Shivangi Sinha
Camping outdoors is an exciting way to connect with nature and enjoy adventure, but it’s not always as easy as it seems. Many campers struggle with practical challenges like finding a comfortable place to sleep or managing storage for gear, issues that often discourage people from embracing the experience fully. Addressing these common frustrations, ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ season 17, episode 15 featured Hele Outdoors, which showcased a product designed to solve these problems. Their solution simplifies sleeping arrangements and storage, which makes camping more convenient and accessible. By tackling these everyday challenges, Hele Outdoors helps turn the joy of outdoor adventures into a stress-free reality for everyone.
Hele Outdoors: Who Are They And What Do They Do?
Murray White, founder of Hele Outdoors, began his professional journey after earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of San Francisco, where he also gained experience as a Collegiate Ambassador for Monster Energy. He built a strong sales and business development background through roles at GNC, WalkMe, DocuSign, and Outreach, working as an SDR, SMB Account Executive, and Commercial Account Executive between 2016 and 2023. Raised in Hawaii, Murray developed a lifelong love for the outdoors and found camping and nature trips to be a source of relaxation and energy.
However, as he entered the workforce, these experiences became harder to maintain, and he gradually lost touch with his outdoor hobbies. During the pandemic, when he moved back to Hawaii, his passion for camping reignited. It inspired him to create a product that would simplify and enhance these small outdoor adventures. In September 2023, he officially launched Hele Outdoors, leveraging his expertise in business strategy, marketing, and client relations to grow the company. After extensive testing of different camping setups, Murray developed Hele Outdoors’ first product: the Hele Box. This innovative modular sleeping platform and storage system transforms the back of a vehicle into a flat, stable sleeping area while keeping gear organized underneath.
The system features adjustable supports, latch and silence pads, slide-out storage, and a durable aluminum surface, all without requiring any tools or power tools. Just a week after launching the Hele Box, Murray was laid off from his previous role at Outreach. It allowed him to dedicate himself full-time to Hele Outdoors. Since then, he has continued to expand the company’s offerings, making outdoor and car camping more accessible and enjoyable for adventurers everywhere.
Hele Outdoors: Where Are They Now?
Hele Outdoors is designed to fit most vehicles, including SUVs, pickup trucks, and crossovers, which makes it highly versatile for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. The company has earned recognition from expert publications such as Startup 1010, Overland Expo, Gear Junkie, and Outside, which have praised both the innovation and practicality of its products. Customers have also shared overwhelmingly positive reviews for the ease of setup, sturdy construction, and the convenience of transforming their vehicles into comfortable sleeping and storage solutions.
The brand offers two main products. The first is the Solo Hele Box, a car camping platform measuring 6ft x 24″ x 8.75–14″ with a recommended weight capacity of 250 lbs, priced at $449. The second is the Hele Box Duo, which is larger at 6ft x 40″ x 8.75–14″ and supports up to 400 lbs. It comes with six adjustable legs (8.5–14″), two longer leg extensions (14–28″), and a sleeping pad, if added, priced at $549. Bundles are also available: the Duo Bundle, which includes the sleeping pad, storage system, and stubbies, is $900, while the Solo Bundle is $690. Additional add-ons include the SoloPad for $100, stubbies for $32, the storage system for $59.99, extended legs for $39, and a shortening kit for $19.99.
Committed to preserving the outdoors, Hele Outdoors donates 3% of its profits to nature conservation efforts in Hawaii and across the mainland. Every January, donations are made to selected conservation agencies, nonprofits, and community groups. Currently, the company is running a philanthropic drive to support flood relief efforts in March 2026. Such efforts and actions reinforce its dedication to environmental stewardship and community support while enhancing outdoor adventures.
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