Archives: Press Releases

SALT LAKE CITY (July 18, 2023) – White Duck Outdoors, a leading provider of high-quality tents and outdoor accessories, is thrilled to announce the launch of two new tents, the Altimus Bell Tent and the Rover Scout Tent. Crafted with an innovative, performance-driven and sustainably sourced polycotton blend fabric, each model features designs sure to enhance camping experiences.

Both new tents are crafted with the brand’s new polyester-cotton blend canvas fabric that’s constructed from BCI-certified cotton and recycled ocean-bound plastics. This material is lighter than canvas but stronger and more breathable than polyester. It also improves resistance to mildew which allows users to leave tents up for longer periods of time. They’re finished with water-repellent, mold and UV-resistant treatments that are PFC-free to extend the life of the tents while providing dependable protection from the elements.

Each tent is designed with convenience, durability and comfort in mind and comes ready for use with poles, pre-attached reflective guy lines, a waterproof storage bag and a tool kit complete with stakes and a mallet.

“We set out to create a new fabric that would make tents lighter, more durable and more convenient for users to utilize on any outdoor adventure,” said Moez Faruqi, Head of Marketing at White Duck Outdoors. “Once we had the new fabric, we were able to get creative with the design concepts and footprints for these new tents. We’re very pleased with the result and happy to offer new models that are great for camping, hunting, glamping and much more.”

Altimus Bell Tent

The Altimus Bell Tent offers a spacious 14-foot diameter with a 9-foot center height and a generous 4-foot wall height to create a comfortable seven-person capacity. The door and seven walls can be rolled open to create 360 degrees of airflow for added comfort and panoramic views while sewn-in, high-quality bug mesh keeps insects away. Additionally, it’s a true four-season tent with a built-in stove jack and AC duct for year-round performance.

Offered with either a water-repellent ($1,130) or a fire-and-water-repellent ($1,300) treatment, the Altimus provides unparalleled protection against the elements with a biodegradable PE flooring, polypropylene UV-resistant reflective guy lines, a robust aluminum and steel frame, and waterproof nylon anti-wick zippers.

Rover Scout Tent

The Rover Scout Tent is a versatile and compact solution for adventurers seeking flexibility without compromising comfort. It features a lightweight two-pole frame design with a roomy 7-foot door and center height as well as full-wall windows for 360-degrees of airflow and uninterrupted nature views. To ensure maximum comfort, a high-quality bug mesh is sewn into each window and door to protect users from bugs and insects.

Available in two sizes, 8ft x 9ft ($750) and 8ft x 13ft ($830), the Rover provides long-lasting durability with double-stitched seams, top-grade zippers and a biodegradable polyethylene laminate floor.

For more information about White Duck Outdoors and its expanded product offerings, please visit www.whiteduckoutdoors.com

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About White Duck Outdoors

White Duck Outdoors is a renowned provider of high-quality outdoor gear, specializing in durable and innovative tents designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, White Duck Outdoors continues to deliver exceptional products that empower outdoor enthusiasts to connect with nature and create lifelong memories.

 

 

 

 

BOULDER, Colo. (July 18, 2023) — “We are deliberately taking the more difficult path, in order to generate the kind of leverage that lasts.” This is the message from Head of Material Christine Brein in the newly published Planet Report 2023 from German mountain apparel and hardgoods manufacturer, ORTOVOX. It its latest report, the brand announces it will forgo widely adopted recycled polyester derived from plastic bottles, instead investing in recycled textiles from 2024 forward. As part of its annual sustainability report, ORTOVOX also confirms that it has achieved carbon neutrality, sets new goals for further emissions reductions, and expands its wool growers’ trade group.

“Protecting what we love” is the motto for the ORTOVOX ProtACT 2024 sustainability strategy. Since 1980, the company has been protecting not only mountaineers, but the mountains, too. ORTOVOX uses its People Report each year to share the company’s commitment to better working conditions along the entire supply chain. The newly published Planet Report 2023 is also released annually and summarizes the environmental and climate protection measures taken by the company, providing transparency through insights into strategy, goals that have been reached, and future challenges.

“With the Planet Report 2023, we are providing a comprehensive overview of our various sustainability activities, including the challenges that we confront on a daily basis,” says Lisa Pfeiffer, corporate social responsibility manager at ORTOVOX. “We don’t want to hide behind labels and stickers, and instead are much more concerned with showing anyone who is interested just how complex and multifaceted the topic of sustainability is—and how exciting!”

Bottles Remain Bottles, Clothes Remain Clothes

ORTOVOX will no longer pursue its planned transition to recycled polyester (PET) due to some surprising insights gained into PET recycling. The company believes that this type of recycling is inherently flawed, as it creates imbalances in the apparel and container systems and disincentives the development of the clothing industry’s own strategies for circularity. The future focus at ORTOVOX will instead be on using alternative raw materials and recycled materials derived from the textile recycling loop. The aim is to gradually develop textile-to-textile recycling to create more balanced lifecycles.

“We are already actively involved in a number of working groups and projects that deal with textile-to-textile recycling in an intensive, progressive way and are making significant advances in this new field,” says Brien. “We will also be increasingly turning our attention to raw materials from renewable, bio-based sources. We are aware that from the outside looking in, the decision to move away from PET recycling will initially be met with surprise or even disapproval. Nevertheless, we want to take responsibility and be pioneers, reusing the products that we and the apparel industry put into circulation ourselves.”

Reducing Carbon Emissions Takes Priority

As of Summer 2023, ORTOVOX is 100-percent climate neutral, meaning the company offsets its remaining emissions with recognized climate projects. But it doesn’t end there. ORTOVOX’s goal is to reduce its remaining carbon emissions by 42 percent by 2030. In total, ORTOVOX’s current emissions across all locations and steps in its value-added chain total 20,946.96 tons of CO2, an amount equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of 1,309 average American citizens. The objective now is to establish carbon reduction goals and take measures to achieve them. The latest findings in climate science and the compatibility of the goals and measures with the Paris Agreement play a central role here.

New Farms in the ORTOVOX Wool Promise Group
The demand for wool is increasing, but the standards for quality and animal welfare remain just as high. With this philosophy in mind, six Tasmanian farms have been added to the ORTOVOX Wool Promise (OWP) group. This philosophy is characterized by a common understanding of animal welfare. The protection and conservation of the animals’ habitat are the number one priority for both the farms and ORTOVOX. Personal cooperation with the farms gives ORTOVOX’s partners long-term planning security. The OWP group also holds annual round tables that bring various parties together and provide a platform for exchange and discussion of the benefits of the 175,000 sheep in the network.

Stronger Together
What ways are there to increase sustainability? To answer this question, ORTOVOX’s observations were expanded to include an external dimension of 188 end customers, dealers, suppliers, journalists, and partner organizations. The results and insights inform the ongoing development of the ProtACT 2030 sustainability strategy as part of ORTOVOX’s multi-stakeholder approach and are anchored in the overarching company goals.

The complete ORTOVOX Planet Report 2023 can be accessed at HERE.

For more information, please contact Senior PR Account Manager Andrea Green at andrea.green@rygr.us.

About ORTOVOX: ORTOVOX is a four-season mountain brand headquartered in Germany known as an expert in avalanche rescue equipment and wool apparel designed specifically for ski touring, freeriding, mountaineering, alpine climbing and alpine touring. Since its founding in 1980, ORTOVOX has stood for a sophisticated approach to protection and comfort in the mountains, characterized by the responsible treatment of people and nature. As pioneers in avalanche rescue, ORTOVOX has played a key role in the development of emergency equipment and targeted training measures for mountain sports, with protection as the brand’s most important value. This protective ethos extends to include safe and fair working conditions for its employees, setting the highest standards of animal welfare on the brand’s Tasmanian merino farms and ensuring environmentally friendly manufacturing of its products. www.ortovox.com 

PORTLAND, Ore. (July 17, 2023) – Gerber Gear, an outdoor brand dedicated to crafting problem-solving tools, announces today the Assert folding knife. Designed and built in Portland at Gerber’s zero-waste facility, the Assert utilizes premium materials giving it the perfect blend of ruggedness and finesse.

With an easy-to-operate pivot lock and small footprint, this new knife from Gerber is not only right at home on the trail, but also comes equipped with premium materials that the discerning everyday carry enthusiast craves. Weighing in at just under two ounces, the Assert is light in hand and built with durable materials to stand up to the test of time.

Key features of the Assert:

• S30V plain edge Blade
• Ambidextrous pivot lock and clip
• Adjustable thumb stud
• Deep carry pocket clip
• Single-handed deployment
• Textured grip with honeycomb interior
• Overall length: 6.05”
• Closed length: 3.97”
• Blade length: 2.98”
• Overall weight: 1.87 oz

“The Assert is an outstanding example of the quality and craftsmanship of the products being built right here in our Portland factory,” said Keith Carrato, Vice President/GM of Gerber Gear. “Designed to be compact, comfortable in hand, and most of all easy to use, it is the perfect pocket-knife to carry on adventures this summer and beyond.”

The Assert will be able available in three stock colorways as well as a fully customizable offering available exclusively on gerbergear.com. Gerber Custom allows users to choose their colors, materials, and add lasermarks from a library of illustrations and patterns for an extra personal touch. The Assert and all Gerber Custom products are expertly manufactured and assembled by hand by Gerber’s most experienced craftsmen and women.

Like all Gerber products, the Assert is backed by the Gerber Guarantee, a limited lifetime warranty hailed as one of the best in the industry.

To learn more about the Assert, please visit www.gerbergear.com or connect with Gerber on Instagram and Facebook.

Please click the following link to download images of the Assert: https://inbackbonemedia.box.com/s/wgk1svws61jxf579x3crzztjw579uwpt

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About Gerber:

Gerber is a global outdoor brand founded in 1939 that builds knives, multi-tools, and problem-solving gear for wherever the pursuit may lead you. For over 80 years, Gerber knives and tools have been used by mountain climbers, trail hikers, backpackers, kayakers, and more. Gerber products are at home on a hunt in the middle of nowhere, and patio campsites right outside the home. All Gerber products are backed by the Gerber Guarantee, a limited lifetime warranty. For more information, please visit www.gerbergear.com.

 

 

 

 

Leadville, Colo., (July 17, 2022) – The Leadville Race Series Stages Cycling Tahoe Trail, owned and produced by Life Time (NYSE: LTH), took place this past Saturday at the world-class Northstar Resort. Straddling the borders of Nevada and California, the race brought more than 700 riders to the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains.

The Stages Cycling Tahoe Trail MTB offers two race distances – either one or two loops around a 50-kilometer course, with the 100k race challenging riders with 6,000+ feet of elevation gain. The course is made up of beautiful views of Lake Tahoe, rocky summits, and breathtaking pine forests, with fast, fun, and flowing trails. This challenging course begins with a ride through Northstar California Village and onto the ski area trails, featuring flowing singletrack, mountain Jeep roads, and finishes with exciting descents through the sculpted and bermed Northstar Bike Park. The course finishes at the Overlook area of Northstar Village with the Finish Festival, offering plenty of food, music, beverages from Best Day Brewing, and fun for the whole family.

“Northern California witnessed an incredible showcase of dedication and passion for mountain biking this weekend,” said Ryan Cross, Senior Marketing Manager, Life Time Events & Media. “Despite the scorching temperatures, our racers exhibited unwavering commitment and gave it their all in the majestic terrain of Tahoe. We’re thrilled to have witnessed such an amazing event and can’t wait until 2024!”

Women’s Stages Cycling Tahoe Trail 100k MTB Results

Name	City	Age	Time
Kate McLaughlin	Boulder, Colo.	35	4:54:37
Amy Chandos	Flagstaff, Ariz.	34	4:58:34
Shauna Flach	Park City, Utah	45	5:08:01

 

Men’s Stages Cycling Tahoe Trail 100k MTB Results

Name	City	Age	Time
Ian Lopez de San Roman	Sebastopol, Cali.	19	3:53:43
Truman Glasgow	Alpine, Utah	22	3:54:39
Stefano Barberi	Reno, NV	39	4:00:08

 

Women’s Stages Cycling Tahoe Trail 50k MTB Results

Name	City	Age	Time
Jaimee Erickson	San Francisco, Cali.	34	2:39:55
Meredith Stowe Christie	San Rafael, Cali.	44	3:01:58
Laura Aceves	Fair Oaks, Cali.	37	3:07:46

 

Men’s Stages Cycling Tahoe Trail 50k MTB Results

Name	City	Age	Time
Timmy Bauer	Camino, Cali.	31	2:10:26
Cohen Flach	Park City, Utah	15	2:18:05
Nathan Agan	Salinas, Cali.	19	2:22:37

 

To view all race results from the Stages Cycling Tahoe Trai MTB, visit: Athlinks.

The next bike event on the Life Time off-road event calendar is the Stages Cycling Leadville Stage Race happening July 28 – 30. The Stages Cycling Leadville Trail 100 MTB, the fourth event in the Life Time Grand Prix Series presented by Mazda, will take place on August 12. The final bike event on the Leadville Race Series calendar is the Life Time Austin Rattler presented by La Sportiva, which will take place on November 4 in Texas.

To view all of the Life Time athletic events, including their off-road cycling events, please visit: https://my.lifetime.life/athletic-events.html.

The Stages Cycling Tahoe Trail MTB is owned and produced by Life Time, the premier healthy lifestyle brand. They are among more than 30 premier athletic events owned by the company, including Garmin UNBOUND Gravel, Verizon New York City Triathlon, Chicago Triathlon, and Miami Marathon.

About the Leadville Race Series

Started with only 45 runners as the Leadville Trail 100 Run in 1983, the Leadville Race Series now consists of seven running events and four mountain biking events, plus six events in the Leadville Qualifying Series. The Race Series stretches across three months, and hosts thousands of racers on foot and on mountain bikes in some of the world’s most iconic events. Endurance athletes worldwide now make the pilgrimage to Leadville, Colo., with the single goal of competing in “The Race Across the Sky.” Visit www.leadvilleraceseries.com for more information.

About Life Time^®

Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of nearly 160 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. The company’s healthy way of life communities and ecosystem address all aspects of healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment for people 90 days to 90+ years old. Supported by a team of more than 30,000 dedicated professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences through its clubs, iconic athletic events and comprehensive digital platform.

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MANCHESTER, Vt. (July 13, 2023) — Orvis, a leading retailer in fly-fishing gear, dog products and outdoor travel apparel, has raised more than $2 million to support Morris Animal Foundation in its fight to end canine cancer.

The partnership between Orvis and Morris Animal Foundation began 14 years ago with the Orvis Cover Dog Contest, which allows people to submit photos of their dogs for a chance to have them appear on the cover of the Orvis catalog. Each vote in the contest costs $1, and all proceeds go to Morris Animal Foundation’s canine cancer research programs.

“Dogs are four-legged family members who help us connect with the outdoors on a truly special level,” said Orvis President Simon Perkins. “They make our lives better and more fulfilling. As someone who has five dogs in my own family, including a 17-year-old setter who beat cancer thanks to early detection, it is incredibly rewarding and heartwarming to see the progress we can make together to help ensure our dogs are living long and healthy lives.”

The $2 million raised has supported 33 universities and research institutions globally. This funding has resulted in new treatments for lymphoma, one of the most common cancers in dogs, increased knowledge on genetic risk factors and environmental exposures, novel surgical procedures, and new therapies for hemangiosarcoma, the leading cause of cancer deaths in Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study – one of the largest, most comprehensive canine health studies in the United States.

“We are so grateful to Orvis and their customers for their support and dedication to our mission to advance animal health research,” said Amy Bailey, Morris Animal Foundation Chief Marketing Officer. “The funds raised through the Orvis Cover Dog Contest have contributed to significant advancements in canine cancer research, and we are proud to partner with Orvis in this important work.”

About Orvis

Founded in 1856, Orvis inspires the world to share and celebrate the adventure and wonder in nature. Orvis pioneered the mail-order industry in the United States and operates more than 80 retail stores in the U.S. Additionally, it maintains a network of over 400 dealers worldwide as a trusted source of discovery and adventure in the natural world through fly fishing, wingshooting and our connection with dogs. A value-driven company, Orvis protects and restores the natural world by committing 5% of pretax profits each year to conservation efforts worldwide. To learn more visit Orvis.com/caninecancer.

About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, it is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding more than $149 million in nearly 3,000 critical studies across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.

Media Contacts:

Kelsey Bardach – Orvis

Annie Mehl – Morris Animal Foundation

 

 

MARBLEHEAD, Mass., (July 13, 2023) – Italy’s UYN® (Unleash Your Nature), a global leader in sustainable technical apparel, footwear and accessories, today introduces the Bio-Trekking Socks collection for men and women. The line features bio-based materials, proprietary Zerocuff technology preventing slipping, boosting blood flow, and reducing fatigue. In addition, the line uses a blend of high-performance biomaterials, including Biolight, Coolth_SL, Ecolypt, Flexicorn, Kapok, Merino Wool, and Natex®, minimizing the impact on the planet. Manufactured at UYN’s headquarters in Asola, the socks are available in three models: Biotrek, Biotrek Heavy Duty, and Biotrek Light. The collection will be available spring 2024 at uynsports.com/en_us and at select specialty retailers.

“The introduction of the Bio-Trekking Socks collection is an important milestone in our commitment to sustainable performance accessories,” said UYN CEO Marco Redini. “By combining Zerocuff technology with eco-conscious biomaterials, we’ve engineered a line of socks that aligns with our vision of blending top line performance with comfort.”

The Bio-Trekking Socks collection is designed for outdoor adventures and hiking excursions with technology and designs developed at AREAS (Academy for Research and Engineering in Apparel and Sports), Trerè Innovation’s state of the art R&D facility.

UYN’s Bio-Trekking Sock uses:

• Zero Cuff Technology: A leg support system ensuring the sock does not constrict the leg or slip while enhancing blood circulation for improved performance;
• Target Compression Bandage: A double asymmetric bandage for localized compression and breathable support;
• Anti Impactor: A frontal shock-absorbent 3D knitted structure for protection and efficient foot ventilation;
• Ergologic Footbed: An anatomically shaped footbed to relieve athletic stresses and movement;
• Cool Air Flow: A 3D micro-channel structure for increased air circulation and temperature regulation;
• Interior Ankle Guard: Protection support integrated into the shin for reduced pressure during outdoor activities;
• Preshock Shield: A 3D knitted Achilles tendon shock absorbing technology for improved performance and comfort

Biotrek for an Active Lifestyle

The Biotrek ($36.00) is the go-to sock for any outdoor activity during any season. This product uses Flexicorn, derived from corn seeds for elasticity, resilience, quick drying times and UV-resistance; Natex, from castor oil seeds minimizing odors; and Ecolypt, from eucalyptus trees, providing breathability and temperature regulation.

Biotrek Heavy Duty for Maximum Protection and Comfort

The Biotrek Heavy Duty ($40.00) emphasizes protection and comfort, perfect for hiking. In addition to the Flexicorn, Natex, and Ecolypt components, this model incorporates Biolight, a plant-based fiber extracted from beech trees, for breathability and moisture retention; Kapok, the lightest organic fiber in the world from pristine forests that regulates temperature; merino wool, a thinner and softer alternative to regular wool, for temperature regulation and moisture wicking.

Biotrek Light for Light Hiking and Performance

The Biotrek Light ($34.00) showcases breathability and performance for light hiking. This product features Flexicorn, Natex, and Coolth_SL from cotton linters, the thin filaments that envelop seeds for built-in cooling capabilities. The light cushion and breathability make it perfect for outdoor activities and hot summer days.

UYN is scheduled to open its first store in Boston fall 2023.

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About UYN, a Trerè Innovation Company

Trerè Innovation was founded in 1950 in Asola, Italy, producing only stockings by Luigi Redini, father of today’s CEO, Marco Redini. Today, it is respected for its next generation sustainable technologies in design and manufacturing. The company’s Academy for Research and Engineering in Apparel and Sports (AREAS), its 38,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art testing facility, enables Trerè Innovation to engineer best-in-class fabrics, subjecting them to the toughest tests in a climate wind tunnel, a rain room and a cold chamber.

In 2018, Trerè Innovation introduced UYN (pronounced “win”), “Unleash Your Nature” apparel, footwear and technical socks for running, winter sports, outdoor and cycling. Today, national ski teams use the brand’s base layers including Austria, China, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Italy, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.

In addition to UYN, Trerè Innovation manufactures private label products for iconic global brands including Christian Dior, Harley-Davidson, PUMA and Rossignol, among others, and owns TITICI®, a premier bike brand that has carbon fiber models for road, gravel, mountain and electric biking. Today, UYN has 10 stores in Italy, one store in Germany, and has plans to open a store in Boston, Massachusetts, two stores in the U.K. as well as 20 more locations throughout Europe. Trerè Innovation and UYN have won over 570 international awards and competitions for innovation, quality and functionality since Trerè Innovation’s founding in 1950. Trerè Innovation is also a licensed manufacturer and distributor of Franklin & Marshall, Jeep, and Replay brands.

 

 

SEATTLE – Each day through its stores, website and app, REI Co-op offers customers the best outdoor gear and apparel from thousands of established and up-and-coming outdoor brands. This week, REI presented its 2023 Vendor Partner of the Year awards to brands that help make a significant impact, inspire and enable a life outside for everyone.

REI Vendor Partner of the Year overall award recipient

This year, footwear and apparel manufacturer On, with a US base in Portland, Oregon, received the co-op’s overall 2023 Vendor Partner of the Year award. By marrying style, comfort and functional performance, On continues to bring compelling, functional innovation to REI and attracts customers of all ages and backgrounds to running and hiking season after season. On is a values-driven company, leading the industry in sustainable footwear innovation and development. Through programs like Cleancloud technology, On captures carbon and ferments it, then turns it into EVA foam for midsoles. Through its Cyclon shoe program, shoes are made out of castor beans.

“Our vendors and their offerings play a vital role in keep REI relevant to the consumer and our members,” said Chris Speyer, REI senior vice president and chief merchandising officer. “It’s always a challenge to select one partner as our vendor of the year, but for 2023 On stood out for being one of the fastest growing brands in footwear, and its commitment to empowering more people to get outside to run and hike. Most importantly, we’re excited about On’s continued enthusiasm to bring industry-disrupting innovation and sustainability efforts to our customers all while continuing to be collaborative and agile through variable market conditions.”

REI Vendor Partner of the Year divisional award recipients

• Footwear and basics: Danner (based in Portland, Oregon), celebrated its 90^th anniversary in 2022, and is known for its long-time brand identity of independence, and “find your own path” mantra. Danner continues to offer REI’s customers specialty, quality, and innovative products that stand the test of time. Even with long-lasting quality, Danner is exceptional at keeping its brand fresh and bringing new designs to customers while executing leading sustainability efforts such as its Recrafting Program, that encourages customers to send their boots in for resoling and refurbishing.
• Camp: Exped (with a US base in Tacoma, Washington), is a values-driven company known for high-quality materials and construction to ensure a comfortable sleep outside. For decades, Exped has worked closely with REI, putting the customer first, and expanding their lines where customers need it most. In addition, Exped is committed to reducing its environmental impact using recycled materials and improving their manufacturing process across development.
• Action sports: Quality Bicycle Products (QBP, headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota) has a long history focused on inspiring and enhancing the overall bicycling experience. Across its broad portfolio of brands that REI carries, including Salsa bicycles, 45NRTH cold weather gear, and Teravail tires, QBP brings innovation and accessibility to make it easier for customers to keep their bikes geared-up and ready for new adventures. As a certified B Corporation, QBP is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, sustainability, community and its vision of “Every Butt on a Bike.”
• Apparel: Smartwool (headquartered in Denver, Colorado) is known as an industry leader for quality merino wool products, delivering timeless, durable apparel designs keeping people comfortable in the outdoors. Smartwool, an overall REI Vendor Partner of the Year award winner in 2018, and nine-time divisional award winner, continues to innovate, bringing inclusive designs and leading sustainability efforts in the outdoor and merino wool industry. From a partnership perspective, Smartwool continues to look to REI to launch exclusive product collections and is a pioneer in wool sustainability, reinforced by initiatives like their ‘Second Cut’ circular and recycled sock program that were supported in REI stores this spring. All this, while being a critical partner for long-term sustainable growth.

The Vendor Partner of the Year awards program was established by REI in 1993. Each year, companies are nominated by the co-op’s four merchandising divisions – action sports, camp, apparel, and footwear and basics – for partnering with REI to meet customer needs, raise the bar for product quality and drive sustainable business practices.

For the first time, REI will donate $500 on behalf of each divisional category winner, and $1,000 on behalf of the overall vendor partner of the year to the REI Cooperative Action Fund. The Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity launched in 2021 by REI Co-op to create a more equitable outdoors by bringing together the collective strength of the co-op community.

The Fund aims to inspire millions of REI members, thousands of REI employees, and hundreds of nonprofit partners and community leaders to support organizations that are improving the well-being of all people through time outside. With ongoing support from REI, 100% of donations from the general public to the Fund go to the people and organizations leading this work in communities across the country.

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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