OSLO (Oct. 6, 2026) — Norrøna, the Norwegian outdoor brand regarded for its sustainably built, premium outerwear, is bringing its own film tour to North America later this October. On October 29, the Norrøna stores in New York City, Boston and Boulder, Colorado will each host an evening premiere of three new ski films. Shot across some of Norway’s most remote terrain, the films range from a roadless fjord village to the islands of the Arctic Ocean, and they celebrate the people who live for winter.

“Norrøna’s story began in the winter and these films capture the spirit that has guided the brand for nearly a century,” says Jørgen Jørgensen, CEO and fourth-generation owner of Norrøna. “We’re excited to bring these films to our North American consumers and invite the larger community to experience the landscapes, the athletes and the sense of adventure that define our brand. It’s a chance to come together before the season starts and share what keeps us chasing winter, year after year.”

In “Trandal,” Norrøna ambassador and professional snowboarder Emil Leenderts gathers a crew of close friends and heads into Norway’s Hjørundfjord. There, a tiny village with no road in or out sits beneath mountains that emerge straight from the sea. The film follows their search for steep lines and deep snow, and it’s a celebration of friendship, freedom and the possibilities waiting beyond the map.

Fien van Zwieten grew up skiing in Norway’s Sunnmøre region and traded ski racing for freeskiing, a move that has made her one of the sport’s most original voices. In “A Derailed Human Dream,” the Norrøna ambassador explores what it’s like to live and ski with ADHD, pairing that story with some of her most creative skiing yet. It’s a raw, beautifully filmed reminder that seeing the world differently can be a strength.

Rounding out the program is “VARG,” which documents the first winter expedition aboard Norrøna’s restored expedition sailing yacht. In February 2026, a team of elite skiers and snowboarders sailed the Arctic Ocean to a group of remote Norwegian islands that few people have ever explored in winter. The trip unlocked first descents in terrain that can’t be reached any other way but boat. Beyond the film, the expedition is an adventure audiences can experience for themselves through [Norrøna Adventure / booking details].

Each premiere begins at 7 p.m. local time and includes light refreshments. Guests can register for the New York City, Boston and Boulder, Colorado premieres through their respective event pages. For questions or media inquiries, please contact corinne.baud@rygr.us.

About Norrøna: In 1929, Jørgen Jørgensen, a Norwegian outdoor enthusiast, began his search for durable outdoor equipment to perform in Norway´s harsh and rugged land. Starting with simple innovations such as leather straps, canvas backpacks and cotton clothing, he set Norrøna’s direction: To search for the best in technical advancements and to create the ultimate performance products. Today, four generations later, Norrøna is still a family-owned and run company and a leader in the growing market of sustainable sportswear. www.norrona.com

BERKELEY, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2026) – Born in Yosemite’s Camp 4 and built on a love for wild places, the Royal Robbins brand once again returned to its roots this fall for Facelift 2026, the park’s largest annual volunteer event dedicated to restoration and conservation. Through its support of Facelift, held Sept. 23–27, 2026, the brand joined over 1,700 volunteers in preserving Yosemite’s natural beauty and protecting it for future generations.

As a longstanding advocate for environmental conservation and outdoor adventure, Royal Robbins is honored to support an event that resonates deeply with the brand’s dedication to sustainability and roots in the climbing community.

Founded by climbers Liz and Royal Robbins, the brand’s true home has been in Yosemite National Park since its inception in 1968. Partnering with the Yosemite Climbing Association (YCA) underscores the brand’s commitment to preserving the wilderness areas that inspire the outdoor community and to foster basecamp adventures around the world.

“Our brand’s mission is to help people feed their soul through nature and adventure,” said Erik Burbank, brand president at Royal Robbins. “Yosemite is where it all started for us, and millions of people come here each year for adventure, inspiration and to soak in its beauty. Yosemite—and our public lands—need our support,  perhaps more now than ever before.  We’re honored to partner with YCA and be a part of the amazing community that comes together at Facelift.”

A key activation from Royal Robbins at this year’s Facelift was the Royal Robbins Hangboard Challenge. For this challenge, participants tested their grip endurance by hanging on a board with climbing holds, and for every second they stayed on, Royal Robbins donated one dollar to the Yosemite Climbing Association. The brand also brought its hangboard challenge to recent events, including: PCT Days, YCA’s inaugural Storyteller Film Festival, and several industry trade shows — all as part of a wider campaign to engage consumers, retailers, and journalists, and drive donations to support YCA. Royal Robbins is proud to have donated $30,000 to Yosemite Climbing Association this year as a result of its 2026 hangboard activations.

This year, the brand sent 21  team members to Yosemite National Park for Facelift to join forces with other brands, climbers, outdoor enthusiasts and California residents in a collective effort to clean up and restore the park. Over five days, volunteers participated in park-wide clean-ups, special projects and engaging evening programs, all while working toward the event’s goal of zero waste remaining in the park. This year’s event saw impressive results, with over 1,700  volunteers contributing nearly 15,000  hours of service and collecting over 10,000 pounds of trash.

“Royal Robbins has been with YCA and Facelift from the start,” said Ken Yager, founder of YCA. “They’re an incredible partner and an important part of our success. We appreciate their commitment to Facelift and love the energy and excitement they bring to this event.”

Earlier this year, Royal Robbins was also a partner for YCA’s inaugural Storyteller Film Festival, which took place June 25–28, 2026. Royal Robbins supported the screening of “Frost: The Story Of A Lifetime,” a historical documentary about American climbing legend Tom Frost, directed by Tom Seawell, which included never-before-seen footage of Royal Robbins himself.

YCA was founded in 2003, and the Royal Robbins brand has supported their dedication to preserving Yosemite’s rich climbing history, fostering a strong community of stewardship, and advocating for sustainable climbing practices. Today, brand co-founder Liz Robbins continues this legacy by serving on the organization’s board of directors.

For more information about Royal Robbins, please visit royalrobbins.com.

About Royal Robbins® 

Founded in 1968 by world-renowned climbers and adventurers Royal and Liz Robbins, Royal Robbins is a leading designer, manufacturer, and retailer of versatile, durable, and stylish apparel for the next generation of adventurers. The brand maintains a commitment to environmental and social responsibility by prioritizing natural fibers and maintaining carbon neutrality in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Royal Robbins gear can be found in outdoor and specialty retail partners throughout the world. We believe nature and adventure are good for the soul.

To learn more, please visit royalrobbins.com.

September 30, 2026 – Backbone Media, a marketing agency specializing in outdoor and active lifestyle brands, today announces a new partnership with Milky Way Park (MWP), parent company of Alpenglow Expeditions and Thomson Bike Tours. Backbone will lead an integrated marketing program including paid media, public relations, and influencer marketing across both brands.

Backbone’s specialty in the outdoor and active lifestyle space positions the agency to connect both brands with the adventurers, athletes, and travelers at the center of their communities. The partnership will focus on building awareness, deepening engagement, and driving measurable growth across the full range of each brand’s offerings, from accessible entry points to bucket-list expeditions. The new engagement brings both brands under a single, coordinated marketing approach while preserving the distinct identity, audience, and heritage that define each one.

“We’ve spent 30 years working alongside brands the outdoor world genuinely looks up to. The ones that earn their reputation inside the communities they serve. Alpenglow is that brand for the alpine and climbing world: AMGA-accredited, guide-led, the name serious climbers trust. Thomson is that for cycling travel, guiding enthusiasts across the great passes of Europe and into the culture of the sport at its highest level, with the hospitality and depth that turns a ride into something you talk about for years. These aren’t brands chasing adventure tourism. They’re the ones the community trusts,” said Greg Williams, President at Backbone Media. “Partnering with both under one integrated strategy that still honors what makes each one distinct is exactly the kind of work we built this agency for.”

“We wanted a partner who understands sports and adventure as deeply as we do, and who could bring real care to both Alpenglow and Thomson,” said Matthew Lloyd-Thomas, Founder and CEO of Milky Way Park. “Alpenglow and Thomson are generational brands in mountain sports and cycling. Backbone knows these audiences and this industry, and we’re excited to work together to introduce more climbers, skiers and cyclists to our extraordinary experiences.”

To learn more about each brand and the adventures they offer, visit Alpenglow Expeditions at alpenglowexpeditions.com and Thomson Bike Tours at thomsonbiketours.com.

About Alpenglow Expeditions

Alpenglow Expeditions was founded in 2004 by Adrian Ballinger, an AMGA/IFMGA-certified mountain guide who has personally led more than 150 international expeditions and guided more than 100 climbers to the summits of 8,000-meter peaks. Ballinger continues to lead Alpenglow in innovative climbing techniques, premier logistics, experienced guides, and smaller, curated teams that deliver an inspiring, powerful experience for every client, from Via Ferrata routes above the company’s Lake Tahoe home base to expeditions across the globe. Learn more at alpenglowexpeditions.com.

About Thomson Bike Tours

Founded in 2002 by Peter Thomson, a former professional racer who organized a trip for friends to watch the Tour de France and never stopped, Thomson Bike Tours creates innovative and personalized cycling trips that are equally challenging and rewarding, pairing elite logistics and guiding with an unmatched commitment to the sport. Thomson offers cycling tours to the world’s most famous cycling destinations, including the Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites, Switzerland, Spain, Scotland, Croatia, Portugal and Colombia, and is the leading Official Tour Operator to the world’s greatest cycling event, the Tour de France. Learn more at thomsonbiketours.com.

Media Contact

Anna Sienko

Backbone Media

Anna.sienko@backbone.media

IRVINE, California, (September 29, 2026) — NESTOUT, known for its durable, portable power products, is introducing the Electric Heater PAD-1, its first heated pad, designed to provide a convenient source of warmth outdoors and on the go. Compact and powered by 60-watt USB-C Power Delivery, PAD-1 delivers reliable warmth for camping trips, tailgates, and outdoor activities. PAD-1 is available starting today on nestout.com, priced at $99.99.

Designed to pair with the NESTOUT 700N Power Station, or any USB-C Power Delivery source rated 60 watts or higher, PAD-1 provides warmth without the size or hassle of a traditional electric heater. Lightweight and easy to take along, PAD-1 can be used on a camp chair, tucked into a sleeping bag, placed inside a tent or brought along to a chilly game, tailgate or other outdoor activity. It gives users a simple way to stay warm and comfortable when temperatures drop.

“People spend a lot of time outdoors, and not all of it happens on a trail or at a campsite,” said Mick Miyamoto, CEO at NESTOUT. “We saw an opportunity to create a versatile source of personal warmth that fits into everyday life, from the sidelines and bleachers to the backyard and beyond. PAD-1 builds on the portability and durability NESTOUT customers already expect, while opening up new ways to use the power they already carry.”

Key features include:

• Real warmth for real cold: The 60-watt heating element gets warmer than competitor models, with about four times the heat output according to NESTOUT testing. PAD-1 runs in temperatures as low as 32°F (0°C).
• Long-lasting heat: In NESTOUT testing, PAD-1 ran up to twice as long as a conventional electric blanket and draws less power thanks to USB-C Power Delivery.
• Flexible heat settings: Low, Mid and High settings, plus BOOST mode, which runs at approximately 131°F (55°C) for up to 20 minutes for a fast warm-up. SLEEP mode runs for 7.5 hours, warming before bed, easing off during sleep and warming again before wake-up.
• Easy to take along: At about two pounds, PAD-1 rolls up for travel, with a pocket to store the controller and cable.
• Simple care, built-in protection: A soft fleece top, spark-resistant polycotton back and removable, hand-washable cover. Built-in safeguards against overcurrent, overvoltage and overheating.

PAD-1 joins NESTOUT’s growing lineup of products, including portable lanterns, fans, air pumps and solar panels, all designed to work with its batteries and power stations. With the addition of a heated pad, NESTOUT is giving customers another practical way to use its on-the-go power system throughout the year.

About NESTOUT

NESTOUT is a portable power brand built around one idea: the energy you use in nature can come from nature. Designed in Japan, NESTOUT makes modular gear that captures power from the sun, stores it in batteries built to survive water, dust, and drops, and puts it to work in lights, fans, pumps, and more. Built to keep up with everyday outdoor pursuits, NESTOUT keeps people powered wherever the day goes. Learn more at nestout.com or on Instagram and YouTube at @nestoutUSA.

San Diego, CA – September 28, 2026 – The Rock Fight Podcast, the outdoor industry’s favorite source for irreverent takes on the latest news and trends, is back with a vengeance. Starting Monday, September 28, The Rock Fight returns with new episodes twice a week, bringing back familiar voices, sharp candor, and the brutally honest perspectives listeners have come to expect.

The comeback coincides with the first day of Outdoor Media Summit, and the return episode wastes no time getting back to business. In “Trail Running Has Peaked & Who Really Has the Power in the Outdoor Industry?” host Colin True takes a look at five stories he believes the outdoor industry missed this year, peppering in plenty of opinions on trail running, REI, trade shows, and who really holds the power in specialty retail.

“Since I left, things went soft,” said True. “I went on a journey of self-discovery and came to the realization that the industry needs The Rock Fight more than ever.”

A lot has changed in the outdoor industry since The Rock Fight last hit the airwaves. In Colin’s view, though, too much of the conversation is still filtered through the same narrow lens. The Rock Fight is back to widen that lens, challenge conventional thinking and, naturally, make some noise along the way.

Listeners can expect hot takes, engaging conversations, Top 5s, outdoor drafts, and the show’s signature bluntness and humor, all for people who love going outside and those who make a living convincing others to do the same.

The Rock Fight returns with familiar voices while also introducing some new perspectives and opinions to the outdoor conversation.

The podcast’s return is made possible by some incredibly smart sponsors from across the outdoor industry:

• Darby Communications, award-winning PR agency for outdoor, hunt/fish, and endurance brands
• Lems Shoes, premier footwear brand known for its foot-shaped, zero-to-low-drop shoes designed to let feet move naturally
• Garage Grown Gear, beloved online retailer dedicated to supporting the growth of small and cottage brands that design all things ultralight backpacking
• ISPO, the flagship event of the global sports industry, a source of inspiration, a networking tool, and a guide for the start of the ordering season
• Berghaus, storied British outdoor brand with sixty years of technical innovation that is now entering the US market
• Aarn Packs, innovative pack brand designed in New Zealand to move with you and lighten your load

Together, the sponsors represent the brands, services, retailers, and events that help shape the outdoor industry and the conversations happening within it.

Follow The Rock Fight on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your pods. To learn more about The Rock Fight, visit rockfightllc.com.  For media inquiries, please contact stacy@darbycommunications.com and for sponsorship inquiries, reach out to colin@rockfightllc.com.

About The Rock Fight
Hosted by outdoor industry veteran Colin True, The Rock Fight is more than just another outdoor or adventure podcast; it’s a full-on rebellion for those inside and outside the outdoor industry. Catering to outdoorsy listeners tired of the same worn-out paths, The Rock Fight offers honest discussions that mirror candid banter after a long hike, by the river, or over a beer. Our podcast dissects the latest outdoor industry and adventure headlines and tackles topics often avoided by other media, from pop culture and gear to unconventional debates. Join us as we challenge the conventional and bring fresh perspectives to the outdoor media landscape. Missing The Rock Fight is missing the evolution of outdoor media. Tune into the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (Sept. 25, 2026) — DRYOUT®, the advanced materials company behind Active Moisture-Removal Technology™, today announced its partnership with Blue Force Gear (BFG), a leader in lightweight load carriage and tactical equipment, marking DRYOUT’s first brand partnership in the defense industry.

The collaboration brings DRYOUT’s patented moisture-removal technology to tactical nylon, beginning with the DRYOUT 1L, an accessory engineered for use inside Blue Force Gear’s existing Night Vision Goggle (NVG) pouch. Designed to help protect sensitive optics and electronics from moisture encountered during transport, storage, and field use, the reusable insert requires no electricity or batteries to operate.

Tactical gear is routinely exposed to rain, humidity, condensation, sweat, temperature changes, and other sources of moisture. Night vision devices are frequently used in these same conditions, often becoming wet or accumulating moisture during operations before being placed back into storage or transport systems. DRYOUT is designed for exactly that challenge.

DRYOUT Active Moisture-Removal Technology™ creates a new category of gear protection built on a layered fabric design that pulls moisture away from gear, traps it, and releases it. For Blue Force Gear, that technology is engineered into the DRYOUT 1L, a dedicated insert designed to work inside BFG’s NVG pouch, where it pulls both visible and unseen moisture away from gear, helping reduce moisture-related risks, including corrosion, shorted circuits, and lens fogging.

“Blue Force Gear has spent more than two decades rethinking tactical equipment around the realities warfighters face in the field, which makes them an ideal first defense industry brand partner for DRYOUT,” said Romney Williams, CEO of DRYOUT. “Moisture is one of those realities. With DRYOUT, BFG can extend protection beyond the pouch itself to help remove moisture from the sensitive equipment carried inside. For high-value gear like night vision, that can mean better protection for both the equipment and the warfighter who depends on it.”

Night vision equipment presents a natural first application for the collaboration. NVGs combine sensitive optics, electronics, connectors, and other components in equipment expected to perform reliably across demanding environments. Moisture that remains on or around this equipment can contribute to fogging, corrosion, and electrical issues even after visible water is gone.

“We’re thrilled to partner with DRYOUT to bring a new layer of protection to warfighters who depend on their optics to perform in demanding environments,” said Ashley Burnsed, Founder and CEO of Blue Force Gear. “Our goal has always been to equip service members with gear and accessories they can trust. DRYOUT gives us an innovative way to help protect the mission-critical equipment carried inside that gear from one of the most persistent environmental threats — moisture.”

The DRYOUT 1L is reusable and designed for repeated field deployment. Once it has absorbed moisture, DRYOUT can be reset by releasing the trapped moisture using sunlight, direct heat, or forced airflow, depending on environmental conditions.

Additional details on the DRYOUT 1L and Blue Force Gear are available at BlueForceGear.com. Learn more about DRYOUT Active Moisture-Removal Technology™ at DRYOUT.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Verde Brand Communications | DRYOUT@verdepr.com | (970) 235-0268

About DRYOUT®

DRYOUT® pioneered Active Moisture-Removal Technology™, a new category of product protection. DRYOUT’s patented, reusable technology is designed to help recover electronics and valuable gear after exposure to water, humidity, or condensation — rather than simply keeping moisture out. DRYOUT partners with innovative brands and OEMs to design, develop, and produce their next-generation storage and carry products, such as cases, bags, and packs, engineered with DRYOUT technology. Trusted by leading brands, government agencies, and defense suppliers, DRYOUT is bringing Active Moisture-Removal Technology™ to consumer, commercial, and mission-critical applications. Learn more at DRYOUT.com.

About Blue Force Gear

Blue Force Gear, headquartered in Pooler, Georgia, has been advancing lightweight load carriage and tactical equipment for more than two decades. Through proprietary materials, patented technologies, and a commitment to superior design, BFG develops professional-grade equipment for military, law enforcement, and other users who depend on their gear in critical circumstances. Learn more at BlueForceGear.com.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Sept. 23, 2026) — With its November Connect outdoor retail buying show just six weeks away, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, is seeing strong ongoing attendance by retail buyers and brands, with over 270 exhibitors and more than 150 retailers in attendance between all aspects of the event.

Moreover, Discovery, a five-hour event on the front end of the show designed to help retailers explore opportunities to work with new brands, has more than doubled its size at the Fall/Winter Connect show, with 132 companies exhibiting.

The Fall/Winter Connect Show takes place Nov. 9-12, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo., with both the Grassroots retailer education day and Discovery on Sunday, Nov. 8. On the front end of the event, Discovery offers new and emerging brands the opportunity to show product highlights to specialty retailers, while the four-day Connect show focuses on line showings supporting established brand-retailer relationships.

With registration now largely complete, there are 160 retailers and nearly 400 retail buyers registered to attend the show, a slight uptick from the previous fall show. On the vendor side, 143 brands will attend Kansas City Connect during the primary part of the four-day show, also a slight increase.

In all, Connect will provide a forum for 10,275 appointments between retailers and brands, amounting to 8,325 hours of meetings. The Grassroots Outdoor Alliance team has tracked buyer engagement statistics since the organization began pre-scheduling all appointments for retailers and brands in 2016.

“We took an educated risk this Fall season with Discovery and moved that event to a larger space,” said Chelsea Flynn, Senior Director of Events for Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. “We knew the demand was there based on consistent Spring participation and, with the smaller space we had for previous Fall Discovery events, they sold out quickly. Our retailers want to interact with new or emerging brands each season, and we’re excited to report that 40 percent of the brands exhibiting at this fall’s Discovery are first timers.”

“As the national outdoor specialty buying show, Connect’s sturdy foundation and ear to the ground for what retailers want has allowed us to lean in on what the show does well — have the right brands on the show floor, allow for easy appointment requests and scheduling, and encourage brands to engage with retailers in fun and impactful ways,” Flynn said. “We look forward to bringing the outdoor specialty community together this fall for our last show in Kansas City.”

In 2027, the Connect Show will move from its current venues in Kansas City for Fall and Reno, Nev., for spring to new locations in Omaha, Neb., for fall and Oklahoma City, Okla., for spring.

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance will release more information on its upcoming retailer education component in coming weeks.

About Grassroots Outdoor Alliance

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is a retailer-owned network of 100+ independently owned outdoor retailers and 75+ vendor partners, working together for the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail. Through data collection and analysis, direct member support, specialty events and deep vendor partnerships, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is creating both a vision and roadmap for the long-term success of independent specialty retail. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance also operates Connect, a twice-annual legacy show experience that spans four days, offering an efficient and structured format for retailers to conduct pre-season line showings and business conversations.

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Seattle, Wash. — [September 23, 2026] — Nikwax, the global leader in PFAS-free waterproofing and aftercare solutions, is celebrating its upcoming 50th anniversary with the launch of a limited-edition commemorative tin of its iconic Waterproofing Wax for Leather. Inspired by the original tin first launched in 1977, the anniversary edition pays tribute to Nikwax’s pioneering history in environmentally responsible aftercare products.

The commemorative tin combines heritage-inspired packaging with a newly enhanced formulation that delivers even greater performance for retailers and consumers alike. Redeveloped using Nikwax’s latest technology, the updated Waterproofing Wax for Leather now provides 21% better water protection compared to competing products, while remaining completely PFAS-free.

Available for a limited time only, the recyclable anniversary tin celebrates Nikwax’s five decades of innovation and commitment to environmentally responsible outdoor care.

“I couldn’t be more excited for this nod to the first ever Nikwax product, “ said Heidi Allen, Nikwax North America’s VP Marketing. “This tin perfectly highlights our heritage of developing high-performance, environmentally conscious products that extend the life of outdoor gear.”

Designed for use on smooth leather footwear and gear, Waterproofing Wax for Leather continues to deliver the high-performance waterproofing and conditioning benefits trusted by outdoor consumers worldwide.

Key product benefits include:

• Adds durable water repellency while reviving breathability
• Conditions leather and maintains support
• Revitalizes worn or dried-out leather and helps prevent cracking
• Extends the lifespan of footwear and leather gear
• Easy to apply and works instantly
• Non-toxic and completely PFAS-free
• Supplied in a recyclable tin

The launch reinforces Nikwax’s long-standing commitment to combining high-performance outdoor care with environmentally responsible innovation, values that have defined the brand for five decades.

About Nikwax

Nikwax is the global leader in environmentally responsible aftercare and waterproofing solutions that extend the life and elevate the performance of outdoor footwear, clothing and equipment. Never using PFAS or aerosols and not testing on animals since its foundation in 1977.  Its product line is water-based and non-persistent, and all product bottles and lids are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic that can also be recycled. Nikwax has carbon balanced all of its operations since foundation in 1977 and became an employee-owned trust in 2022.