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A Little More About Us

CragDog is a small business with a big mission: to make a positive impact on the environment and give back to the climbing and dog-loving communities. Based in Duluth, Minnesota, we specialize in creating upcycled dog gear—collars, leashes, and toys—crafted from retired climbing ropes and gear.

By upcycling climbing rope destined for the landfill, we’re not just reducing waste; we’re creating durable, eco-frieupndly dog products that dog owners can rely on.

Our Story

CragDog was founded by two climbers, Kelly and Christian, with a simple idea: climbing gear should have a second life. When ropes and harnesses can no longer handle the crag (climbing area), they can still serve a purpose—keeping your dog secure while helping the planet.

We accept donated climbing gear, transform it into high-quality dog equipment, and give back to the climbing community by donating up to 10% of sales proceeds to organizations that maintain and protect climbing access.

One of Our Main Goals is

Supporting Climbing Advocacy

Up to 10% of proceeds from CragDog sales are sent to support climbing advocacy organizations. Our products are made from donated climbing gear that is repurposed into environmentally conscientious equipment for your dog. Shoppers will be able to select a climbing advocacy organization during check out.
View a list of Climbing Advocacy Organizations

Equipment Donations

Our Upcycling Process

When climbers retire their gear, it often ends up in the trash. At CragDog, we collect these ropes, inspect them for quality, and repurpose them into something beautiful and useful. Each product tells a story of adventure while helping reduce environmental impact.

Interested in giving your old gear a new life?
Donate Your Gear

Supporting Climbing Advocacy

Making an Impact

CragDog proudly donates up to 10% of sales proceeds to support climbing advocacy efforts. Every purchase makes a difference by contributing to organizations that protect climbing access and preserve outdoor spaces.

CASKET QUARRY: A Local Legacy

Located in Duluth, Minnesota, Casket Quarry is more than just a climbing spot—it’s a part of our community’s history. Through our donations, we’re proud to help preserve places like Casket Quarry so climbers can enjoy them for generations to come.

THE ACCESS FUND

As a proud supporter of the Access Fund, we’re committed to their mission of keeping climbing areas open and protected across the country. Learn more about their important work at Access Fund.

Join Us on This Journey

Whether you’re a climber looking to retire gear responsibly or a dog owner seeking durable, eco-friendly products, CragDog is here for you. Together, we can reduce waste, protect climbing access, and equip your pup for life’s adventures.

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Donation Drop-Off Sites

Crag Dog Climbing
1302 Dakota Ave
Duluth MN, 55803

Vertical Endeavors
329 South Lake Ave
Duluth, MN 55802

Vertical Endeavors
2540 Nicollet Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Leadership

Kelly McMahon

Co-Founder

Kelly was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up sailing and hiking along the shores of Lake Michigan. Kelly thrived in the Northland picking up rock climbing, mountain biking, and straight up adventuring while attending Northern Michigan University in Marquette. After graduating Kelly settled down in Duluth with his wife (Corinne) and two pups.

The dogs take priority over everything; Keiko the husky/lab mix, loves to romp in the woods and Edmund a golden retriever (named after the famous ship), loves to play in the water.

Kelly had the idea for CragDog while on an obnoxiously long (123 Mile) bike ride to the cabin. Kelly’s love of the outdoors and his dogs moved him to start CragDog.

Christian Fraser

Co-Founder

Christian was born in Los Angeles, California, but his family quickly moved to north central Idaho then northern Wisconsin. In the woods of Idaho and Wisconsin, Christian developed his respect for the great outdoors. From fly fishing on the Selway River with his dad, to backpacking across Isle Royale, Christian has experience in many facets of outdoor life.

Christian attended the University of Minnesota, Duluth, where he fell in love with rock climbing. For 11 years Christian worked as a certified climbing instructor and a guide through the AMGA and PCIA. Christian has climbed routes in the desert south west and high alpine. Christian also enjoys ice climbing, sailing, mountain biking, and skiing with his fiancé Hanna, daughter River, and German Shepherd Louie.

Christian was roped into CragDog by his friend and climbing partner Kelly and immediately chopped up all his retired rope that he had been saving for years to make a rug one day.

Do You Have...
Questions? Comments? Compliments?

Feel free to reach out, drop a line, and bark at us!
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