NEMO Hosts New Hampshire Outdoor Recreation Economy Roundtable with Congressman Pappas

[Dover, NH, July 26, 2023] — NEMO, the award-winning, independent designer of outdoor gear and accessories built to improve the adventure experience, hosted a New Hampshire Outdoor Recreation Economy Roundtable at its Dover, NH headquarters on Friday, July 21st with Congressman Pappas and key members connected to New Hampshire’s growing outdoor recreation economy. NEMO also announced a new collaboration with the University of New Hampshire, Granite Outdoor Alliance, and New Hampshire Office of Recreation Industry Development to sponsor an Outdoor Recreation Public Policy Fellow.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the outdoor recreation economy generates $862 billion annually, accounts for 1.9% of U.S. GDP, and creates 4.5 million American jobs. In 2021, outdoor recreation had a higher economic output than oil and gas, mining, or agriculture. In New Hampshire, outdoor recreation drives $2.7 billion in annual GDP, and supports 28,000 jobs.

“The outdoor industry is a vital economic engine in this country,” said Cam Brensinger, CEO and Founder of NEMO. “We wanted to host this roundtable to highlight the importance of outdoor recreation in New Hampshire.”

NEMO invited key players from the state for a tour of its headquarters, followed by a roundtable with Congressman Chris Pappas. Attendees included Janel Lawton, Director of the New Hampshire Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry Development; Tyler Ray, Founder and Outdoor Director of Granite Outdoor Alliance; Jayson Seaman, Chair of the University of New Hampshire Department of Recreation Management and Policy; Jada Lindblom, Community and Economic Development Field Specialist for UNH Cooperative Extension; and Jessyca Keeler, President of Ski NH.

During the roundtable, NEMO shared its priorities from the Outdoor Industry Association’s 2023 Policy Agenda, including:

  • Passing America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA), which invests in recreation and green infrastructure to enhance access to public lands
  • Establishing a Federal Office of Outdoor Recreation
  • Modernizing the Farm Bill to support outdoor recreation through updates to the Rural Development, Conservation, and Forestry Titles
  • Supporting the expansion of state-based outdoor equity funds to improve public lands access for all Americans

“NEMO has invested heavily in our own sustainability efforts, but we need to collaborate with our industry partners and elected officials to enact lasting change,” said Theresa McKenney, Director of Sustainability at NEMO.

“New Hampshire’s outdoor recreation industry is a critical part of our state’s economy, generating billions in revenue and employing tens of thousands of Granite Staters,” said Congressman Pappas. “I was pleased to be able to visit NEMO Equipment to learn more about their operation and join business leaders and stakeholders to discuss how we can continue supporting New Hampshire’s outdoor economy. I remain committed to protecting New Hampshire’s natural environment and bringing the voices of our small business community to Washington.”

Along with reviewing their priorities, NEMO also shared details of the newly founded New Hampshire Outdoor Recreation Public Policy Fellowship. The graduate student Fellow will provide policy project support to elevate the outdoor economy in New Hampshire.

“It’s challenging to navigate the outdoor economy’s changing policy landscape while simultaneously trying to bring actionable ideas to the local level,” said Shannon Rogers, UNH Cooperative Extension. “We’re thrilled to have this fellowship focused on policy and grateful for this partnership among the University, State, and a socially minded New Hampshire business.” Jayson Seaman from UNH added, “The fellowship will help expand our capacity for tracking emerging funding opportunities at the federal and regional levels, which is essential for making research-informed development decisions.”

“As New Hampshire’s statewide outdoor business alliance, it’s critical to have brands like NEMO champion a sustainable and responsible outdoor economy because it directly impacts our own backyard,” said Tyler Ray, Granite Outdoor Alliance. “We’re thrilled to work with NEMO, ORID, and UNH to support a public policy fellowship dedicated to navigating the economic, environmental, and social landscapes that shape the policies guiding New Hampshire’s outdoor industry. We hope the research will drive actionable steps toward a greater focus on outdoor recreation investments at the local and state level.”

NEMO will partially fund the Fellow with a match from the Carsey School of Public Policy. A Carsey graduate student has accepted the Fellowship position for the ’23-24 academic year.

About NEMO

NEMO is a New Hampshire-based outdoor gear company known for creating award-winning products that are built to last, comfortable, and fun to use. Named one of Outside Magazine’s and Business New Hampshire’s Best Places to Work, NEMO has also been recognized as a small business leader for the environment by New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility. NEMO’s reputation for design innovation across its product lines—tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp accessories, and furniture—is an outgrowth of its design philosophy to never bring anything to market that doesn’t offer a meaningfully better experience. NEMO’s team of designers and engineers are motivated by a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainability.

Adventure Anywhere. Adventure for Anyone. Adventure Forever™.

 

 

 

Primus Announces New Award-Winning Stove Systems Designed for the Most Demanding Expeditions

LOUISVILLE, Colo. (July 25, 2023) — Primus, the Swedish cooking equipment brand, announces the launch of its Ulti Stove System and Ulti Pots, which will be available in Spring 2024. The Ulti Stove Systems are the most wind-resistant and powerful cooking solutions Primus has made to-date and recently garnered an ISPO Award for “Innovative Outdoor Stove” at the OutDoor by ISPO 2023 trade show in Munich, Germany.

“We’ve been providing solutions to explorers for the past 130 years and are excited to launch a new collection of stoves and pots for the next generation of adventurers,” said Eric Svartström, research and development manager at Primus. “Expeditions go out far into the wilderness, in the wind, rain, snow and sand, that is why the Ulti Stove Systems are designed to withstand compromising conditions and are the best products available to expedition chefs worldwide.”

In the jury statement, the judges for the 2023 ISPO Awards had this to say about the Ulti Stove Systems: “In addition to its compact and robust construction, the innovative combustion technology is particularly noteworthy. Whether you’re a pro or just a regular outdoor enthusiast, the ease of use is a great relief for many outdoor activities. Also impressive is the perfectly coordinated system of stove and pot. An added bonus is that the set comes in two sizes.”

Ulti Stove Systems
Key Features:

  • Catalytic combustion and infrared radiation burner has no blue flame to be extinguished
  • Pressure regulator enhances efficiency and ensures consistent heat output
  • Remote canister hose system allows the fuel canister to be flipped upside down for use in colder weather
  • Disk burner with low center of gravity and sturdy legs can be used on a variety of ground cover and provides a stable cooking base
  • Hard-anodized aluminum pot and lid with pour spout has integrated heat exchanger and webbing handle
  • Sturdy handle folds over the lid to lock the stove system together in an impact protected package
  • The stove is designed and developed to be used with gloves on
  • Available in two sizes, Ulti Stove System 1-liter feeds 1-2 people, while the 1.8-liter version is best for 2-3 people. A larger 2.7-liter pot is also available, which is suitable for a slightly larger group or when melting snow is important

Key features:

  • Hard-anodized aluminum pot with pour spout has integrated heat exchanger
  • Sturdy handle folds over the lid to lock the stove system together in an impact protected package
  • Available in three sizes that nests together: 1-liter feeds 1-2 people, 1.7-liter feeds 2-3, while the 2.5-liter can feed 2-5 people

“We have combined our experience and knowledge of professional exploration and the power of community to create a range of unrivaled products in versatility, design, ergonomics, and durability,” said Manuel Dürmoser, head of product at Primus-Silva. “Made for real life outdoor conditions–whether it be cold as in the arctic, dry and dusty as in a desert, or wet and muddy as in jungles – we want to enable our users to focus on their goal, knowing that they can rely on the fact they will have a warm meal.”

For more information on the Ulti Stove System and Ulti Pots, please direct media inquiries to Ryan Silven, ryan.silven@rygr.us.

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About Primus: The Swedish company PRIMUS has been creating products promoting freedom of nature since 1892. Primus equipment has been tested on expeditions by such pioneers as Roald Amundsen and Sir Edmund Hillary. PRIMUS is known for reliable, safe and innovative products, that allow people to stay outside longer. With the focus on serving life outdoors, PRIMUS creates environmentally friendly, easy-to-use and lightweight products. Mainly made in Europe, sold in more than 60 countries worldwide.

About Primus-Silva Sweden AB: Founded in Sweden, Primus and Silva have been developing quality outdoor gear for multiple generations. Primus is known for designing and delivering stoves and gear for backcountry and outdoor kitchens everywhere. Silva provides products that make outdoor adventure safe and accessible with compasses, headlamps, running vests and accessories. Currently, Primus and Silva are focused on providing innovative, sustainably minded and performance orientated outdoor equipment for world class athletes and everyday adventurers. The Primus and Silva brands are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide. Primus-Silva Sweden AB is owned by Verdane. For more information, visit www.silvasweden.com and www.primus.us.

 

 

REI Co-op expands multiday travel offerings with return to Canada and new U.S. destinations; doubles paddling locations that offer guided day tours and rentals

SEATTLE – Leading outdoor experiences operator REI Co-op continues to expand its rentals, day tours and multiday adventures. The growth supports a multiyear strategy for its experiences business to help three million people get outside each year. The company today launched three Canadian Rockies trips for year-round adventure, as well as new destinations in the United States. REI’s paddling operations have doubled in location number and its day tours are expanding in the Bay Area.

“We are growing REI Experiences to enable everyone to connect with the best version of themselves through nature,” said Mark Seidl, divisional vice president of REI Experiences. “Whether someone joins us for an afternoon paddle in a metro area or on a backcountry camping trip under the stars, the benefits of time outside are undeniable. The best part is that we take care of all the details.”

Canadian Rockies adventures

Known for its jagged peaks, brilliant blue lakes and endless outdoor opportunities, the Canadian Rockies evoke a sense of wonder. On REI’s five-day Canadian Rockies Hiking and Camping trip, guests explore Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper – bucket-list destinations that boast some of the region’s most iconic hiking trails, lakes and glaciers. The trip includes an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure on the Kicking Horse River after a morning hike through an old-growth forest for a delicious break at a teahouse with jaw-dropping vistas.

For those who prefer to explore by two wheels (traditional or e-bike), a six-day Canadian Rockies Cycling – Banff to Jasper takes in the beauty of the Rockies, which are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The more than 200-mile journey explores the world-renowned Icefields Parkway. By day, riders conquer two mountain passes exceeding elevations of over 7,000 feet and the towering peaks and valleys of Banff and Jasper National Parks. At night, guests relax at charming mountain inns.

The arrival of winter in the Canadian Rockies transforms the fairytale setting. On the six-day Banff and Beyond Winter Adventure guests play in the spectacular winter paradise of Lake Louise and Banff, Kootenay, and Yoho National Parks. Based on trip conditions, REI guides will select the best activity, such as hiking through dramatic Johnston Canyon to frozen waterfalls or snowshoeing through high alpine wilderness.

Multiday adventure expansion in the U.S.

The adventure travel leader has added nearly 30 multiday itineraries this year, including new destinations of Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (backpacking) in Tennessee, Boundary Waters (canoeing) in Minnesota, CumberIand Island National Seashore (backpacking, kayaking) in Georgia, New River Gorge National Park (hiking, kayaking, rafting) in West Virginia, Sante Fe, New Mexico (hiking), and Tahoe National Forest in California (snowshoe).

Bryce National Park continues to be one of REI’s most sought-after destinations. This year, REI doubled the size of its Bryce National Park signature camp to meet growing customer demand. Guests enjoy camping at its finest through spacious tents and sleeping cots, delicious homemade meals, private bathrooms and showers, and other special touches. REI also added four trips to expand the company’s assortment to 13 itineraries in the park.

REI added a five-day Denali Cycling trip that rides the 135-mile Denali Highway through open tundra and endless views of rivers, peaks and glaciers. In addition, guests on the co-op’s Haines Multisport trip will bike, hike and paddle in the state’s adventure capital, including an overnight kayaking expedition to Chilkat Inlet or Chilkoot Lake (location determined on conditions).

Growth in day operations

REI continues to grow rentals and tour operations in metropolitan areas and tourist destinations. This summer, the co-op is helping people explore Chicago’s waterfront through its Ping Tom Boathouse in the historical Chinatown district through kayak rentals and day tours. The company also added paddling operations at National Harbor in Washington, D.C. for paddleboarding and kayaking on the Potomac River. These locations join REI’s boathouses in Bellevue, Washington at Enatai Beach Park and Meydenbauer Beach Park. Conveniently situated in a suburb community near Seattle, each offers rentals and day tours.

Later this year, bicycle and e-bike rentals and day tours will be available on San Francisco’s famed Fisherman’s Wharf, complementing its new Bay Area Adventure Center that opened last year in Richmond, California.

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 23 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 181 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.

 

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La Sportiva’s New No-Edge Climbing Shoe Line Defies Expectations

BOULDER, CO (July 24, 2023) – La Sportiva, makers of the world’s finest mountain gear, today announces its exclusive climbing footwear line for Spring 2024. The line is highlighted by the new No-Edge™ collection. With 20 years of proven success, this cutting-edge shoe technology offers climbers unparalleled intuitive performance, increased sensitivity, and superior durability. The No-Edge™ collection is composed of the brand-new Mandala and updated versions of the Futura, the Mantra, and the Genius. The brand is also releasing the TX4 Evo, an eco-friendly approach shoe designed to excel in demanding terrain.

“La Sportiva is always looking to push the boundaries of climbing footwear technology,” said Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America. “Our team is committed to delivering innovative solutions that empower climbers to reach new heights. The No-Edge climbing line signifies a new era in rock climbing, changing the way climbers interact with the rock and opening up a world of possibilities.”

Unlike traditional climbing shoes with sharp edges, the No-Edge™ models feature a sole that wraps around the shoe, following the foot’s natural contours. This innovative design eliminates the sharp angles found in traditional shoes, allowing for increased sensitivity and enhanced performance, particularly when standing on small holds. The soft No-Edge™ sole boasts a larger rubber surface area, facilitating increased contact with footholds and delivering a subtle sensitivity that can be the difference between a successful send and a gut-wrenching whip.

Despite their softness, La Sportiva’s No-Edge™ shoes provide exceptional support for climbers on small footholds, defying conventional expectations. Extensive research and development testing revealed that shoes using a No-Edge design lasted longer than traditional shoes. This durability not only prolongs the lifespan of the shoes but also reduces consumption and promotes sustainability.

The new Mandala embodies the evolution of the No-Edge™ family, facilitating the fluidity of natural climbing movement in a way only No-Edge™ can. A single reinforced strap and an ultra-sticky rubber-coated toe box offer security and confidence when performing footwork that involves advanced heel hooks and heel-toe cams. The Mandala’s unique design optimizes performance on complex routes while ensuring the toe box adapts perfectly to provide grip on the worst footholds imaginable. The Mandala has an MSRP of $209.

Over 20 years ago, in 1999, well ahead of its time, one of the lightest and most sensitive climbing shoes with No-Edge™ technology was developed – that shoe was the Mantra. Now, in 2024, the third iteration of the Mantra is being reintroduced with the latest technological advancements. The $169 Mantra is still one of the lightest and most sensitive shoes available. A deconstructed upper and an incredibly thin sole gives unparalleled feedback, allowing climbers to perform on highly technical routes.

The $219 Genius is a No-Edge™ shoe designed for climbers looking to push their limits on single-pitch climbs, where sensitivity and feedback are paramount to success. The shoe receives some notable updates for 2024. More structure is built into the upper of the new model, while a reinforced lacing harness offers increased durability and support.

The Futura is the most versatile climbing shoe in the No-Edge™ family. Designed and developed to make climbing more fun, the $199 Futura combines comfort and sensitivity with the ability to perform at a high level in indoor and outdoor settings. An updated heel allows for better heel hooking, while the patented Fast Lacing System™ guarantees that the foot and shoe are perfectly in sync.

Ideal for technical approaches and easy climbing routes, the new TX4 Evo is a highly capable approach shoe that offers all-day comfort. A Mythos lacing system ensures a precise fit, making it easy to adjust the shoe’s volume. An ergonomic padded tongue protects the foot when tightening the laces in technical terrain. The innovative patented resole platform allows for easy resoling by replacing the tread and compressed EVA platform. The TX4 Evo retails for $169.

The new collection will be available at select specialty retailers and at www.lasportivausa.com in the spring of 2024. Select samples for media will be available prior to the release of the line. Contact La Sportiva PR representative Sean Van Horn at sean.vanhorn@backbone.media for more information.

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With over 90 years of heritage, La Sportiva has unrivaled experience in building the world’s finest performance mountain footwear. Creating innovation through passion, La Sportiva now offers the most versatile technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking shoes on the market as well as ski mountaineering hardware and apparel. For more information on La Sportiva visit www.sportiva.com or visit their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/LaSportiva.   

 

 

The Conservation Alliance and Cross-Industry Coalition Launch Mobilizing for Monuments Initiative

July 24, 2023 – Today, The Conservation Alliance, along with a broad coalition of companies and outdoor industry partners, is proud to announce the launch of the Mobilizing for Monuments campaign. Business leaders are calling on the Biden Administration to permanently protect millions of acres of public lands by establishing new National Monuments across the United States.

With unprecedented pressure on our lands and waters from resource development and climate change, there has never been a more urgent time to conserve outdoor spaces for nature and people. National Monuments are a proven conservation tool, help protect public lands for all to enjoy, and support jobs and the economy.

Business leaders nationwide recognize the indispensable role that the outdoors play in our nation and economy. Public lands protections directly benefit our economy, sustaining and creating jobs, and generating sizable revenue at the national, state, and local levels. Outdoor recreation accounted for 1.8 percent of the U.S. GDP in 2021, accounting for $862B in annual gross economic output, and supporting 4.5M jobs.

“If you are a business leader wondering what concrete short-term steps you can take to help with climate change, provide equitable access to nature, and ensure that places like the Grand Canyon offer opportunities for adventure to future generations, join our growing community and be a part of the solution,” said Shoren Brown, Vice President of Public Affairs of The Conservation Alliance. “We invite business leaders from Maine to Alaska to join our ranks as we help conserve iconic American landscapes.”

Participating organizations and brands will use their respective strengths as retailers, manufacturers, or outdoor industry-based nonprofits to support existing locally-led campaigns for public land protections – and utilize their compelling, and often bipartisan voice as businesses to influence National Monument designation.

Currently Mobilizing for Monuments is supporting four campaigns for new or expanded National Monuments: Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument, the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Expansion, the Dolores River Canyon Country National Monument, and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion. Stay tuned for more announcements about the coalition’s work on these and other National Monument campaigns.

“Advocating for the protection of our nation’s public lands is an effort that requires a collective voice from the industry to ensure these landscapes receive the protection they deserve,” said Todd Spaletto, President, Public Lands. “By working together across the industry, we can ensure that the benefits of National Monuments to our climate, ecosystems and the outdoor recreation economy are permanently protected.”

“Mobilizing for Monuments is an exciting and important opportunity for business leaders to unite in support of America’s beautiful landscapes. These lands and waters represent significant recreational, cultural, and ecological value. Peak Design is proud to join other brands in advocating for their protection through National Monument designation,” said Annie Nyborg, Head of Environmental and Social Impact at Peak Design.

“Some of the most iconic landscapes in America have been protected as National Monuments,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance. “With growing demand for outdoor recreation opportunities and increasing pressure on our public lands, there has never been a better time for an administration to take action to conserve and honor our country’s natural resources. The outdoor recreation community, representing millions of Americans who get outside each year, and the outdoor business community, are coming together to advocate for strategic and meaningful National Monuments on our existing public lands and waters.”

As of the campaign launch on July 24, 2023, supporters include Outdoor Alliance, Outdoor Industry Association, Public Lands Fund, REI Co-op, Keen, The North Face, Patagonia, and Peak Design. The campaign is currently recruiting hundreds more to join.

 

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LEKI Celebrates 75th Anniversary

BUFFALO, NY (July 24, 2023) – Born in 1948 in the small village of Kirchheim Teck, Germany, LEKI is celebrating 75 years of innovation and family-owned history. From skiing to trekking to trail running, LEKI takes pride in making the best poles in the world for every adventure and has grown to be one of the most respected companies in the outdoor industry.

Karl Lenhart’s passion for improving the quality and design of ski poles back in the 50s era of heavy bamboo shafts with metal baskets has revolutionized the importance of lightweight durable poles we use for all outdoor adventures today. Some of his innovations are still used on LEKI poles to this day, and a variation of the first ever Makalu pole that Reinhold Messner stood on top of Everest with in 1978 is in the current trekking pole line.

To celebrate this very important anniversary, LEKI has created 75 Years of LEKI : A look back on the company history, the Lenhart family legacy, and 75 years of innovation and growth. A collection of 75 Years of Historical Photos also marks the occasion.

This year, 2023, marks another turning point in LEKI’s storied history with the introduction of the Hemp One Vario, the first ever trekking pole made of sustainable hemp as a replacement for aluminum and carbon. LEKI first introduced the Hemp One Vario at ISPO last month and won the ISPO Award 2023, quoting the ISPO Award Jury: “LEKI is embarking on an exciting new path with the Hemp One Vario. The consistent sustainable approach, incorporating regionally renewable raw materials, can be described as a flagship project. Such innovations enrich the outdoor market on its way towards a resource-efficient and more sustainable future.”

Today, LEKI’s mission is to make the best poles and gloves in the world for everybody. With more than 100 models of poles and 50 gloves in the annual collection, LEKI has come a long way since Karl Lenhart carved his first wooden letters in Kirchheim 75 years ago. LEKI will continue to thrive thanks in part to a ceaseless passion for excellence on one end and the most dedicated customers on the other.

About LEKI 

Founded in 1948, LEKI is the leading manufacturer of Skiing, Trekking and Trail Running poles and gloves that are German engineered and mostly produced in the company’s Czech Republic factory. This in conjunction with extensive research and independent testing make the best products featuring quality, value and technology. LEKI equips over 1,000 of the world’s best athletes and brand ambassadors in the disciplines of alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, trail running, ski mountaineering, mountain guiding and alpine climbing. Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, LEKI USA, Inc. is the sole distributor of LEKI brand products in the United States. For more information please visit LEKI | Buy poles and gloves online | LEKI.

SCARPA Becomes a Benefit Company on the Path to B Corp Certification

BOULDER, Colo. (July 24, 2023) – SCARPA, manufacturer of performance footwear for mountain sports, this month achieved Benefit Company status, a designation that identifies companies that, along with profit, pursue goals that have common benefit with the aim of generating value for the public and the planet. This legal status ensures the 85-year-old brand operates in a transparent, responsible and sustainable way, and with consideration for its impact on stakeholders.

Achieving Benefit Company status comes two years after the launch of SCARPA’s Green Manifesto, the brand’s guiding ethos around sustainability. It means that SCARPA has formalized its Green Manifesto into a plan through which progress is trackable, and moves the company one step closer to becoming a certified B Corporation. SCARPA will report annually on its work towards these goals.

“We at SCARPA have always tried to pay particular attention to respect for the environment, people, and the community. It couldn’t be any other way for a company like ours that is rooted in a passion for mountains and nature,” said Sandro Parisotto, Chairman of SCARPA and a member of the family that has owned the company since 1956. “We are aware that there is still a long way to go. This is a change that involves the company at every level, and the contribution that the public can make toward sustainability will also be incredibly valuable in helping us achieve our goals. This is the only way for us to climb the new, challenging peaks that lie ahead.”

The company has shown its commitment to this ethos through a series of actions with specific objectives, including:

  • Reducing the impact of production processes.
  • Creating products that are more durable and pollute less.
  • Studying circular alternatives for the end-of-life management of footwear.
  • Experimenting with totally recycled and certified materials.

It is committed to pursuing these goals without losing sight of its fundamental pillars of quality, performance, product durability and innovation.

Since 2020, SCARPA’s Italian headquarters has operated solely via certified renewable energy or energy from low-impact plant biomass and utilizes photovoltaic systems to further reduce emissions.

For more information on SCARPA officially becoming a Benefit Company, watch this video.

About SCARPA and SCARPA North America 

Founded in 1938, SCARPA builds performance footwear for climbing, hiking, skiing, mountaineering, trail running and other outdoor pursuits from its headquarters in Asolo, Italy. SCARPA has been owned and operated by the Parisotto family since 1956. In 2005, SCARPA opened its North American headquarters in Boulder, Colo., staffed and directed by veterans of the North American outdoor industry, to oversee sales, marketing and distribution in the U.S., Canada and South America. For more information about SCARPA footwear, visit www.scarpa.com.

 

PrimaLoft Expands Active Insulation Range with Growing Success of Active Evolve

LATHAM, N.Y. (July 20, 2023)PrimaLoft, Inc., a global leader in advanced material technology, is experiencing significant traction and enthusiasm for its Active Evolve insulation. This groundbreaking technology, known for its exceptional breathability, moisture management, and stretch capabilities, has garnered widespread attention and adoption within the outdoor and lifestyle apparel industry. In response to this growing momentum, PrimaLoft is expanding its product offerings by adding four new Active Evolve styles, reaffirming its commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers.

Originally launched in 2018, PrimaLoft Active Evolve is a line of insulating fabrics that is designed to evolve performance, design, and sustainability. Combining the lightweight warmth of insulation with the breathability of fabric, this technology is developed to perform in a wide range of activities, regardless of intensity or season. From pushing yourself during a cross country ski tour, to working up a sweat hiking to the next peak, PrimaLoft Active Evolve keeps you in your comfort zone – even when you’re pushing yourself out of it.

Several products in the Active Evolve line can be used as a next-to-skin fabric. This enables brands to forego liner fabrics, which means heat and moisture are more efficiently managed, breathability is supported, and user comfort is maintained. In addition to achieving optimal performance during aerobic activity, this yields a wider utility and year-round use, all while allowing brands to use less overall material when designing a garment, reducing footprint and waste.

PrimaLoft Active Evolve offers several advantages to designers. It enables them to utilize the full spectrum of color, incorporate unique patterns, and provides greater flexibility in fabric selection. Additionally, Active Evolve eliminates the need for quilting in the design process. Products within the Active Evolve line are made from up to 100% post-consumer recycled content, including three of the four new styles.

“This product series was designed to evolve with you,” states Tara Maurer-Mackay, senior vice president of product strategy at PrimaLoft. “PrimaLoft Active Evolve’s breathability provides a thermoregulating system that maintains comfort and elevates performance year-round for any activity.”

Last winter, Sitka showcased Active Evolve in their Ambient collection of technical hunting apparel. In developing its three Ambient jacket styles for hunters, including both men and women, Sitka designers were challenged with finding an insulation that was durable, packable, and most importantly, adaptable to changing weather conditions and levels of activity.

“SITKA’s Ambient collection featuring PrimaLoft Active Evolve is a product that functions very well across a range of pursuits,” says John Barklow, SITKA’s Senior Product Line Manager. “These pieces are highly breathable during aerobic activity and provide critical warmth once you have slowed your pace. The Ambient jacket and hoody are made to move with you and provide comfort across a variety of temperature ranges and activity levels.”

The endurance sports specialist LÖFFLER will integrate PrimaLoft® Active Evolve in their cross-country skiing collection this winter season. The Austrian brand is known for its high-quality clothing combining responsibility, quality, and innovation. As official clothing partner of the Austrian Nordic Ski Teams, their garments need to function on the highest level.

“PrimaLoft Active is particularly suitable for high-level sports clothing where versatile insulation is required,” said Stefan Gögele, head of product management at LÖFFLER. “This material offers the perfect combination of breathability, moisture transport and thermal performance. At the same time, it is wonderfully compressible and also sustainable using recycled content. This makes it an ideal partner for our cross-country skiing, biking, and ski touring jackets.”

With more than a dozen brand adoptions thus far, PrimaLoft Active Evolve’s adaptability for the user, range of use across activities, and seasonal timing, is quickly making this one of the most versatile products in the PrimaLoft portfolio. In addition to Sitka and Löffler, key partner brands for Fall/Winter 2023-2024 will include CP Company, Eddie Bauer, Endura, Martini Sportswear, OMM, Quiksilver, Ziener and more.

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About PrimaLoft 

PrimaLoft, Inc., an advanced material technology company based in Latham, New York, with offices in Xiamen, China, is the world leader in research and innovative development of comfort solutions with high performance insulations and fabrics. The PrimaLoft® brand, a registered trademark of PrimaLoft, Inc., delivers feel-good products that are used by more than 950 top global brands in outdoor and fashion, home furnishings, work wear, hunting and military applications. With its Relentlessly Responsible™ mission, PrimaLoft strives to balance innovation, performance & sustainability in a pursuit of a better future. PrimaLoft® insulation was originally developed for the U.S. army as a water-resistant, synthetic alternative to down. Today, the brand is recognized as a benchmark for providing unsurpassed comfort in any condition, while lessening its impact on the environment. PrimaLoft, Inc. is active in sustainable textile production through partnerships with the bluesign® system, the International OEKO-TEX® Association, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition’s Higg Index and the Global Recycled Standard. For more information, please visit stage.primaloft.com, and follow PrimaLoft on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.