So iLL Climbing & Actor Jason Momoa Launch 'On the Roam'

Disruptive from the start, climbing brand So iLL started making unorthodox holds for gyms, then grew into making apparel and bags, and has continued to stay relevant with stylish shoes in bold colorways.

The latest move to embrace the new generation of gym climbers comes from an unlikely source, Hollywood actor Jason Momoa. The all-new On the Roam collection introduces a casual approach shoe, climbing shoe, chalk bag, and dry bag in two sizes—each in monorchome pink and monochrome black.

[Editor's Note: as of 01 May 2020 On the Roam now sells reusable face masks in two adult sizes too, to help halt the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne viruses.]

Now, you may be asking yourself, why a notable climbing company would make a pink shoe with Aquaman? Dig a bit deeper, and it makes perfect sense. Decades before his breakout role on Game of Thrones, Momoa lived a nomadic life, traveling and climbing.

He grew up skateboarding, climbing, and simply enjoying the outdoors. Read about his activism efforts, then watch this short film and try not to fall in love with the dude. He’s just like you and me! But, like, has a DC superhero franchise (keep the comments on whether it’s any good or not to yourself).

In recent years Momoa befriended So iLL founders David and Daniel Chancellor, which leads us to the early September release of the On the Roam collection, inspired by exactly what it sounds like—those who choose a nomadic life, roaming the world in search of adventure, just as Momoa once did.

The 25L, 45L dry bag and Wino unisex lifestyle shoe are available now from So iLL, while the Momoa Pro climbing shoe, chalk bucket and chalk bag can be found exclusively via REI. Each piece sells for between $29 and $229.

Of the lot it's difficult to pick a favorite. We all know climbing will certainly benefit from a minimalist shoe and chalk bag. But the versatile dry bag line may take the cake. Made of a rugged TPU material with fully welded seams, daisy chains galore, and a waterproof exterior zipper—among other features—these two roll top dry bags are perfect for hauling ropes and harnesses to the crag, gear to the camp site, or even laundry to the local coin-op.

Cool to see an insular community like climbing broaden its reach with an unconventional collaboration like this. The more we embrace enthusiasts and welcome outsiders in, the better off the outdoor industry as a whole will be.