Archives: Press Releases

CHARLOTTE, N.C. and CARRBORO, N.C. (Oct. 26, 2023) — Fleet Feet announced today that it has acquired Charlotte-based run specialty store The Ultra Running Company (URC) from industry veteran and friend Nathan Leehman. Located at 1027 Providence Road, the newly-minted Fleet Feet Charlotte–Myers Park will continue URC’s legacy by serving runners and walkers with expert advice, education and training.

Hickory, N.C., native Brett Albers, will serve as operating partner of the new Fleet Feet. Albers and his family have called Charlotte home since 2019, and Albers currently leads the teams at Fleet Feet Charlotte–Waverly Walk and Fleet Feet Fort Mill.

“Over the past decade, under Nathan’s leadership, URC has become a home for running enthusiasts in and around Charlotte,” said Albers. “Nathan’s phenomenal dedication and passion for running and serving the running community has been nothing short of inspiring, and we’re honored he’s chosen to hand the baton to Fleet Feet.”

Leehman first opened URC in 2013. It has since become a running destination in Charlotte, earning a spot as one of the Top 50 Running Stores in the country. Several URC employees will become Fleet Feet employees, and continue sharing their expertise and passion for the sport with customers.

“I’ve had an amazing ‘run’ at the Ultra Running Company, and when it became time to think about what was next for the store and community, Fleet Feet was the obvious answer,” said Leehman. “I’ve been impressed with their constant support of and engagement with Charlotte runners. Their combination of excitement, access to a huge array of products, and genuine interest in the needs of our customers and friends, makes them a perfect partner to take over the store.”

Fleet Feet Charlotte–Myers Park will operate with the brand’s exclusive outfitting experience, fit id®, which includes pressure plates and 3D foot scanning technology that allows the brand to accurately assess the size and shape of customers’ feet and how each foot moves through the gait cycle. This personalized, expert-led approach allows outfitters to offer the right fitting footwear and accessories for each customer.

For more than 47 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge and empowerment. Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.

Visit the Fleet Feet Charlotte website to learn more about the store, run training programs and community activities.

###

About Fleet Feet

Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 260 locations in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter List, and Inc.’s Best in Business List and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

 

 

Bainbridge Island, WA – October 25, 2023 – Ignik, a leading innovator in outdoor heating products, proudly announces its newest release, Flipside Heated Bed Cover, was selected as a special mention in TIME’s Best Inventions of 2023. Flipside launched this fall and presents an inventive solution to staying warm while sleeping outside in cold weather. Ignik was honored for the highly efficient battery-powered heat product, their latest offering designed to solve problems when it comes to producing sustainable outdoor heat.

TIME’s Best Inventions issue highlights the most impactful new products and ideas that are changing how we live, work, play, and think about what’s possible. For more than two decades, TIME has put out this highly acclaimed annual list of 200 groundbreaking inventions and 50 special mention inventions. Each submission is evaluated by TIME’s editors and certain key factors, including originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact are taken into consideration. Ignik’s Flipside Heated Bed Cover was selected as one of the 50 special mentions.

“We are so proud that Flipside is being recognized as a game-changer in outdoor heating,” says Ignik’s VP of Brand & Product, Peter Pontano. “By adding highly customizable and safe full-body active heating to a camp sleep setup, this product truly reinvents how outdoor people stay warm.  If there was any product that lived up to our mission of helping people stay outdoors longer, this is it, all while letting users make the most of the gear they already have, which keeps true to our motto of more heat with less waste.”

The Flipside Heated Bed Cover is a luxurious sleep accessory that works as an additional layer to an outdoor sleep system. Featuring advanced safety features both in the heating elements and controller, it’s equipped with a full body heat element that puts out up to 48W of heat for 10 hours from the bottom up. This creates efficient and safe warmth, keeping users comfortable sleeping in temperatures below zero when combined with insulating gear. Flipside is able to provide this level of warmth by taking advantage of the large capacities and high amperage available from modern 12V portable batteries commonly used among outdoor enthusiasts and car campers.

Flipside Heated Bed Cover (MRSP: $149.99) is available at ignik.com, REI, Amazon, and other select retailers. To learn more, visit Ignik.com or contact Stacy Kline at stacy@darbycommunications.com.

###

About Ignik

Ignik was born out of some epic gear failures. Hand warmers that didn’t warm in the Arctic and disposable green propane bottles that are neither disposable nor actually “green.” Ignik, meaning fire or lover of fire, is about solving problems, be it around the campfire or making family comfortable in the cold. By creating environmentally thoughtful outdoor heating products that actually work, Ignik helps more people get outside sooner and stay outside longer. Made by outdoor people for outdoor people, each product we produce is more sustainable than what it replaces. Ignik is a proud member of 1% For The Planet. For more information, visit Ignik.com.

Portland, Ore., (Oct. 25, 2023) – Vimazi, developer of the first ever pace-tuned running shoes, announces today the release of their pace-tuned trail running collection. These new trail running shoes will continue Vimazi’s mission to provide runners with footwear engineered for their specific pace, promising to maximize cushioning and overall running efficiency while increasing stability during push off​.

The Trail Z2 ( 8:00-12:00 min/mi) and Trail Z3 (10:00-16:00 min/m) feature an aggressive tread, external rear stabilizer, stump-ready toe protection and built-in forefoot control during push-off. With a pace-tuned midsole the trail shoes deliver optimized cushioning, max propulsion efficiency, and better torsional stability on the trails. Both models have a wide toe box, molded foam heel counters, rocker design, lively pace-tuned feel and breathable upper. The trail shoes come in men’s and women’s versions and will retail for $170 MSRP.

The launch of the pace-tuned trail running shoes represents a breakthrough in the footwear industry, building on Vimazi’s pioneering approach to running shoe design. Instead of one-shoe-fits-all-paces, each Vimazi model is designed and scientifically engineered with a specific pace zone in mind. This ensures each runner receives a personalized and optimized level of cushioning, efficiency, and stability. The Vimazi trail shoes will provide the same pace-tuned benefits, ensuring trail runners can enjoy a shoe engineered for their personal pace​.

Vimazi’s founders, Scott Tucker and John Zilly, have a rich history in the running and footwear industries. Tucker, who has completed all six world marathon majors, was a trailblazer in trail running shoes during his tenure as president of Montrail and has created numerous running shoes for Scott Sports and PEARL iZUMi.  Zilly, author of 12 guidebooks and founder of Adventure Press and Milepost59, has also competed in the USATF 50 Mile Trail Championships twice. Their combined experiences have culminated in the creation of Vimazi and its unique approach to running shoes​​.

“Our mission at Vimazi is to help runners unlock their full potential by providing them with shoes that are specifically designed for their pace,” said Scott Tucker. “We are excited to extend our pace-tuned technology to trail running shoes, providing trail runners with the same benefits enjoyed by road runners.”

The new pace-tuned trail running shoes have already received positive early reviews, with testimonials praising the innovative design, fit, and feel of the shoes. Trail Runner Magazine editors expressed their admiration for the fit, feel, and ride of Vimazi’s shoes, while other runners have described Vimazi’s footwear as “the best shoes I’ve ever worn”​.

Vimazi pace-tuned trail running shoes are available now online and at specialty run stores across the US. More information can be found on Vimazi’s website vimazi.com. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Vimazi

Founded by footwear industry veterans and life-long marathoners, Vimazi pace-tuned running shoes are engineered to reduce shock and increase energy efficiency because they react to the forces you create at your pace. The patented FastPod technology is backed by physics. For additional information, please visit vimazi.com or email faster@vimazi.com.

###

 

 

 

Boulder, Colo. (October 25, 2023) – Krimson Klover, the outdoor and lifestyle brand powered by women, welcomes Jessica and Adam Guile of Phenix Project LLC as the new Midwest-Great Lakes territory sales representatives.

Located in Minneapolis, the Phenix Project LLC will oversee the Midwest-Great Lakes region, encompassing the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Upper Michigan and Michigan’s Peninsula. With a wealth of experience exceeding 20 years in the outdoor and winter sports industries, this agency boasts a profound understanding and a genuine passion for the outdoor and winter sports cultures. This fervent dedication is seamlessly translated into positive sales, strong relationships, and sustainable growth within the industry.

“Bringing new teammates into the Krimson Klover family is always a pivotal moment for us, and it is exciting to see our brand really blossoming across the nation,” said Kate Saunders, President of Krimson Klover. “Jessica and Adam bring a breadth of experience in the outdoor and winter sports industries and their intimate knowledge of the region, we believe they will play an essential role in our continued success and will elevate our presence in the Midwest.”

“I’m honored to be part of the Krimson Klover family and excited to embark on this new adventure,” said Jessica Guile, owner of Phenix Project LLC agency. “My colleagues at Phenix Project and myself are looking forward to harnessing our experience and passion to drive success, connecting with our community and showcasing the exceptional Krimson Klover products that we’re proud to represent.”

Retailers who are interested in reaching Jessica Guile may find her on LinkedIn.

For more on Krimson Klover please visit krimsonklover.com and sign up for the newsletter or follow along on social media on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

About Krimson Klover
Krimson Klover was founded in 2009 and brings performance, comfort and style to your everyday adventures. Krimson Klover creates playful, mountain-inspired apparel using low impact fabrics and responsible sourcing with a commitment to elevating women. Krimson Klover is an outdoor & lifestyle brand powered by women passionate about living a life fueled by outdoor adventure, meaningful connection, and giving back. Krimson Klover doesn’t just design high-performance base layers, durable hiking shorts, stay-put swimsuits, or fun and flirty dresses. Krimson Klover designs clothing that empowers you to pursue your passions. https://krimsonklover.com/

Boulder, Colo. (Oct. 25, 2023) — In honor of Halloween, Boulder, Colo.-based Backpacker’s Pantry, a family-owned maker of gourmet adventure meals, is announcing several treats, no tricks, just in time for the season. These scream-worthy treats are perfect for all sorts of activities, especially hiding from a zombie apocalypse. Survival doesn’t have to be unsatisfying, curb all your cravings with a new Dessert Survival Kit, 15% off its Emergency Meal Kits from Oct. 28-31, and special deals for National Chocolate Day on Oct. 28.

NEW: DESSERT SURVIVAL KITS

The new Emergency Dessert Meal Kit is sure to keep any survivalist’s sweet tooth satisfied. This bundle includes all four of Backpacker’s Pantry’s freeze-dried dessert offerings – Crème Brûlée, Blueberry Peach Crisp, Dark Chocolate Cheesecake Mix, and Mango Sticky Rice. For those who can not survive without some dessert, the pack is available for $32.96. This collection of sweet treats is perfect for any dessert or zombie emergency, who knew survival tasted so good! And don’t forget about aliens! They have you covered with the new Astronaut Foods Outer Space Survival Meal Kit, too!

In addition to emergency desserts, the Emergency Meal Kit is the perfect addition for escaping hauntings and zombie apocalypse. The Emergency Meal Kits will be 15% off and they are available in meat, vegan, and vegetarian options, or create your own! For anyone looking to create their own adventure, there is also an option that allows you to build your own custom meal kit for three or seven days, and choose the meals you want to have included in your own personalized survival meal kit.

FREE CHOCOLATE for NATIONAL CHOCOLATE DAY!

In addition to staying clear of any zombies, Backpacker’s Pantry is celebrating National Chocolate Day on Oct. 28 by partnering with Tony’s Chocoloney. Any orders placed on Oct. 28 will include a free treat. Each order will receive a Tony’s Chocoloney chocolate bar, which is free while supplies last. In addition, Backpacker’s Pantry will be giving customers 20% off their Dark Chocolate Cheesecake Mix, offering even more treats this Halloween season.

Whether you’re outrunning the horde or just want to savor some sweet Halloween treats, Backpacker’s Pantry’s meals are a delicious and nutritious choice.

Don’t wait until the zombies are at your door – stock up now and be the hero of your very own apocalypse saga!

Backpacker’s Pantry’s freeze-dried meals have up to a 10-year shelf life and offer balanced, nutritious, and reliable sustenance to have available for those critical situations when conventional food sources are unavailable. Each meal is packaged in waterproof pouches, making them easy to store in an emergency kit, and are simple to prepare with just water. Additionally, the variety of meal offerings in each kit ensures that even in emergency situations, meal times can still be enjoyable.

These kits add to Backpacker’s Pantry’s lineup of best-selling single meal or 6-pack entrees, including Pad Thai, Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken, and Three Cheese Mac & Cheese. Desserts and breakfast are also available, in addition to freeze-dried ice cream sandwiches and fruit made by Backpacker’s Pantry’s sister company, Astronaut Foods. These products are all USA-made and Backpacker’s Pantry donates 1% of every sale, every day, to nonprofits around the world via 1% For The Planet.

For more information about Backpacker’s Pantry, please visit: backpackerspantry.com.

About Backpacker’s Pantry

Backpacker’s Pantry is a Boulder-based, family-owned producer of gourmet adventure meals made with healthy and sustainable ingredients. Since 1951, the company has been delivering high-quality freeze-dried meals with an emphasis on taste. To give back to the community we love, the places we adventure and the planet we must protect, Backpacker’s Pantry donates 1% of every sale, every day to nonprofits around the world through 1% For the Planet and is 100% solar powered. Today, Backpacker’s Pantry is sold in over 2,000 stores in North America. For more information and a complete list of products, visit https://backpackerspantry.com.

About American Outdoor Products

American Outdoor Products (AOP) is a food manufacturer located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, CO.  Established in 1951, American Outdoor Products remains an independent, privately held, family-owned and operated company distributing products throughout the world. Inspired by a passion for unique cuisine and exciting adventures, the company produces Backpacker’s Pantry, adventure food for the outdoors; Astronaut Foods, out-of-this-world novelty treats; Chef Soraya grab-and-go plant-based meals; and Colorado Spice, all-natural and organic artisan spice blends. To learn more, visit: https://backpackerspantry.com

-###-

Washington DC, Oct 24 – Ocoopa, the pioneering brand in rechargeable hand warmers, is thrilled to announce its new membership in the Outdoor Industry Association. With a focus on sustainable with it’s carbon neutral production and battery recycle program, and uperior product performance, Ocoopa aims to make a positive impact in the outdoor community.

Rechargeable handwarmer : Leading with Innovation

Ocoopa hand warmers  are powered through lithium battery. The 5000mAH to 10,000mAh batteries in our hand warmers offer a power reserve multiple times that of an iPhone, this enable them to offer up to 15hours of heat to warm your palm.  In addition, our handwarmer also serve as power bank and support Apple’s fast charging protocal, it charges an Iphone 14 fullly for less than 40mins! Ocoopa rechargeable hand warmers making sure you get both warmth and power, fast.

Rechargeable Hand Warmer Battery: Safety and Durability

Ocoopa products boast a two-year warranty, made possible by our robust batteries that can endure up to 300 charging cycles, keeping you warm for 2-3 winters. All our products carry a UL Certificate, a beacon of safety and reliability. Look for the UL mark on electronics to ensure you’re choosing safe and reliable products for your family.

Ocoopa’s Commitment to Sustainability: Partnering with Call2Recycle

As battery sustainability is one of our core values, we have partnered with Call2Recycle for responsible battery disposal. When the performance of your hand warmer declines, we urge you to recycle it through our Call2Recycle partnership, details of which can be found in our user manual.

As new members of the Outdoor Industry Association, Ocoopa is committed to being a leader in enhancing the quality, safety, and sustainability of outdoor gear. Together, let’s make the great outdoors even greater.

 

Austin, Texas (Oct. 24, 2023) – ROKA, the renowned performance design brand that creates and manufactures performance prescription eyewear and sunglasses, and technical apparel for active and competitive athletes, is making waves in the training market with a powerful new Rogue Fitness collaboration and addition of five-top tier athletes to its roster. The brand welcomes Brooke Wells, Laura Horvath, Chandler Smith, and Noah Ohlsen in the training space, along with professional triathlete and Olympic runner Colleen Quigley. Both the strategic brand alliance with Rogue Fitness, the leading manufacturer of strength and conditioning equipment, and additions to the athlete team signal ROKA’s drive to push further into the training industry.

The collaboration between ROKA and Rogue Fitness will produce a limited-edition eyewear collection, complete with ROKA’s innovative and functional FloatFit™ technology. Engineered to feel weightless and meet the most rigorous movement standards from box jumps and kettlebell swings to handstand pushups, the collection will be available on the Rogue Fitness website starting October 26, 2023, as a lead-up to the Rogue Invitational in Round Rock, Texas.

Adding to the impressive ROKA athlete and ambassador team are five key athletes, chosen for their exceptional athleticism and dedication to inspiring other athletes to strive for greatness. ROKA welcomes the following new athletes:

• Brooke Wells: An elite CrossFit athlete and eight-time CrossFit Games contender.
• Laura Horvath: The 2023 CrossFit Games Champion, “Fittest Woman on Earth.”
• Chandler Smith: A former Army Veteran and four-time CrossFit Games competitor.
• Noah Ohlsen: A legend in the world of CrossFit and a ten-time CrossFit Games competitor.
• Colleen Quigley: A professional athlete, Olympic Steeplechaser runner at the 2016 Summer Games, and is currently competing to qualify for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

ROKA’s product team will work closely with the new athletes to gather feedback, ensuring they continue leading the way in innovation, quality, and performance. Consumers worldwide will also gain access to exclusive insights, training tips, and gear recommendations from these experts.

“ROKA has always designed performance eyewear and gear to take on the toughest endurance challenge, and the training world is no exception,” said Rob Canales, CEO and Co-Founder of ROKA. “Partnering with these incredible athletes will further showcase the versatility of our eyewear for individuals of all levels.

For more information about the ROKA x Rogue Fitness collaboration or the upcoming Rogue Invitational, please visit www.roguefitness.com. To learn more about the ROKA athlete team, visit https://www.roka.com/pages/athletes or follow ROKA on Instagram and Facebook.

###

About ROKA

ROKA is on a mission to unlock human potential. Founded in 2013 in Austin, Texas, ROKA’s award-winning performance eyewear and technical apparel have supported athletes to dozens of world titles, including three Olympic gold medals, more than 30 World Championship titles, multiple Tour de France stage and overall team wins, and hundreds of other podium finishes. ROKA works with the world’s leading scientists, athletes and organizations to push the boundaries of performance design, bringing those innovations to all who move. ROKA products are available worldwide at roka.com and through select retailers. Follow ROKA on Instagram and Facebook.

 

 

Portland, OR – October 24,  2023  – Snow Peak, a Japanese camping brand with 65  years of history is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of the North American expansion of the brand’s Global Loyalty Program. The program has seen considerable success in Japan, contributing not only to significant customer engagement but also to the consistent growth in market share.

Kicking off in North America on October 24,  2023, members can earn points through purchases in-store and online. Eventually, members will accrue points through wholesale retailers and at experiential brand offerings such as Takibi in Portland, Oregon and the Snow Peak Campfield in Long Beach, Washington.

Points can be redeemed in-store and online for a number of perks, credit, exclusive products and more.

“As a brand, we believe in the power of camping. Our Loyalty Program is designed to reward product purchases as well as experiences outdoors with the intent of encouraging the outdoor journey and participation in the community.” said Noah Reis, vice president and chief operations officer at Snow Peak USA. “We know that time in the outdoors transcends nationalities and ethnicities, and by linking up with the Global Loyalty Program our aspiration is to connect Snow Peak communities around the world. This launch is only a starting point for our loyalty program. We are excited to grow, as we deepen our relationships with customers; supporting and enabling them to go camping and experience the healing power of nature.”

Within the Global Loyalty Program, customers will be assigned a tier based on their Life Value Points accrual, similar to that of airlines loyalty programs. Life Value Points cannot be redeemed, but will determine the member’s tier: bronze, silver, gold, platinum, black or sapphire.

Snow Peak Points are granted based on the purchase amount and the customer’s membership tier, similarly to “miles” accrued with an airlines loyalty program. Customers can redeem the Snow Peak Points as 100 points = $1. Snow Peak Points will expire on the day 365 days pass from the last purchase day of each customer.​

In addition to loyalty points, membership includes extensive benefits including but not limited to VIP customer service, early sale access, free domestic shipping, exclusive annual gifts, product engraving, etc.

View Snow Peak USA Global Loyalty Program details here: www.snowpeak.com/pages/loyalty.

About Snow Peak        

Founded in Japan in 1958, Snow Peak is a camping brand serving customers in the USA for more than 20 years, with a mission to unite people and alleviate the stresses of modern life through time gathering outside. Its Japanese-designed, lifetime-guaranteed camping equipment serves as a catalyst for restorative experiences in nature. Focused on bringing people together, Snow Peak operates immersive retail locations in Portland and Brooklyn, as well as a Portland restaurant, Takibi, a PNW izakaya that brings to life the brand’s belief that time spent sharing food and drink by the fire is the best way to connect with one another. Snowpeak.com