Archives: Press Releases

CHICAGO – June 12, 2025 – Opinel USA is thrilled to announce the launch of its National Parks Collection, a specialty capsule of its iconic No.08 stainless steel folding knife, featuring custom engraved artwork by three artists whose lives and work are deeply rooted in the landscapes they depict: Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon National Park and Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

The collection celebrates the intersection of creativity, craftsmanship, and conservation, with a portion of proceeds supporting Leave No Trace, the nonprofit dedicated to protecting the outdoors through science-based education and stewardship.

Isaac is an illustrator and graphic designer, born and raised near Yellowstone National Park. His work reflects a deep passion for the natural world, capturing its beauty through a distinctive, detailed artistic style. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes and wildlife around him, Isaac’s designs evoke a sense of connection to nature and the outdoors.

Summer is a fine artist and designer based in Flagstaff, AZ, specializing in oil paintings of landscapes. As a Grand Canyon river guide, she draws on her firsthand experience of the region to inspire her art—blending personal connection with visual storytelling to encourage others to engage with and protect the natural world.

Matt is a former advertising executive who led creative strategy in the sustainability space for over 17 years. In 2021, he founded Smoky Outfitters, a Knoxville, Tennessee-based company that celebrates U.S. destinations through art and goods. His work captures the spirit of the Great Smoky Mountains with a sense of nostalgia, exploration, and local pride.

“At Opinel, we believe that the aura of America’s national parks extends far beyond their borders—they are among the greatest treasures of the nation. In tribute to this enduring legacy, we celebrate the beauty of the outdoors through timeless craftsmanship, thoughtful design and a shared passion for nature. This collection is a reflection of our commitment to preserving and honoring the natural world through art, utility and conversation,” said Alex Delecroix, director of Opinel USA.

Opinel USA is proud to partner with Leave No Trace for this collection. A portion of each knife sale will go toward supporting the organization’s mission to ensure a sustainable future for the outdoors.

“We’re proud to partner with Opinel USA on this national park-inspired collection,” said Dana Watts, executive director at Leave No Trace. “It’s a powerful reminder of the iconic places we protect, and the simple actions each of us can take to help preserve them for future generations.”

Key Features

• Classic No.08 folding pocket knife design
• Artwork engraved on PEFC-certified 4.3-inch beechwood handle
• 3-inch stainless steel blade
• Lightweight: 1.6 ounces
• Made in France
• MSRP: $25.00

The Opinel National Parks Collection is available beginning June 12, 2025 at opinel-usa.com, select retail partners, and national park stores.

ABOUT OPINEL USA

Based in the French Alps, Opinel has been making pocket knives and kitchen tools in France since 1890. The brand launched its US subsidiary in 2016. To view the collection, visit www.opinel-usa.com or follow @opinelusa.

ABOUT LEAVE NO TRACE

Leave No Trace is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing Leave No Trace programs,

education, training and outreach in all 50 states and more than 100 countries around the globe. Utilizing the power of science, education for all, and stewardship to support and protect nature, Leave No Trace is on a mission to ensure a sustainable future for the outdoors and the planet. Learn more at: www.LNT.org.

 

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SEATTLE – Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op gathered its vendor community today to celebrate its Vendor Partner of the Year awards. The annual program recognizes brands that make significant contributions in product innovation and performance, progressive and efficient business practices, experiences with REI customers and staff, and doing the right thing for people and planet. Arc’teryx won the all-around Vendor Partner of the Year award. KEEN, Vuori, Gregory and Atomic were recognized as leaders in the categories of footwear, apparel, outdoor hardgoods, and action sports respectively.

“For over 30 years, our Vendor Partner of the Year awards have celebrated the co-op’s most valued brand partnerships that drive positive change. Out of more than a thousand brands carried in our stores and online, only 16 vendors make the final round – a remarkable achievement,” said Kristin Shane, REI’s chief merchandising officer. “Arc’teryx’s win for overall Vendor Partner of the Year is well-deserved. Across the co-op, we thank them for their shared vision and congratulate their recognition. As a true industry leader in both sustainability and innovation, they continue to set the pace with no signs of slowing down.”

REI 2025 Vendor Partner of the Year overall winner

Headquartered in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Arc’teryx was founded in 1989 on the idea that there is always a better way. This is Arc’teryx’s first time receiving REI’s overall Vendor Partner of the Year award, in addition to receiving the apparel divisional recognition in 2019 and 2024.

The brand consistently demonstrates its outdoor specialty retailing and partnership focus through product innovation and newness, best customer experience, collaboration and more. Arc’teryx also led the way to become the fastest growing brand for trail run apparel at REI. In addition, Arc’teryx is a leader in science aligned emissions reduction targets and ranks in the 90th percentile of overall sustainability efforts for REI’s Product Impact Standards.

REI Vendor Partner of the Year divisional awards

In addition to naming an overall Vendor Partner of the Year, REI also recognizes leaders across footwear, apparel, outdoor hardgoods, and action sports. For 2025, divisional awards went to:

• Footwear – KEEN: Family-owned and based in Portland, Oregon, KEEN has made consciously created hybrid footwear since 2003. As a long-time partner to the co-op, KEEN is the leading footwear brand. The values-led company prioritizes REI in its innovation and collaboration, delivering best-in-class execution across inventory, training, and sustainability. KEEN’s leadership in per- and polyfluoroalkyl elimination (PFAS) and sustainable outdoor footwear sets the bar for the industry. KEEN has set bold science aligned emissions reduction targets and ranks in the 95-100th percentile of overall sustainability efforts for REI’s Product Impact Standards. The brand was REI’s overall Vendor Partner of the Year in 2004.
• Apparel – Vuori: Based in San Diego County, Vuori has defined the athleisure category since 2015 through apparel inspired by the active coastal California lifestyle. Their modern designs and iconic DreamKnit™ fabric have become an industry benchmark. Vuori’s growth is fueled by a clear understanding of the customer who are trend-forward consumers who respond to fresh seasonal colors, continuous newness, and full head-to-toe outfitting that blends lifestyle and performance. Partnering with REI since its earliest days, their commitment goes beyond product. The brand collaborated closely to evolve REI’s in-store experience.
• Outdoor hardgoods – Gregory: Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Gregory is a global leader in expedition, backpacking, daypacks, lifestyle, travel, and camping gear. As one of the co-op’s most engaged partners, the brand emphasizes education with co-op’s retail employees across the country that results in industry leading customer service and love from REI’s members. Gregory also supports increasing youth participation in the outdoors through their partnership with Big City Mountaineers, an organization committed to connecting youth with nature to strengthen their emotional well-being and mental and physical health so that they may become better stewards of the planet. The iconic brand is holding themselves accountable to a higher sustainability standard by powering their facilities with renewable energy while also committing to substantial emissions reduction by 2030.
• Action sports – Atomic: With global headquarters in the heart of the Alps at Altenmarkt, Austria and a North American office in Ogden, Utah, Atomic is the largest ski manufacturer in the world. As a premier ski brand for more than 70 years, Atomic is regarded for its authenticity and innovation. Atomic bridges elite racing performance with North American freeride culture—an achievement few brands can claim. Its product line, especially the Bent series, has become an industry benchmark, reshaping the skier experience with accessible and aspirational designs. With a specialty-focused distribution model, the brand’s close collaboration with REI last year resulted in double-digit growth. Atomic boots are a top choice for REI fitters and their ski helmets and goggles offer standout safety and clarity features. As a leader in sustainability and industry collaboration, the company hosts the Ski Industry Climate Summit and publishes an annual Impact Report that includes their 2030 emissions reduction target.

REI will make a donation on behalf of each brand to the REI Cooperative Action Fund. The REI Cooperative Action is a community-driven nonprofit that supports nonprofits doing essential work to create a more equitable outdoors for everyone and research nature’s impact on health. Since its 2021 inception, the Fund has granted nearly $31 million.

REI Co-op Vendor Partner of the Year criteria

Established in 1993, REI’s Vendor Partner of the Year awards program honors brand partners that demonstrate remarkable philosophy and partnership with the co-op and that drive impact for the outdoor industry. Employees from stores, distribution and headquarters nominate vendors that represent the co-op’s four merchandising divisions – footwear and basics, apparel, outdoor hardgoods, and action sports.

Award criteria include inspiring people with innovative and sustainable product, delivering positive financials results, and seamlessly executing operational business practices, all while keeping REI’s customer for the future in mind, driving participation and frequency. All brands considered for recognition also play a key role in advancing key social and environmental best practices as outlined in REI’s Product Impact Standards.

Past recipients of the REI Vendor Partner of the Year Award include Arbor Collective (2018), Atlas Snowshoe (1999), Black Diamond Equipment (1994, 2006), Bell Sports (1997), Brooks (2012, 2016), CamelBak (2008), Cannondale (2019), Cascade Designs (2001), Columbia Sportswear (1998), Eagle Creek (2000, 2005), Eagle Nest Outfitters (2014), HOKA ONE ONE (2020) Keen Footwear (2004), Kühl (2013, 2015), NEMO Equipment (2017), On (2023), Osprey (2007, 2024), prAna (2003), Smith Optics (2002, 2009), Vasque (1995, 1996), Vibram (2010, 2011) and Yakima (1993).

About the REI Co-op
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 25 million members who expect and love the best quality gear and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.

June 10, 2025 – RecPak, the innovative outdoor nutrition company, today announced its partnership with Access Fund, the national advocacy organization dedicated to keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment. This collaboration unites two mission-driven organizations committed to supporting outdoor professionals and protecting the wild places that define the American outdoor experience.

The partnership represents a natural alignment between RecPak’s mission to fuel outdoor adventurers and professionals in challenging environments and Access Fund’s work to ensure sustainable access to climbing areas while protecting critical outdoor landscapes. Both organizations share a deep commitment to supporting the people who push boundaries in remote environments whether they’re search and rescue professionals, wildland firefighters, or climbing advocates working to preserve access to America’s iconic crags.

Access Fund’s Conservation Teams work across the country to rehabilitate popular climbing areas and build sustainable recreation infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact. These efforts require dedicated volunteers and professionals to spend extended periods in backcountry environments where reliable nutrition can be challenging to maintain.

“Access Fund’s volunteers and conservation teams often spend long days in remote areas building trails, restoring climbing areas, and ensuring these landscapes remain accessible for future generations,” said Deed Ziegler, founder and CEO of RecPak. “Having complete, convenient nutrition allows them to focus on the mission at hand – protecting the places that mean everything to our outdoor community.”

The partnership will support Access Fund’s conservation initiatives and volunteer programs, providing RecPak’s lightweight, complete meal solutions to fuel the organization’s stewardship efforts. RecPak’s 700-calorie instant meals, designed by top sports nutritionists specifically for demanding outdoor conditions, offer the perfect solution for conservation teams working in remote climbing areas where space, weight, and preparation time are at a premium.

“Access Fund understands that protecting these places isn’t just about preserving rock and trails,  it’s about safeguarding the experiences that transform people and build character,” added Ziegler. “When their teams are out there doing the hard work of conservation, they deserve nutrition that works as hard as they do. We’re honored to support the people who ensure these incredible landscapes remain accessible for climbers and outdoor professionals for generations to come.”

Access Fund members will receive exclusive access to RecPak products through special member pricing. The partnership also supports RecPak’s broader mission of giving back to the outdoor community, building on the company’s existing commitments as a member of 1% For The Planet and their ongoing support for conservation efforts and veteran outdoor organizations.

Founded in 1991, Access Fund represents over 2.3 million climbers nationwide and has secured protections for more than 4 million acres of public land across the country. The organization’s work spans from Washington D.C. policy advocacy to hands-on conservation projects in iconic climbing destinations across America.

About RecPak RecPak provides nutritionally complete instant meals designed for outdoor adventurers and professionals who can’t afford to compromise on performance. RecPak combines the nutrition of a meal with the convenience of a snack, delivering 700 calories of complete nutrition in a lightweight, durable pouch that requires only water. Trusted by mountaineers, search and rescue professionals, and outdoor athletes worldwide, RecPak is committed to fueling peak performance while supporting conservation efforts. Learn more at www.recpak.co.

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. Founded in 1991, Access Fund represents over 2.3 million climbers nationwide and works to keep climbing areas open while protecting the natural landscapes that make climbing possible. Learn more at www.accessfund.org.

 

 

CORTEZ, Colo. & RED LODGE, Mont. (June 10, 2025) — Osprey, a leader in high-performance technical packs, and Crazy Creek, a pioneer in portable outdoor seating, proudly announce the launch of their collaboration, the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0™ x Talon™ 33. Designed for those who move fast in the mountains and kick back just as hard at basecamp, this limited-edition pack-and-chair duo blends technical performance with camp-ready comfort — perfect for summits, mid-hike lunches, music festivals, and everything in between.

Featuring a matching colorway and exclusive co-branded design details, the Hex 2.0 chair and Talon 33 pack ($290) are crafted to deliver versatility. The duo enables adventurers to pack in (and pack out) all of the essentials — offering both functionality and a comfortable place for some on-the-go rest and recovery.

“We believe every adventurer should have gear that’s as adaptable as they are,” said Karson Bagby, Co-Owner of Crazy Creek. “This collab lets you move with purpose and rest with comfort.”

The Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 is compact, durable, rolls up for easy packing and unrolls into the best seat on the trail. This chair rolls up to just a 4-inch diameter for easy packability and portability. Ideal when space and weight are at a premium, it’s the perfect companion for day hikes, backpacking trips, festivals, or just about any on-the-go adventure. Built for comfort and durability, it features upgraded 8mm high-density cored closed-cell foam for better insulation without bulk, a tough PFAS-free

DWR-coated ripstop nylon shell, and carbon-reinforced stays. This Hex 2.0 has distinct Talon design elements and a matching special edition color of durable, bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled Talon main body fabric to help you hike and sit lightly.

“This collaboration is all about versatility,” said Vince Mazzuca, Director of Marketing at Osprey. “You can push hard to the peak with the Talon, and then kick back in the Hex 2.0.”

The Osprey Talon 33 is a lightweight technical pack designed for dynamic movement. It features Osprey’s signature AirScape™ suspension system for a breathable, close-to-body fit that moves with you, as well as a micro-adjustable sliding yoke for more accurate fine-tuning and fitting. From the Stow-on-the-Go™ trekking pole attachment to dual zippered hipbelt pockets, every detail is made for fast, technical pursuits. The Integrated BioStretch seams offer maximum flexibility without sacrificing stability while an adjustable sternum strap with safety whistle secures the assembly and enhances fit. Additionally, the harness system easily adjusts to accommodate various torso lengths. This pack is bluesign® approved and uses a DWR treatment made without PFAS.

For wherever your adventures take you, the Crazy Creek Hex 2.0 x Talon 33 has your back — and your seat.

Available now in limited quantities exclusively at osprey.com and crazycreek.com.

For more information about Crazy Creek and its range of outdoor seating, please visit crazycreek.com. To learn more about Osprey and its line of outdoor, travel, and everyday carry solutions, please visit osprey.com. For media inquiries, please contact Jenna Nabors, crazycreek@verdepr.com or TURNER PR at osprey@turnerpr.com.

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About Crazy Creek

Founded in 1987 in Red Lodge, Montana, Crazy Creek has been a pioneer in outdoor seating, known for its innovative, lightweight chairs. The brand’s mission to perfect “just sit there” comfort across any terrain has garnered trust worldwide among outdoor professionals and enthusiasts alike. Renowned for their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, Crazy Creek chairs have traveled from the backcountry of Northern Alaska to sunny backyards in Southern Florida. The product line includes a range of chairs crafted from the most durable fabrics, featuring carbon fiber stays and a custom stitching process, all backed by a lifetime warranty on Original & Hex 2.0 Chairs. In 2024, Crazy Creek introduced the AirCliner, its most compact and comfortable chair yet. For more information, visit crazycreek.com.

About Osprey Packs

Wherever you find adventure, Osprey Packs is with you. Since 1974, Osprey, a Helen of Troy Limited brand, has provided hikers, backpackers, bikers and everyday travelers with innovative and long-lasting carry solutions, each thoughtfully designed to reflect a passion for exploration and the outdoors.

Headquartered where the rugged foothills of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains meet the spectacular Southwest desert, Osprey’s surroundings provide the ultimate product testing ground, guaranteeing that all technical packs are up to any challenges users may encounter.

Tandem with Osprey’s pursuit of quality, their holistic approach to sustainability uses high quality recycled and bluesign APPROVED materials to lower their impact on the environment, promote a safe chemical process and care for the people in their supply chain.

To learn more about Osprey and its products, backed by their industry-leading All Mighty Guarantee, visit osprey.com. Osprey products can be found online at osprey.com and in specialty retailers in over 60 countries worldwide. Follow all brand updates on Instagram (@ospreypacks) and Facebook (@ospreypacks).