life were enjoying this activity together in harmony.
After working in the Indoor Gym Industry with Chris Sharma in Barcelona, Matt's passion for product innovation sparked an idea that he couldn't shake. Upset he couldn't fit a rental crash pad in his Mini Cooper, he took to the drawing board with his brother Lucas to begin chasing what would soon become ZIGZAG Climbing.
Hidalgo
Starting his first business at 13 selling hats and apparel for BMX riders, then later branching into selling custom skateboard decks, ZIGZAG Co-Founder Lucas was no stranger to merging a passion for sport with his love to create. Aside from loving long walk on the beach and finding soft V5s, Lucas holds a passion for many hobbies including wood working, playing musical instruments, Pokemon cards, and annoying his older brother Matt.
Lucas has an MBA from Eastern Oregon University where he was a college pole vaulter and focused his studies on Conscious Capitalism and Marketing. During his undergrad Lucas interned with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon and found a passion for the organization, he is currently a member of the foundations Emerging Leaders Board of Directors.