Archives: Press Releases

JUPITER, Fla. (July 6, 2023) – Costa Sunglasses, manufacturer of the first color-enhancing all-polarized glass sunglass lens, celebrates its 40th anniversary with the introduction of its most advanced frame to date, King Tide. In nature, a king tide requires the perfect alignment of the Earth and moon to create an exceptionally high tide and once-in-a-lifetime views and opportunities on the water. Like its namesake, Costa’s King Tide is designed to give you the ultimate advantage on the water.

Utilizing the research and innovation from every frame that came before it, King Tide is built for those who demand performance on and off the water. Available in two styles, King Tide 6 is a medium wrap six-base frame for those who require performance in all of their watery pursuits. King Tide 8, the full wrap eight-base version, is built for elite anglers that demand the most from every cast. Technical chops on both frames include removable side shields for optimal use on and off the water, shark inspired venting to achieve a near impossible zero-fog effect, top of the line sweat management and the introduction of non-skid hooding to keep your frames exactly where you want them when the water gets rough.

“King Tide is a historical launch moment for Costa, it’s the culmination of every innovation and lesson we’ve learned in our 40 year history,” says John Sanchez, VP of Global Product Strategy. “King Tide started with a mission to deliver a sunglass packed with technology unrivaled on the water. We started five years ago with an internal challenge to study form, fit, aesthetics and so much more. Using our research lab, user insights and our pro community – who challenged us to push our limits – we delivered King Tide, opening the doors for a true appreciation of functional superiority. Our goal is to build the highest quality product, which is why King Tide is hand assembled and crafted in the U.S., just like we’ve done for the past four decades.”

King Tide is equipped with Costa’s cutting-edge polarized 580® glass lens technology, providing exceptional clarity and color enhancement. These scratch-resistant lenses effectively reduce haze and blur, while boosting essential colors for superior definition. Built with Costa’s proprietary Bio-Resin, King Tide is also lightweight and maintains the durability necessary for any watery adventure.

“King Tide 6 is hands down the BEST pair of shades I’ve ever worn on the water,” says Costa Pro, Duane (Diego) Mellor. “As an offshore guide and angler, I depend on my eyes all day, every day. These (sunglasses) do everything I need them to and at the highest level. Epic work on the design and construction, Costa. They’re gonna be a huge hit!”

“Costa was born on the water in 1983, and today, we’re still doing what we do best – protecting the waters we love, inspiring our community and making the best damn sunglasses out there,” says John Acosta, Costa Sunglasses Vice President of Marketing NA. “We’re celebrating 40 years of bearing witness to life’s best moments on the water, while looking forward to what is coming next. King Tide is the biggest energy point around our anniversary year. It’s the result of 40 years of product innovation and the first time we’ve launched a frame in a six and eight base option. Cheers to another 40 years and to doing what we love most.”

Building launch hype, King Tide hits the market in three waves. In appreciation to the brick and mortar stores where Costa got its start, King Tide 6 and 8 will be available at select VIP specialty retailers beginning July 7, 2023. Following the first wave, Costa is dropping a 40th Anniversary Limited Edition collectors frame in black gold and a never before seen 580G gold lens. With just 40 frames available each, Limited Edition King Tide 6 and Limited Edition King Tide 8, the frames will be available online at CostaSunglasses.com on July 11, 2023. Finally, September 15, 2023, marks the global release when King Tide will be available online and at retail partners worldwide.

MSRP for King Tide 6 and King Tide 8 starts at $329. For more information about Costa’s complete collection of award-winning performance, optical and lifestyle frames, visit Costasunglasses.com.

About Costa Sunglasses
As the first manufacturer of color-enhancing all-polarized glass sunglass lenses, Costa combines superior lens technology with unparalleled fit and durability. Costa has made the highest quality, best-performing sunglasses and prescription sunglasses (Rx) for outdoor enthusiasts since 1983, and now its product portfolio includes optical frames. Costa’s growing cult-brand status ties directly to its purpose to provide high-quality products with a focus on sustainability and conservation as the company works hard to protect the waters it calls home. From the use of sustainable and water-friendly materials to its Kick Plastic initiative, #OneCoast efforts and meaningful partnerships with mission-aligned organizations, Costa encourages people to help protect the Earth’s natural resources in any way they can. Find out more on Costa’s website and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter at @CostaSunglasses.

 

 

BOULDER, CO (JUL 05, 2023) – La Sportiva, makers of the world’s finest mountain gear, today announces its exclusive new trail running and hiking line for spring 2024. The centerpieces of this line are the new Levante and Prodigio trail running models, which utilize a new supercritical foam from the brand called XFlow. This responsive foam is integrated into the new models to provide a unique ride, giving runners an ample amount of cushioning without sacrificing the dexterity needed to conquer technical trails. The Italian Brand is also rolling out a brand-new hiking boot called the Aequilibrium Trek GTX, a unique model that utilizes advanced technology from the brand’s mountaineering line.

Over the last few years, the La Sportiva team joined forces with top female athletes from across the globe to develop a trail running shoe that meets the needs of the female athlete. The result is the Levante, a well-cushioned 8.9 oz trail runner with a 6 mm drop that utilizes La Sportiva’s newest midsole technology, XFlow. XFlow is a novel supercritical foam that provides fantastic cushioning and incredible energy return. This midsole material is designed to help runners navigate a wide variety of terrain, from jagged ridgelines to central park concrete. No stone was left unturned with the Levante. The female-specific last is paired with a supportive exoskeleton harness to provide comfort and a precise foothold on the toughest of trails. The Frixion® White outsole with 4.5 mm lugs offers unparalleled grip in any terrain. Sorry boys, this shoe is for women only. The Levante is priced at $155.

Silke Koester, a professional runner who has been a staunch advocate for increasing women’s voices in the space, is excited about the Levante, hoping that it is a sign of change. “In a world where the default is male, it’s a breath of fresh air for a product to be brainstormed, designed and created by and for women. The Levante excels on rugged mountain terrain and over long distances – both of which are spaces where women thrive. This shoe honors experienced and aspiring female mountain athletes and I am proud of La Sportiva for creating an opportunity for us to take our place at the forefront of innovation, design and the sport of mountain running. I am hopeful that this marks the beginning of a shift across all aspects of the sport.”

“After months of testing the Levante, I am eager for them to be available to everyone,“ said Clare Gallagher, an elite ultrarunner who helped to develop the shoe. “They have flow and cushion unlike any trail shoe I’ve run in before. They’re supportive, but light and fast. Working with other La Sportiva women in the creation of the shoe was a unique experience, and now that we’re running in the shoe, I’m impressed that we all are so happy, considering we asked for a variety of characteristics. Time to levante!”

Another highlight of the spring line that features the new XFlow midsole technology is the Prodigio. A 9.5 oz trail running shoe that is designed to conquer anything in its path. With a heel stack height of 34 mm, and a drop of 4 mm, this is a highly cushioned and responsive model made to propel runners over long distances. What sets this shoe apart from similar products is its ability to navigate difficult terrain. When designing this model, La Sportiva wanted to ensure that trail performance was not sacrificed in the name of cushion. A bathtub construction is paired with a unique stability wrap to anchor the foot into the shoe, allowing for agility and precision on tough trails. The dual compound Frixion Red rubber provides unmatched grip on any surface, ensuring that runners can venture wherever, whenever. Available for men and women, the Prodigio retails for $155.

The Aequilibrium Trek GTX is a new hiking boot that allows adventurers to go anywhere, no matter the conditions. The team at La Sportiva blended the brand’s mountaineering technology and heritage with their experience in the hiking space to create a model that is perfect for long treks and backpacking expeditions. This boot offers an ideal balance between technical performance and comfort. The midsole is integrated with the outsole to create a seamless heel-to-toe transition, while the Double Heel sole lug pattern offers security on technical trails. A 3D Flex System EVO allows for directional articulation of the ankle without compromising support. This new model will be priced at $279.

La Sportiva is also rolling out an updated version of the beloved Bushido, a nimble trail runner that thrives in uneven terrain. The third edition of the shoe will be offered in a wide width, allowing it to fit a wider variety of foot shapes. The redesigned upper provides more breathability and comfort, while the new recycled outsole offers even better traction. The Bushido III has an MSRP of $145.

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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.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado – Big Agnes, the Steamboat-Springs-based outdoor equipment brand, is excited to announce the launch of its new website dedicated exclusively to serving Canada’s active community of outdoor enthusiasts. This strategic move reflects the brand’s commitment to providing high-quality camping and backpacking gear to Canadian adventurers while expanding its global business.

The launch of the Big Agnes Canada website marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy, as it opens up new avenues for engaging with an international audience. By bringing a site specific to the region, the brand plans to support their wholesale partners with a dealer locator tool to help consumers find gear at local retailers and inspire them to embark on camping and backcountry adventures.

A notable feature of the new website is its seamless user experience, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable shopping journey for all visitors. Recognizing the diverse linguistic landscape of Canada, Big Agnes is proud to offer both English and French language support, enabling customers to navigate and engage with the site effortlessly.

“Our business in Canada has been growing steadily but this increased commitment and investment is an exciting step for Big Agnes,” said Bill Gamber, Big Agnes co-founder and president. “This site launch is just the beginning of our broader plans to help increase brand exposure, educate consumers and expand business globally.”

To experience the new website and explore its extensive collection of outdoor gear, visit https://ca.bigagnes.com/.

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About Big Agnes: Named for a peak in the nearby Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, Big Agnes®, Inc. is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2021. The company produces award-winning sleeping bags, pads, tents, packs, insulated apparel, camp furniture and now backpacks. For more information, visit www.bigagnes.com or call 1-877-554-8975.

 

(ELY, MN) — Last week, Becky Rom, National Chair of the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters, won the Outdoor Retailer Inspiration Award in the “Individual” category at the 13th annual Outdoor Retailer Inspiration Awards ceremony in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Outdoor Retailer Inspiration Awards celebrate champions of the outdoor community who inspire and encourage others to enjoy, participate in, and support outdoor recreation. Annual awards are presented to individuals, organizations, and companies making an impact throughout the year in the outdoor and winter sports industries.

“Becky Rom is a truly inspiring, formidable leader at the forefront of one of America’s major conservation battles: the effort to protect the Boundary Waters Wilderness from copper mining,” said Ingrid Lyons, Executive Director of the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters. “This is Becky’s life’s work. Ten years ago, Becky envisioned a path to permanent protection for the Boundary Waters by proactively banning copper mining in its headwaters entirely. This lofty goal was dismissed by many as impossible. But Becky, undeterred, set out to build the movement she still helps lead, and it has been spectacularly successful in large part due to Becky’s own relentlessness, deep well of knowledge, and leadership. Her talent and hard work have made it possible to build a broad and powerful team of allies.”

Becky grew up in and around the Boundary Waters Wilderness in northeastern Minnesota, working in her family’s canoe trip outfitting shop in Ely, Minnesota, and guiding Wilderness trips as a teen. She learned from and was inspired by famed writer and Wilderness advocate Sigurd Olson and others, and carried the mantle of wilderness defender over the decades as she had her own law career and family. Becky, in turn, now invests in and equips the next generation through her mentorship of youth in “Kids for the Boundary Waters,” a coalition of hundreds of kids who’ve taken trips to Washington D.C. to advocate and lobby members of Congress and agencies.

Becky Rom is the volunteer national chair of the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters, a national coalition of 400+ organizations and businesses run by locally-based nonprofit Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness.

As a result of Becky & the coalition’s tireless work, the Boundary Waters cause has gained national prominence and won historic protections. On January 26, U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland signed a Public Land Order that withdrew 225,504 acres of federal lands and minerals located in the Rainy River Headwaters upstream of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from the federal mineral leasing program for 20 years. Becky’s goal remains enduring, permanent protection for this critical landscape.

A vast collection of peer-reviewed science shows that if a Twin Metals mine was built along the rivers and streams flowing into the Wilderness pollution and environmental degradation would be certain. The Boundary Waters is the most heavily visited wilderness area in the United States, attracting more than 165,000 visitors each year from all over the world and helps drive more than $900 million in annual economic activity and over 17,000 jobs. A peer-reviewed independent study from Harvard University showed that protecting the Boundary Waters from a proposed Twin Metals sulfide-ore copper mine would result in dramatically more jobs and more income over a 20-year period.

Portland, OR – June 29, 2023 – Snow Peak, the Japanese camping brand, announces that as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility activities, it is supporting several new sustainably-focused projects, including a comprehensive overhaul of its product packaging.

The redesign of product packaging is aimed at making products more environmentally friendly than ever before. By the end of 2023, Snow Peak will simplify packaging materials, reduce plastic and packaging materials for approximately 120 different products, with more to make the transition in 2024 and beyond. White-based FSC ®-certified paper will be used for the product boxes and tags, with the gradual introduction of such paper. By making this switch, ink consumption will also be significantly reduced. For example, the packaging for the Amenity Dome M tent will include a 87% reduction in paper products, and the Wabuki Collapsible Chopstick L will see a 79% reduction in ink consumption.

Additionally, Snow Peak is also focused on a number of other sustainability initiatives, including:

• Offering a lifetime warranty to repair products until they reach the end of their useful life.
• The Upcycle Cotton Project is a recycling program that produces clothes that are not disposable but can be recycled. This project, in addition to initiatives to incorporate recycled down and the use of whole-garment 3D printing are lowering the environmental impact of the brand’s apparel products.
• In cooperation with Updater Inc, Snow Peak locations in Japan and the US are now converting natural energy into electricity at all offices, retail spaces and campfield locations.
• Snow Peak is commercializing TranTixxi® -Eco, the world’s first environmentally-friendly, pure titanium material, in cooperation with Nippon Steel Corporation. This material utilizes 50% recycled material, reducing CO² emissions by half. This material innovation will debut with the Recycled Aurora Bottle and will be incorporated into more of the brand’s classic titanium products.

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

SIDNEY, Neb. (June 28, 2023) — Meindl USA, the exclusive provider of Meindl’s premium handcrafted footwear in North America, has selected Backbone as its public relations agency of record.

Founded in 2019 by experienced professionals in the footwear and outdoor industry, Meindl USA was born from a passion to make Meindl’s legendary footwear and proprietary technologies available to hunters, hikers and other customers in North America.

“Rooted in old-world traditions of craftmanship, Meindl has been handcrafting some of the finest, most comfortable and durable footwear available for outdoor adventures for more than 300 years,” said Phil Francone, founder and president of Meindl USA. “We are proud and extremely excited to bring our high-quality, European-made products to North America and we look forward to working with Backbone on those efforts.”

Since the Meindl family built its first boot in 1683, the brand has been rooted in tradition, quality and innovation while defining itself by the durability, fit and function of its footwear. Every pair is created by proven craftsmen and women using the finest leather, the best materials, and centuries-old knowledge steaming from Meindl’s extensive history.

Meindl USA offers a wide range of footwear for hunting, hiking and walking, including products that feature Meindl’s proprietary Comfort Fit and MFS Vakuum technologies. It also offers the brand’s socks made from premium Merino wool and other footwear accessories.

“We’re excited to help Meindl USA bring the trusted and premium footwear brand to consumers in North America,” said Matt Aboussie, a PR Director for Backbone. “We know lots of customers in the hunting and hiking markets in the US that are eager to get the quality and comfort that Meindl boots offer.”

To learn more about Meindl USA’s product offering and technology, Meindl’s history, or to shop available products, visit www.meindlusa.com.

About Meindl USA

Founded in 2019 by experienced professionals from the footwear and outdoor industry, Meindl USA was born from a passion to make Meindl’s legendary footwear and proprietary technologies available to customers in North America. Meindl USA is the exclusive provider of Meindl footwear products in North America. Its product offering includes footwear for hunting, hiking and walking in addition to socks and footwear accessories. For more information about Meindl USA, visit www.meindlusa.com.

About Backbone Media

We are the country’s leading active lifestyle media agency. For nearly 25 years, Backbone has partnered with brands big and small to develop and execute effective, integrated media strategies. Backbone has consistently been included on Outside Magazine’s “Best Places to Work” list with offices in Carbondale and Denver, Colorado. For more about Backbone Media, visit www.backbonemedia.net.

 

 

Flagstaff, Ariz. (June 29, 2023) –  Kahtoola, creator of award-winning footwear traction and performance-driven gaiters, is proud to announce Jimmy Hopper as Director of Marketing, Brand Development and Communications, effective immediately. With over two decades of outdoor and footwear industry experience, Hopper plans to connect Kahtoola’s vision and purpose with the brand’s focus on the positive potential of people to bolster awareness with an emphasis on brand authenticity and product excellence.

“Kahtoola is lucky to have Jimmy on board,” said Danny Giovale, Founder and Owner of Kahtoola. “His experience in the outdoor industry is impressive. Combined with almost a decade at one of the best storytelling brands on the planet and his passion for adventure, Jimmy is the ideal candidate to lead Kahtoola’s marketing team.”

Born and raised in Huntsville, Ala., Hopper’s brand experience includes Teva, Keen, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, and most recently, Patagonia. An avid mountain biker, hiker, backpacker, and kiteboarder/wing foiler, Hopper also served as a member of the Ventura Land Trust Advisory Council supporting their mission to preserve open space and public access.

“I am motivated by purpose and passionate about contributing to the creation of a more equitable, inclusive, and regenerative world,” notes Hopper. “Kahtoola is driven beyond the product they make, which was very important in my decision to move my family to Flagstaff. We’re coming back to the mountains after a decade living in a beach town and we’re excited for the access to recreation and a tight knit community of people who care about each other and the environment they live, work and play in.”

About Kahtoola: Since 1999, Kahtoola has been creating reliable gear that makes the outdoors more accessible and rewarding. Kahtoola’s gaiters, hiking crampons, and flexible footwear traction systems, including MICROspikes®, EXOspikes™ and NANOspikes®, are built to improve safety and performance in wintry locales around the globe. Every product is thoughtfully designed and vigorously tested at the brand’s Flagstaff, AZ headquarters high on the Colorado Plateau. Owned and operated by founder Danny Giovale, Kahtoola proudly grants 1% of annual sales to fund projects that support indigenous cultures and improve communities, healthcare, education, resources and the environment. For more information, please visit Kahtoola.com.

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Washington, D.C. (June 29, 2023) — In the past five years there has been a marked increase in wildfires, which have affected 23,750 miles of trails around the U.S — equal to walking coast-to-coast 10 times and therefore, impacting outdoor recreation hugely. In the last two years alone, wildfire has damaged 1,029 recreation sites on national forests, at a cost of $126 million to repair. Today, Outdoor Alliance (OA) shares a new policy report, titled Wildfire and Outdoor Recreation in the West, that includes these data points and others to help the outdoor recreation community understand the role that fire plays on our public lands, and asks for support in advocating to Congress for better fire policy, including a greater focus on prescribed fire, mitigation, and funding for restoration.

These trail and recreation statistics are staggering, but what continues to turn heads is how wildfires burning in remote locations continue to affect the air quality in urban areas on the east coast, including New York City — a place not typically associated with wildfires and their related health and safety concerns.

The situation this month dramatically illustrates that wildfire isn’t just a western problem, it’s a national problem. And in many cases in the western U.S. more fire — not less — is what scientists say is needed to address the situation and bring the risk of wildfire into check.

That is one of the key takeaways in the report from Outdoor Alliance (OA), a non-profit working to protect public lands and waters on behalf of the human-powered outdoor recreation community. There is a misconception that climate change is solely responsible for the increase in wildfires getting more severe, however, in reality, this is also due to over a century of policy that dictated federal land managers suppress all fires. That has led to a buildup of fuels around the west, a situation compounded by rising temperatures associated with climate change.

Thus, reducing wildfire risk means taking action at the national level to reduce the fuel available for wildfires — helping forests return to a more historic balance through science-based fuel treatments like ecological forest thinning, prescribed fire and managed wildfire — and also taking action at the local level through home hardening and other strategies that help western communities build resilience wildfire. Outdoor recreation should be a key factor that land managers consider as they work to increase the pace and scale of fuel treatments across the west’s forests, the OA report says.

Such strategies have been shown to be successful, according to Outdoor Alliance. For instance, last summer the Washburn fire burned thousands of acres around Yosemite, but spared ancient sequoias in the Mariposa Grove. Foresters in Yosemite have been using intentional prescribed fire around the sequoias, which prepared and protected the grove from a higher-severity fire. Old-growth sequoias are meant to withstand frequent fire, and, in fact, need fire to grow and survive. High-severity fires are still a large risk to sequoia groves, and prescribed burns have been successful at reducing those severe fires.

“Climate change and more than a century of failed fire policy have brought western U.S. forests to a tipping point,” said Jamie Ervin, Policy Associate at Outdoor Alliance. “With both wildfires themselves, and the policy solutions proposed to address them, posed to have far-reaching effects on outdoor recreation, it is critical that the recreation community be an active and informed stakeholder on this issue. This starts with building an understanding of fire’s ecological role on our landscapes, its role in our culture, and what we can do to build resilience to fire in western forests and communities.”

Fire has a huge impact on outdoor recreation, damaging trails, climbing areas, and campgrounds. Post-fire landscapes often face secondary issues like erosion, flooding, and hazardous trees. Even when a landscape isn’t directly threatened by fire, smoke from wildfires has become a huge problem for air quality, making outdoor recreation unsafe through months-long periods.

It is clear based on the data points outlined within the Wildfire and Outdoor Recreation in the West paper that fires are more severe today than ever before. Understanding why this is the case, and what needs to be done for better fire policy are important to advocate to Congress.  To take action around what decision makers can do to address the wildfire situation, please visit: https://www.outdooralliance.org/wildfire

About Outdoor Alliance

Outdoor Alliance is the only organization in the U.S. that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands. A nonprofit coalition comprised of 10 national advocacy organizations, Outdoor Alliance’s members include American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, the Colorado Mountain Club, and the Surfrider Foundation. By working with its member coalitions and helping mobilize the involvement of individuals to protect public lands and waters, Outdoor Alliance helps ensure public lands are managed in a way that embraces the human-powered experience. Outdoor Alliance — conservation powered by outdoor recreation. Learn more at OutdoorAlliance.org.

 

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