Where does the name "Firdale" come from?
James BattershillShare
When launching Firdale Outdoors and our flagship product, the Quick Sink, we wanted a name that captured the spirit of adventure, the beauty of nature, and something deeply personal. After much thought, "Firdale" was the perfect choice.
A Name Inspired by the Outdoors
A "dale" is a narrow valley with a river running through it, often surrounded by towering trees—exactly the kind of place campers love to explore. "Fir" evokes evergreen forests, adventure, and the fresh scent of the wild. Together, "Firdale" paints a picture of the camping experience we want to enhance with our products: practical, natural, and seamlessly integrated into outdoor life.
A Personal Tribute
Beyond its connection to nature, Firdale holds deep personal meaning. Our family cottage on the shores of Lake Winnipeg is called Firdale. It was my dad’s favorite place in the world, a retreat he poured his heart into rebuilding. While we were developing the Quick Sink and establishing the brand, my dad was battling pancreatic cancer. Naming the company Firdale Outdoors became a way to honor his legacy and the unwavering support he showed me throughout my entrepreneurial journey.
The Challenge of Choosing the Right Name
Naming a brand is tougher than it sounds. It needs to be distinctive yet memorable, meaningful yet practical, and—crucially—available for trademarking. With my last company, we spent months deliberating with our marketing team and legal experts, only to end up with a name that never felt quite right. But Firdale was different. It was unique, easy to remember, and, importantly, the domain and trademarks were available. Everything aligned, making it the clear choice.
Firdale Outdoors isn’t just a name—it’s a reflection of our love for the outdoors, our commitment to making gear that makes outdoor adventures more enjoyable, and a tribute to a place and a person who inspired us to build something meaningful. We hope that spirit carries through in every product we create.