Archives: Press Releases

BOULDER, Colo. (April 26, 2023) – SCARPA, manufacturer of performance outdoor and mountain footwear, announced a new partnership this month with well-known outdoor industry sales group Alpin Sports Group, which will direct sales for SCARPA in the Mid-Atlantic territory.

Agency Principal Rand Whitney and his team have worked with numerous outdoor brands over the years, including Ortovox and Luhta Sportswear. Whitney’s personal experience translates well into his role with SCARPA. He previously held positions as Vice President of the Sporting Goods Division at High Sierra and Director of North American Sales at Mammut.

“Rand’s long and well-rounded resume speaks for itself,” said Matt Ginley, North American Sales Manager at SCARPA. “We know he’ll represent SCARPA’s core values, products and messaging at the highest level, and we have total confidence that he will continue to elevate SCARPA’s presence in this key territory.”

Alpin Sports Group will direct sales for SCARPA in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and Washington D.C.

“I’m excited to be teamed with SCARPA and our retail partners in the Mid-Atlantic region,” said Whitney. “The brand’s core values align well with my own, and I’ve been a long-time admirer and avid user of SCARPA climbing shoes, hiking and ski boots.”

The All Mountain Group, a longtime sales group that has worked with SCARPA, will continue to oversee its sales in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

American Outdoor Products announces the return of their freeze dried ice cream sandwiches and fruits – now available!

BOULDER, Colo. – Astronaut Ice Cream, the original source for freeze-dried astronaut ice cream developed with NASA in 1974, is now available for purchase on its redesigned website, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum,  Disney Theme Parks, Universal Studios, Ron Jon Surf Shops, and Paper Source stores, as well as select outdoor retail stores.

“We are thrilled to bring astronaut ice cream and freeze-dried fruit back to the public after a short hiatus,” Duane Primozich, CEO of American Outdoor Products and Astronaut Foods. “Astronaut Foods offers anyone and everyone – kids and adults alike – a delicious, fun, nostalgia-packed treat that melts in your mouth. It’s so fun to see the curiosity that Astronaut Ice Cream sparks amongst kids, and we are excited to have it back in production and available for people to enjoy once again. It’s also an honor to support people and organizations whose goal is to push the boundaries of space exploration and discovery and ignite young minds in exploring the mysteries of space.”

Astronaut Ice Cream is made through the process of lyophilization, commonly known as freeze-drying, to turn real ice cream into a crunchy, creamy sweetness that melts in your mouth. Freeze-drying removes 98% of the original water content. The same process is used to freeze dry fruits, which brings out the sweetness and adds an unexpected crunch, while allowing the fruit to retain all of its nutrition.

Key Features of Astronaut Foods:

• 100% real ice cream and fruits
• No refrigeration needed – ready to eat
• Three-year shelf life
• Made in the USA (Boulder, Colo.)

Astronaut Ice Cream is now available in two flavors, Vanilla and Neapolitan. Individual sandwiches are available for purchase for $4.99 USD. There are also 12-Packs available for $59.99 USD, as well as bulk case options of 50 or 200 sandwiches.

For the freeze-dried fruit packs, there are four flavors available — strawberries, cinnamon apples, peaches, and bananas. A 6-Pack is available for purchase for $23.99 USD, as well as bulk case options of 40 or 160 packs.

For more information on Astronaut Foods, please visit: https://astronautfoods.com/

About Astronaut Foods

Founded in 1974 in conjunction with NASA and based in Boulder, Colorado, Astronaut Foods is the original source for freeze-dried ice cream — an out of this world treat. Today, the company sells freeze-dried ice cream sandwiches and freeze-dried fruit. Astronaut Foods can be found in museums, toy shops, amusement parks and outdoor stores all across North America, Europe, and Asia. Additionally, Astronaut Foods is dedicated to supporting people and organizations whose goal is to push the boundaries of space exploration and discovery. For more information and a complete list of products, visit astronautfoods.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

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (April 25, 2023) — Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd., a leading manufacturer and distributor of innovative, high performance outdoor equipment, apparel and footwear, has appointed Heath Christensen as vice president of North American sales.

“It’s a big win to have Heath returning to Black Diamond to lead our sales efforts,” states Neil Fiske, brand president for Black Diamond Equipment. “He is one of the most respected leaders in our industry and his return is a testament to his deep connection to and passion for our brand. Heath’s experience, knowledge and understanding of Black Diamond will allow us to focus, energize and accelerate our initiatives to grow North America.”

Christensen’s experience spans a career in sales leadership which includes previous roles at Black Diamond, Petzl and most recently Cotopaxi, where he formed Cotopaxi’s first wholesale team and helped grow its small direct to consumer company to a recognizeable global brand in North America, Europe and Asia. From 2015 to 2017, Christensen served as the director of sales for North America at Black Diamond, leading strategic business plans for the region’s wholesale and pro channels. He also led sales operations and key accounts from 2005 to 2014. Additonally, he served at Petzl America as sport division manager where he managed top line revenue and its sales force in North America. In his new role as VP of North American sales at Black Diamond, Christensen will lead all sales and market development for the region and report to Fiske.

“The opportunity at Black Diamond is tremendous,” comments Christensen. “I am excited to return, collaborate with trusted friends and continue to build BD as a brand with limitless potential.”

Christensen is a passionate climber and snowboarder, both of which brought him to Utah, and ultimately Black Diamond at 18 years old. He received his BS in Sociology from the the University of Utah in 1999 and a Business Leadership Certificate from Westminster College in 2013.

Black Diamond Equipment is a manufacturer of equipment and clothing for climbing, skiing and mountain sports. By consistently building innovative, standard-setting products and actively preserving the mountain/canyon environment, Black Diamond Equipment has assumed a leadership role in the international outdoor community. For more information on Black Diamond Equipment, visit BlackDiamondEquipment.com

 

Edison, N.J. (April 25, 2023) – Jelenew, a luxury high performance female sports brand with a cycling focus, is launching expanded lines for spring, combining French couture design and technical performance technology. Designed for outdoor and indoor cycling, as well as everyday fitness activities, Jelenew’s cycling jerseys, bibs, shorts, fitness sports bras and leggings are available now at www.jelenew.com. With a strong commitment and mission to empower more women, Jelenew is actively partnering with local U.S. non-profit organizations providing support to help women achieve their personal goals and be their best selves.

Di Liu, a former core member of the renowned Chanel Couture team and Chief Product Co-Creation Officer, Marion Clignet, six-time world champion and two-time Olympic medalist are at the helm of Jelenew’s creative direction, alongside a team of skilled female designers, female athletes, sports enthusiasts, and leading experts in sports performance and science. The result is CurveTec™, a proprietary technology 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 the female physique. CurveTec enhances the cycling experience by supporting the core, lower back, shoulders, hips and thighs.

“Jelenew, created just for women, is delivering the next generation of female-focused cycling and athleisure apparel,” said Slindy Li, founder at Jelenew. “We partner with accomplished global cycling athletes and fitness devotees to create best-in-class apparel that not only provides premier performance, but also, beautiful styling. Women are strongest when they empower each other; this is why this initiative is a central part of our DNA. Jelenew is actively collaborating with a diverse team of female product co-creators, ranging from professional cyclists on podiums to everyday women, to gather real-life feedback and constantly improve its products.”

Jelenew is working closely with women of all ages, as they tackle life’s daily challenges by aligning with key non-profit organizations in the U.S., such as Women of the World in Salt Lake City and Dream Big! in Boston. As a part of this program, Jelenew is partnering with U.S. indoor cycling studios and cycling clubs, and organizing events with Lisa Leslie, Jelenew’s chief brand strategy officer and former WNBA star, who is playing a pivotal role in championing this message for women and communities.

Jelenew has been recognized as the official women’s apparel partner for the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) Winter Cycle at Fenway Park in Boston, which is a part of the nation’s single most successful athletic fundraiser for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Jelenew recently participated in the Sea Otter Classic, with Ms. Leslie, the world’s premier consumer cycling festival in Monterey, Calif. Looking ahead, Jelenew has planned experiential events around the U.S. in Boston, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.

For the next event, taking place May 20 in Boston and open to consumers, Jelenew will partner with Rev’d Indoor Cycling for a day of festivities including an indoor cycling fundraiser ride, a women’s panel of local female CEOs discussing best practices for achieving personal goals and a retail experiential event. Panelists include: Linda Driscoll, president and CEO Dream Big!; Crystal Haynes, reporter for Boston 25 News; Lisa Leslie; and Ammy Lowney, CEO and founder of Juicygreens. The event will benefit Dream Big! a local non-profit organization located in Needham, Mass. that empowers girls and young women through sports and physical activities.

Jelenew will launch the SOMAtique indoor cycling collection in June 2023, featuring leggings, bibs and shorts, all using CurveTec. For more information, please visit jelenew.com.

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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.

Forte Endless Promise™ Offers Better Sleep and a Better Tomorrow

{Dover, NH}—NEMO, the award-winning, independent designer of outdoor gear and accessories built to improve the adventure experience, has created its first recyclable sleeping bag with the updated Forte™ Men’s and Women’s 20F/35F series. It is also the first product in NEMO’s Endless Promise™ series, which represents a key step toward the brand’s goal to cut emissions intensity in half by 2030. With this new collection, NEMO is taking responsibility for the entire life cycle of each product. Every Endless Promise item is designed to be repairable, resellable, and — most crucially — recyclable to keep it out of the landfill.

To make an immediate impact with this collection, NEMO took its existing top-selling, 3-season Spoon™ shape synthetic sleeping bag and redesigned it using just a single material family. Now 100% recyclable, the 2023 Forte is a standout in sustainability as well as comfort and performance.

• The Classic Spoon™ shape continues to be a game changer for side sleepers, offering more room at the shoulders and knees for a less-constricted feel.
• Upgraded Thermo Gill™ vents feature a new multistage zipper system that dramatically increases the usable temperature range of the bag and allows for fine-tuning of comfort.
• Oversized Blanket Fold™ insulated draft collar provides comfort and temperature regulation.
• Integrated pillow pocket perfectly fits NEMO’s Fillo™ pillow or extra clothes.
• Full-length double-slider YKK zipper with plow makes getting in and out a breeze.
• A material suite including: Recycled liner; bluesign® approved shell fabric; and Zerofiber™ PCR insulation (made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials)that packs down small while maintaining loft and warmth, even when wet.

Endless Promise is NEMO’s commitment to reduce resource consumption and keep gear out of the landfill. All Endless Promise products are painstakingly designed to be mono-polymer in order to be easily, fully recyclable at the end of their usable life. The new line of Forte bags can be sent to NEMO for resale or recycling; customers will receive a NEMO gift card for the resale value if the bag is in good enough condition for a new owner or, if the bag has reached the end of its adventures, a $20 NEMO gift card as thanks for recycling. NEMO has partnered with Unifi, a leading textile recycler, to turn spent Fortes into Repreve® polyester yarns so each Endless Promise product can live on, endlessly, as a new item.

“From the start, NEMO has produced only products that deserve their place in the world by being truly different and better than what already exists,” said NEMO CEO and founder, Cam Brensinger. “We do this because we’re hyper-aware of the resources required—and waste created—by manufacturing. In our earliest years, we introduced the “Ditto” program, which upcycled production samples and manufacturing rejects turned into (now, highly coveted) wallets and totes. In 2009, we also launched the first recycled fabric tent with bamboo poles. With our Endless Promise Collection, we’re not just being mindful, we’re taking 100% responsibility for our products, long after they’re sold.”

The updated Forte Men’s and Women’s bags are available on NEMO’s site now and will be at retailers worldwide in June 2023.

NEMO has also just published its first annual Sustainability Report recapping the brand’s efforts in 2022 towards its goal of cutting its emissions intensity in half by 2030. Through key areas—Design & Innovation, Responsible Sourcing, Carbon Accountability, Advocacy for People and the Planet, and Corporate Governance—NEMO is using Science Based Targets to reach its goal and create products that are not only better for the planet, but superior in performance.

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. Named 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™.

 

Ignik Grows Product Line With Launch of 20 Pound Propane Tank Accessories

Bainbridge Island, WA  – Ignik, a Bainbridge Island-based brand committed to helping people get outside earlier and remain outside longer, announces an expansion to its product line with new offerings in propane tank accessories. The 20LB Tank Case/Seat and 20LB Tank Tote are built to make transporting and hauling large-scale propane tanks seamless for outdoor adventures.

The 20LB Tank Tote and 20LB Tank Case/Seat are designed with a rugged 900 denier polyester fabric with rigid corrugated plastic for long-lasting durability and a foam-reinforced base for extra stability. Both feature Molle webbing, which allows for easy attachment of other gear and accessories and secure transport. The 20LB Tank Tote is constructed with wrapped webbing handles on each side for easy lifting and carrying of the tank. The 20LB Tank Case/Seat offers additional design features, such as a reinforced lid that doubles as a seat when shut and a comfortable and removable padded shoulder strap that makes carrying a breeze. Following the award-winning design of Ignik’s flagship Gas Growler Deluxe, both the Tank Tote and Case/Seat propane carrying cases are molded to cradle and protect the tank from impact. When not used to transport propane, both are perfect for extra gear and beverage storage and double as a camp trash can. The 20LB Tank Tote and 20LB Tank Case/Seat are designed for both vehicle-born adventurers embarking on extra-long overlanding and off-grid expeditions, and for weekend warriors who are car camping, tailgating, picnicking, and more.

L-R: Ignik’s 20LB Case/Seat, Ignik’s 20LB Tank Tote

“In the spirit of more heat and less waste, we set out to make products that allow folks to use the gear they already have, without having to buy more stuff. The new 20LB Case/Seat and Tank Tote let you carry and transport that unwieldy 20LB BBQ propane tank that you probably already have sitting on your deck or in your backyard,” says Peter Pontano, Ignik’s Marketing and Product Development Director. “You provide the tank, Ignik will provide the case, which makes bringing that fuel with you easier on any adventure. These accessories protect your tanks, making them last longer, and let’s face it, just look cooler! They also provide great additional functionality. We are stoked about these cases and doing more with the gear you’ve got!”

The 20LB Tank Tote and 20LB Case/Seat are available now at ignik.com. 20LB Tank Tote MSRP: $49.99 and 20LB Tank Case/Seat MSRP: $74.99. For more information, please contact stacy@darbycommunications.com.

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About Ignik

Our journey started on a family sailboat in the Arctic, where we saw the impact of climate change and human jetsam on the landscapes we love. We decided to “be the change” by creating products that actually work—and work for the planet. Today Ignik makes high-quality, environmentally thoughtful heating products for the wilderness. We enable more folks to get outside earlier and remain outside longer. Ignik is a proud member of 1% for the Planet. For more information, visit Ignik.com

Bottle lids now made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic

[Seattle, WA]— Nikwax, the international leader in technical cleaners and waterproofing products for outdoor gear and apparel, has announced its bottle lids are now made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. This latest step keeps the brand on target to reach its goal of having 90% of its total plastics use come from recycled plastic by the end of 2023. Now, all of Nikwax’s product bottles and lids are made from 100% PCR plastic and fully recyclable.

Focusing on Circularity

Plastic is a huge problem in the natural environment, affecting our land, oceans, and rivers. While plastic is an extremely useful material, its disposal is a critical issue. Publicity about the scale of the problem has been increasing as we see images of mountains of plastic garbage on beaches and floating islands of plastic in the Pacific.

To help exclude it from nature, we can encourage a market for recycled and recyclable plastic. In 2020, Nikwax transitioned all of its bottles to recycled (and recyclable) plastic, and to further this commitment, now the caps will be as well.

“Because the raw material we’re working with is made from various sources, a key challenge was consistency and quality of the lid,” said Brian Davidson, President, Nikwax NA. “After a lot research and testing, our team was able to develop a lid that met our standard of quality and maintained the desired colors to match our Green for Clean and Purple for Proof. Additionally, with rigorous testing of this new material, we found the quality and performance of the recycled plastic provided an even better fitting lid and an improved customer experience.”

Nikwax’s Plastic Reduction Progress as of Year-End 2022:

• Reduced the total amount of plastic used by 25% in the past year.
• Reduced the use of virgin plastic by 52%.
• With the new caps, recycled plastics will now make up over 80% of all plastics used in the product line.

Founded in 1977, Nikwax is the trusted global leader in environmentally safe cleaning and waterproofing solutions that extend the performance life of outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment. The brand’s 45-year commitment to clean chemistry means never using PFCs or aerosols, and not testing on animals. Its product line is water-based and non-persistent, and all product bottles and lids are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic that can also be recycled. Nikwax has carbon balanced all 45 years of its operations and became an employee-owned trust in 2022.

SEATTLE, Wash. (April 20, 2023) – Cascade Designs, the parent company of MSR, Therm-a-Rest, Platypus, SealLine, PackTowl and VARILITE, announced today the hire of Kevin Cooke as its new Director of VARILITE, the leader in Air-Foam Floatation wheelchair seat cushions and back supports. In this role, Cooke will handle the day-to-day operations of VARILITE, including the overall business and financials, while also increasing brand visibility.

Cooke brings 19 years of medical sales experience, combined with a love of the outdoors and knowledge of Cascade Design’s portfolio of brands. In his most recent role at Neo Medical Inc., Cooke held the title US Sales Manager, where he oversaw marketing strategies, account management and strategic planning.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Cooke to our Cascade Designs family to help lead the medical arm of our business,” said Cascade Designs Vice President of Sales and Marketing, David Fee. “Kevin is a passionate outdoorsman who has close to two decades of experience in the medical space. His knowledge and experience working with such varied disciplines in the medical world makes him a great fit to help lead our VARILITE team.”

“This is the perfect job, blending my passions of the outdoors and supporting people through medical product advancements,” said Cooke. “I’ve used Therm-A-Rest, MSR and PackTowl products on numerous backpacking trips in the Sierra and Rocky Mountain ranges. I’m looking forward to growing the VARILITE brand and taking the team to new heights.”

Other roles Cooke has held include Specialty Sales Representative in Dermatology at Pierre Fabre Group, Hospital-Surgical Sales-Plastic Surgery/ENT with the Lannett Company, Professional Medical Representative-Dermatology at Taro Pharmaceuticals and as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative at Upsher-Smith Laboratories. Cooke holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Santa Barbara.

Cooke resides in Reno, Nevada. Outside of work he enjoys fly fishing, mountain biking, skiing, hiking, and running.

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.