Introduction
sam and colby merch is a name that resonates with millions of fans around the world. To the casual observer, it might just look like a cool, minimal logo on a hoodie or T-shirt. But to those who know its origins, XPLR stands for something much more—a lifestyle centered on adventure, fearlessness, and the urge to explore the unknown.
This now-famous brand wasn’t created by a big corporation or a fashion powerhouse. Instead, it was the brainchild of two best friends from Kansas—Sam Golbach and Colby Brock, who turned their shared love for thrill-seeking into a global movement.
Let’s take a deep dive into how XPLR was created, the vision behind it, and how it became one of the most recognizable influencer-driven lifestyle brands today.
Meet the Creators: Sam Golbach and Colby Brock
Before xplr merch existed, Sam and Colby were just two high school friends from Overland Park, Kansas. Known for their adventurous spirit, they started creating short, comedic, and daring videos on Vine in 2014. Their stunts, humor, and chemistry quickly gained them a following, but they always had a bigger passion—exploring abandoned and mysterious places.
When Vine shut down, Sam and Colby migrated to YouTube, where their exploration content flourished. Unlike typical travel vloggers, they focused on urban exploration (urbex), often visiting abandoned asylums, historic prisons, forgotten hotels, and other eerie locations.
As their audience grew, so did the connection between their adventures and their fans’ desires to live more boldly. This bond eventually sparked the creation of XPLR.
The Birth of XPLR
XPLR is a stylized abbreviation of the word explore. Sam and Colby hoodie chose it because it represented their core belief—that life should be about venturing beyond comfort zones, whether that means facing fears, traveling to unknown places, or simply trying something new.
The concept began as a merch line around 2017, but Sam and Colby approached it differently than many influencers. They didn’t just slap their names on T-shirts; instead, they built a brand identity with a logo, color palette, and mission statement. Their goal was to make XPLR a standalone lifestyle brand that could be worn by anyone—not just fans of their videos.
Early Designs and Fan Response
The first wave of XPLR merch consisted mainly of hoodies, T-shirts, and hats in bold black-and-white designs with the recognizable “XPLR” typography. These early products often sold out within hours of launch.
Why? Because fans didn’t just see them as clothes—they saw them as a badge of belonging to a community that valued curiosity and courage. Wearing XPLR became a way to silently signal, “I’m part of this movement.”
Sam and Colby were strategic in linking their merch drops with their content. For example, if they filmed a major exploration series, they might release a limited-edition hoodie inspired by that journey.
The Philosophy Behind XPLR
From the start, XPLR has stood for four main principles:
Adventure – Seeking out new places and experiences, even if they’re off the beaten path.
Fearlessness – Confronting fears head-on, whether they’re physical, mental, or emotional.
Community – Building connections with people who share similar passions.
Self-Discovery – Encouraging people to learn about themselves through challenges and exploration.
This philosophy isn’t just marketing—it’s woven into the designs, the social media campaigns, and the way Sam and Colby interact with fans.
Building a Brand, Not Just Merchandise
One of the biggest reasons XPLR succeeded where other influencer brands have failed is that Sam and Colby treated it like a business venture from day one. They:
Created a distinct visual identity with consistent branding.
Maintained quality control to ensure comfortable, durable apparel.
Released seasonal collections to keep styles fresh and relevant.
Used storytelling in their YouTube videos to tie the products to real adventures.
Over time, the XPLR line expanded to include:
Premium hoodies with embroidered logos
Streetwear-inspired collections with bold graphics
Beanies, caps, and backpacks
Posters and accessories for fans to decorate their spaces
The Role of YouTube in XPLR’s Growth
XPLR’s marketing strategy is deeply tied to visual storytelling. Sam and Colby’s YouTube channel, with millions of subscribers, serves as both entertainment and subtle advertising.
Whenever they film a paranormal investigation, abandoned building tour, or daring challenge, they often wear XPLR gear. This accomplishes two things:
Brand reinforcement – The audience repeatedly sees the products in authentic settings.
Aspirational marketing – Fans associate the clothing with the thrill and excitement of exploration.
This integration makes the brand feel natural rather than forced.
The Community Effect
Sam and Colby didn’t just sell apparel—they cultivated a community identity. Fans were encouraged to post pictures wearing XPLR gear during their own adventures, using the hashtag #XPLR.
As this community grew, it created a powerful peer-to-peer marketing network. People who had never watched Sam and Colby’s videos sometimes discovered the brand through a friend’s social media post.
Style and Quality: Why People Wear XPLR Outside the Fandom
While XPLR is undeniably linked to Sam and Colby, its minimalist and stylish designs mean it can appeal to people who may not know the creators.
Key style traits include:
Sleek monochrome palettes with occasional bold accent colors.
Adventure-inspired typography and symbols like compasses, coordinates, and abstract maps.
High-quality materials aimed at both comfort and durability.
This balance of fan merch and wearable streetwear is one of the main reasons XPLR stands out.
Major Milestones in XPLR’s History
Some of the key points in XPLR’s journey include:
2017 – Initial merch drops sell out quickly, proving strong fan demand.
2018–2019 – XPLR expands into seasonal collections and limited editions.
2020 – The brand continues to thrive despite global challenges, leveraging online sales.
2021–2022 – Sam and Colby tie special collections to major YouTube series, boosting emotional connection.
2023 and beyond – The line grows in sophistication, with designs appealing to a broader audience.
The Future of XPLR
Looking ahead, XPLR has the potential to move beyond apparel into:
Outdoor gear like travel bags and camping accessories
Collaborations with other streetwear or adventure brands
International pop-up shops for fans to experience the brand in person
Media tie-ins with documentary-style exploration series
Given Sam and Colby’s creative drive, it’s clear they will continue innovating while keeping XPLR grounded in its original spirit.
Conclusion
So, who created XPLR? The answer is clear: Sam Golbach and Colby Brock, two lifelong friends who turned a shared love for adventure into a thriving global lifestyle brand.
What makes XPLR unique is not just the clothing itself, but the meaning behind it. It’s a movement that encourages people to be bold, seek out new experiences, and embrace curiosity. From its humble beginnings as a merch line for loyal fans, XPLR has evolved into a symbol of exploration—one that can be worn by anyone, anywhere, who shares that same fearless spirit.
