Our Story
FRESH 5 CREW was born out of a life spent on the water of the Great Lakes and in many coastal towns along their shores. During countless personal and business trips throughout his life, our founder, Pete Brown, noticed an extreme lack of fresh water-focused brands that spoke to him both visually and socially.
The absence of ‘cool’ graphic apparel at local gift/souvenir shops around the coast left him uninspired and struggling to support these small businesses. He wanted to represent the spots that he loved and take a piece of them with him, but couldn’t justify spending money on designs that he knew he’d never wear.
More importantly, he couldn’t find a brand that was putting their money where their mouth was; giving back financially to support non-profit organizations that PROTECT the Great Lakes and their tributaries.
Great Lakes tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry, creating thousands of jobs and economically fueling countless small towns - not to mention providing a fresh water ecosystem for humans, plants and animals alike. If those beautiful waters aren’t well cared for, then future generations will never be able to ENJOY them as these fragile ecosystems will be damaged.
Thus, FRESH 5 CREW was born. Aimed at becoming the new alternative apparel and lifestyle brand, F5C committed to providing stylish, modern apparel and products while planting a tree with every item purchased. Now it’s grown to encompass even more Great Lakes lifestyle blogs, videos and educational resources. Join us as we inspire others to PROTECT and ENJOY our Great Lakes fresh waterways.
Join the Crew
Our Pledge to Each Other
1) All are welcome to join the crew. We are a fully inclusive and supportive unit.
2) We kindly wave and acknowledge when we see other crew members around the country and world.
3) Crew members will responsibly protect and enjoy the waterways of the Great Lakes region.
4) Some of us are lifelong residents while others are transplants, weekend warriors or one-time guests.
5) We carry our times spent with the Great Lakes with us. We are proud to represent the communities that have hosted us and tell others about our experiences.
Hey there, outdoor enthusiasts!
Welcome to Fresh 5 Crew, where the Great Lakes meet all things cool—camping, exploring, and rocking some killer outdoor gear.
If you're into the great outdoors, history, or just vibing with the coolest spots, you're in the right place!
Great Lakes Groove: Explore Like a Local
We're all about soaking up the awesomeness of the Great Lakes region. Whether you're a nature buff, history geek, or just love a good adventure, our blog, podcast, and swanky apparel have got you covered. Get ready to discover the hidden gems and secret spots that make this place the ultimate playground for thrill-seekers and chill-seekers alike.
Get Out There: Wild Adventures Await
At F5C, we live for outdoor exploration—it's our jam! The blog is your backstage pass to insider tips on responsibly rocking the Great Lakes scene. From epic camping spots with Insta-worthy views to off-the-beaten-path hiking trails, we spill the beans on the coolest spots and tricks to make your outdoor escapades as wild as you are.
Camp Like a Boss: Where Nature Meets Comfort
For the camping crew, we are is your new BFF. We're serving up gear reviews hotter than your morning coffee, showcasing the latest and greatest gear to make your camping game strong. Whether you're a camping pro or just dipping your toes into the outdoor scene, we've got the lowdown on everything from high-tech tents to funky cooking gadgets.
Gear Reviews: Real Talk, No BS
We're not about fluff—our team gets down and dirty testing all the gear you need. Waterproof backpacks, kickass hiking boots, you name it. Our gear reviews are the real deal, so you can trust you're getting the scoop on the gear that's gonna stand up to whatever the Great Lakes throw at you.
Hidden Gems: Unleash Your Inner Explorer
The Great Lakes region isn't just about lakes (though they're pretty darn amazing). Our blog and podcast spill the beans on those off-the-radar places that'll make your adventure extra special. From ancient lighthouses to secret waterfalls and historical sites, we're your GPS to the coolest spots you didn't even know existed.
History Hype: Past Meets Present
But wait, there's more! We're digging into the history of the Great Lakes, so you can connect the dots between then and now. Indigenous stories, explorer tales, and the lowdown on communities that shaped the region—we've got the juicy deets. Because knowing the history adds a whole new layer to your outdoor escapades.
F5C Swag: Wear the Adventure
Love the Great Lakes? Wanna shout it from the mountaintops—or at least wear it on your chest? Our exclusive apparel is where it's at. Comfy tees, rad hoodies, and accessories that scream adventure. Rock the vibes and carry a piece of the Great Lakes wherever your wild heart takes you.
In a nutshell, Fresh 5 Crew is your go-to spot for all things Great Lakes, outdoor shenanigans, kickass camping gear, and the kind of history that makes you go, "Whoa, that's cool!" Join us in soaking up the Great Lakes vibes and making memories in the raddest landscapes around. Let's get this adventure started!