Archives: Press Releases

Greenville, S.C. (March 6, 2025) – Now in its second year, the Greenville Cycling Classic presented by Prisma Health will return to downtown Greenville, S.C., on April 24, 2025, to kick off Speed Week 2025, a series of criteriums featuring some of the fastest cycling in the states. The Greenville Cycling Classic p/b Prisma Health will welcome some of the top men’s and women’s professional racers from around the United States, including thousands of spectators, to the heart of downtown Greenville for this fast-paced style of road cycling.

This event reinforces Greenville’s reputation as a premier cycling destination by drawing on its rich history of professional races. In 1986, the Michelin Cycling Classic became the first official pro race held right downtown—a tradition that continued for many years. Following that milestone, Greenville emerged as a favored venue for high-profile competitions like the Tour DuPont, the Olympic Torch Relay, and several US Professional National Championship events. Since 2012, the Hincapie Gran Fondo has attracted thousands of cyclists to the city each year to experience the scenic terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Additionally, in 2024, EF/ONTO Cycling began a junior development arm of the Hincapie Sportswear professional team, designed to create opportunities for emerging North American talent. Its junior riders have produced five National Championships, nine appointments to the US National Team, eight professional contracts, seven World Championship appearances, and a World Championship medal. A handful of EF/ONTO Cycling team junior riders will be participating in the Pro 1/2 Races at the Greenville Cycling Classic.

Now, with the return of the Greenville Cycling Classic, the legacy of professional cycling in downtown Greenville endures. Set on a compact, enclosed circuit, the intricate course winds its way through the vibrant city center, giving spectators an up-close view of the thrilling action. The Greenville event unfolds on an exhilarating one-kilometer loop featuring tight turns and rapid straightaways through downtown. The start/finish line, along with the evening festivities, will be centered on North Main Street at One Plaza.

“I’m excited to bring high-speed crit racing back to Greenville for its second year,” said George Hincapie, 17-time Tour de France veteran and five-time Olympian. “This event is a fantastic spring highlight for the entire community to enjoy, further enriching our blossoming cycling culture here in the Upstate.”

Schedule of events (view the course map here):

• 3:15 p.m. – Men’s Category 4/5 race
• 3:50 p.m. – Masters 35+
• 4:25 p.m. – Masters 50+
• 5:15 p.m. – Ride with the Tour de France Legends
• 5:55 p.m. – Men’s Category 2/3 race
• 6:55 p.m. – Women’s Pro 1/2/3 Category race
• 8:05 p.m. – Men’s Pro 1/2 Category race

The Tour de France Legends ride is free and open to all (riders must be aged 12 and older) and allows community members to join Greenville locals and retired professional cyclists George Hincapie, Christian Vande Velde, and Bobby Julich for a cruise around the course.

“I am thrilled to see the Greenville Cycling Classic return for its second year,” said Tim Brookshire, Chief Executive Officer, Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Campus. “This event not only showcases the incredible talent of professional cyclists but also highlights Greenville’s commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Engaging in sports like cycling is a fantastic way for people to improve their health and well-being. Prisma Health is proud to support this exciting event that brings our community together and inspires people of all ages to embrace the joy of cycling and the benefits of an active lifestyle.”

The full event schedule, list of sponsors, volunteer opportunities, and additional details can be found on the event website: GreenvilleCyclingClassic.com. To register to ride, please visit https://www.bikereg.com/greenville-cycling-classic-pb-prisma-health. The registration deadline is the day before the race, April 23.

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About Prisma Health:

Prisma Health is a private nonprofit health company with over 32,000 team members, 19 acute and specialty hospitals, 3,131 licensed beds, 320 practice sites, and more than 5,900 employed and independent clinicians across its clinically integrated inVio Health Network. Along with this innovative network, Prisma Health serves more than 1.6 million unique patients annually in its South Carolina and Tennessee service areas. Connect with Prisma Health on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter/X. Visit PrismaHealth.org.

About Hincapie:

Cycling is our life. It’s what we know, and it’s who we are. But we are not a bike company. We’re a people-who-ride-bikes company. We are cyclists, and we are makers. We are master craftsmen of custom-made, high-performance cycling apparel. Our team is our family. Not only do we design our cycling apparel, but we also make it in our family-run factory. We also create and run upscale cycling events. We have a restaurant and hotel that hosts visiting cyclists from all over the world. We manage a spring series of races. Cycling inspires everything we do, and every day we work even harder to improve the sport, make it more accessible to others, and build a strong community for future cyclists. Join us on our journey. Visit https://hincapie.com/.

About NOTUS Sports:

NOTUS Sports is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to attract, create, and manage high-profile sporting events to showcase the Upstate of South Carolina to everyone. Its efforts focus on strategically attracting and hosting sporting events to meet objectives such as: inclusive access to health, wellness, and outdoor recreation; economic and community development; quality of life enhancement; tourism impact; and international exposure for Greenville, South Carolina. More information can be found at www.notussports.org

About Speed Week:

Speed Week, now in its 19th season, is a collection of criteriums in Georgia and South Carolina. Criterium bicycle racing is an eco-urban sport that engages fans, young and old, in exciting racing action and downtown festivities. Speed Week is a highlight of the pro cycling season and draws cyclists from around the world, including Olympic medalists and world and national champions. More information can be found at www.speedweek.bike

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{Dover, NH—March 5, 2025} — Dagger OSMO™, a top-selling ​tent in specialty outdoor stores, and a favorite among backpackers and campers, is now a bluesign® PRODUCT. This milestone highlights NEMO’s commitment to clean chemistry and responsible manufacturing, adhering to the industry’s most rigorous environmental and worker safety standards. Made with solution-dyed, 100% recycled, PFAS- and FRC-free fabrics, the 2025 Dagger OSMO has more livable space without adding ounces thanks to new custom hardware and painstaking attention to every detail of the tent’s construction.

The bluesign® PRODUCT designation represents one of the highest standards of sustainability in consumer goods. It eliminates harmful chemical substances at the start of the textile supply chain, minimizing impacts on both people and the planet. This achievement for Dagger OSMO marks a significant milestone, as tents have traditionally been a challenging category for sustainability with their diverse components and high expectations for performance. Elite backpacking tents require materials that are lightweight, durable, water-resistant, and UV-resistant, often relying on chemical treatments like PFAS and flame retardants—substances that pose significant environmental and health risks. NEMO’s breakthrough OSMO tent fabric has forged a path to that high level of performance while bypassing these harmful substances.

Built for backpacking and camping enthusiasts, Dagger OSMO is a versatile, lightweight tent that features an updated pole structure equipped with NEMO’s custom Elements™ hardware to expand its already roomy interior and increase the door opening and peak height. A standout of the Elements collection is the Axial™ corner anchor, which allows for a quick and easy setup and tensioning without re-staking. Each vestibule also gets 22% more usable storage space thanks to the new, near-weightless Stash™ volumizing strut. And the improved Divvy Cube™ is now easier to pack, fits efficiently in a backpack, and can be compressed when splitting the weight with a partner. Dagger OSMO is available in a 2- and 3-person capacity with a minimum weight of 3 lbs., 5 oz for the 2P and an MSRP of $499.95.

“In the fall of 2023, our Product team set out to take Dagger further by not only using 100% recycled fabrics that are free of PFAS and added fire retardant chemicals, but by creating the industry’s first bluesign® tent,” said Gabi Rosenbrien, Product Development Director at NEMO. “Partnering with bluesign® was a natural evolution of our collaboration in other product categories and highlights NEMO’s dedication to responsible chemicals management. The development process involved close cooperation with both new and existing suppliers to ensure that all 65+ materials used in the tent met rigorous performance and chemical compliance standards.”

“Achieving bluesign® PRODUCT for the Dagger OSMO tent demonstrates the progress we can make when brands are willing to challenge the status quo in product design,” said Daniel Rufenacht, CEO of bluesign®. “By prioritizing clean chemistry and sustainability, NEMO is setting an inspiring example for the outdoor industry, proving that exceptional performance and responsible manufacturing can go hand in hand.”

For more information on NEMO’s sustainability efforts, please see their 2023 Sustainability Report and their line of fully recyclable sleeping bags and backpacks.

About bluesign® 
The bluesign® SYSTEM is the solution for sustainable textile production. It eliminates harmful substances from the start of the manufacturing process, setting and controlling standards for environmentally friendly and safe production. This ensures that final textile products meet stringent consumer safety requirements and instills confidence in sustainable and safe-to-wear products. Since its founding in 2000, bluesign® has partnered with over 850 manufacturers, brands, and chemical suppliers worldwide, driving transformative change in the textile industry. bluesign® is part of the $7 billion+ SGS family of companies, the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification organization.

About NEMO
NEMO is a New Hampshire-based outdoor gear company known for creating award-winning products that are built to last, comfortable, and fun to use. The brand has been named Outdoor Brand of the Year by Outdoor Retailer’s The Daily, and one of Outside Magazine’s and Business New Hampshire’s Best Places to Work. NEMO has also been recognized as a small business leader for the environment by New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility. NEMO’s reputation for design innovation across its product lines—tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, luggage, 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.®

 

 

 

[Seattle, WA] – March 5, 2025 – Black Diamond Equipment, a global leader in mountain sports gear, is excited to announce the grand opening of its largest and most immersive retail store to date, located in the heart of Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood. This new flagship location reflects Black Diamond’s deep commitment to the Pacific Northwest’s thriving outdoor culture and mountaineering heritage, bringing together best-in-class gear, expert advice, and a dynamic community space for climbers, skiers, runners, and mountaineers.

Adding to the wealth of climbing and mountain resources in Seattle, the Black Diamond Flagship store will showcase the full Black Diamond catalog—from technical climbing gear and backcountry ski equipment to performance apparel and accessories—and partner with local ski shops like Evo and Cripple Creek Backcountry for gear maintenance services. Visitors to the Seattle location will eventually be able to access ReRoute and repair services, in line with the brand’s commitment to sustainability and keeping gear in use longer.

Strengthening Community Relationships

The new flagship store builds upon Black Diamond’s deep-rooted ties to alpinism and outdoor education as it strengthens the brand’s valuable partnerships throughout the outdoor recreation community. Customers can find a satellite activation kiosk for local guiding service RMI Expeditions that offers direct engagement with top-tier mountain guides on Rainier and the North Cascades. The store will host opportunities for the community to connect with resources from National Outdoor Leadership School, local mountain guides, and other regional organizations as well.

Further, the Fremont location is perfectly positioned alongside industry leaders like Evo, Seattle Bouldering Project, and Brooks, as well as award-winning cafes, breweries, and restaurants—meeting outdoor enthusiasts where they already gather.

“We are very excited about the Seattle flagship concept,” says Neil Fiske, President of Black Diamond Equipment, “which is uniquely adapted to serve the Pacific Northwest customer and celebrate the region’s rich mountaineering heritage. We’re also aiming to bring fresh thinking and innovative approaches to the retail experience by combining the best of Black Diamond with local partners like RMI that have long served this mountain community. The store is modern, progressive, and beautifully harmonized with its local environment, including some of the most advanced sustainability practices in retail. We think it will be something truly special and hopefully a source of pride for the Seattle area.”

“The opening of our Seattle flagship marks a major milestone for Black Diamond,” adds Ethan White, Director of Stores at Black Diamond Equipment. “Seattle is a city that embodies adventure, and this store is our way of fully embracing that energy. It’s more than just a place to buy gear—it’s a place to connect, learn, and get inspired for your next big pursuit.”

Grand Opening Weekend: March 8-9, 2025

The Grand Opening Celebration will feature:

• Exclusive giveaways, including chances to win a Freeride kit and other Black Diamond gear and apparel
• Community events and engagement opportunities
• Custom swag, grand opening weekend discounts, and first looks at new products coming for Spring 2025

About Black Diamond Equipment:

Black Diamond Equipment is a global leader in designing innovative outdoor-engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, skiing, and a wide range of other year-round outdoor activities. Headquartered in Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Black Diamond is synonymous with performance, innovation, and durability in the outdoor community. For more information on Black Diamond Equipment, visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com.

Visit Black Diamond Seattle:

3524 Stone Way N
Seattle, WA 98103

Phone: (206) 865-0009

Email: seattle.flagship@bdel.com

Website: https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/content/retail-stores/

Store Hours: Mon-Sun 10am – 7pm

 

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. (March 5, 2025) — Hotel Domestique is proud to present the Hincapie Wellness Retreat Series, a collection of immersive 5-day retreats designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Nestled in the serene Blue Ridge Mountains, these retreats blend fitness, mindfulness, nutrition, and relaxation, offering guests a transformative wellness experience throughout the year.

“We’re thrilled to launch the Hincapie Wellness Retreat Series, a new chapter in Hotel Domestique’s commitment to transformative experiences,” said George Hincapie, Co-Owner of Hotel Domestique. “These retreats are designed to offer a holistic approach to well-being, blending fitness, mindfulness, and nutrition in an immersive, restorative setting. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our goal is to provide guests with an opportunity to reset, recharge, and reconnect with themselves in a truly unique way.”

With multiple retreats scheduled seasonally, guests have the flexibility to choose the experience that best aligns with their personal health and wellness goals. Whether attending solo or with a partner, the Hincapie Wellness Retreat Series offers an unparalleled opportunity to reset, recharge, and refocus in a world-class setting.

Each retreat is carefully curated to include:

• Customized Fitness Experiences – Guided cycling rides, scenic hikes, yoga, Pilates, and stretching sessions tailored to all levels.
• Mindfulness & Recovery – Meditation, breathwork, and wellness discussions designed to restore balance and mental clarity.
• Expert-Led Health Seminars – Educational sessions led by specialists in nutrition, fitness, and holistic well-being.
• Luxury Accommodations & Gourmet Wellness Cuisine – A four-night stay in boutique accommodations with chef-prepared, nutritionally balanced meals.

Each retreat offers a unique daily itinerary focused on renewal and performance, featuring:

• Morning – A rejuvenating yoga session with Unity Flow followed by a nutrient-rich breakfast.
• Midday – Choice of guided cycling, scenic hiking, or a personalized fitness session.
• Afternoon – Engaging workshops on nutrition and wellness, plus Pilates and mobility training with C.O.R.E.
• Evening – Chef-crafted dinners and fireside wellness discussions under the stars.

Retreats are offered seasonally, with limited availability to ensure a personalized experience. Pricing starts at $4,000 for individual guests and $6,400 for two guests. In addition to the aforementioned activities, these prices cover four nights of accommodation, breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, a personalized massage therapy session for each guest, and a consultation with a board-certified holistic nutritionist.

“Our mission at Hotel Domestique is to create experiences that inspire renewal, connection, and adventure,” said Rich Hincapie, President of Hincapie and the co-founder of HD. “The Hincapie Wellness Retreat Series extends that vision—blending fitness, mindfulness, and expert guidance to offer guests a meaningful and transformative escape in a world-class setting.”

Hotel Domestique’s first Hincapie Wellness Retreat will be hosted from May 11th to May 15thth, 2025. To sign up, please visit: https://hoteldomestique.com. Hotel Domestique will be hosting additional retreats from July 17th to July 21st, and from November 2nd to November 6th.

ABOUT HOTEL DOMESTIQUE

Inspired by the world travels of legendary cyclist George Hincapie, Hotel Domestique is a luxury hotel that offers a seamless blend of adventure, relaxation, and elite hospitality. Located in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, the hotel provides an intimate escape with European-inspired charm, world-class cycling experiences, and a deep commitment to wellness.

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Media Contact:
Max Akselrad | Verde Brand Communications | (917) 699-8491 | max@verdepr.com

 

 

 

EVANSVILLE, Ind. [March 4, 2025] — ONIX Pickleball, a leader in the fast-growing sport of pickleball for two decades, recruited Verde Brand Communications, a Colorado-based public relations and digital marketing agency specializing in the outdoor and active lifestyle spaces, as its PR agency of record, effective immediately. Verde will collaborate with ONIX Pickleball to amplify the brand’s message, showcase its industry-leading paddles and patented technologies, and further its mission of growing and supporting pickleball players of all levels, from beginners to professionals.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, ONIX Pickleball has been at the forefront of the pickleball industry, consistently incorporating cutting-edge product technologies such as its patented Thermofused Technology. Its commitment and longevity ensure premier performance and durability in its equipment.

“At ONIX, we are dedicated to creating the highest quality paddles and balls to support the growing pickleball community,” said Emily Patton, Brand Manager at ONIX Pickleball. “Verde’s passion for the sport, combined with their expertise in strategic communications, makes them the ideal partner to help us share our story.”

ONIX boasts a robust pipeline of innovative equipment. The brand is known for its best-in-class tournament paddles, such as the Malice, as well as high-quality pickleballs, nets, and accessories. Each product is engineered to deliver touch, power and speed on the court. Performance paddles like the Supercell are designed to deliver enhanced ball control for aggressive play, while the Evoke Premier tournament paddle utilizes a raw carbon face for maximum spin. The brand’s approach to product technology elevates precision and strategy for every kind of player.

“As pickleball continues its explosive growth and captivates new demographics, ONIX Pickleball is perfectly positioned to leverage this momentum,” said Julie Evans, CEO and partner of Verde Brand Communications. “ONIX’s commitment to bridging the gap between performance and accessibility aligns with Verde’s mission to foster deeper connections between people and sports. The Verde team will work to highlight ONIX Pickleball’s unique position in the market and its significant contribution to the sport’s evolving landscape.”

To learn more about ONIX’s storied legacy and a more detailed look at its line of paddles, balls and accessories, please visit onixpickleball.com.

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About ONIX Pickleball

ONIX is the leading manufacturer of all performance pickleball products, such as paddles, balls, and accessories, and equips players with technologically advanced equipment that is proven to make the sport faster, more precise, and more strategic. Since its founding in 2005, ONIX Pickleball has dedicated its mission to growing and supporting the sport at a professional level. For more information on ONIX, its products, brands, instruction manuals, retailers, warranty, replacement parts, or customer service, please call 1-800-467-1421 or visit onixpickleball.com.

About Escalade Sports

Founded in 1922, and headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, Escalade designs, manufactures, and sells sporting goods, fitness, and indoor/outdoor recreation equipment. Our mission is to connect family and friends and create lasting memories. Leaders in our respective categories, Escalade’s brands include Brunswick Billiards®; STIGA®table tennis; Accudart®; RAVE Sports® water recreation; Victory Tailgate® custom games; ONIX® Pickleball; Goalrilla™ basketball; Lifeline® fitness; Woodplay® playsets; and Bear® Archery. Escalade’s products are available online and at leading retailers nationwide. For more information about Escalade’s many brands, history, financials, and governance, please visit escaladeinc.com.

About Verde Brand Communications
Founded in 2002, Verde Brand Communications is a Colorado-based public relations and digital marketing agency that specializes in the outdoor and active-lifestyle spaces, as well as adjacent specialty markets. Verde provides customized brand communications strategy, media and influencer relations, and a range of digital marketing services. With offices in Durango and Boulder, Colo., and Jackson, Wyo., Verde’s market-driven approach stems from a nimble, close-knit team of creative thinkers. For more information about Verde, please visit www.verdepr.com or follow our adventures on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Elias Marsh | Elias@verdepr.com

 

PALMER, Alaska – March 4, 2025 – The American Packrafting Association (APA), Alpacka Raft, and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) have partnered to offer “The Packrafting Scholarship” that will provide an experience to participate in a NOLS packrafting course at NOLS Alaska. The application period opens today and will close on April 4, 2025, and the recipient will be chosen by early May to participate in the NOLS packrafting course this summer.

The Packrafting Scholarship presented by APA, Alpacka Raft, and NOLS is a collective effort to raise awareness of packrafting and provide an experience of packrafting to underserved communities.

“With the right knowledge and experience, packrafts allow adventurers to paddle nearly anywhere—rivers, lakes, and beyond,” said Emily Doig, Marketing Director at Alpacka Raft. “The skills NOLS teaches in their courses are essential for those looking to incorporate packrafting into their backcountry trips. We are thrilled that this scholarship will make these opportunities accessible to someone who may not otherwise have the chance and hope they, in turn, share their knowledge within their communities. Partnering with NOLS and APA on this initiative is incredibly exciting, and we look forward to empowering more people to explore the packrafting safely and confidently.”

Packrafting combines hiking and backpacking with a lightweight, inflatable boat (packraft), allowing adventurers to incorporate rivers into their journey instead of detouring around them. It’s a versatile and adaptable mode of transportation for wilderness adventures, providing access to remote and challenging terrain that would otherwise be difficult to reach by other travel modes.

“Packrafting perfectly encapsulates what makes a NOLS course unique,” stated Ashley Wise, campus director for NOLS Alaska. “It bridges the technical skills of backpacking and whitewater while allowing participants to think more broadly about how they lead, manage risk, and plan adventures across varied environments and routes. It is the ultimate way to travel in the Alaska wilderness, utilizing the ever-present rivers to traverse mountain ranges. We couldn’t be more excited to teaming up with APA and Alpacka to offer this scholarship.”

“APA is excited to partner with Alpacka Raft and NOLS to make packrafting more accessible through this scholarship opportunity,” said Sarah Kilbourne, APA’s Executive Director. “NOLS is a leader in outdoor education, and this course embodies APA’s core values: professional training in safety and education, a welcoming community built through teamwork, and place-based opportunities to learn about land stewardship in a supportive environment. We’re excited to support this effort by offering this scholarship to expand access and welcome more people into the packrafting community.”

MEDIA IMAGES | LINK
VIDEO | LINK

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About NOLS

Founded in 1965 in a small cabin in Sinks Canyon, Wyoming, the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) is a nonprofit global wilderness school that seeks to help individuals step forward boldly as leaders. We believe that anyone can be a leader; it’s our role to provide the environment and training to help them discover their full potential. We do that in classrooms close to home and remote wilderness areas worldwide. The scope of NOLS’ mission and impact is broad, with 14 campuses across six countries and educational opportunities worldwide. The school enrolls over 28,000 students and employs over 1,000 full-time and part-time staff and instructors with an annual budget of approximately $40 million in a typical year. NOLS currently has more than 360,000 active alumni. 

For more information, visit nols.edu | @nolsedu | 800.710.6657

About Alpacka Raft
Founded in 2000 by mother-and-son team Sheri and Thor Tingey, Alpacka Raft makes the world’s best packrafts. With packrafts designed and handmade by a talented group of makers in its Mancos, Colorado facility, Alpacka Raft packrafts have been used and trusted on expeditions by some of the world’s most well-known adventurers. Alpacka Raft is committed to building a diverse community of boaters and is proud to provide high-quality, living-wage manufacturing jobs in a rural, mountain-town economy.
For more information, visit  alpackaraft.com.

About American Packrafting Association (APA)

Founded in 2012, the American Packrafting Association (APA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a strong packrafting community through safety, education, and conservation. APA advocates for responsible packrafting access on public lands while promoting best practices to ensure the sport’s longevity. Mission: To promote community among packrafters, enhance packrafting safety and education, and expand opportunities to packraft responsibly on public lands. Vision: A vibrant global community of packrafters committed to safety and stewardship on both land and water.

MEDIA CONTACTS

NOLS

Kelli Lusk

Communications Director

208.309.3793 | kelli_lusk@nols.edu

BACKBONE MEDIA
Sean Van Horn

970.963.4873 | sean.vanhorn@backbone.media

 

BERKELEY, Calif. (March 4, 2025) – This spring, Royal Robbins, the outdoor brand whose mission is to feed the soul through nature and adventure, launches its Mosquito Protection Technology™ (MPT) apparel collection,  which provides a chemical-free and robust barrier from mosquitos. This innovative technology has already been included in Popular Science’s list of “50 Greatest Innovations” of 2024.

MPT’s secret lies in the tightly woven, engineered fabric that acts as a robust barrier to mosquitoes without adding toxic chemical repellents or biocides, making MPT safer for people and the environment.  In 2023, Royal Robbins partnered with Vector Textiles, a leader in the research, development and testing of chemical free textiles, to rigorously test its  MPT fabrics.  Based on the results of multiple controlled laboratory tests, MPT fabrics demonstrated 92% effectiveness in preventing mosquito bites.

According to the editors of Popular Science, “There are a few ways to prevent mosquito bites in the woods effectively. Almost all of them require chemicals, from DEET in bug spray to pyrethrin-treated clothing, that wash away and potentially enter the water system—all except Royal Robbins’ Mosquito Protection Technology (MPT). MPT uses an incredibly tight weave that prevents mosquitoes from getting their proboscis through without sacrificing breathability. The fabric is also made to resist deforming, meaning a spin through the washing machine won’t affect protection.”

Founded in 1968, the Royal Robbins brand is rooted in sustainability, conservation and outdoor adventure. Being in nature motivates the Royal Robbins brand to protect the planet for future generations through a meaningful commitment to sustainable and preferred materials and practices. Fiber and material production account for the largest portion of a product’s footprint on ecosystems and the environment, which is why Royal Robbins carefully chooses lower-impact fibers, technologies and processes that help reduce waste, chemical use, water use and greenhouse gas emissions.

“As outdoor enthusiasts, we know firsthand that mosquitoes can be annoying, and even dangerous”, said Erik Burbank, brand president of Royal Robbins.  “The CDC attributes nearly a million human deaths to disease-carrying mosquitos annually, making them the most lethal animal on the planet. MPT’s recognition in  Popular Science’s ‘50 Greatest Innovations’ is a testament to our commitment to innovations that enhance people’s ability to adventure in nature.”

Royal Robbins MPT apparel, which has also been field-tested around the globe by the Royal Robbins team, is available now on the brand’s website. The women’s and men’s MPT line comprises a range of shirts and pants in Expedition, Amp Lite and Wilder styles that provide highly effective and durable protection from mosquito bites. For more information about Royal Robbins, please visit RoyalRobbins.com/MPT.

About Royal Robbins® 

Born in Yosemite, the brand was founded in 1968 by world-renowned climbers and adventurers Royal and Liz Robbins. Royal Robbins is a leading designer, manufacturer, and retailer of versatile, durable, and stylish apparel for the next generation of adventurers. The brand maintains a commitment to environmental and social responsibility by prioritizing natural fibers and maintaining carbon neutrality in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Royal Robbins gear can be found in outdoor and specialty retail partners throughout the world. We believe nature and adventure are good for the soul. To learn more, please visit royalrobbins.com.

[Amsterdam, Netherlands] March. 4, 2025 – VALLON, the leading brand in premium eyewear for outdoor adventurers, is excited to announce that Gelje Sherpa – one of the world’s most accomplished high-altitude mountaineers, has joined their ‘Trailblazers’ team.

With an impressive list of summits under his belt, including being part of the only team ever to have successfully summited K2 in winter, and uniquely opening up new climbing routes on Cho Oyu from the Nepal side, Gelje’s partnership with VALLON brings together two partners dedicated to pushing boundaries in the most extreme environments on Earth.

“I am truly thrilled to become part of the VALLON family,” said Gelje. “VALLON has been a part of my essential kit on many 8000 meter peaks, and to officially join their family feels like an amazing moment in my journey. I cannot wait to continue climbing with my sunglasses and goggles. They have never let me down, and have been protecting my eyes even in the harshest environments in the world.”

VALLON’s Trailblazers program is dedicated to working with adventurers and athletes around the globe who continue to push the limits of what is possible in the natural environment. Gelje joins names like Oli France, Adriana Brownlee, and Mitch Hutchcraft – all of whom are pioneering new adventures in the outdoors, “the VALLON way”!

Having achieved monumental milestones in the world of high-altitude mountaineering, Gelje continues to build his legacy as co-founder of AGA Adventures, alongside record-breaking British mountaineer, Adriana Brownlee, focusing on providing transformative mountaineering experiences with experienced guides.

Gelje’s career has not been without its challenges. Ascending K2 in winter was one of the toughest moments in his mountaineering career, with temperatures plummeting to -60°C – freezing equipment, and pushing the team to their limits. Additionally, Gelje undertook a heroic rescue on Everest at 8,400 meters, demonstrating his unshakable commitment to protecting others on the mountain. Despite the harsh conditions, Gelje’s selflessness and unwavering determination ensured that someone else’s life was saved on the world’s highest mountain.

“I’ve faced many challenges, but it’s the people and the experiences that truly matter,” said Gelje. “I’m proud to represent VALLON as a brand that shares my passion for adventure, resilience, and pushing beyond limits.”

As VALLON continues to innovate and grow within the world of performance eyewear, Gelje’s partnership marks a significant step in solidifying the brand’s dedication to extreme sports and high-altitude mountaineering. Gelje’s go-to eyewear in the VALLON collection is their flagship product, Heron Glacier sunglasses: “They are super comfortable, protect your eyes from wind and sunlight, and stay on my face even when I’m looking down working on ropes.”

For more information about VALLON’s full collection of sunglasses and goggles, and the Trailblazers program, visit vallon.com.

About VALLON

Inspired by iconic eyewear of yesteryear and their deep passion for outdoor sports, VALLON was founded by two Swedish brothers with a shared vision to reinvent sports eyewear. Seeking to merge classic design elements with high-performance functionality, they created a new generation of eyewear fit for modern day adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.

VALLON sunglasses and goggles are trusted by professional athletes taking on the world’s toughest challenges. Combining resilience, protection, sustainability, and innovation, we strive to make the most unique, fair-priced, and best looking eyewear for outdoor enthusiasts. Cleaning up plastic with every pair sold. #ClassicStyleMaximumPerformance #theVALLONway

Visit www.vallon.com for more information.

Follow us on social media

Instagram: @vallon_official

#ClassicStyleMaximumPerformance #theVALLONway

Media Contacts

NAM

Verde Brand Communications

Becca Katz: vallon@verdepr.com

Verde PR Boulder, Colorado, USA

EMEA & All other regions

Marketing and Communications Manager at VALLON

Victoria Bushnell: victoria@vallon.store

+44 (0)7766 242220

VALLON B.V. Amsterdam, Netherlands