Archives: Press Releases

Stockholm, Sweden – (June 15, 2023) – Founded in 1983, RECCO is commemorating 40 years of searchability and innovation in the search and rescue space. The RECCO system has changed drastically since its first iteration, but the brand’s mission has stayed the same — to make more outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers, no matter the activity, location or season.

The RECCO system was created after founder Magnus Granhed was involved in the rescue operations after a tragic avalanche in Åre, Sweden in 1973, where one of his friends was buried. Frustrated by the primitive methods at the time for locating buried victims, the idea for RECCO was born.

His frustration after the accident motivated Granhed to start speaking with professional rescuers in the Alps to better understand how the search process worked in case of an avalanche: “I understood early that an electronic solution was the way to go,” he recalled.

Development started as part of an exciting research project at the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology. Tests were carried out with professional rescuers such as Bruno Jelk, Head of Mountain Rescue in Zermatt at that time, and Beat Perren, founder of Air Zermatt. Their widespread knowledge and experience from hundreds of avalanche accidents provided valuable input to further develop the technology behind the two-part system consisting of a detector that sends out a signal and is used by professional rescuers, and the reflector that bounces back the signal and which is integrated in outdoor products. The first prototype was finalized in the early 1980s. In 1983, 40 years ago, the company called RECCO was founded.

The RECCO system offers a solution to quickly locate outdoor enthusiasts equipped with rescue reflectors. Both detectors and reflectors have been refined and improved over the years. The first detector, the R1, had a weight of about 44 pounds. Today’s detector, the R9, weighs about 1.9 pounds.

RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector – Broadening the market 

In 2016, RECCO created another ground-breaking innovation. After several years of development, a helicopter-carried detector was introduced, designed to search large areas faster year-round. The same technique that had been used only for avalanche rescue is now used to locate people that are lost or in distress while participating in several outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, hunting or trail running. 

The evolution from a winter to a year-round system has spurred additional investment in the testing and the introduction of new reflectors. Durability requirements are very different if you compare hiking shoes and ski pants, for example.

Development with focus on sustainability

Testing in the lab and the field has always been important for the development of the RECCO system, especially as the technology has broadened in scope from winter to year-round activities. There is also a strong focus and commitment to sustainability when developing new reflectors. Sustainability is paramount when choosing materials and production methods. In order to be a reliable partner for rescue teams worldwide, the development of user-friendly detectors will remain important in parallel with making more people searchable. These two elements remain as equally important today as they were 40 years ago.

To learn more about RECCO’s history and technology, check out this video for more information.

RECCO reflectors are integrated into outdoor clothing and equipment such as helmets, backpacks and hiking shoes from over 150 brand partners including Jack Wolfskin, Arc‘teryx, Helly Hansen, Patagonia, POC and more. For more information, please visit RECCO.com. 

About RECCO

RECCO® advanced rescue technology makes outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers in case of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. The technology builds on a two-part radar system. Rescuers carry RECCO® detectors that send out search signals which are echoed by RECCO® reflectors, carried by the user. RECCO® detectors are used worldwide at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. RECCO® reflectors are integrated into select apparel, helmets, protection gear and boots manufactured by more than 150 leading outdoor brands. RECCO AB was founded in 1983 in Sweden and is owned by its founder Magnus Granhed and the publicly traded investment company Traction AB (listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm). More info at recco.com.

BUFFALO, NY (June 15, 2023) – LEKI, a leader in innovative skiing, trekking and trail running poles for 75 years, proudly introduces the Hemp One Vario, the first ever trekking pole made from sustainable organic material. The pilot program consists of 250 pairs of poles manufactured entirely by hand in Europe, with the hemp grown and harvested in the Swabian Alb region just a few miles from the LEKI headquarters in Kirchheim, Germany, and assembly conducted in LEKI’s own factory in the Czech Republic.

The entire concept of the pole is designed with the use of organic materials across multiple components from grip to shaft to basket. “The Hemp One Vario is the first pole that consistently pursues the use of organic materials as a replacement for aluminum and carbon,” says Matthias Hatt, CEO of LEKI. “With this project, we have taken a big step forward in developing sustainable technologies through fundamental research and we see a lot of development potential for the future.”

Raw hemp fibers are twice as strong as steel and hemp bends and mends approximately six times better than steel. The sustainable aspects of hemp are tremendous compared to other natural ingredients: it requires little water or land area and it nourishes the soil, enabling more secure and renewable harvests. While weighing slightly more than carbon and aluminum poles by just a few ounces, the Hemp One Vario’s sustainable properties and strength to weight ratio offset this and are groundbreaking in terms of responsibly replacing materials and components used in the traditional manufacturing of hard goods.

LEKI first introduced the Hemp One Vario at ISPO last month and won the ISPO Award 2023, quoting the ISPO Award Jury: “LEKI is embarking on an exciting new path with the Hemp One Vario. The consistent sustainable approach, incorporating regionally renewable raw materials, can be described as a flagship project. Such innovations enrich the outdoor market on its way towards a resource-efficient and more sustainable future.”

The Hemp One Vario will initially be sold this year as a limited series program through Globetrotter stores in Europe and will expand to distribution in the U.S. in summer 2024.

Hemp One Vario (MSRP: $275)

• Shaft: 100% hemp fibers with resin
• Grip: Core 25% hemp fibers / CorTec surface with natural cork content
• Strap: 100% natural linen flax fibers (made in Germany)
• Basket: 25% hemp fibers
• Length: 110-130cm
• Adjustment: SpeedLock Plus
• Shaft Segments (2): 18/16 mm
• Weight: 290g / 10 oz per pole

 

About LEKI 

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

 

SEATTLE, Wash. (June 14, 2023) – Cascade Designs, the parent company of MSR, Therm-a-Rest, Platypus, SealLine, PackTowl and VARILITE, announced today the hire of John Park as its new Product Line Manager for MSR Stoves and Cookware. In this role, Park will be responsible for product line strategy and drive product development for the outdoor equipment brand.

Park will oversee the development and operations of MSR’s range of award-winning camping and backpacking stoves and cookware helping the brand stay true to its mission of more than 50 years: Build better, safer and more reliable outdoor equipment with the goal of unlocking great adventures. Park brings more than 12 years of experience to his new role at MSR and was most recently the General Manager at Kovea, where he oversaw brand and product development and had a key role in developing the Kovea brand in the U.S.

“We are excited to welcome John to the Cascade Designs team,” said Kalon Pilmanis, Cascade Designs’ VP of Product Development and Product Line Management. “John’s expertise in the camp cooking market and extensive experience in product development adds considerable value to our team and will help to ensure the growth of the MSR brand.”

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to work for Cascade Designs and believe my experience working with gas stoves will lend well to my work with MSR,” said Park. “I look forward to helping the brand and its products to develop.”

Responsible for the line plan strategy, new product launches, and on-going product support; Park will be driving product development and projects, informing design and project goals and supporting the go-to-market strategy with product development, marketing, and sales. He’ll also be managing product quality, warranty and coordinating with regulatory agencies to ensure all MSR stoves and cookware are safe for consumers.

For more information about Cascade Designs, please visit: https://www.cascadedesigns.com.

About Cascade Designs®
For 50 years, Seattle-based Cascade Designs, Inc. and its brands, Therm-a-Rest®, Mountain Safety Research® (MSR), Platypus®, SealLine®, PackTowl® and VARILITE, has led the outdoor industry in designing innovative, useful and long-lasting equipment, manufacturing the majority of products in their Seattle, WA, and Reno, NV, U.S.A. and Cork, Ireland facilities. From the original self-inflating Therm-a-Rest® camping mattress to the first multi-fuel stove from MSR®, Cascade Designs has developed leading products that explorers, travelers, adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts and weekend campers can rely on to deliver optimum performance in the outdoors through exceptional engineering and quality. For more information, please visit: www.cascadedesigns.com.

At the Outbound Collective, we’re building an outdoor community where everyone feels welcome, represented, and empowered to live healthier lives through the pursuit of everyday adventures. And we are always looking for others who share our vision for a better, more modern outdoors.

That’s why we’re excited to announce a new partnership with TINCUP Whiskey – our official 2023 Partner In Adventure – furthering our mission to connect folks to each other and to the outdoors.

Who is TINCUP Whiskey?

A great American Whiskey cut with Rocky Mountain water, TINCUP is inspired by and made for, the mountains. TINCUP encourages people to enjoy their first sip of whiskey around the campfire with good company.

TINCUP’s new #PartnerInAdventure campaign is designed to build community and inspire connection between those with a love of the great outdoors. There’s an entire world of adventure worth celebrating and TINCUP will help you find someone to share it with.

TINCUP and the Outbound

This partnership is an exciting opportunity to further connect communities and TINCUP will be a key partner in bringing people together outside.

Over the next few months, we will come together at the TINCUP Mountain Mixer Event Series to help folks get outside their comfort zone and find their #PartnerInAdventure in real life. This Summer 2023, events will be held in Colorado, California, and New York.

RVSP to attend a free half-day outdoor adventure including hiking, mixology, outdoor games, special guests from TINCUP’s roster of ambassadors, and a chance to meet your #PartnerInAdventure. These events are only open to individuals aged 21 or older.

The first Mountain Mixer kicks off in Denver, Colorado, on June 23rd at Snow Mountain Ranch from 2-7 p.m. Come for delicious cocktails, outdoor fun, and plenty of opportunities to find your #PartnerInAdventure. Click here to join us and learn more about all three events. Click here to learn more about the partnership.

©2023 TINCUP Whiskey, Denver, Colorado. Please drink TINCUP® responsibly.

 

LOUISVILLE, Colo. (June 14, 2023) — Primus, the Swedish cooking equipment brand, announces new partnerships with two athletes – climber, Matt Segal, and mountaineer, Tamara Lunger. In addition to being accomplished mountain athletes, Segal and Lunger are both passionate about food and sharing meals in wild places.

“Primus has been on numerous expeditions and first ascents over the past century, and we are excited to partner with a new generation of explorers and foodies like Tamara and Matt. Both bring a passion for being outside, reaching new heights, and pushing their limits, while also enjoying cooking and eating for both energy and the experience that gathering around a meal provides,” said Lisa Löwenborg, marketing manager at Primus. “Matt and Tamara are not only advocates for being out in nature, but for also sharing their experiences with others and we can’t wait to cook under the stars with them.”

Segal is a professional climber, adventure athlete and foodie from Miami. He now calls Boulder, Colorado, his home base when he isn’t seeking out new climbs in off-the-beaten-path locales. Segal’s enthusiasm for adventure is matched by his passion for food and outdoor cooking, plus sharing those experiences with others.

“I’m stoked to be joining the Primus family, as they’ve been leaders in creating the best backcountry stoves for over 130 years. I can’t wait to bring them on my next adventure,” said Segal. “Over the years I realize how important it is you nourish and fuel your body for
those big projects and what it means to gather around a meal to connect and celebrate afterwards.”

Lunger is a mountaineer from Bolzano, Italy, and has lived her entire life in the mountains, chasing adventure and encouraging others to do so as well. In 2014, she became the second Italian woman to summit K2, the second highest mountain on Earth, and did so without the aid of oxygen and porters. Lunger has also attempted several 8,000-meter peaks in winter. Tamara hopes for others to live their lives to the fullest, in a sustainable way, and to make small and big decisions in harmony with their heads, as well as their stomachs.

“Exploring new places and immersing oneself in a different culture and nature opens up our ways of thinking and helps motivate people to live the life of their dreams,” said Lunger. “Gathering around a meal while outside on a trip gives you the time and energy to reflect on becoming the best version of yourself, and I’m excited that Primus can help facilitate this opportunity.”

For more information on Primus and the new athlete partners, please direct media inquiries to Ryan Silven, ryan.silven@rygr.us.

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

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

 

 

SEATTLE – Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open a Re/Supply store dedicated to used gear and apparel in Clackamas, Oregon in late August 2023. Located in Clackamas Town Center, the 16,113 square-foot store will open a few doors down from the co-op’s existing store that has served the outdoor community since 2007. The new location will join the co-op’s Re/Supply store in Manhattan Beach, California, which opened in 2020.

“As a member-owned co-op, we have a responsibility to preserve the long-term health of the planet,” said Bob Cagle, REI regional director. “Our Re/Supply offering reimagines the lifecycle of outdoor products and helps keep gear where it belongs—out on trails, waterways and other natural places. Opening a Re/Supply store in the community builds on the popularity of our used program that is enjoyed by many Oregonians.”

Access to the program is a benefit of co-op membership. In the Portland market there are more than 303,000 active members. Anyone can purchase a lifetime membership to the co-op for a one-time fee of $30, which grants access to not just the Re/Supply program, but discounts on shop services and experiences, free flat-tire repair (labor only) and ski waxing, an annual Co-op Member Reward of 10% back on eligible purchases, and more.

The selection at REI Clackamas Re/Supply will be focused on providing members with access to high-quality, used, outdoor gear and apparel at great prices. The selection will change frequently and be made up of lightly used products that the company receives through the typical returns process as well as items received through trade-in programs.

This store builds upon the co-op’s long history of encouraging the exchange of used gear amongst its members. REI offered used outdoor gear to co-op members for more than 60 years through its well-known “garage sale” events at retail stores across the country. In 2018, REI innovated within its used business to launch a used-specific e-commerce site, trade-in program, and used gear offering for sale in most retail locations. In 2022, more than one million used products were sold through REI’s Re/Supply omni-channel offering. REI’s investment in Re/Supply aligns with the co-op’s 2030 climate goals to de-couple business growth from carbon impact. Buying used instead of new typically avoids carbon emissions of 50% or more based on REI’s estimate of preparing used gear for sale versus making new gear.

Once open in late August 2023, REI’s Re/Supply location in Clackamas will join the co-op’s other eight retail stores in Oregon.

 

Join the REI Re/Supply team 

REI expects to hire approximately 25 employees for the new Re/Supply in Clackamas. Candidates interested in joining the team can apply online at REI.com/jobs and learn about the general hiring timeline. Candidates can set a job alert on the co-op’s career site to be notified when positions post. All employees will receive a wide variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay and retirement contributions. REI employees also enjoy unique perks, such as two paid annual “Co-op Way Days” that allow them to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity and an additional paid day off on Black Friday to encourage all employees to #OptOutside. REI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables a life outdoors for everyone. The co-op seeks candidates who demonstrate shared values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism.

 

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 21.5 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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Note: For more information about REI Co-op Member Reward, visit https://www.rei.com/membership/co-op-member-reward. A 10% Co-op Member Reward is typical but not guaranteed. An REI Co-op Member Reward is based on eligible net qualified purchases, which exclude REI Outlet items, sale and clearance items, discounted items, gift cards, REI adventure travel, REI classes or day trips, Re/Supply used gear, service fees (e.g., rentals, labor, shop services), membership fee, postage, event passes/tickets and registrations, government agencies, REI Cooperative Action Fund donations, shipping charges, return labels, exchanges, sales tax.

 

 

Centered around sparking connections outdoors, UCO is introducing two new products in the outdoor firepit and grilling categories and refreshing its long-standing line of candle lanterns.

Renton, WA, USA – New to the UCO brand for 2023 are the Flatpack Smokeless Firepit & Grill and the Flatpack Nesting Grill Tools. Updated for 2023 is UCO’s ubiquitous line of Candle Lanterns, featuring fresh new colors, badging, and packaging. UCO’s new and updated products aim to enhance the experience around the flame. All these products pair well together, from the backyard to the backcountry.

The Flatpack Smokeless Firepit & Grill provides a smokeless experience by using double-wall construction to create super-heated air channels that exit at the top of the firebox wall, combusting the smoke more thoroughly than regular fireboxes. This super-heated air provides a more efficient “secondary burn,” resulting in a smokeless experience. The firebox is large enough to fit 16” cordwood but compact and foldable for easy transport. Use the firepit as a roomy grill with the included grill grate insert. It also comes with a sturdy nylon carrying case.

The Flatpack Nesting Grill Tools were designed from the ground up for anyone cooking outdoors. The nesting design keeps your grill tools compact and organized, whether at camp or on the road. UCO designed the tongs and turners’ lengths for performance and safety. They are constructed from durable stainless steel and feature an ergonomic handle made from UCO’s 100% Recover Recycled™ Polypropylene. Recover Recycled Polypropylene gives reclaimed and recycled polypropylene a second life by transforming post-consumer and post-industrial plastic waste into an FDA-Food Safe material.

UCO’s most iconic products – the Original, Candlelier, and Mini Candle Lanterns, will feature fresh, new colors and logo badging that appeal to a broader audience. From classic to fun and youthful, users will find their color in this new collection. Redesigned packaging will better highlight the ingenious workings of these analog light sources while making strides toward greater sustainability using less plastic and ink. UCO candle lanterns are perfect for backyard patios, remote campsites, or emergency preparedness kits.

About Industrial Revolution
Founded in 1971 as UCO Corporation – a parts manufacturer for notable brands including Boeing, K2, Lange, and Jansport – the Seattle-based company has been known as Industrial Revolution since 2005. Industrial Revolution has become a leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative products promoting fun, safety, and outdoor comfort, including Candle Lanterns™, Stormproof Matches™, Ice Cream Balls, and the UltraPod™ tripod. Industrial Revolution includes two owned brands – UCO and Pedco – and two distributed brands – Sweden-based Morakniv® knives and German-based Esbit solid fuel stoves and cookware.
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Date: June 14, 2023