BOULDER, Colo. (April 8, 2025) – United by a shared value for climbing access and conservation, Access Fund and Wild Country are coming together for a limited edition product collaboration to help raise awareness and funds to protect climbing areas in the U.S.—ensuring a future where climbing areas are open, protected and accessible to all. Access Fund x Wild Country Rope Tarp, Flow Backpack and Spotter Boulder Bag are available at select REI locations and online at REI.com starting today.
The limited edition product capsule celebrates iconic climbing destinations that Access Fund has helped protect. The unique design features level lines from Eldorado Canyon in Colorado, Joe’s Valley in Utah and Index in Washington. A portion of proceeds from product sales will go directly to Access Fund, protecting climbing destinations for climbers today and for future generations.
“Partnering with Wild Country has allowed us to combine our resources and expertise to make a tangible impact on the preservation of climbing environments,” said Heather Thorne, Executive Director of Access Fund. “Together, we want to foster a culture of stewardship that benefits both the climbing community and the natural world.”
Wild Country has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality climbing gear while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and pure climbing. Their dedication to preserving the natural landscapes that climbers cherish aligns seamlessly with the mission of Access Fund. Access Fund has been at the forefront of climbing advocacy since it was founded in 1991. Their work includes policy and advocacy, land acquisition and protection, stewardship education and conservation, and support for a network of over 120 local climbing organizations.
“At Wild Country, we believe it’s not enough to make gear that gets you to the top. We have a responsibility to protect the places we play,” says Stefan Zublasing, Wild Country Brand Manager. “The Access Fund’s work is crucial in an era where outdoor spaces face increasing threats. Their work makes a real difference—from safeguarding climbing areas like Castleton Tower in Utah to maintaining access to beloved crags across the country. We deeply appreciate the vital role they play, and we’re honored to support their mission.”
For more information about the collaboration or to learn more about Wild Country and Access Fund, please visit Wildcountry.com or Accessfund.org.
About Access Fund
Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment. Access Fund represents more than 8 million climbers nationwide in its work to protect and conserve the land, fight for sustainable access, and build a community of inspired advocates. Access Fund staff has more than 100 years of public policy and advocacy experience and has permanently protected nearly 4 million acres of public land across the country and established climbers as a powerful voice in the fight to protect public lands. For more information, visit accessfund.org.
About Wild Country
Wild Country is the brandchild of UK-based climber Mark Vallace. It was set up to manufacture what has become the most famous piece of rock climbing gear of all time: the Friend. And from this iconic piece of gear, also the core value was born – friendship.
Wild Country offers climbers the greatest possible freedom in their vertical activities with its technical climbing products. Because passionate climbers around the world invest in their climbing projects, the brand in turn invests in its products to help the community feel safe and understood in every climbing situation. What drives Wild Country is the ambition, energy, and expertise of “pure climbing“ that is also reflected in the way their items are manufactured. For more information, visit Wildcountry.com.
