Mattis Sessel
While growing up in St. Louis, MO, Mattis spent his summers with his family in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). The trails of RMNP became his favorite stomping ground and he went to summer camp in nearby Estes Park first climbing Longs Peak as a 13-year-old camper.
He shared this passion for the Rockies with his wife, Deb, and ultimately they decided to imprint the Rockies on their three daughters by spending their childhood summers in Estes Park camped in a travel trailer. This love affair with the Rockies continued while Mattis pursued his business interests for 25 years on the East Coast. Winter ski trips and summers spent in RMNP stoked the fire to ultimately make the move to pursue his passion’s full time in Colorado in 2015.
Hiking, skiing, biking and fly-fishing were the activities of choice and Mattis decided to build any future businesses around these pursuits. He’s come a long way since he caught his first fish in Kentucky Lake as a 3-year-old with a bamboo pole.
His first fish caught on a dry fly was in the Indian Peaks and he quickly took to hiking to alpine streams and fishing for wild trout. He’s fished throughout Colorado and into New Mexico, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. He’s always got his fishing gear in the car and has created the concept of the “double,” skiing / biking in the morning and catching some fish in a nearby river in the afternoon.
He maintains his fitness on his road and mountain bikes and is known for his all-seasons, all-weather, “always train outside” approach to his physical training sessions with Sean Sewell at Colorado Personal Fitness. His passion for gear that enhances his pursuits and allows for more time outdoors is reinforced in a favorite Colorado adage, “there’s no bad weather, just bad gear!”
Articles by Mattis Sessel
Mattis’s reviews on Engearment draw on his year-round, all-weather pursuits — skiing, cycling, fly fishing, and snowshoeing across Colorado and the broader Rockies. His work tends toward premium outdoor apparel, ski racks, and technical gear tested against the “there’s no bad weather, just bad gear” philosophy.
Küat Grip 4 Ski Rack – High End Looks and Easy to Use
March 15, 2022 — Mattis reviews the Küat Grip 4 Ski Rack with attention to its curb-appealing styling and the quality craftsmanship that stands out straight out of the box.
Endura Pro SL 3 Season Jacket – Great Kit for Shoulder Seasons
February 19, 2022 — After his cycling buddies kept asking about it, Mattis reviews the Endura Pro SL 3 Season Jacket as a shoulder-season kit for fall and winter road and gravel rides.
Chrome Surveyor’s Jacket – So Versatile and Comfortable
February 9, 2022 — Mattis reviews the Chrome Surveyor’s Jacket with a focus on the soft merino wool poly blend that feels more like a cozy base layer while functioning as outerwear.
TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust Snowshoes – Terrific for Winter Adventures
February 8, 2022 — Mattis takes the TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust Snowshoes into Rocky Mountain National Park, reviewing the binding, hourglass shape, and composite construction.
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Waders – Tremendous Fit Options
November 22, 2021 — Mattis reviews the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Waders, drawing on his years of fly fishing across Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana.