Archives: Press Releases

{Dover, NH—June 27, 2023}—NEMO, the award-winning, independent designer of outdoor gear and accessories built to improve the adventure experience, has announced its 2024 collection. With sustainability at the forefront of the brand’s updates, consumers will see a brand-new product line of packs & duffels; an expansion of the 100% recyclable Endless Promise™ Collection; major updates to the Tensor™ sleeping pad series; a new backpacking tent; the new ultralight Moonlite™ Elite reclining camp chair, and more.

Continuing its mission to take full responsibility for its impacts and cut emissions intensity in half by 2030, five of NEMO’s new products are in the Endless Promise collection. Endless Promise is NEMO’s first step in a journey to reduce resource consumption and keep gear out of the landfill. Each product is painstakingly designed to be repairable, resellable, and — most crucially — recyclable.

Endless Promise products can be sent to NEMO for resale or recycling; customers will receive a NEMO gift card for the resale value if the product is in good enough condition for a new owner or, if it has reached the end of its adventures, a $20 NEMO gift card as thanks for recycling. NEMO has partnered with leading textile recyclers so each Endless Promise product can live on, endlessly, as a new item.

PACKS & DUFFELS

The bluesign® Double Haul™ convertible duffel is produced in a resource-conserving way with a solution-dyed liner and bluesign® approved, PFAS-free, 100% recycled fabrics.  Double Haul transitions from duffel to backpack to tote with ease, and stores in its integrated pouch which doubles as a packing accessory. Offered in 30L, 55L, 70L, and 100L capacities, this duffel can accommodate any adventure, from a trip to the gym to a month-long journey.

The new Resolve™ and Vantage™ daypacks join NEMO’s 100% recyclable Endless Promise Collection. The technical day and commuter-friendly lines feature NEMO’s CERO™ fabrics. Exclusive to NEMO, CERO is a stronger, more durable fabric suite containing 95% recycled PET and PET for easy, efficient recycling. 100% recycled yarn and solution dyed fabrics save water, chemicals, and energy during the dye process. Both lines also feature CCubed™ cushioning material—a recyclable foam replacement that is highly breathable and quickly wicks away moisture and sweat to dissipate body heat.

Resolve is a technical daypack featuring a large panel load compartment, hidden security pocket, and modular compression/lash straps.  Resolve comes in 15L, 25L, and 35L capacities.

The Vantage daypack holds all the daily necessities required to go from commute to gym or trail. Featuring the same material innovations as Resolve, Vantage includes an expandable front stash pocket, a tech organizing compartment, and a sleeve to hold either a laptop or hydration bladder. Vantage is offered in 20L, 26L, and 30L options, each with its own set of unique details.

SLEEPING BAGS

Top-selling down sleeping bags are now part of the Endless Promise Collection. The best-selling Disco™ and Riff™ Spoon™ Shape sleeping bags, and the brand-new mummy-style Coda™ all provide technical features like next-generation Thermo Gill™ vents; waterproof hood and footbox fabrics; and PFAS-free, RDS-certified hydrophobic down fill. In addition to being made from recycled fabrics, each bag is also completely recyclable.

The new Coda is built for ultralight adventures, shaving weight and excess materials. Its Headwall™ Draft Guard is an internal, overlapping collar that provides 360-degree protection and comfort, while the zippered footbox compartment provides instant temperature adjustment. Coda is a genderless bag offered in 10/20F and 25/35F.

SLEEPING PADS

Tensor™ is lighter, warmer, stronger—and still unbelievably quiet.

The industry-leading Tensor series gets an overhaul with more durable, bluesign® approved recycled materials, and increased warmth and thickness from a new baffle construction. Still quiet, stable, and comfortable, the new Tensor™ Extreme Conditions provides an 8.5 R-value at a minimum weight of 16 oz., making it the air pad with the highest warmth-to-weight ratio on the market. Tensor™ All-Season offers a boosted 5.4 R-value at 14 oz., while Tensor™ Trail is a 2.8 R-value at just 12.5 oz.

TENTS

Mayfly OSMO™ 2P/3P is a notably durable backpacking shelter using NEMO’s 100% recycled bluesign® approved OSMO rainfly for better water repellency, less stretch when wet, and strength. NEMO’s proprietary OSMO tent fabric offers this all without the use of added fire retardant chemicals or PFAS. Mayfly OSMO has a 68D PU polyester floor and 2 doors and vestibules for easy access, plus NEMO’s custom-designed Elements™ aluminum hardware for quicker, easier setup and tensioning without re-staking.

Aurora™ 2P/3P features major updates for 2024. Continuing to utilize a massive interior space that’s truly unmatched in its weight class, Aurora’s fabrics are now free of added fire retardant chemicals and PFAS, and the floor is made from 100% recycled bluesign® approved fabric. Updated colorways, new NEMO Elements aluminum hubs for increased strength, and Divvy Cube™ stuff sack make Aurora a worthy investment for backpacking and car camping.

FURNITURE

The new Moonlite™ Elite reclining camp chair offers the same reclining comfort of the award-winning Moonlite™ chair at a weight that’s right for the backcountry, just 1lb., 1 oz. Its patent-pending suspension system allows for easy reclining or supportive upright seating, and forged aluminum hubs and molded corner mounts provide reliable stability and strength.

NEMO’s 2024 collection can be found here, along with all imagery.

NEMO has also published its first annual Sustainability Report recapping the brand’s efforts in 2022 towards its goal of cutting its emissions intensity in half by 2030. Through key areas—Design & Innovation, Responsible Sourcing, Carbon Accountability, Advocacy for People and the Planet, and Corporate Governance—NEMO is improving its impact as a business and creating products that are not only better for the planet, but superior in performance.

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™.

 

WATERLOO, ON (June 27, 2023) Kapsul Tech, an innovator of Dynamic Neck Stabilization Technology that provides athletes with neck support without compromising performance, has teamed up with Backbone as its public relations agency of record. The leading active lifestyle agency will drive increased brand awareness and help position Kapsul as revolutionizing the science of athlete protection.

Founded on the mission of protecting and enabling people to do what they love for longer, Kapsul has spent six years researching and innovating neck protection and performance. Kapsul’s proprietary technology is the only Dynamic Neck Stabilization on the market and helps support the neck while allowing for a full range of motion.

“Kapsul does more than help athletes prevent debilitating neck and head injuries – it empowers them to do whatever they love as often, as intensely, and for as long as possible,” said Dr. Daryl Sherman, chief executive officer at Kapsul. “We want people to live what they love for longer – and we’re excited to partner with Backbone to further our mission.”

Athletes across all levels and a multitude of sports use Kapsul, ranging from American football and hockey to cheerleading and equestrian. Kapsul’s ATLAS Short Sleeve Shirt is lightweight and flexible, with a protective collar designed to support athletes’ necks and help mitigate the risk of injury. The ATLAS is available for purchase on Kapsul’s website in Men’s, Women’s and Junior sizes.

“Kapsul’s mission to enable people to pursue their passions without compromising on protection and performance aligns well with Backbone’s values,” said Ian Anderson, partner and vice president of public relations at Backbone. “We’re excited to help Kapsul empower more people to do what they love for longer.”

For more information regarding Kapsul Tech, please direct inquiries to Calvin Bond at calvin.bond@backbone.media

About Kapsul

Kapsul™ is a Canadian design and technology company that focuses on the importance of enhancing the stability of the neck to help minimize damage to its joints. Their patented Kapsul collar utilizes a lightweight adaptive absorption foam which helps support and stabilize the neck. It is the only dynamic neck stabilization product on the market designed to help protect athletes from injury, strain or fatigue without impeding range of motion. Partnering with market leading brands in multiple sports, militaries and occupations, Kapsul easily integrates into multiple apparel and protective solutions.

To learn more, you can visit www.kapsultech.com.

 

6/27/2023 | Boulder, CO — Skratch Labs, a leading provider of innovative sports nutrition products, is thrilled to announce the release of the Crispy Rice Cake Sport Fuel Variety Packs, now complete with a recently released flavor: Salted Maple + Mallow. Designed with the athlete in mind, this new addition to the Skratch Labs product line offers a delicious and nutritious way to fuel workouts and maximize performance.

Skratch Labs’ Crispy Rice Cake Sport Fuel is a new take on a classic favorite. Offering a simple, tasty, and sustaining source of fuel on the go, each Crispy Rice Cake flavor is made with a blend of puffed rice and toasted grains, providing athletes and adventurers with 20g of energy-packed complex carbohydrates that feel light, digest easily, and are held together by fluffy, heavenly marshmallow. Like all Skratch Labs nutrition products, the Crispy Rice Cakes are made from scratch with allergen-friendly ingredients free of gluten, dairy, peanuts, and soy, and contain zero GMOs, gelatin, artificial colors or flavors.

“A problem we keep hearing from athletes is that they don’t look forward to eating their performance energy food,” says Dr. Allen Lim, Exercise Physiologist and Founder of Skratch Labs. “So we asked ourselves: what’s the best food for fueling that’s packed with energy, but still easy to digest? That would be simple, high-quality rice. And who wouldn’t look forward to a crispy rice treat during a long training ride or run? Our new Crispy Rice Cake Sport Fuel Variety Packs provide our active customers a variety of flavors to mix up their performance fuel and keep training interesting.”

New to the flavor lineup of Skratch Lab Crispy Rice Cakes is Salted Maple + Mallow. Released in early spring, this sweet and salty twist on a classic dessert features real maple syrup and a dash of salt for the perfect mouthwatering combination. These crunchy, salty-sweet, pure maple rice cakes are bound to be your pantry’s new staple.

Each variety pack includes 3 flavors: Salted Maple + Mallow, Strawberry + Mallow, and Chocolate + Mallow

Each variety pack contains eight individually wrapped rice cakes, which includes three Salted Maple + Mallow Crispies, three Chocolate + Mallow Crispies, and two Strawberry + Mallow Crispies. Crispy Rice Cake Sport Fuel Variety Packs retail for $17.95 and can be purchased online at Skratch Labs and select retailers. For more information on Skratch Labs and the new Crispy Rice Cake Sport Fuel Variety Packs, contact Katie Richter at katie@darbycommuncations.com.

About Skratch Labs:

Based in Boulder, Colorado, Skratch Labs is a leading trailblazer in the field of performance nutrition, dedicated to helping athletes and active individuals excel. Founded in 2012 by Dr. Allen Lim, Skratch Labs emerged from the need to develop a sports drink that supports optimal performance without causing digestive issues. Driven by a commitment to using real food ingredients and reducing sugar, Skratch Labs has created a line of products that are carefully crafted and extensively tested with feedback from elite athletes. Skratch Labs empowers the “doers” – those who strive to reach and surpass their performance goals, no matter their stage in the journey. For more information on Skratch Labs and its products, visit www.skratchlabs.com or visit Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Want to include an affiliate link in your publication? Please visit https://www.skratchlabs.com/pages/affiliate to sign up!

 

On the 40th anniversary of Superfeet’s iconic insole, Green, the brand is upgrading product names and packaging for improved shopper experience

FERNDALE, Wash. (June 27, 2023) – Global insole industry leader Superfeet is commemorating the 40th anniversary of fan-favorite insole, Superfeet GREEN, with a full revamp of product names and packaging to improve the insole discovery experience. The name changes and packaging updates align with the modern shopping journey, simplifying the Superfeet insole selection process to make it easier for retail sales staff to recommend the right products and to provide a clear path for shoppers to understand how each Superfeet product will meet their unique needs.

“For those who know and love Superfeet, our GREEN Insole is synonymous with firm support and recognizable simply by its color name, but we know this naming convention doesn’t explain what the insole provides and the many benefits wearers can experience,” says Trip Randall, CEO at Superfeet. “We want to support as many feet as possible, and we’re confident that simplifying the insole discovery process with more descriptive names and updated packaging is big step towards achieving that goal.”

The updated and more descriptive naming convention spans across the entire product lineup, providing consistency and easy differentiation between styles, setting Superfeet apart as the insole brand for all types of people, with a full spectrum of choices. Customers can count on the same trusted insole design and performance as each style maintains the signature orthotic shape Superfeet is known for. The all-new names feature the activity directly in the name—all-purpose, run, hike, hockey, winter, casual—and include the primary benefit each insole will deliver—support, cushion, performance. 

Updated Names of Popular Models

• GREEN Insoles to All-Purpose Support High Arch Insoles
• BLUE Insoles to All-Purpose Support Medium Arch Insoles
• BLACK Insoles to All-Purpose Support Low Arch Insoles
• ORANGE Insoles to All-Purpose High Impact Support Insoles
• BERRY Insoles to All-Purpose Women’s High Impact Support Insoles
• CARBON Insoles to Run Support Low Arch Insoles
• RUN Comfort Thin Insoles to Run Support Medium Arch Insoles
• RUN Comfort Insoles to Run Support High Arch Insoles
• ADAPT Run Insoles to Run Cushion Low Arch Insoles
• ADAPT Run Max Insoles to Run Cushion High Arch Insoles
• TRAILBLAZER Comfort Insoles to Hike Support Insoles
• ADAPT Hike Max Insoles to Hike Cushion Insoles
• WINTER Comfort Insoles to Winter Support Insoles
• CARBON Pro Hockey Insoles to Hockey Performance Insoles
• EVERYDAY Comfort Insoles to Casual Support Insoles

To complete the range of Superfeet running-specific insole fits and feels, Superfeet will introduce Run Cushion Medium Arch Insoles this October, providing a well-rounded product offering for all runners and walkers. Shoppers can choose from the structured, semi-firm feel of Run Support insoles in three different arch height choices, or the cushioned, flexible feel of Run Cushion insoles in low arch, medium arch and high arch options.

In addition to the updated, more descriptive product names, the redesigned packaging clearly communicates the fit, feel and experience of each Superfeet style, while showcasing the values of the Superfeet brand. Elements on the new packaging help shoppers dial in their fit by highlighting three key fit profile elements—arch height, underfoot cushioning and insole thickness.
Superfeet set out to make its packaging easy to understand and inclusive, mixing biomechanical science and personality to invite more people into the brand. Extensive in-person and online consumer focus group testing and input from leading retailers in the outdoor and running channels helped ensure the updated packaging appeals to all types of shoppers and makes the insole selection process easy. Like the previous packaging, the new packaging features sustainably minded materials to align with Superfeet’s overarching sustainability goals.

Highlighted Elements of the Packaging Design

• Prominent purpose/activity use case placement
• Indication of support and cushioning levels, with comprehensive cushioning scale
• Fit profile information, highlighting arch height and thickness
• Packaging is 100% recyclable
• Made from 100% recycled materials with at least 35% post-consumer waste
• Packaging supplier purchases sustainable energy credits, resulting in boxes printed using 100% sustainable energy resources

“While our signature insole shape remains unchanged, we’re confident these product name and packaging updates will help more people discover and enjoy Superfeet, removing barriers that may prevent them from being active, comfortable and confident on their feet,” says Linda Balfour, vice president of marketing. “And when that happens, people can do more of what they love and live happier, healthier lives.”

The new Superfeet product names will go live July 11, 2023, at www.superfeet.com.

For media inquiries, please contact Rob Steffens, rob.steffens@rygr.us.

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ABOUT SUPERFEET WORLDWIDE: For more than 45 years, Pacific Northwest-based Superfeet has been creating innovative insoles featuring the Superfeet^® shape, helping millions of people worldwide experience unparalleled comfort, pain relief, and performance. Today, through the latest advancements in 3D-printing technology, Superfeet is breaking down barriers associated with custom products by providing easier access to state-of-the-art personalized fit. Superfeet gives 1% of sales and countless volunteer hours to help others shape a strong foundation for a healthy future. For more, visit superfeet.com.

June 27, 2023 – Melbourne, Australia – Since 2002, award-winning cycling and outdoor accessory brand Knog has consistently designed products that defy convention. Continuing its legacy of aesthetically daring and innovative designs, Knog is delighted to unveil the future of travel security —  Scout Travel Smart Luggage Tag, Finder & Alarm. A new generation of smart luggage tags that replaces traditional luggage tags and protects your belongings while offering peace of mind, Scout Travel is a purpose-built smart luggage tag with both an alarm and a bag finder in one compact unit.

Travel can be stressful, especially when it comes to identifying your luggage and keeping it secure. Whether it’s navigating foreign cities, staying in unfamiliar locations, or just commuting to work, there are numerous opportunities for your valuables to be lost, stolen, or simply misplaced. Scout Travel is built to cope with the rigorous demands of travel and is made to securely attach to your luggage. It’s constructed with fiber-reinforced plastic and is over-molded in silicone for enhanced durability. With security top of mind, Scout Travel features a tamper-proof cable attachment constructed with a braided stainless steel cable coated with non-abrasive nylon. The security tether is attached with an anti-tamper security bolt that requires the use of the Knog anti-tamper tool to remove it. Every Scout Travel comes supplied with two lengths of security tether to cater to different user needs.

With Scout Travel, gone are the days of writing your details onto a disposable paper tag. Designed as a permanent replacement for traditional luggage tags, each Scout Travel comes with a printed QR code that allows you to digitize your preferred contact information via the Knog app. When scanned by a smartphone, Scout Travel’s QR code takes the finder to a page containing your customized contact details, allowing them to send you a message letting you know your Scout has been found and where to retrieve it. Once this message has been sent, you will also receive an email that your Scout has been located, along with a message from the finder to help you quickly reunite with your missing belongings.

To use Scout Travel’s alarm feature, simply arm the device using the Knog App on any iPhone device. If your luggage is moved, an impossible-to-ignore 85 decibel motion sensor alarm will sound and an alert will be sent directly to your phone, allowing you to intervene and secure your luggage. In the event your luggage is not where you expect it to be, you will be able to find its exact location using Apple’s ‘Find My’ network, empowering you to take appropriate action and recover your belongings. Unlike other GPS-based trackers, Scout Travel’s compatibility with Apple’s ‘Find My’ network means there are no ongoing subscription fees.

“Following the successful launch of Scout Bike Alarm & Finder in early 2023, we always intended to extend the use of our innovative technology to benefit consumers beyond the global cycling community,” says Knog Co-Founder and Designer Hugo Davidson. “Now with the launch of Scout Travel, we have developed a product that takes the luggage tag and makes it fit for life in the 21^st century. We can’t wait to get the Scout Travel out there and start making travel much less stressful for everyone.”

Another useful feature of Scout Travel is the remote chime function, which can be activated remotely using the Knog App. In the scenario that your luggage is left in a pile of other unclaimed luggage, you can use the Knog App to activate a chime that will sound directly from the Scout Travel tag. If Scout Travel itself is lost, simply turn on ‘Lost Mode’ using Knog’s Near-Field-Communication Technology. The person who finds the Scout Travel can open the ‘Find My’ app on their iPhone and easily identify the item and see a message from the Scout Travel owner.

MARBLEHEAD, Mass. (June 27, 2023) – Italy’s UYN^® (Unleash Your Nature), a global leader in sustainable technical apparel, footwear and accessories, today announced its athlete, Omar Di Felice, won first place in the U.S. Trans Am Bike Race, becoming the first Italian cyclist to win in the race’s history. Competing against 47 elite athletes, beginning June 4 from Astoria, Oregon, Di Felice embarked on an 18-day, 10-hour, and 13-minute journey to reach the finish line in Yorktown, Virginia on June 22. He rode nearly 4350 miles through 10 states.

The Trans Am Bike Race is known for its demanding and unique nature requiring participants to compete without any team support, planning their race strategy that includes meticulously calculating their rest periods in order to maximize their performance.

“Omar Di Felice’s journey stands as a testament to the human spirit and unwavering commitment to achieving extraordinary feats,” said UYN Head of Communications, Mattia Bazzoni. “UYN extends its heartfelt congratulations to Omar for his groundbreaking achievement, as he etches his name into the annals of cycling history. He truly is a ‘UYNNER’.”

Di Felice wore the following UYN products:

• AIRWING SHIRT – Ultra-light and aerodynamic, in total white version
• WAVE SHIRT – Designed to reflect heat radiation and keep the body cool
• METARACE BIBSHORTS – With HP4D four-density pad for long distances, made of three-dimensional knit fabric with Natex bio-fiber for maximum performance
• CYCLIST UNDERWEAR – Featuring Flowtunnels technology for extraordinary cooling power
• AERO SOCKS – With three-dimensional structures to increase aerodynamics
• CYCLING ONE SOCKS – The first cycling socks without the cuff to facilitate blood circulation and reduce the feeling of fatigue
• ULTRALIGHT JACKET – Protection at the front, breathability at the back thanks to Flowtunnels technology
• CORESHELL VEST – The Buffercone system keeps the body at the ideal temperature and is engineered for varying weather conditions
• ALLROAD CYCLING GLOVES
• BUFFERCONE ARM WARMER
• BUFFERCONE LEG WARMER
• CYCLING CAP

“The support of UYN functional apparel proved to be crucial to Omar’s victory,” continued Bazzoni. “The Trans Am Bike Race subjected participants to a wide range of extreme weather conditions, including scorching heat up to 104°F, chilling nights, and violent rainstorms. Omar skillfully combined UYN’s technical layers, allowing him to travel through many diverse landscapes while maintaining a stable body temperature and optimize his performance throughout the race.”

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.

For more information please visit uynsports.com.

Today, REI Co-op announced the promotion of two leaders within the finance and supply chain teams. Michelle Kirkpatrick has been promoted to vice president, controller, while Ruchi Christensen is now vice president of distribution and fulfillment operations.

“Michelle and Ruchi are both widely trusted leaders who have been instrumental in keeping co-op growth initiatives and operations running smoothly and efficiently,” said Kelley Hall, executive vice president, chief financial officer. “Their business savvy and values-led approach will continue to have positive impact not only on their respective teams but how the co-op broadly serves our members and the outdoor community.”

Vice President, Controller

Michelle Kirkpatrick joined the co-op nearly 10 years ago and most recently served as divisional vice president, controller. Michelle is a broadly focused, values-driven leader who enables thoughtful and strategic decision-making within the finance organization and across the co-op. In her expanded role, Kirkpatrick oversees the co-op’s accounting, treasury, procurement, and tax teams. She also leads REI’s strategic enterprise resource planning (ERP) initiative.

Vice President of Distribution and Fulfillment Operations

Ruchi Christensen has been with the co-op since 2021 as divisional vice president of distribution and fulfillment operations. As vice president, she will provide strategic direction to the co-op’s fulfillment centers and supply chain teams to optimize productivity, inventory management, business readiness and financial results. REI’s newest distribution center will open later this summer in Lebanon, Tennessee. The design of the state-of-the-art facility prioritizes the employee experience, environmental impact and community connections. The location will support more than 70 REI stores and reduce shipping times to customers. Nearly 5.6 million REI members live in the service area.

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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BOULDER, Colo. (June 26, 2023) – Matador Travel Equipment, the award-winning producer of high-performance travel equipment, is proud to announce the launch of its latest collection, the ReFraction Series. This innovative series showcases three packable bags – the ReFraction Duffle, ReFraction Backpack, and ReFraction Sling – designed to meet the needs of modern travelers seeking both style and functionality.

“We’re very proud of The ReFraction Series as it truly reflects Matador’s commitment to creating travel gear that seamlessly combines innovation with a sleek and stylish look,” shared Chris Clearman, founder and CEO of Matador. “Crafted with precision and expertise, each bag in the collection has a distinctive design, and features that cater to the demands of today’s adventure-seeking travelers.”

All three pieces are designed to go everywhere travelers may roam. Each is built from lightweight recycled nylon and materials that meet Bluesign® criteria. And the best part for travelers? The bags each easily pack into their own built-in stuff pockets, ensuring compact and hassle-free travel.

ReFraction Packable Backpack – With a 16-liter capacity and convenient packable design, the ReFraction Packable Backpack is the ultimate all-around daypack for travel. Featuring YKK® water-resistant zippers, zipper security loops, cushioned shoulder straps and stretch pockets for water bottles and essentials, this backpack ensures comfort and easy access to belongings. It’s also built with an adjustable sternum strap which converts to a luggage handle pass-through.

ReFraction Packable Duffle Bag – This 45-liter duffle offers ample storage space for extended journeys. With its weather-resistant construction, adjustable shoulder straps, and rubberized handles, the ReFraction Duffle ensures durability, versatility and convenience for the modern traveler.

ReFraction Packable Sling – This compact, two-liter sling perfectly fits essentials like phones, wallets, and keys. With YKK® water-resistant zippers, zipper security loops, a stretch zipper front pocket and adjustable compression straps for a customized fit, the ReFraction Sling keeps belongings secure and accessible. Wear it as a sling or at the waist for hands-free convenience.

The Matador ReFraction Series; Backpack (MSRP: $59.99), Duffle (MSRP: $49.99), and Sling (MSRP: $34.99) are available now at select retailers and online at http://www.matadorup.com/.

 

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About Matador Travel Equipment

Matador designs high-performance travel equipment designed for objective-based travel. The team’s strengths in design, material technology, and construction give them an edge in developing innovative products that bring outdoor expertise to the pursuit of travel. For more information about Matador, visit www.MatadorUp.com.