International Women's Day Spotlight: Katie Eaton

For International Women's Day, we are sharing the spotlight on some of our most influential women at Red Equipment. In this blog, we speak with our Product Designer, Katie Eaton.

What inspired you to work in the outdoor industry, and what brought you to Red Equipment?

I’ve always loved being outdoors and was lucky enough to grow up right next to the sea. That connection with the water has shaped so much of who I am – I love being in, on, and around it. Adventure and the outdoors bring so many benefits, not just physically but for overall well-being and mental health – something that I am a massive advocate for, with personal mental health problems. So, working in this industry and designing products that help people get outside and create their own adventures has been an incredible opportunity. It allows me to share that love with others in a tangible way, inspiring and helping others to get out there too.

I’ve now been at Red Equipment for seven years, and the time has flown! The company’s passion for getting people outside, combined with its sustainability values, really resonated with me. I knew it was the perfect fit.

How do you see the role of women evolving in the outdoor and adventure industry?

The outdoor industry is changing, with more women not just participating but leading – whether that’s in design, guiding, product development, or storytelling. My social media is filled with incredible women pushing boundaries in adventure sports, which is amazing to see.

Personally, I’ve been fortunate to work in spaces where women are empowered and given equal opportunities, but I know that’s not the case everywhere. True progress comes from ensuring women feel confident taking up space in this industry, knowing they belong here just as much as anyone else. Representation matters, and seeing more gear designed with women in mind and more women at the forefront of adventure is proof that things are shifting in the right direction.

What are some of the biggest barriers women still face in the outdoors, and how can brands like Red help break them down?

One of the biggest barriers is still the perception that certain outdoor sports are more suited to men, which can make it intimidating for women to get involved. ‘Perception’ being the key word here. Working at Red Equipment I have met so many amazing women and men within the industry who help and support so many people in this space. Sometimes a lot of it is a mental barrier – and miseducation creating fear. Upsettingly there are still accessibility issues too. Brands like Red can help by continuing to highlight women’s stories, creating inclusive products, and fostering supportive communities where women feel empowered to take part. So much is in that first step!

As a B Corp, Red Equipment is committed to doing business better. How does that mission align with your role and personal values?

This is huge for me. I worked closely on helping Red Equipment achieve B Corp certification, and it’s something I’m incredibly passionate about.

At Red, we use the phrase “taking steps to be more responsible” – because we know we’re not perfect (who is?) but we’re committed to making meaningful progress. Being a B Corp means holding ourselves accountable – not just in sustainability, but in ethical business practices, inclusivity, and community impact.

As a designer, I have the space to push for better decisions – not just in the products we create, but in how we can add real value to our customers’ lives. How can we make life better by the water? How can we ensure our products last longer, are more sustainable, and truly enhance outdoor experiences? Those are the questions I’m always asking.

Can you share a moment when you felt you made a real impact?

There are so many small but meaningful moments when I see people interacting with our products and realising how they add value to their lives.

One that stands out was a woman I met who was convinced she could never paddleboard – she told me there was no way she’d ever be able to stand up. But with the right encouragement and the right board, she did. The excitement on her face was unforgettable. She told me she felt a whole new confidence, not just in paddling, but in herself.

For me, it’s never just about making products – it’s about enabling people to connect with the water, to feel empowered, create independence, and to experience adventure in a way that works for them.

What does “Life’s Better by the Water” mean to you personally?

It makes me think about how I connect to the water and how that enhances my life. Water is an adventure. It’s where I go to recharge, to play, to explore. It’s where I feel connected to home but also where I feel most at home. There’s something special about the way water brings people together – it’s a place where everyone can find their own sense of freedom. 

What advice would you give to women aspiring to enter the outdoor or adventure sports industry?

Take that first step. It can feel daunting, and at times overwhelming, but there’s a growing network of women (and men) who are supportive and encouraging.

Find mentors, connect with other women in the field, and trust that your voice, skills, and perspective are valuable. Most importantly, assuming you want to get into the industry because you love the outdoors and adventure – just get out there and do what you love.

What’s one change you’d love to see in the outdoor world for the next generation of women and girls?

Education and equal opportunities are key. I’d love for more women and girls to be aware of the paths available to them in the outdoor industry, to see more representation in leadership, and to feel safe and welcome in these spaces.

It’s also about breaking down stereotypes – there’s no ‘right’ body type, background, or skill level to belong in the outdoors. The more diverse role models we see, the more accessible adventure becomes for everyone.

How do you personally champion diversity and inclusion in your work at Red?

For me, it starts with research – understanding who is engaging with the outdoor industry, who is missing, and where we can add value. My role as a designer isn’t just about making products; it’s about ensuring those products meet the needs of a diverse range of people, making the outdoors more accessible for all.

Working on Red’s B Corp certification and seeing first-hand the impact of the Red Foundation has been inspiring. It’s proof that small, consistent actions can lead to real change. Whether it’s creating products that make adventure more inclusive, supporting initiatives that give under-represented groups access to the water, or amplifying diverse voices, I believe we all have a role to play in making the outdoor industry a better, more welcoming space.