Archives: Press Releases

ROCKFORD, Mich. (May 9, 2023) – Chaco, the outdoor shoe brand known for its iconic Z sandal, is thrilled to announce the return of the Fit for Adventure Tour in 2023. After two successful years of touring the country in a vintage school bus, Chaco is excited to bring back this popular activation, revamped with unique activities at select locations.

“Chaco Nation is at the center of everything we do,” said Lauren Poole, Sr. Marketing Director at Chaco. “Fans of the brand have traveled long distances to visit our Fit for Adventure Tour, sharing their stories of their favorite adventures—hiking, camping, and adventuring in their Chaco sandals—so we’ve updated our experience this year to thank the Chaco Nation for their loyalty. We have some fun surprises planned, are excited to meet our fans and followers on the road and bring smiles to their faces.”

Along with the one-of-a-kind events, loyal fans and newcomers alike can either have their beloved Z sandals repaired for free – or they can design a custom pair of Z/1 Classic Sandals (MSRP: $110) or Chillos Slides (MSRP: $40). Both repairs and custom sandals are handcrafted on-site inside the specially equipped vintage school bus. There will be exclusive webbings at select stops.

The Fit For Adventure Tour has kept thousands of sandals out of landfills and is an extension of the ReChaco Repair program – Chaco’s repair facility in Rockford, Michigan. To date, over 266,000 pairs of sandals have been repaired and returned to Chaco fans for years of adventure to come.

The 2023 Chaco Fit For Adventure Tour will kick off May 12^th in Grand Rapids, MI, and will stop in over 10 different cities across the country, including Denver, Nashville, and new, never before visited locations. The initial locations have been released, with more stops announced in May. Visit chacos.com/tour to see the full list of stops.

Want to know more about the one-of-a-kind events? Follow  @ChacoFootwear on Instagram and TikTok for tour updates. The Fit for Adventure Tour is free to attend and is open to the public.

 

About Chaco:

Born on the river in 1989, Chaco, a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW), builds premium footwear for the outdoor-minded. The brand’s iconic Z/sandals are repairable at ReChaco and more than 20,000 sandals a year are kept out of landfills every year. Plus, as a result of the brand’s proprietary LUVSEAT™ foot bed, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has awarded the Seal of Acceptance to all Chaco footwear styles. The APMA Seal is intended to raise awareness by identifying products of exceptional quality that are manufactured with comfort, health, and safety in mind. Simply put, Chaco is fit for adventure. Please visit us at www.chacos.com, Facebook: Chacos, Instagram: ChacoFootwear, TikTok: ChacoFootwear.

 

LONGMONT, Colo. (May 9, 2023) — deuter, the global leader in backpacks and outdoor equipment, is proud to celebrate its 125th anniversary as a pioneer and innovator in the world of mountain sports . Since 1898, deuter has been at the forefront of the backpack market, developing bold and leading edge products that have revolutionized the industry and today is Europe’s largest backpack manufacturer.

In celebration of the 125^th milestone, deuter is proud to launch the 125th Anniversary Collection, with its most popular backpack models, made using 100 percent recycled and bluesign® certified fabric. The backpacks are a tribute to the history of mountaineering and signify deuter’s desire to continue to shape the world of mountain sports with evolving innovations and a pledge to sustainability. The collection consists of hike, bike and lifestyle packs, including the Trail 22 SL, Trail 24 L, Race 12 L, Race Air EXP 14+3 L, and Step Out 22 L.

From the first ascent of Nanga Parbat in 1953 with Tauren backpack to the creation of the first Aircomfort back system with a mesh suspended back panel in 1984, deuter has consistently developed unique products that excellin quality, design, and functionality for mountain adventure. In 1990, deuter teamed up with Trans-Alp pioneer Andi Heckmair to create the first bike-specific backpacks for his journey across the Alps. Eight years later, in 1998, deuter worked with the Association of German Mountain and Ski Guides to create the iconic deuter Guide backpack. It was during that time that Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, an Austrian mountaineer, embarked on a quest to find expedition gear that would fit her body, laying the groundwork for the development of deuter’s SL models, which are backpacks specifically designed for women and individuals with shorter torsos.

“deuter’s 125 years of business is a testament to our innovative thinking, commitment to quality, and dedication to customer service. It is an honor to be part of this team, and I am proud of the hard work of our U.S. team, whose contributions have helped drive our growth over the past decade,” says Jonathan Degenhardt, managing director of deuter USA

The limited-edition heritage backpacks will be available for purchase on deuter’s website today. For more information about the collection, visit www.deuter.com

For media inquiries, please contact Senior Account Manager Maria Brickman: maria.brickman@rygr.us.

 

About deuter: From backpacking to mountain biking, alpinism, and travel, to child-carrying and family adventures, deuter crafts highly functional, comfortable, and environmentally friendly packs for everyone and everywhere. With over 120+ years of experience, deuter has played a vital role in shaping the culture of mountain adventure since its 1898 founding in Germany. deuter inspires every new generation of philosophers, women, pranksters, and rock n’ rollers to get outside and experience mountain adventures the way they want to. www.deuter.com

[Kittery, ME, May 8, 2023]—Good To-Go, the award-winning dehydrated gourmet meal brand founded by Chef Jennifer Scism, has added to its team hiring Kristen Murphy as its Marketing Manager. With a deep understanding of the outdoor industry, Murphy will be focused on growing Good To-Go’s audience and supporting its retail partners.

Murphy joins Good To-Go after 12 years at Vibram Corporation. During her time there she worked in various roles in both B2B and B2C, including Customer Service + Account Management, Partnership Marketing, and most recently, Digital Marketing where she managed the email + SMS activation strategy for Vibram USA.

“I’m thrilled to join Good To-Go and help bring our brand stories to life in fresh and innovative ways. I’m passionate about the outdoors and love eating delicious, healthy foods, so this feels like a perfect fit,” said Murphy.

“Kristen’s depth of experience and expertise in brand marketing will be a valuable asset to Good To-Go as we expand to serve the needs of both our end users and dealer network alike. She’s already making a significant impact and we couldn’t be happier to have her onboard,” said Matt Andrews, Good To-Go’s VP of Sales.

Good To-Go recently added a new meal, Breakfast Hash, for Spring 2023 to its menu. Available on its site and at retailers nationwide, this twist on a breakfast staple is made using only simple and clean ingredients, like butternut squash, spinach and onion, with a hint of rosemary. Traditionally served as a side dish, this Breakfast Hash is substantial enough to eat as a complete breakfast—though it pairs beautifully with eggs and bacon.

Good To-Go was founded by Jennifer Scism in 2014 with a mission to elevate expectations of what trail food can taste like. Scism was an award-winning chef and long-time co-owner of Annisa, a Michelin-rated restaurant in New York’s Greenwich Village. Her career has long been focused on the importance of good food. She has cooked at NY Times 4-Star rated restaurants, traveled to over 20 countries studying regional foods, and along with her team from Annisa, beat Mario Batali on the TV Food Network’s Iron Chef program. It’s safe to say she knows good food. The brand has won multiple awards including three Backpacker Editors’ Choice, Backpacking Light’s Members Choice, and was named to Saveur Magazine’s The Saveur 100 list of favorite foods, people, places and things. Today, Good To-Go is sold in over 700 stores nationwide and in Canada. More info can be found at www.goodto-go.com. For media inquiries, please contact Kate Ketschek, kate@revolutionhousemedia.com.

EDISON, N.J. (May 8, 2023) – Jelenew, a luxury high performance female sports brand with a cycling focus, today launches the SOMAtique collection of indoor cycling apparel consisting of bras, bib shorts, leggings, bike shorts, and skorts. Each product combines the brand’s proprietary technology CurveTec™ for best in class support for the riding enthusiast and French couture design for a sleek fit. Priced from $219.00 to $69.00, the line is available now at www.jelenew.com.

“The SOMAtique line is designed to enable indoor cyclists to have a similar experience to what they would enjoy outside focusing purely on their passion for cycling,” said Slindy Li, founder at Jelenew. “Our line is inspired by nature and includes features that provide added breathability, design that prevents fabric rolling up and shifting and moisture wicking properties. In addition, all fabrics are made from 100% Bluesign^® approved or OEKO-TEX^® certified biodegradable and recyclable materials. Jelenew products make the indoor riding experience more comfortable, while simultaneously creating silhouettes that are on trend, aesthetically pleasing and carry over from indoor, outdoor and in life.”

CurveTec

CurveTec uses draped tailoring and form fitting design supporting key muscle groups, especially during the active motion of pedaling. Specifically, this technology provides maximum mobility and enhances the indoor experience by supporting the core, lower back, shoulders, hips and thighs.

SOMAtique Collection

The SOMAtique collection halo products include:

• The Airlift Cross Front & Back Cycling Bra ($79.00) features natural cooling fabric and is available in black and white.
• The Cycling Bib Short ($219.00) uses a highly elastic compression fabric with custom breathable straps. The customized anti-slip legs have an ultra-wide silicone band keeping the short from riding up. Available in military green, bice, earthy yellow, and burgundy.
• The Colorblock Cycling Leggings ($219.00) utilize premium Italian fabrics providing ultimate comfort for indoor cyclists and active lifestyle consumers. The elastic compression materials with four-way stretch provide enhanced support and breathability. On the back of the legs, there is a triangular curve design enhancing the stability of the outer thigh muscles for an improved indoor cycling experience. The Colorblock Cycling Leggings are offered in black, blue, and earthy yellow.
• The Mid Rise Cycling Shorts ($159.00) use anti-slip silicone leg grippers to keep shorts from riding up. The Mid Rise Cycling Shorts are offered in black, light blue, green, and pink.
• The Current High Waist Skort ($119.00), inspired by European court skirts, features a high-waisted multi-panel tailoring for comfort, aesthetic appeal, and breathability. The moisture wicking fabric takes away sweat and provides additional comfort without sacrificing style. The functional design with CurveTec enables the indoor cyclist to have an enhanced range of motion. The Current High Waist Skort is offered in black, creamy white, and growth green.

For more information about the SOMAtique collection, please visit www.jelenew.com.

 

About Jelenew:

Jelenew was founded in 2021 with the goal of producing high-quality inclusive women’s cycling, fitness and athleisure apparel that can be worn for indoor and outdoor cycling, in addition to everyday activities including running, Pilates, and walking, among others. Jelenew’s key point of difference is its proprietary technology CurveTec™ inspired by French haute couture design using draped tailoring and form fitting design supporting key muscle groups, especially during the active motion of pedaling. Specifically, this technology provides maximum mobility for a female physique. CurveTec enhances the cycling experience by supporting the core, lower back, shoulders, hips and thighs.

Jelenew is committed to empowering women by partnering with key non-profit organizations around the U.S. that support women and help them become the best version of themselves.

 

CEDAR CITY, Utah (May 08, 2023) – Outdoor Vitals, the Utah-based performance outdoor brand, announced today the release of its newest ultralight backpacking pack, the CS40 Ultra. This revolutionary new pack breaks the mold, offering support and comfort while remaining incredibly lightweight. A carbon fiber frame delivers fantastic load-carrying capability, while new fabrics allow the pack to be lightweight and durable.

“With the CS40 Ultra, we set out to find a solution to a problem,” said Tayson Whittaker, founder of Outdoor Vitals. “How do we make an ultra-light backpacking pack that is comfortable while carrying heavy loads? The crux of the development was the frame. Our team worked with industry-leading carbon fiber specialists to perfect and tune a proprietary 2-ounce carbon frame that allows for lateral movement while providing support and structure. The result is an ultralight pack that allows hikers to carry enough supplies for multi-day trips without destroying their back and shoulders.”

The carbon frame provides superior load support and stability while conforming to the body’s natural movements, enabling the CS40 Ultra to manage weight in a dynamic fashion, keeping hikers comfortable during long days on the trail. A unique integrated strap system works in concert with the frame to provide functional load-lifting capabilities, keeping excess weight off of the shoulders.

With a weight of just 27oz, the CS40 Ultra is one of the lightest backpacking packs on the market. This weight is made possible because of Challenge UltraWeave™ 200 fabric, a waterproof material three times lighter than 500D Cordura but twice as durable. This fabric is waterproof and performs in the harshest environments. At just 3.5oz/yd², it far exceeds the technical properties of any similar-weight fabric available.

The backpack also features a thoughtfully designed, fully padded, load-bearing hip belt that offers a superior fit. This unique hip belt includes targeted cutouts for breathability and weight reduction. The profile of the main compartment has a deliberate and unique curve to prevent load sagging, helping to keep weight higher and closer to the body.

The CS40 Ultra is available in three frame sizes to cater to a variety of body types. The pack has a listed volume of 40 liters but can hold up to 49 liters when including external pockets.

The CS40 Ultra will be available for presale on May 8, with a release day set for August 15. The pack has a listed price of $367.97.

To learn more, visit www.outdoorvitals.com

 

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About Outdoor Vitals
Unencumbered by price points or corporate strategies, Outdoor Vitals is passionate about helping others to live ultralight, and its sole mission is to provide gear that makes backcountry travel easier. Outdoor Vitals is committed to designing innovative products that make the outdoors more comfortable, cutting out everything that is unnecessary without impeding function or durability. The result is a line of carefully constructed products that are ideal for backcountry travel. Today, Outdoor Vitals offers a wide array of unique products, including backpacks, jackets, tents, pants, baselayers, sleep systems, and more.

DURANGO, Colo. (May 5, 2023) – Tailwind Nutrition athlete Sarah Ostaszewski won the Cocodona 250 trail running race in Flagstaff, Ariz. on Thursday with a time of 72:50:27, which placed her fourth-overall as well. The result makes Ostaszewski one of just 9 runners who have completed all three editions of Cocodona, which began in 2021.

The 250-mile race starts in Black Canyon City and traverses a diverse range of desert and mountainous terrain on its way to the finish in Flagstaff, where Ostaszewski currently lives and trains. The Tailwind athlete crossed the line just a couple of minutes behind the third-place men’s finisher.

Ostaszewski ultimately took the lead within the final 20 miles near the final checkpoint in Elden. Previously, she placed fifth in 2021 and third in 2022. The inaugural Cocodona 250 in 2021 was won by Tailwind Athlete Manager Maggie Guterl, and last  year’s race was won by Tailwind athlete Annie Hughes.

“Sarah’s progression over the years at Cocodona is a testament to her hard work,” says Guterl. “She clearly and steadily improved over the last three years as she took her mistakes and learned from them. The two most important aspects to hone in this race are your nutrition strategy and your sleep strategy.  She quite expertly struck the right balance this year.”

In training and racing,  Ostaszewski has been using Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel. Featuring both calories and electrolytes, Endurance Fuel is the perfect option for ultras like Cocodona. The mixture is designed to taste good as well as be easy on the stomach while fueling athletes all day and night long.  Endurance Fuel is complemented by Recovery Mix in Tailwind’s lineup, an ideal solution for post-run recovery.

For more information on Tailwind Nutrition and to keep up with Tailwind Nutrition athletes, please visit: www.tailwindnutrition.com, Tailwind’s blog and follow their adventures on Instagram (@tailwindnutrition) and Facebook.

 

About Tailwind Nutrition

Since 2012, Tailwind Nutrition has been manufacturing all-natural endurance nutrition products that are free of GMOs, dairy, soy, and gluten, are easy to digest, and support an athlete’s fueling and recovery needs during exercise. Owned, operated and manufactured in Durango, CO, Tailwind Nutrition’s specially formulated drink mixes help athletes perform and compete at their highest level without the worry of food allergies or sensitivities. Tailwind is all you need, all day. Really. For more information visit tailwindnutrition.com

 

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SAN JUAN CAPISTRANIO, California – (May 4, 2023) – Outdoor Retailer, the premier U.S. gathering and business event for the $862 billion outdoor industry, is launching a reimagined floor plan at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer Summer event this June 19-21, 2023, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Designed to encourage exploration and improve the shopping experience, the new intuitive show floor is organized by activity, connecting brands, buyers, and attendees with shared interests and goals. The new floor plan, along with the exhibitor list and education and events schedule for this summer, are available now to help exhibitors and attendees start planning and discovering what’s new at Outdoor Retailer.

“The top reason our industry attends or exhibits at Outdoor Retailer is to discover new products, new brands, new partnerships and connections. So, we’ve redesigned the layout of the show floor to foster that spirit of discovery and help everyone efficiently find more of what they need to support business,” said Marisa Nicholson, Outdoor Retailer senior vice president and show director. “The layout now features zones built around outdoor activities, which correlates with the familiar setup of retail stores, and it creates a more curated and shoppable experience. We focused on building an environment where it’s easier to see emerging trends, make connections, and strengthen community, and we’re excited to introduce the new show layout this summer.”

The floor plan now aligns with specific needs and interests in activity-focused zones: Camp & Hike, Climb, Lifestyle, Overland & Travel, Retail Services, Run & Cycle, Snow (Winter), Sourcing, and Water (Summer). The familiar show areas of Venture Out, featuring modern outdoor brands, and Stewardship, the space for advocacy organizations, both return along with integrated education spaces. A new area, The Hub, serves as a connector and gathering space, and this summer will include The Camp education area, the tent zone, matchmaking, and workspace.

With the floor plan, Outdoor Retailer also launched a new website, new icons for each activity zone, and enhanced exhibitor listings. These new tools support retailers, media, and attendees in preparing for the show and aiding on-site navigation. View the new floor plan on outdoorretailer.com.

Attendees and exhibitors can begin planning their show days by scheduling meetings through the Outdoor Retailer matchmaking program, Match, and around this summer’s education and events schedule. All three show days feature expert-led keynote sessions, panel discussions, and trend presentations, plus daily community events and networking. Education sessions will take place on the show floor in both The Camp, located in The Hub, and The Ranger Station, located in Venture Out. Keynote morning and mid-day sessions with the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) will be held in the adjacent Hyatt Regency Salt Lake, second floor. The latest education and events schedule is available at outdoorretailer.com, and the agenda will continue to grow leading up to the show.

Outdoor Retailer Summer education opens with the OIA Industry Breakfast featuring keynote speaker Will ‘Akuna’ Robinson on Monday, June 19, 2023, in the Hyatt. Robinson will share how to apply a Collective Impact Model to lessen the Nature Gap in local communities and provide insight into emerging outdoor participation trends and workforce development efforts so brands can support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoors. OIA will also host multiple daily sessions discussing barriers to inclusivity in the outdoors, building outdoor advocacy plans, meeting sustainable product development expectations, and mitigating the myriad risks to business success.

Education on the show floor will cover a variety of topics to support the industry. Attendees can gain direct insight from experts on consumer and retail trends, access and advocacy, marketing strategy, sustainability and climate action, design inspiration, and more. Several experts will provide data insights and trend forecasts for the product design audience, including speakers from Circana (formerly NPD), Cotton Inc, Fair Trade, FS, WGSN, YPulse, and more. And daily events will provide opportunities to network and share ideas, among them a morning mindfulness session with The Outdoor Journal Tour on Day 1, and the 13th annual Outdoor Retailer Inspiration Awards on Night 2.

The weekend prior to Outdoor Retailer Summer marks the debut of Outdoor Adventure X (OAX) – the new mountain festival taking place at Snowbasin Resort, Pineview Reservoir, and Anderson Cove Campground in Utah from June 17-18. This immersive outdoor experience is open to the public and allows outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to participate in activities on the mountain and water led by experts. Plus, the weekend features camping, workshops, live music, gear sales, and more.

Sunday, June 18, at OAX is Outdoor Retailer Industry Day. All registered Outdoor Retailer attendees can access OAX for free with their Outdoor Retailer badge and enjoy a day of outdoor fun, gather ideas, and get an up-close look at how today’s consumers are engaging with current season products. Attendees and exhibitors interested in joining OAX can learn more at outdoorretailer.com.

Registration for Outdoor Retailer Summer is open and includes access to all opportunities to discover, connect, and learn. Brands interested in getting involved with Outdoor Retailer through exhibiting, experiences, advocacy programs, sponsorships, speaking, and more at any future event can contact an Outdoor Retailer account executive.

 

About Outdoor Retailer

Outdoor Retailer, the leading U.S. business events for the outdoor and winter sports industry, brings together retailers, manufacturers, designers, distributors, industry advocates, journalists, and more to conduct the business of outdoor recreation through commerce, unique product experiences, dedicated media events, content, and web-based business solutions. Outdoor Retailer provides critical platforms for face-to-face commerce, product launches, networking, and focused industry education to enhance business and support the outdoor recreation economy. Visit outdoorretailer.com for more information.

About Emerald

Emerald’s talented and experienced team grows our customers’ businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit emeraldx.com.

 

OSLO, Norway (May 3, 2023) — Norrøna, the four season, family-owned Norwegian manufacturer of premium apparel and gear, has hired Andrea “Andi” Malboeuf as the new U.S. sales manager to support the impressive growth of Norrøna’s business in the United States. Andi comes from QuietKat, an e-bike company owned by Vista Outdoors, where she was national sales manager.

“I’m thrilled to join the Norrøna team and incredibly impressed with the brand and its products, people and history,” said Malboeuf. “I look forward to building upon the positive momentum the brand has in the U.S. and aim to grow it. The opportunities Norrøna provides for adventure seekers everywhere is exciting, and joining the team is an honor.”

Andi is based in Edwards, Colorado, and brings over 20 years of outdoor industry sales experience to the Norrøna team. Prior to her work at QuietKat, she held sales roles at POC and Vølkl and was previously a marketing manager at Blizzard/Tecnica & Marker. A lover of the outdoors, Andi is also a former U.S. national ski racer, active trail runner, mountain biker, ski teacher and tester for Blizzard.

“We’ve found in Andi someone who I believe is a great team player, with a proven business track record, knows the market and has a strong network,” said Gaute Fonkalsrud, sales director at Norrøna. “Andi’s understanding of the end user and market is invaluable, and we’re excited for her to make meaningful contributions to Norrøna’s next phase of growth in the United States.”

 

 

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About Norrøna: In 1929, Jørgen Jørgensen, a Norwegian outdoor enthusiast, began his search for durable outdoor equipment to perform in Norway´s harsh and rugged land. Starting with simple innovations such as leather straps, canvas backpacks and cotton clothing, he set Norrøna’s direction: To search for the best in technical advancements and to create the ultimate performance products. Today, four generations later, Norrøna is still a family-owned and run company and a leader in the growing market of sustainable sportswear.