5.11 Tactical Partners with USCCA To Expand ABR Academy Classes for 2024

Costa Mesa, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2024) – 5.11 Tactical, the global innovator of Purpose-Built Gear™, today announced it will expand its popular ABR Academy in 2024 to host more than 500 classes in collaboration with the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA). Together, the companies will host the free instructional classes at 5.11 company-owned retail locations across the U.S. to provide tips, tactics and insight on readiness skills.

“Expanding the ABR Academy will allow us to better support individuals seeking to enhance their personal safety and self-reliance skills,” said 5.11 Tactical’s CMO, Debra Radcliff. “By partnering with USCCA, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate real-world situations and to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

The ABR Academy clinics will provide first-hand learning and guidance on topics ranging from building emergency preparedness kits and bug-out bags to self-defense and trauma care. Each course is free to attend and will be hosted by certified experts, including instructors from the USCCA and brand ambassadors from 5.11 Tactical.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our partnership with 5.11 and the ABR Academy,” said Tim Schmidt, Co-Founder and Chairman of the USCCA. “Hosting more classes symbolizes our collective pursuit of widespread training and education. This is not just a partnership; it’s a shared commitment to be a positive force in the mission of saving lives.”

The USCCA is the largest, fastest-growing self-defense association dedicated to responsible firearm owners. It offers industry-leading training, lifesaving education and self-defense liability insurance to help members build preparedness and confidence. The partnership between 5.11 Tactical and USCCA brings together two industry-leading organizations to provide participants with a top-tier training experience.

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About 5.11, Inc.

With offices around the globe, 5.11 works directly with end users to create Purpose-Built Gear™ to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who live the Always Be Ready® lifestyle. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.

Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical

5.11, Inc. is a subsidiary of Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI).

5.11, 5.11 Tactical, Always Be Ready, and Purpose-Built Gear™ are trademarks of 5.11, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

Outdoor Foundation Announces Lesford Duncan as Executive Director

Duncan to reinforce Foundation’s mission of getting people outside for their health, the health of communities, and the health of the outdoor industry

BOULDER, CO (January 8th, 2024) –  Outdoor Foundation (OF), the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), is proud to welcome Lesford Duncan, MPH, as its new Executive Director. Lesford joins the Foundation with over a decade of experience in public management in government and nonprofit sectors. A proven and collaborative leader in outdoor equity and youth development, he has leveraged philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and programmatic best practices to promote the resilience and well-being of children, families, and communities. His previous roles include Senior Director of Programs and Associate Executive Director at Outdoor Outreach and most recently the Chief Executive Officer of the Greening Youth Foundation, the international nonprofit working to cultivate the next generation of diverse environmental leaders.

Throughout his career, Duncan has worked to lead and support coalitions and develop innovative programs addressing issues at the intersection of outdoor recreation, environmental justice, and health. He has led and collaborated on local, state, and federal public policy efforts to reduce barriers to outdoor access, advocate for equitable conservation and environmental justice, and promote the health and well-being of communities. He has also worked closely with the Outdoor Foundation over the past four years, supporting Thrive Outside Communities in San Diego and Atlanta, and serving as a board member of the Outdoor Foundation.

Through community grant-making and groundbreaking research, the Outdoor Foundation works with partners across the country to address equity barriers and help make the outdoors accessible for all. The Foundation’s Thrive Outside Community Initiative awards multi-year, capacity-building grants to diverse communities to create repeat and reinforcing positive outdoor experiences for children and families. The core goal of the Thrive Outside Community Initiative is to create healthy individuals, communities, and economies by making the outdoors a key component of daily life. 

“Lesford brings to this role an impressive track record of creating outdoor opportunities for children, youth, and families who have faced barriers to making the outdoors a part of their lives,” said Amy Dominguez-Arms, Outdoor Foundation Board Chair. “The board is excited to work with Lesford to expand our support for Thrive Outside Communities – where diverse civic leaders are mobilizing and coordinating resources to make meaningful outdoor experiences available to all. With Lesford at the helm, we look forward to capitalizing on our valuable partnership with OIA to magnify our impact in the years ahead.” 

“With the support of the Outdoor Foundation board and team, I am honored to lead the Foundation and to contribute to a mission that resonates deeply with me; fostering deep and sustained relationships between communities and nature, and cultivating a more inclusive outdoors where we all find joy, recreation, and well-being,” said Duncan. “Together, with the talented team at the Outdoor Foundation and our partners at OIA, we look forward to supporting collaborative and innovative efforts to increase outdoor access and promote community health through outdoor recreation.”

Duncan is an avid kayaker, ultramarathon runner, and mountaineer. Born to Jamaican parents who instilled in him the values of adventure, persistence, and curiosity, he is proud to have placed a small Jamaican flag at Mt. Everest Base Camp. The Outdoor Foundation looks to a promising future strengthening the multitude of networks that build accessibility and inclusivity in the outdoors with Duncan at the helm.

 

About Outdoor Foundation

The Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association, is a national 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to getting people outside for their health, the health of communities, and the health of the outdoor industry. Through community investment and groundbreaking research, the Outdoor Foundation works to create a more inclusive and accessible outdoor experience for all. Visit outdoorfoundation.org for more information.

About the Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policymakers, and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth and climate positivity while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org

Backpacker’s Pantry closes their offices for the holidays; wins Colorado family-owned business award

BOULDER, Colo. (Dec. 21, 2023) –  Backpacker’s Pantry, a family-owned maker of gourmet adventure meals,  is thrilled to announce its upcoming closure from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1, to honor the significance of rest, recreation and time with loved ones during the holiday season. Additionally, the company proudly celebrates being a 2023 award winner of the prestigious title of “Best Family Owned Business in the Denver Metro Area” by The Colorado Sun.

The decision to temporarily close operations during this period stems from Backpacker’s Pantry’s core values centered around fostering strong familial and community connections. Understanding the importance of spending quality time with loved ones, the company wishes to encourage its employees and customers alike to prioritize cherished moments with family, friends, and community during this holiday and end of year season.

“At Backpacker’s Pantry, family isn’t just a concept; it’s woven into the fabric of our company,” said Duane Primozich, CEO at Backpacker’s Pantry. “We’re thrilled that we are able to close our offices for staff the last week of the year and are honored to receive this recognition from The Colorado Sun, highlighting our commitment to not only providing quality outdoor meals but also valuing the importance of family.”

The Colorado Sun‘s acknowledgment of Backpacker’s Pantry as the “Best Family Owned Business in the Denver Metro Area” affirms the company’s ethos of fostering strong familial values within its operations. Backpacker’s Pantry has been family-owned and operated for over 70 years.

The company encourages everyone to embrace the spirit of the holidays by spending quality time with loved ones and creating lasting memories around shared meals and experiences. Backpacker’s Pantry extends an open invitation to fellow outdoor brands to join in celebrating the essence of the holiday season by prioritizing employee well-being and family time and closing their offices the last week of the year.

For more information on Backpacker’s Pantry, please visit: https://backpackerspantry.com

About Backpacker’s Pantry

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

About American Outdoor Products

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

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HDry Wins Footwear Award at Performance Days

BUSTO ARSIZIO, ITALY (Dec. 21, 2023) — HDry, a leading innovator in waterproof/breathable technology, is pleased to announce it won a Performance Award at the recent Performance Days Functional Fabric Fair in Munich. The jury at the expo selected HDry for one of just two Performance Awards it presented in the footwear segment.

The Performance Award went to HDry for collaborating with Scarpa to develop high-performance mountaineering boots with minimal seams and a waterproof member laminated directly on the outer fabric. The jury was impressed that even though the membrane is PFAS-free, it is extremely durable and 100% waterproof.

“This award is a huge honor and a validation of our work to be both high-performance and sustainable with our technology,” said Matteo Morlacchi, CEO and co-founder of HDry.” “We are proud of our partnership with Scarpa to build best-in-class mountaineering boots.”

Using a patented process, the HDry waterproof/breathable membrane is directly laminated to the inside of a shoe’s upper. Compared to the standard waterproof ‘bootie’ system, HDry eliminates any gaps where water can stagnate. Another benefit of HDry technology is its ability to significantly reduce the reliance on DWR treatments (PFCs, PFAS) on the upper material. This not only is more sustainable but also increases durability, leading to a longer lifespan for the shoe.

HDry is featured in some of Scarpa’s best-selling mountaineering boots, including the Ribelle, the Charmoz, and the Phantom Tech.

Beyond its work with Scarpa, HDry technology is found in many other performance brands, including Kuiu, Hestra, Rossignol, Dynafit, Burton and more.

Learn more about HDry technologies here: https://www.hdry.com/en.

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About HDry:

Patented HDry technology provides the direct, three-dimensional application of a waterproof/breathable membrane inside the shoe upper or the outer layer of the glove, thus eliminating any space that could cause infiltration and stagnation of water. HDry is owned by Altexa srl, based in Italy with an operations branch in China. For more information on HDry, pl www.HDry.com.

 

 

Norco and Backbone Ride into 2024

VANCOUVER, December 19, 2023—Norco, the trailblazing mountain bike brand founded in 1964, is pleased to announce its collaboration with Backbone, the premier active lifestyle media agency. Backbone will serve as the official PR agency of record for Norco, supporting the brand’s growth in the U.S. and globally.

“Norco is stoked to join forces with Backbone, a team that shares our passion for riding and growing the mountain bike community,” said Gwen van Lingen, Head of Brand at Norco. “We have some exciting plans for our 60th year, and Backbone’s proven track record will be invaluable to our marketing strategy.”

“As a team of passionate mountain bikers and marketers, we’ve long admired the Norco brand and its bikes,” said Ian Anderson, Backbone VP of PR. “We’re excited to ride for the brand, build awareness and drive sales for Norco.”

About Norco Bikes

Norco Bikes is a global leader in high-performance mountain bikes, known for its commitment to innovation, quality craftsmanship, and the pursuit of trail-blazing excellence. Founded as Northern Cycle Industries in 1964, operating out of a chicken coop, the brand has evolved over the years, but hard work, passion, and commitment to innovation has always been at the forefront. The mountains and trails of British Colombia are hard-wired into the DNA at Norco, and they will always be the ultimate inspiration for the character and performance of every Norco bike. norco.com

About Backbone

Backbone is the country’s leading active lifestyle media agency. For over 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 information, visit www.backbone.media.