Archives: Press Releases

{Dover, NH—Dec. 12, 2023}—On the heels of two ISPO awards for its Tensor™ Extreme Conditions sleeping pad and forthcoming Resolve™ technical daypack series, NEMO Equipment’s Endless Promise® line was named one of the greatest innovations of 2023 by Popular Science. Since 1988, the Best of What’s New Award has highlighted products that exemplify a desire to improve people’s lives and covers categories ranging from health, engineering and auto to aerospace, emergency service & defense, and sports & outdoors. Just 50 total products were named as winners across the categories.

NEMO’s ENDLESS PROMISE

Endless Promise represents NEMO’s commitment to reduce resource consumption and keep gear out of the landfill. All Endless Promise products are painstakingly designed to be repairable, resellable, and most importantly, 100% recyclable. The 2023 line of Forte™ Endless Promise® sleeping bags (also an Honoree of Fast Co’s Innovation by Design Award) and forthcoming down sleeping bag and backpack collections meet these strict criteria all while improving the user’s adventure experience.

“By challenging ourselves to design a more sustainable product, we unlocked new innovations that created a better-performing product, too,” explains CEO & founder, Cam Brensinger.

In 2024, NEMO’s Endless Promise Collection will expand to include three Responsible Down Standard certified sleeping bags and a new line of technical and commuter daypacks. Recycled and bluesign® materials, including breakthrough fabrics and cushioning that is more durable, breathable, and moisture wicking than traditional, non-recyclable foam, have been thoughtfully incorporated into the pack line.

In the U.S., Unifi, Ambercycle, and ALLIED Feather + Down have partnered with NEMO to recycle the polyester and down components of each Endless Promise product. NEMO expands the program into mainland Europe next year by partnering with United Repair Centre, a B2B repair business for brands, and CuRe Technology for textile recycling R&D. For down extraction and recycling, NEMO will continue to partner with ALLIED Feather + Down’s European facilities.

“We’re taking responsibility for our impacts,” continues Brensinger. “It can be difficult and costly work, but our team is deeply motivated and believes the payoff will come as we evolve our business to match the demands of a rapidly changing world. We deeply appreciate the recognition of our Endless Promise program and hope it sparks competition and innovation as others join us in this work.”

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. The brand has been named Outdoor Brand of the Year by The Daily by Outdoor Retailer, and 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.™

 

 

 

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. and CARRBORO, N.C. (Dec. 11, 2023) — Fleet Feet announced today the opening of its newest store in Jefferson City, Missouri. Owned and operated by Nancy Yaeger, who also owns Fleet Feet Columbia, the new store can be found at 2701 West Edgewood in Jefferson City. This expansion comes after Yaeger’s success with Fleet Feet Columbia, which has experienced double-digit sales growth annually since its opening in 2017.

Running has always been a part of Yaeger’s life. Surrounded by the sport growing up, she competed in track and cross country in high school; in 2009, she became involved in triathlons, and eventually earned her USAT Level 1 Coaching Certification. Always eager to share her love of running, Yaeger was the head coach of the Stephen College Cross Country team in Columbia for five years and founded Tiger Endurance Company, a local youth triathlon club in Columbia. Yaeger’s expertise and desire to help others drove her success in turning Fleet Feet Columbia into a hub for the local running and athletic community.

“I believe Fleet Feet’s service can change lives,” said Yaeger. “I had a tough experience with an injury while training, and finding the right shoes significantly helped my recovery. Our commitment to providing solutions for our customers sets us apart from other retailers. Our team is dedicated to serving the local community. Everything we do is rooted in improving the lives of the runners and walkers who come through our door.”

Yaeger remains deeply involved in community initiatives alongside her daughter Sidney, the store’s marketing manager. Her efforts range from helping establish the Heart of Missouri Chapter of Girls on the Run to supporting the Day Dreams Foundation. The store also supports the Molly’s Miles 5k & 10k, an event benefiting COPS.

“Nancy has a deep passion for helping all runners achieve their goals, and it’s no surprise Fleet Feet Columbia has become an institution with her leading the way,” said John Moloznik, vice president of business development at Fleet Feet. “We’re thrilled to see Nancy and her team expand into Jefferson City. The new store makes Fleet Feet more accessible to people who regularly travel a long distance to shop at the Columbia store, and allows Nancy and her team to better support the community’s growing active population.”

Fleet Feet Jefferson City will offer a curated selection of premium products from top footwear and apparel brands.  A grand opening party is planned for early 2024 to celebrate the fully stocked store and welcome the Jefferson City community to the Fleet Feet family.

Fleet Feet Jefferson City will operate with the brand’s exclusive outfitting experience, fit id®, which includes pressure plates and 3D foot scanning technology that allows the brand to accurately assess the size and shape of customers’ feet and how each foot moves through the gait cycle. This personalized, expert-led approach enables outfitters to offer the right fitting footwear and accessories for each customer.

For more than 47 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge and empowerment.  Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.

To learn more about Fleet Feet Jefferson City and the grand opening celebrations, please visit the Fleet Feet Columbia website.

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About Fleet Feet

Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 260 locations in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter List, and Inc.’s Best in Business List and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

 

 

 

 

Red Wing, Minn. – December 11, 2023) – Vasque Footwear, with nearly 60 years of experience delivering functional, durable footwear to millions of outdoor enthusiasts, is pleased to announce the expansion of its product department with the hire of Austyn Dunham as product developer. Dunham joins a team of footwear industry veterans, tasked with ushering in an entirely new chapter of growth for the brand.

As Product Developer, Dunham leads all footwear development for the brand. She is responsible for taking design intent, managing the construction, collaborating with the suppliers and manufacturers to make each design come to life, and ultimately ensuring it functions in the way it was intended.

Dunham boasts more than 13 years in product creation starting at Target Corporation, where she worked with large volumes of styles in apparel and footwear in all categories. Recently, Dunham led a design consulting team at Gravity Sketch, a software company providing global brands with 3D integration to enhance footwear product design and development.

“Being an avid outdoor enthusiast, a big part of taking this role at Vasque was the opportunity to  work on outdoor performance footwear,” said Dunham. “The space is full of new ideas and innovations to enhance hiking performance, and I am very excited to bring them to life with our brand in new ways.”

Dunham joins Jes Sandrin and Scott Kendall on the product team, who both came to Vasque in the last two years. Sandrin as Product Line Merchant and Kendall as Footwear Designer. With experience at Red Wing Shoe Company and Michael Kors, Sandrin owns product category strategy, selecting a core set of products to drive growth. Kendall is a proven industry veteran, with more than 25 years of footwear design experience at brands such as New Balance, Wilson and Puma. At Vasque, he’s been tasked with modernizing the brand’s design language, driving a move towards more sustainable materials and creating product designs that appeal to both the traditional hiker and a new, more athletic and lifestyle-minded outdoor consumer.

“In the past three years our product team has changed dramatically,” said Amy Peck, Director of Vasque Product Creation. “The organization has invested in bringing diverse backgrounds from footwear and retail, giving us a breadth of capabilities we hadn’t had previously. Starting this fall with the launch of our all-new Re:connect family, customers and consumers will begin to see a shift in the product we bring forward. It will still harken to the fundamentals of our brand – quality, fit and finish – but will be much more in line with the innovation and stylistic preferences of our consumers.”

About Vasque: Vasque Footwear has delivered functional, durable footwear to millions of outdoor enthusiasts since 1964. We believe that you don’t have to go far to change your perspective. By simply stepping outside we can change how we feel on the inside. When we disconnect, we reconnect. Vasque Footwear – Trail Footwear Since 1964. Visit us at Vasque.com

 

 

 

PORTLAND, OR – (Dec. 7, 2023) –Adventure Wagon, the premier builder of modular camper vans, announces its new Gear Shop, a curated collection of storage, sleep, power supply and camping products and accessories. At the Adventure Wagon Gear Shop, shoppers will find everything they need to outfit their vehicle for adventures in the outdoors.

The virtual aisles of the Gear Shop are stocked with premium gear, ready to equip adventurers for any challenge and comfort in any environment. Adventure Wagon’s Gear Shop offers carefully selected inventory that covers everything from branded apparel to cozy sleep systems, camping gear, eco-friendly power options and innovative storage solutions. Included brands include Goal Zero, Dometic, Dragon Fly, CGEAR, Radio Vans, Espar Parts, Flatline Van Co. and Backwood Adventure Mods.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the Adventure Wagon Gear Shop — meticulously crafted for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliability, innovation and functionality in their equipment,” said Kurt Schreiner, Marketing Director. “This Gear Shop goes beyond mere convenience; it’s a commitment to our customers that every product has been selected to enhance their exploration experience, ensuring that wherever they go, and no matter the activity, they’re well-equipped and ready for the adventures ahead.”

Coinciding with the debut of the new site, Adventure Wagon is also unveiling the brand new Adventure Wagon Ox Box to the Gear Shop. A sleek, convenient and durable option to store and transport gear, the new offering was created with all adventurers in mind, not just van owners. Available in three sizes, Adventure Wagon Ox Boxes are designed to stack together neatly in a 60″ slide-out tray. Developed with function in mind, the Ox Boxes fit flawlessly into the Radio Vans Wave and Flatline Van Co slide-out trays, but can just as easily be used in the trunk or a car or rear storage compartment of an SUV. Crafted for both in-vehicle and exterior use, the Ox Box’s durable 1mm aluminum construction ensures resilience and longevity.

The secure, lockable stainless steel latches, combined with precisely engineered cast aluminum “stackable” corners and weather-resistant sealed lids, provide a storage solution designed to meet the demands of both van and car adventurers. This robust system is designed to handle the jostling of any backroad, offering peace of mind and organization for the journeys ahead.

Ox Boxes will come in the following sizing:

• Small: 49 Liter capacity – 14.25” L x 16.75” W x 13”H
• Medium: 98 Liter capacity – 29.5” L x 16.75” W x 13”H
• Large: 147 Liter capacity – 44.25” L x 16.75” W x 13”H

Those Interested in learning more about the latest from Adventure Wagon, including the Ox Box, can visit the Adventure Wagon website: adventurewagon.com

About Adventure Wagon

Based in Portland, Oregon, Adventure Wagon was born from a desire to create an adaptable, versatile van that could satisfy any present or potential need. With thousands of conversions on the road since its inception in 2014, Adventure Wagon helps connect people more intimately with their passions by providing products that are a catalyst for boundless discovery. For more information about Adventure Wagon, visit adventurewagon.com.

 

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PARK CITY, Utah (Dec. 7, 2023) — Backcountry, the leading specialty retailer for outdoor gear and apparel, renews its long-term partnership with Utah Avalanche Center (UAC), an organization known nationally for its ‘Know Before You Go” program. The announcement coincides with the fifth annual Avalanche Awareness Week, established to promote avalanche rescue skills ahead of the snow sports season. This partnership dovetails Backcountry’s gear expertise with UAC’s educational expertise to help individuals be safer in the backcountry this winter.

“Backcountry’s heritage in avalanche safety traces back to 1996 when we made our first online sale with the purchase of an avalanche beacon,” says Colby Black, Backcountry CPO. “Our commitment to safety is in our DNA and we’re privileged to work with a renowned organization like UAC to empower the broader outdoor community with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions and enjoy the backcountry responsibly.”

Content creation will be a pivotal part of the Backcountry and UAC partnership, which will leverage Backcountry’s channels and build upon its library of videos that educate consumers on choosing the right gear before heading into the backcountry. UAC’s educational authority on practices in the outdoors paired with Backcountry’s knowledge of the right gear and offering will help produce a half dozen long- and short-form videos accessible across various channels. Backcountry will dedicate an episode of The Backcountry Podcast to avalanche safety and the UAC partnership, while additional videos will be published on its website, YouTube channel, and various social media platforms, covering topics such as “know before you go,” avalanche safety drills, how to pack your bag and more.

“Whether backcountry skiing or hiking a local mountain, avalanche awareness is critical,” says Chad Brackelsberg, UAC executive director. “Avalanches claim an average of 27 lives each year in the United States. In an effort to slash this statistic, it’s our job to partner with passionate organizations, like Backcountry, that align with our values and can help amplify our voice. We’re excited to extend our partnership and create new, premium content that can help better promote avalanche awareness and education to help people come home safely each day they are in the mountains.”

Proper education paired with the right equipment will best prepare outdoor enthusiasts for mountain excursions. Backcountry is home to hundreds of premium brand partners that offer the newest technology and top-of-the-line avalanche equipment, including shovels, probes, beacons, and airbags. Backcountry, along with its team of Gearhead experts, is equipped to help customers find the avalanche safety gear best suited for their individual needs. For more of Backcountry’s full assortment, visit backcountry.com/avalanche-safety. For media inquiries and all other questions, please email Kevin McCormack at kevin.mccormack@rygr.us.

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About Backcountry

From the one-on-one expertise of Backcountry Gearheads to its epic selection of the best in both style and performance, Backcountry has been a leading outdoor retailer since 1996. Dialing in your gear closet, exploring your backcountry, recharging with après—Backcountry elevates the entire outdoor experience. In 2018, Backcountry began building its own Gearhead-inspired products; the fast-growing Built By Backcountry ski, bike, climb, hike, fly fish, and après lines include collabs with trusted brands like GORE-TEX, Pertex, and ALLIED Down. After 27 years as a successful online retailer, Backcountry opened its first brick and mortar location in Park City, UT and has since expanded its retail footprint to include nine stores from coast to coast, offering a seamless omnichannel experience for its consumers.

About Utah Avalanche Center

The Utah Avalanche Center exists to keep people on top of The Greatest Snow On Earth® by providing avalanche forecasting, education, and awareness throughout the state of Utah in collaboration with the US Forest Service. The nonprofit Utah Avalanche Center partners with the US Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center to provide avalanche forecasting, education, and awareness in Utah. The nonprofit Utah Avalanche Center was formed in 1990 to help bridge the gap between the available funding and actual expenses of operating an avalanche center and to protect the program from year-to-year Forest Service funding fluctuation. Today, the UAC is responsible for all avalanche awareness and education in Utah, as well as funding and strategic management of the partnership. About 80% of the total program funding is raised through the non-profit UAC, with the remainder coming from the Forest Service, State of Utah, and Salt Lake County directly to pay Forest Service partner expenses.