About Founder

My Journey

Beginnings

I’m Hanke Chen, from China, the founder of Kelyland Outdoors—a company dedicated to helping businesses worldwide source and customize reliable camping gear. With over 12 years in the industry, I’ve made it my mission to connect overseas clients with China’s top manufacturing resources.

Turning Passion into a Solution

China offers unmatched manufacturing capabilities, but finding the right suppliers for quality outdoor products can be challenging. That’s why I founded Kelyland Outdoors in 2024—to provide a one-stop procurement service, making it easier for businesses, especially small ones, to access durable, stylish camping gear like tents, tarps, and furniture.

My journey started small, much like a garage startup. In 2013, fresh from earning my international economics degree, I began working at a tent factory, learning the craft from the ground up. Over the years, I visited 300+ factories and traveled to 100+ cities in China and Southeast Asia, fueled by my love for the outdoors and photography. These experiences inspired me to create Kelyland—a “small land” where clients can trust in gear built for adventure.

Roots and Growth

I grew up surrounded by martial arts and travel, teaching myself nunchaku as a teen and leading my university’s club. But my career took shape in the camping industry, where I saw China’s potential as a global manufacturing hub. Before launching Kelyland, I spent years mastering sales and production, helping overseas clients source products while still in school.

At first, there were no clients—just a vision. In 2014, I began exploring overseas markets, climbing Mount Kinabalu and capturing the journey with my Canon 650D. That passion for adventure drives Kelyland today, where my team of Anne, Fanny, Jim, Lee, Nigel, and I have supported businesses in over 50 countries without external funding.

Building Trust

To reach clients, I started sharing my expertise early on—travel insights from Southeast Asia and practical tips on sourcing camping gear. This openness built trust, turning inquiries into lasting partnerships. In 2025, I plan to launch online content, sharing my knowledge to help more businesses navigate the outdoor industry.

Trace My Steps

See where I travelled as a backpacker

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Climbed the ancient city walls of Cebu. (2014)

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Rode a horse-drawn carriage on the streets of Manila. (2014)

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Rode a motorcycle on the way to Da Lat. (2016)

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Strolled around Nha Trang Cathedral. (2017)

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Put on a wetsuit to prepare for snorkeling in Nha Trang. (2017)

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Walked through old alleys before leaving Ho Chi Minh City. (2017)

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Walked through the city center of Phnom Penh. (2017)

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Rested at Choi Hung Estate in Hong Kong. (2018)

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Met a local rider while cycling in Lombok. (2018)

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Met a wandering guitarist at Melaka’s night market. (2018)

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Climbed Mount Huangshan with a tent and backpack. (2018)

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Photographed the sea at the Zhoushan Islands. (2019)

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Rested after climbing the mountain in Shek O.(2019)

Follow Me On

My Most Popular Blogs

Relaxing beach scene with a family under a tent on sandy shore, ocean waves, and palm trees in the b.

Quality Control

Beach Pop Up Tent Sand Jam? 5 Fold Fixes

Sand jams pop-up tents by blocking hub locks. Field failures occur when samples work but mass production hubs jam.

Sep 7, 2026

Outdoor camping tent set up in a wooded area with trees and natural surroundings.

Product Knowledge

Inflatable Tent Rain Pitching: 4 Dry Setup Fixes for OEM Buyers

Passed fabric tests don’t guarantee waterproofing. Assembled tent leaks reveal critical gaps between material specs and actual performance.

Sep 7, 2026

Portable outdoor camping tent with extended awning on artificial grass.

Case Studies

Custom Inflatable Tents for Siberian Winter: A Case Study

Siberian winters demand material science. PVC fails at -35°C, causing brittleness and frozen valves. Lock cold-resistant specs before production.

Sep 7, 2026

Close-up of a tent's interior with a window and support poles.

Product Knowledge

Air Tent Failures: 5 Physical Problems Causing Warranty Claims

FOB pressure shrinks TPU film at critical valve and floor welds, causing mass production failures missed by sample approvals.

Sep 6, 2026

Camping in snowy mountain landscape at Kelyland Outdoors.

Business of Camping

Inflatable Tents to Russia: 500-Unit Sourcing Case Study

Samples don’t guarantee mass production. This case study exposes the gap between flawless prototypes and 500 units facing -35°C Russian winters.

Sep 6, 2026

Interior of a camping tent with beige fabric and white poles.

B2B Sourcing

CE Marking: How to Verify on Inflatable Tents from China

CE certs may only cover pumps. Buyers got burned when mass production tent seams failed despite sample approval.

Sep 5, 2026

Leave A Quick Message To Me

Let’s explore the prospects of the outdoor industry！

If you have ideas for designing and launching outdoor products or want to sell your branded products in your local market, don’t hesitate to reach out. My team and I will work tirelessly to support you, leveraging our deep knowledge of China’s camping industry and its supply chain to ensure your success.