FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (March 18, 2025) – Kahtoola, in partnership with Q Stories, is excited to announce the online premiere of “Designed by Disaster” a deeply personal and inspiring documentary about a life-changing accident of Kahtoola’s founder, Danny Giovale.
An official selection at over 20 film festivals in seven countries including Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, and Kendall Mountain Film Festival, the 20 minute film is now live for online viewing. Directed by award-winning filmmaker James ‘Q’ Martin, the film follows Giovale, a passionate climber whose nearly tragic accident in the icy Italian Dolomites compels him to address a critical safety gap in mountain travel.
“Thirty years ago, after a life-changing event, I realized the importance of being given a second chance and making a positive impact,” said Danny Giovale, owner and founder of Kahtoola. “This understanding led to the creation of our company, with a dual purpose: to innovate outdoor gear and be a force for good. Without the intent to significantly contribute to both areas, I wouldn’t have started this journey.”
“Designed by Disaster” tells the story of Giovale’s journey from near-death to innovation as he develops a trailblazing solution to the very common and dangerous problem of accidental falls in snow and ice. Through tireless dedication, hundreds of prototypes and an iterative design process, Giovale invents a revolutionary type of crampon and spawns an entirely new category in the outdoor industry.
Three decades post-accident and equipped with the product he created, the film documents Giovale return to the Italian mountain range to complete his near fatal climb with long-time friend and professional rock climber, Timmy O’Neill. An inspirational origin story, “Designed by Disaster” highlights Giovale’s passionate work to keep others from experiencing the same near tragedy, or worse.
About Kahtoola: Established in 1999, Kahtoola crafts exceptional outdoor gear with a commitment to philanthropy, conservation, and sustainability. Kahtoola’s gaiters, hiking crampons, and flexible footwear traction systems, including MICROspikes®, EXOspikes™ and NANOspikes®, are built to improve safety and performance. Every product is thoughtfully designed and vigorously tested at the brand’s Flagstaff, Ariz. headquarters high on the Colorado Plateau. Owned and operated by founder Danny Giovale, Kahtoola proudly grants 1% of annual sales through the Kahtoola Philanthropy Program to organizations that support indigenous cultures, outdoor community and environmental responsibility. For more information, please visit Kahtoola.com.
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About Q Stories: Since its inception in 1998, Q Stories has evolved from the vision of James “Q” Martin into a collective of passionate storytellers dedicated to sharing impactful narratives from the outdoor world. With a foundation rooted in the outdoor industry and a drive to address complex environmental and social issues, Q Stories specializes in crafting narrative-driven media with a global reach. Leveraging their diverse expertise, the team at Q Stories excels in bringing unique stories to life, emphasizing the “Why” behind each project.
Media Contact:
Catherine Donovan
Terra PR
323-708-6953
CatherineD@terrapublicrelations.com
