Founded by a dory boat captain on the Colorado River in 1983, Chums is about the guides, dirtbags, river rats, and weekend warriors. Our community is the early risers and go-getters dedicated to everything from chasing trout in faraway lands to brewing the perfect cup of camp coffee deep in the backcountry. We’ve been producing innovative outdoor products built for adventure for more than 40 years, and we’re looking forward to many more decades of fishing, paddling, camping, hiking, and hanging with our Chums.
BORN ON THE RIVER
Made in the USA / Homegrown in Hurricane, UT
1980
The founder of Chums hitchhikes to southern Utah to become a dory boat guide on the Colorado River.
1982
The first Chums eyewear retainer is sown on a $60 sewing machine in the back of his VW van.
1984
Swatch Watches places their first order with Chums, leading to mass production of the Original retainer.
1993
The first Chums retail store opens on Main Street in Hurricane, UT, just steps away from our original factory (which is still in use today).
2001
Landwell Inc. & Chums crosses the Pacific to be distributed in Japan
2003
Chums continues to revolutionize the fit and function of the eyewear retainer with the release of the Universal Fit retainer — a rope retainer with molded rubber ends.
2007
Chums expands operations and opens its new US headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT.
2012
Chums enters China with the opening of a new office and factory: the Shanghai Bird's Nest.
2014
Chums releases a line of eyewear cases, signaling the brand’s expansion into a wider product offering.
2023
Chums celebrates 40 years of Chums with limited-edition versions of our best-selling Original and Neoprene retainers, Surfshorts wallet, and a special capsule collection made in collaboration with Chums Japan.
1981
Soon after moving, he adopts a golden lab named Chumley, who will later become the namesake of the young Chums brand.
1983
The Original cotton retainer, is brought to market. Still manufactured in Hurricane, UT, it remains our #1 best seller.
1985
The Red-Footed Booby Bird takes his place as the Chums mascot.
1995
Chums Safety, Chums enters the safety market with a breakaway retainer and utility accessories
2002
The Ferries family, based in Sun Valley, ID, purchases Chums.
2004
The booby bird mascot gets a buddy, and the tagline "hang with your Chums" is born.
2008
Landwell Inc. opens the first Chums retail store in Tokyo, Japan.
2013
Chums celebrates 30 years with the release of a new collection of stretchy, water-friendly, and UV-resistant silicone retainers that pay homage to our roots on the river.
2016
Chums opens new office in Sun Valley Idaho
2024 - PRESENT
Chums continues to manufacture thousands of units a day at our original Hurricane, UT factory and innovates in-house sublimation printing on retainers to create signature patterns.
1980
The founder of Chums hitchhikes to southern Utah to become a dory boat guide on the Colorado River.
1981
Soon after moving, he adopts a golden lab named Chumley, who will later become the namesake of the young Chums brand.
1982
The first Chums eyewear retainer is sown on a $60 sewing machine in the back of his VW van.
1983
The product that started it all, the Original cotton retainer, is brought to market. Still manufactured in our original facility in Hurricane, UT, it remains our #1 best seller.
1984
Swatch Watches places their first order with Chums, leading to mass production of the Original retainer.
1985
The Red-Footed Booby Bird takes his place as the Chums mascot.
1993
The first Chums retail store opens on Main Street in Hurricane, UT, just steps away from our original factory (which is still in use today).
1995
Chums Safety, Chums enters the safety market with breakaway retainers and utility accessories.
2001
Landwell Inc. & Chums join forces to start Chums Japan
2002
The Ferries family, based in Sun Valley, ID, purchases Chums.
2003
Chums continues to revolutionize the fit and function of the eyewear retainer with the release of the Universal Fit retainer — a rope retainer with molded rubber ends.
2004
The booby bird mascot gets a buddy, and the tagline "hang with your Chums" is born.
2007
Chums expands operations and opens its new US headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT.
2008
Landwell Inc. opens the first Chums retail store in Tokyo, Japan.
2012
Chums enters China with the opening of a new office and factory: the Shanghai Bird's Nest.
2013
Chums celebrates 30 years with the release of a new collection of stretchy, water-friendly, and UV-resistant silicone retainers that pay homage to our roots on the river.
2016
Sun Valley Idaho, Chums opens new office in Sun Valley Idaho
2023
Chums celebrates 40 years with limited-edition versions of our best-selling Original and Neoprene retainers, Surfshorts wallet, and a special capsule collection made in collaboration with Chums Japan.
2024
Chums continues to manufacture thousands of units a day in the original Hurricane, UT factory.
Chums Today
Now with 3 offices and more than 75 employees (a few of whom have been with us for over 30 years), it’s safe to say that we’ve learned a thing or two about staying loyal to our roots and to our people since we opened for business in 1983. We may be a little biased, but we’re pretty sure that our team consists of some of the raddest, most talented people in the outdoor industry.
Chums manufactures
15,000+ Units a Day
in our Hurricane, Utah facility.
Chums Today
We Now with 3 offices and more than 75 employees (a few of whom have been with us for over 30 years), it’s safe to say that we’ve learned a thing or two about staying loyal to our roots and to our people since we opened for business in 1983. We may be a little biased, but we’re pretty sure that our team consists of some of the raddest, most talented people in the outdoor industry.
Chums manufactures
15,000+ Units a Day
in our Hurricane, Utah facility.
Family Run Company
Way back in 2002, in a time when Nickelback topped the pop charts and the original iPod was the hottest tech on the market, the Ferries family purchased Chums. In the years that have followed, they have pushed innovation through product development, reinforced the brand’s commitment to American manufacturing, and instilled an unwavering passion for top-notch customer service, leading Chums to become the global brand that so many know and love today.
Way back in 2002, in a time when Nickelback topped the pop charts and the original iPod was the hottest tech on the market, the Ferries family purchased Chums. In the years that have followed, they have pushed innovation through product development, reinforced the brand’s commitment to American manufacturing, and instilled an unwavering passion for top-notch customer service, leading Chums to become the global brand that so many know and love today.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Support or Call: 877-665-2272