ACLIM8 is an innovative outdoor gear company known for engineering high-performance, multi-functional tools designed for serious adventurers. Their flagship product, the COMBAR™, is a first-of-its-kind multitool that combines rugged durability with precision design—crafted to meet the demands of vehicle-supported recreation, overlanding, and survivalist communities. With a mission to reimagine adventure gear from the ground up, ACLIM8 merges military-grade functionality with modern outdoor utility.
Summary
After successfully launching their first-of-its-kind multitool, the COMBAR™, via Kickstarter, ACLIM8 faced the challenge of expanding beyond their initial success. While the product had gained traction among outdoor gear enthusiasts, the Israel-based inventors needed to establish a foothold in the North American outdoor market. To do so, they sought a partner with deep industry knowledge who could craft a compelling brand narrative and execute a digital marketing strategy that would cut through the noise. That’s where WAU stepped in.
Challenge
ACLIM8 had an innovative, high-performance product but lacked a clear brand positioning that resonated with North American consumers. Their digital presence needed structure, their content required depth, and their marketing efforts lacked a strategic focus. Specifically, they needed:
- A refined and ownable brand position
- Differentiation in a crowded outdoor market
- A scalable digital marketing strategy
- High-quality content to engage their audience
- Ongoing social media and community management
Approach
To unlock ACLIM8’s full potential, WAU conducted an in-depth brand intake and digital audit to identify key opportunities. The strategy focused on:
- Establishing storytelling pillars to define the brand’s voice
- Pivoting brand positioning toward the growing overlanding market
- Implementing a full-scale content marketing strategy
- Managing all digital touchpoints, including social media, email, and blog content
- Launching and nurturing an ambassador program to drive organic advocacy
WAU took an all-encompassing approach, managing ACLIM8’s digital ecosystem while staying agile to adapt to platform algorithm changes, content trends, and shifting market dynamics.
Solutions
A major breakthrough came when WAU identified that the COMBAR™ was not a traditional backpacking tool, but rather a perfect fit for vehicle-supported recreation. This led to a strategic shift toward the overlanding market, a highly engaged, gear-obsessed community.
Content creation was at the heart of this strategy. Instead of relying on overly polished studio shoots, WAU focused on authentic, real-world product testing. The first production effort involved putting the COMBAR™ in the hands of an experienced overlander and mechanical engineer to document its performance in rugged conditions.
Beyond content, WAU spearheaded:
- Social media management: Crafting engaging content that built a community around the brand.
- Ambassador program: Recruiting passionate overlanders and ADV motorcycle riders to serve as brand advocates.
- Email marketing: Revitalizing newsletters with compelling storytelling and educational content.
- Influencer collaborations: Partnering with key industry voices to drive organic exposure.
- Blog strategy: Developing long-form, SEO-optimized content that educated and informed potential customers.
- Media placements: Securing ACLIM8’s presence in overlanding publications and gear review platforms.
Results
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Sessions from Email
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Total Engagement Across Social
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D2C E-Commerce Revenue
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D2C Ecommerce Transactions
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D2C Ecommerce Conversion Rate
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