Archives: Press Releases

Gill Fishing, a leading maker of foul weather and performance fishing apparel, announces today it has signed Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour competitor Fletcher Shryock to its pro angler team. Shryock, a veteran angler who has earned more than $612,000 in his decade-plus professional career, adds another podium threat to Gill Fishing’s talented roster in 2023.

“I’ve learned that as a pro angler, it’s crucial to have confidence in the products you use and trust the people that make them. We fish in a lot of nasty weather, which is why I’m thrilled to partner with Gill Fishing. Their apparel is the best you can buy, and it allows me to perform my best, no matter how cold, wet or hot it is,” Shryock says. “The Gill Fishing team has a strong mix of established veterans and up-and-comers, and I’m proud to join this group of accomplished anglers.”

A former professional motocross racer, Shryock is a fierce competitor who thrives in big moments. He began his pro fishing career with a flash by winning the 2011 Bass Pro Shops Southern Open on Lake Norman, just the second major event he had ever competed in. In addition to earning a pair of top 10 finishes in 2022 on MLF’s Bass Pro Tour, his ability to consistently land big fish earned him a coveted spot in the 2023 Bass Pro Shops REDCREST, the world championship of professional bass fishing, as well as the General Tire Heavy Hitters field, an all-star competition featuring MLF’s top big-bass anglers.

“Fletcher was just born to compete. We love the energy he brings on tournament day, but also the discipline and drive he displays in his preparation. He’s a true believer in the idea that there’s no substitute for time on the water, and that’s why he competes at the sport’s highest level,” says Dominic McCarthy, executive vice president for Gill North America. “We’re thrilled that Fletcher has put his trust in Gill Fishing’s apparel and for him to join our other pro anglers, who I expect to spend a lot of time on the podium this year.”

The addition of Shryock is part of Gill Fishing’s growing presence in MLF. In January, Gill Fishing announced a multi-year sponsorship of the MLF Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League.

To learn more about Gill Fishing’s tournament-inspired apparel and footwear, including the rigorous testing they’ve passed, visit www.gillfishing.com.

About Gill Fishing: Trusted by sailors for more than 40 years, Gill Marine launched Gill Fishing to meet a growing demand for durable and reliable technical fishing apparel. By leveraging its rich marine heritage and product development expertise, Gill Fishing has created a versatile line of premium apparel trusted by anglers to protect them from the worst elements of every season. www.gillfishing.com

Maven, the Wyoming-based manufacturer of premium optics, announced today a new variation of the award-winning CS.1 Spotting Scope equipped with a straight eyepiece. Now available in two variations, with either straight or angled eyepieces, both CS.1 Spotting Scopes provide the user with the same level of optical performance and clarity in the field.

 

Featuring a 15-45x magnification range and a 65mm objective lens, the CS.1 line was developed to provide powerful, yet compact spotting scopes that won’t break the bank. With the introduction of the CS.1S customers can now choose a straight or angled eyepiece to best suit their needs.

 

“Feedback and reviews of the CS.1A have been great but we were getting a lot of requests for a straight version,” said Brendon Weaver, Co-Founder and Head of Design/Marketing for Maven. “We’re always looking for ways to give customers what they need and to fill any gaps in our product offering, so we went to work on the CS.1S and we’re excited to make it available.”

 

Built on the same pedigree as the original CS.1A, as well as the brand’s other C Series optics, the CS.1S features a well-balanced lightweight magnesium/aluminum frame and fully multi-coated lenses. It also utilizes the brand’s extra-low dispersion (ED) glass to produce an exceptionally clear, bright and high-contrast image with incredible color reproduction and excellent low-light performance.

 

Measuring just 12.13 inches in length and 40.4 ounces in weight, it’s a great choice for hunters, birders, wildlife viewers and sightseers seeking a mid-range spotting scope that’s easy to transport, use, and store in the field or at home.

 

Like all other Maven products, the CS.1S is covered by a lifetime warranty and thanks to Maven’s direct-to-consumer business model it offers great value ($800) to match its exceptional performance.

 

To learn more about Maven or shop its extensive line of optics, visit www.mavenbuilt.com.

 

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About Maven

Maven is a Wyoming-based direct-to-consumer brand known for offering world-class optics at affordable prices. By cutting out the middleman and selling directly to the consumer, the company eliminates retail markups, and is therefore able to produce affordable products using best-in-class components. The result is high-quality optics offered at an exceptional value and covered by a lifetime warranty.

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• Location: Fort Collins, CO

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with advertisements for chemical-laden skincare products promising miraculous results, it’s important to remember that our skin is our largest organ, and what we put on it matters. While it may be tempting to try the latest and greatest skincare product, it’s essential to consider the long-term effects of these chemicals on our bodies.

At Clayer, we believe that natural is always better. Our products are made from a powerful, yet gentle, ingredient that has been used for centuries: clay. Clayer healing clay is a natural ingredient that is heavy metal free, certified non-toxic and packed with nutrients that are beneficial to your skin. It’s also gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types.

We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality, natural skincare products. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing affordable, effective skincare solutions that are free of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances.

In addition to being better for your body, natural skincare products are also better for the environment. Chemicals found in many conventional skincare products can be harmful to our planet and its inhabitants. By using natural products, you’re doing your part to reduce your impact on the environment.

At Clayer, we’re proud to offer a line of products that harness the power of clay to promote healthy, beautiful skin. Our products are designed to be gentle and effective, and they’re suitable for all skin types. Whether you’re dealing with dry, oily, or sensitive skin, we have a solution that will work for you.

Our clay-based products are inspired by the ancient beauty rituals of cultures around the world, which have long recognized the benefits of this natural ingredient. By using clay as the foundation of our skincare line, we’re able to provide you with a powerful, natural solution that’s rooted in tradition.

We believe that everyone deserves to have healthy, beautiful skin, and we’re dedicated to helping you achieve just that. With our natural skincare solutions, you can say goodbye to harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances and hello to a healthier, more radiant you.

Try Clayer today and discover the power of natural skincare for yourself. Your skin – and the environment – will thank you.

Ultimate Direction, a Colorado-based brand that designs innovative apparel and gear for self-propelled athletes of all levels, is proud to announce its 2023 athlete roster of road and trail runners and FKT-setters. Celebrating the unique pursuits and interests in the sport of running and fastpacking, the brand has selected 17 athletes who are committed to living life with play and passion while exemplifying dedication to their individual sports and communities. 

This announcement comes at an exciting time after recent race wins including Jeff Colt’s first place overall and Nicole Bitter’s second place female overall podium at the 2023 Bandera 100K,  Joseph Gray’s first place podium win at United States Snowshoe Association’s National Championship race, and Ryan Montgomery’s third place male overall podium at Tarawera Ultramarathon by UTMB 102K. The brand also just hosted its first Athlete Summit since 2019 where it brought eight athletes into its headquarters for product development and field testing, as well as team community-building. The rest of the team will be involved in the product development and feedback process at a virtual summit on February 28.

“Building a team of skill, strength, passion, and community that we can nurture and support this year was our top priority,” shared Robyn Howard, Director of Brand and Marketing for Exxel Outdoors, Inc. “We are impressed by our team members’ performances on and off the trail- from working to build community within their neighborhoods and to training for top performances at this year’s notable events, we know the team will shine.”

2023 Athlete Roster:

1. Amelia Boone, Ultrarunner and OCR.
2. Cameron James, OCR.
3. Grayson Murphy, Trail, road, and track runner.
4. Jacky Hunt-Broersma, Trail and ultrarunner. 
5. James Lauriello, FKT-setter and trail runner.
6. Jason Schlarb, Trail and ultrarunner.
7. Jeff Colt, Trail and ultrarunner.
8. John Kelly, FKT-setter, trail, and ultrarunner.
9. Joseph Gray, road and trail runner.
10. Justin Simoni, FKT-setter and trail runner.
11. Kriste Peoples, Trail runner.
12. Kyle Robidoux, Trail and ultrarunner.
13. Nadia Ruiz, Trail and road runner.
14. Nicole Bitter, Traill and ultrarunner.
15. Ryan Montgomery, Trail and ultrarunner.
16. Tara Warren, FKT-setter, trail, and ultrarunner.
17. Zach Bitter, Road, trail, and ultrarunner.

Learn more about each individual athlete’s accomplishments and 2023 goals here. Throughout the year, Ultimate Direction will be highlighting each athlete’s individual journey and contributions to their sport and community through its social media channels.

For more information on Ultimate Direction, please visit ultimatedirection.com or contact Mindy Smith at mindy@darbycommunications.com. 

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About Ultimate Direction

In 1985, Ultimate Direction invented the first waist pack for carrying bottles. A few years later, they designed the first hand-held water bottle carrier and numerous innovations defining the hydration pack category for endurance and every-day athletes. Over 30 years later, the brand remains the authority on hydration for self-propelled activities and critical to the world’s most passionate athletes. Ultimate Direction is headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado. Visit www.ultimatedirection.com for more information.

360 Adventure Collective, the trusted member association that has brought together focused, regional events for sales reps and retailers for over 40 years, is excited to announce its lineup of regional summer shows. This year’s schedule also includes a brand new 360AC Experience in April with an emphasis on camping, climbing, and hiking. Registration for the April show opens in February, while registration for the summer lineup begins in March.

The summer schedule for 360 Adventure Collective includes:

• 360AC Experience: Camp, Climb, Hike – April 11-12 – Chattanooga, TN
• Mid-Atlantic Summer Expo – June 6-8, 2023 – Edison, NJ
• Southeast Summer Expo – June 19-22, 2023 – Greenville, SC
• New England Summer Expo – June 20-22, 2023 – Manchester, NH
• 360AC Experience: Paddlesports – September 12-13, 2023 – Charlotte, NC

“Our goal has always been to provide conveniently located, cost-effective expos, offering smaller regional alternatives to the larger national shows,” said Stacey Gellert, 360 Adventure Collective’s Executive Director. “That’s why we leverage a more intimate, open booth format and offer free registration online or on-site.”

New for the 2023 show season is the 360AC Experience: Camp, Climb, Hike in Chattanooga, TN. Designed to bring buyers, retail staff, and sales reps together to test products, learn new skills, and reconnect with the outdoors in a beautiful camp setting, 360AC Experiences emphasize authentic outdoor experiences over virtual simulations.

The Chattanooga event will take place April 11-12, 2023 at the Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, where attendees will have the opportunity to camp, climb, hike, and run on the arboretum’s 300 acres, all while testing out the latest and greatest outdoor gear.

To learn more about 360 Adventure Collective, visit 360adventurecollective.org or email Stacey Gellert at staceyg@360adventurecollective.org.

About 360 Adventure Collective

EORA (Eastern Outdoor Reps Association) and NESR (New England Sports Reps) united in 2017 to create 360 Adventure Collective, a greater organization boasting a combined 40 years of success in connecting the most comprehensive offerings in outdoor and ski apparel, footwear, accessories and hard goods to the industry’s retailers who matter the most.  By hosting smaller, more conveniently located expos and markets than the national alternatives, 360 Adventure Collective is the traveling sales rep’s most trusted support system for maximizing connections with retailers and vendors. 360 Adventure Collective has over 675 members with 14 annual shows, and services over 2,900 retailers. For more information or to become a member visit 360adventurecollective.org.

BOULDER, Colo. (Feb. 20, 2023) – Matador Travel Equipment, the award-winning producer of high-performance travel equipment, today launched the SEG28 Backpack, an innovative 28-liter bag designed for hyper-organized travel and everyday carry. The SEG28 overhauls Matador’s award-winning SEG series, offering the unique architecture the series is known for, with a multitude of new features for adventure travelers.

“The SEG28 isn’t an update – it’s a completely new design,” said Chris Clearman, founder and CEO of Matador. “We listened to the feedback and spent years in the lab crafting this one. It not only incorporates better, more sustainable materials – but it also offers more features designed to meet the needs of travelers.”

Made with recycled bluesign® -certified materials, the SEG28 features four external-access segmented pockets which allow users to organize contents by type, day or size. A clamshell undercarriage offers separation for large or dirty items like shoes and laundry. Designed for the daily or the long-haul, the SEG28 includes a breathable back panel and shoulder straps, plus a sternum strap and removable hip belt. The bag also offers an array of useful features including:

• Top-access padded laptop pocket
• Top-access essentials pocket with organization options
• Concealed stash pocket hidden behind back panel
• Luggage pass-through
• Water bottle pocket
• Dual V-compression straps (two per side)
• Carry handles on top, bottom, back and side
• YKK® PU-coated sealing zippers with zipper security loops on all external pockets.
• Hypalon tether loops

At a 28-liter volume, the SEG28 is carry-on compliant and is also an ideal size for everyday usage.

“Coming hot off the heels of our Globerider45, the SEG28 offers a nimbler option that’s ideal whether you’re headed to the office or out on a weekender,” continued Clearman. “Our SEG series just got better – and there’s more coming.”

The Matador SEG28 (MSRP: $249.99) is available now at select retailers and online at http://www.matadorup.com/.

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About Matador Travel Equipment

Matador designs high-performance travel equipment designed for objective-based travel. The team’s strengths in design, material technology, and construction give them an edge in developing innovative products that bring outdoor expertise to the pursuit of travel. For more information about Matador, visit www.MatadorUp.com.

Testing service provider Hohenstein has worked with partners to create a new standardized test method for detecting and classifying the environmental effects of textiles during washing. DIN SPEC 4872 combines analysis of fiber release, biodegradability and ecotoxicity.

The test method according to DIN SPEC 4872 shows how many fibers are released during textile laundering, how well these fibers degrade in wastewater and how harmful the fiber residues are to the environment.

Studies have shown that washing textiles releases microfibers into the wash water, which cannot be sufficiently retained by wastewater treatment plants. Synthetic fibers pose the greatest risk to the environment because of their longevity and inability to biodegrade. However, Hohenstein project manager Juliane Alberts does not give the all-clear for biodegradable fibers and natural fibers: “Biodegradability alone does not mean that pure natural fibers, for example, are completely harmless to the environment. They, too, remain in ecosystems until they completely degrade and can also have a negative impact. In addition, additives, auxiliaries or finishes used in textile production can further slow the degradation process and leach into the environment.”

The new standard enables textile producers and suppliers to test, evaluate and compare products for fiber release during washing and environmental impact. Juliane Alberts sees this systematic evaluation as an opportunity for the textile industry to take the initiative on environmental impact: “Our reliable data can be used as a basis for more targeted product development. This is a way to actively and consciously control further environmental pollution.”

Detailed information is available at Hohenstein.US/microfibers

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About Hohenstein

With more than 40 offices and laboratories, Hohenstein is an international partner for independent testing, certification and applied research around the human-textile-environment interaction. They develop science-based methods and standards that consider the user in real life, not just in the lab. Through standard or customized testing, and interpretation of the results, Hohenstein experts solve problems, verify claims and help partners bring better, safer products to market – more sustainably. Hohenstein is a founding member and leading provider of the OEKO-TEX® portfolio of services, and is certified by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC ID #1058) as a third-party, independent laboratory for CPSIA compliance verification. Hohenstein.US