Archives: Press Releases

BOULDER, Colo. (November 13, 2023) – After graduating 18 mentees in 2023, the SCARPA Athlete Mentorship Initiative (SAMI) is now accepting applications for the third year of its innovative leadership program. Created by SCARPA, the leading manufacturer of footwear for performance mountain sports, in conjunction with Mountain Hardwear, manufacturer of essential durable mountain equipment, the SAMI program is designed to create more access, support and opportunity for outdoor athletes from historically marginalized communities. The program will again pair aspiring athletes who are from the BIPOC, LGBTQ and Disabled communties with mentors from SCARPA’s or Mountain Hardwear’s athlete teams in the climbing, mountaineering, skiing and running categories.

The program’s ‘sophomore’ class made some incredible achievements, including the first deaf female and deaf American male to summit Mount Everest, a handful of films and video projects like Guerreras, a film following Female Latina Climbers, along with forward progress in helping make the outdoors a more equitable place.

“The Scarpa Athlete Mentorship Initiative was the push of inspiration I needed to create Escaladores Unidos,” said Xavier Bravo, a 2023 mentee and founder of Escaladores Unidos. “Not only did I develop confidence in my objectives by having so many individuals believe in my vision, but the connections I made with other SAMI mentees, industry leaders, and inspiring individuals will last for years to come. If nothing else, it is quite comforting to know that I will always be part of the SCARPA & Mountain Hardwear families and part of a cohort of athletes that are shaping the future of the outdoor industry for the better.”

Deaf mountaineers, educators and storytellers Scott Legmann and Shayna Unger completed an incredible feat during their time spent as SAMI mentees — summiting both Lhotse and Everest in 26 hours. They’ve been able to share their story across the US, with community events still lined up throughout November.

Of their time spent in the SAMI program, they said: “Being part of SAMI’s program has been a game-changer for us, especially as disabled and adaptive athletes in the outdoor industry. We may have planted our own goals in the beginning, but it was the support, resources, network and sense of community from the program that empowered us to grow as individuals and adaptive athletes throughout the year. If you are seeking an opportunity for personal and professional growth in the outdoor industry, the SAMI program is the place to grow with.”

The ‘sophomore’ class of both mentees and mentors regularly met to work on individual projects and goals, and new members can expect the same level of hands-on mentorship and collaboration.

“SAMI taught me how to dream big and that anything is possible,” said Greg Donohue, past mentee and professional photographer. “During the program I pushed myself harder and took advantage of every opportunity that was presented to me. I learned that this program is what you make of it, so if you want to get the most out of it, you need to ask for what you want.”

SCARPA’s SAMI program is presented in conjunction with Mountain Hardwear and also supported in concert with brand partners Camber Outdoors, Darn Tough, Deuter, DMM and Hestra, Those partners provide additional support and resources for the SAMI program mentees.

Applications open on Nov. 13 and close on Dec. 3. Interviews will be conducted from Jan. 8-19, 2024, with the program’s kickoff on Feb. 12. Applications can be submitted here.

About SCARPA and SCARPA North America 

Founded in 1938, SCARPA builds performance footwear for climbing, hiking, skiing, mountaineering, trail running and other outdoor pursuits from its headquarters in Asolo, Italy. SCARPA has been owned and operated by the Parisotto family since 1956. In 2005, SCARPA opened its North American headquarters in Boulder, Colo., staffed and directed by veterans of the North American outdoor industry, to oversee sales, marketing and distribution in the U.S., Canada and South America. For more information about SCARPA footwear, visit www.scarpa.com.

 

MONTREAL (Nov. 13, 2023) – –  ewool, a leading Canadian brand specializing in premium heated apparel, will debut its 2024 line at Outdoor Retailer Winter, Nov. 16-18 in Salt Lake City, the leading U.S. business event for the $862 billion outdoor industry. Available now online at www.ewool.com, ewool will introduce the PRO+ Heated Vest, Metro Heated Vest, Heated Glove Liners, Heated Sock Covers engineered for outdoor enthusiasts, professionals and those who work in harsh winter  conditions. ewool will be on display in the Global Sales Guys booth #3005-SN.

“We are redefining the way people experience the cold; our engineering enables consumers to embrace and enjoy what this harsh season brings,” said ewool Founder and CEO Alain Desmeules. “We are a welcome alternative for U.S. enthusiasts continuing to go outdoors in winter to pursue their personal passions and to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Equally important is our appeal to apparel brands looking to give their product designers distinct tools to incorporate best in class performance and comfort into their apparel offerings. Amongst our technology pantented innovations, SnapConnect simplifies the process of delivering heat, transforming the entire experience.”

In addition to SnapConnect, an all in one control button, the brand will introduce another industry-first, its haptic feedback mechanism. This patented technology gives consumers control over their garments by enabling them to check their vest’s heat level with the touch of a concealed button.

The PRO+ Heated Vest ($539) provides three levels of heat – Designed for the most extreme conditions, the PRO+ heated vest stands out for its unparalleled thermal power and extra large heating surfaces. Enjoy up to 7 hours of heat thanks to its slim and powerful battery. Or double up with a dual battery kit for up to 14 hours. The PRO+ heated vest is the go-to mid-layer to keep you warm no matter how cold it gets.

The Metro Vest ($359) is a full zip, lightweight, heated polar fleece vest with three levels of heating, with up to five hours of power and twice the heat of any other in the industry. It’s super slim and ultra-versatile and can be worn as is or effortlessly layered under other coats, making it perfect for fall, winter and even spring.

Heated Glove Liners ($339) provide exceptional warmth and optimal comfort for each finger that lasts up to 7 hours. With ewool’s SnapConnect technology, the user toggles between three heat levels, these slim-fitting gloves may be worn along with or under other gloves.

Heated Sock Covers ($359), unleash the unparalleled warmth of the heated toe box and experience simple and effortless SnapConnect™ charging. designed to keep feet warm for 8 hours or 16 hours with an extra battery, can be used with any ski boot.

In addition to introducing its own products, ewool is partnering with Global Sales Guys to explore licensing and retail partnerships with other renowned brands with its next generation technology for the outdoor, winter sport, motorsport, hunting and fishing categories.

About ewool: ewool, founded in 2013 in Montreal, creates heated clothing with powerful, easy-to-use, and reliable designs. ewool believes in embracing the cold, transforming it into an immersive experience with patented technology solutions.

ewool provides innovative technology integrated into winter wear for various sectors, including luxury, lifestyle, sports, workwear, and military. With over 250 patents, ewool features a range of high-performance heated clothing, available online and in select stores. ewool’s products, crafted with proprietary technologies and top-quality fabrics, are the future of warmth solutions. They incorporate ewool’s own battery, delivering rapid, efficient heat and an intuitive user experience. Right now, ewool’s line includes the PRO+ Heated Vest and the Metro Vest, the  Heated Glove Liners, and the Heated Sock Covers, engineered for outdoor enthusiasts, professionals and those who work in harsh weather conditions.

 

FORT MYERS, Fla., and CARRBORO, N.C. (Nov. 13, 2023) —  Fleet Feet announced today the acquisition of Run Florida On McGregor. Fleet Feet Fort Myers owners, Janene and Brian Urichko, will purchase the store from friend and owner, John Rinkenbaugh, who will then join the Fleet Feet Fort Myers team as an outfitter.

As part of the acquisition, Fleet Feet Fort Myers will remain in the Bell Tower Shops at 13499 South Cleveland Avenue, while the Run Florida location will close. This will allow Fort Myers runners and walkers to have one home base to benefit from the exceptional service offered by the entire Fleet Feet Fort Myers team.

The acquisition is expected to take place at the end of  November. Black Friday celebrations, including exclusive promotions and exciting activities, will mark the occasion.

“We look forward to continuing the journey of Run Florida with Fleet Feet, a brand synonymous with community and passion,” said Janene Urichko. “Together with John, whose dedication and expertise has significantly impacted the local running community, we envision this location becoming the go-to hub for fitness enthusiasts in the area.”

The Urichkos were first introduced to Fleet Feet as patrons of the Orlando location. Owners Eric and Stacey Bartos captivated them with their supportive, family-oriented approach, and soon, Brian began working at Fleet Feet Orlando. After spending 30 years in education, Janene and Brian, along with their sons, Aiden and Ethan, decided to turn their love of running and community into their own business to help serve and uplift residents. In 2022, the Urichkos started their family journey with Fleet Feet Fort Myers.

Mike Pemberton opened On the Run more than 30 years ago. On the Run evolved into Run Florida in 2007, and in 2010, the store moved to its current McGregor location. Throughout its history, Run Florida was a cornerstone in the Fort Myers running community. The store supported local high school running programs and assisted at key regional events. Rinkenbaugh, a lifelong runner with notable accolades, had maintained this supportive legacy since taking over Run Florida ownership in 2014.

“Joining Janene and Brian’s team at Fleet Feet is the start of a new chapter for our local running community,” said Rinkenbaugh. “I’m excited to bring my passion and expertise for running to Fleet Feet and continue the tradition of providing the best experience possible for active individuals in the region.”

With a climate conducive to year-round activities and steady population growth over the past few years, Fort Myers is a prime location for the Fleet Feet brand to continue to grow.

“Fort Myers is a vibrant and evolving market,” said John Moloznik, vice president of business development at Fleet Feet. “With the Urichkos at the helm and the incorporation of John’s extensive experience, we are confident Fleet Feet Fort Myers will continue to enhance the local running ecosystem, embodying our brand’s commitment to fostering active lifestyles across communities.”

Fleet Feet Fort Myers operates 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 allows 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®.

Visit the Fleet Feet Fort Myers website to learn more about the store and Black Friday activities.

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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.

Los Angeles, CA (November 9, 2023) – Aventon, a California-based e-bike and technology company, is excited to announce the safety standard UL 2849, which their current lineup of available e-bikes was certified to by TÜV Rheinland, has now been recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). With this recognition, Aventon’s e-bikes are now eligible to be sold in the state of New York after a new law was passed on September 16,2023 stating all e-bikes sold, leased or rented in the state must meet the recognized industry standard.

“The safety of our users has always been a top priority for us at Aventon,” said Cole Latshaw, Senior Product Specialist at Aventon. “With the recent update from OSHA, we hope that our customers continue to have peace of mind while using our bikes knowing that each battery has been tested and certified.”

The TÜV Rheinland safety standard is a European and globally recognized trademark denoting trust, assuring that a product, service, or process has been thoroughly tested for safety, quality, and sustainability. Aventon received its TÜV Rheinland certification in early 2022, making its current e-bike lineup safety certified. Unfortunately, two of the earlier Aventon models, the Sinch and Level, do not qualify as they pre-date the testing. However, the upgraded versions, Sinch.2 and Level.2, have received the full certification and are ready to take to the streets of the Big Apple.

Additionally, Aventon offers a 2-year warranty on all e-bikes purchased through aventon.com or one of their 1,000+ certified dealers. The warranty includes all manufacturer defects of the frame and components prior to assembly, demonstrating confidence and commitment to their customers by ensuring their e-bikes meet the highest safety standards. All Aventon e-bikes are made with the highest quality materials and components, including their batteries which are sourced from reputable brands such as LG and Samsung, and are TÜV certified now in compliance with the UL 2849 standard. This means they have been put through rigorous testing, ensuring the product is safe for public sale, consumer use and that they meet the e-bike battery fire safety requirements.

To view more of Aventon’s TÜV Rheinland certified e-bikes, click here:

https://www.aventon.com/collections/ebikes.

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About Aventon

Aventon, based in Southern California, is one of the world’s leading and innovative electric bicycle manufacturers and retailers.

In 2012, CEO J.W. Zhang was inspired to build his own brand to create accessible and high-quality bikes. With roots in performance cycling, Aventon’s heritage of innovation propelled them into a bold belief that they could transition from fixed gear bikes into e-mobility, making it more enjoyable. Their goal was to create a brand that was versatile, inclusive and all-encompassing of the different types of riders that exist without sacrificing their foundational attention to precision and purposefully-built products.

Aventon exists to enable people to find happiness through motion. They believe that every ride is an opportunity for riders, in every stage of their lives, to change the way they experience the world, and in that moment feel alive. They are fully committed to prevailing in their dedication to introducing premium technologies and placing their customers’ experience at the center of their world. Ride more. Be happy. For more information, visit www.aventon.com.

About Backbone

Backbone is the country’s leading active lifestyle media agency. For over 25 years, Backbone has partnered with brands big and small to develop and execute effective, integrated media strategies. Backbone has consistently been included on Outside Magazine’s “Best Places to Work” list with offices in Carbondale and Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit www.backbone.media.

 

 

 

LOUISVILLE, Colo. (Nov. 9, 2023) — Primus, the Swedish cooking equipment brand, introduces three product assortments for gift giving this holiday season, which are designed to create unforgettable experiences in the outdoors. From the seasoned adventurer to the coffee enthusiast, Primus has a curated selection for nature lovers everywhere.

“This holiday season, we want to inspire people to give the gift of an adventure – too give gifts that ignite passions and that inspire dreams,” said Lisa Löwenborg, marketing manager at Primus. “It’s not just about giving a present; it’s about giving the gift of excitement, wonder, and the joy of exploration.”

Primus’ Holiday Gift Giving Collections provide a roadmap for getting the most out of every day and enjoying one’s time outside. With the collections, Primus recognizes three types of users and experiences that might resonate with them:

Wanderlust Wonderland

Gift the thrill of exploration with a meticulously planned trip, must-see places, and, of course, the cooking essentials for such an experience. For this adventurer, we suggest products such as the OmniLite Ti, Essential Trail Stove, and LitePlus as well as the Trek Pot Set.

Flame Masters and Culinary Adventurers

Outdoor cooking is itself an adventure, so Primus suggests gifting aspiring chefs the equipment to cook in nature and the knowledge of how to use a gas stove for the first time. Spice up their lives with a recipe card and an outdoor date kit, ensuring that every meal is an opportunity for bonding and creating memories. Products for the culinary adventurer include the Alika and Tupike stoves and the Campfire Pot Set.

Enjoy Everyday
Primus encourages the joy of homemade bites and beverages so gift recipients can get the most out of every day, whether that’s coffee and a morning walk or a post-work picnic. Everyday gifts include the Preppen, Slurken and Koppen containers.

To see the Primus’ Holiday Gift Giving Collections please visit https://primus.us/pages/holiday-gift-giving.

For more information on Primus and their product assortment, 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.