GORE-TEX Kahtoola Uphill Fundraiser Helps Send Hundreds of Children to Friends of Camp Colton Environmental Education Camp

Flagstaff, Ariz. (March 4, 2025) – The 18th annual GORE-TEX Kahtoola Uphill event, held on February 8, 2025, raised over $75,000 for Arizona nonprofit Friends of Camp Colton’s environmental education programs that provide outdoor learning and a discovery center for Arizona children. 300 racers took to the steep slopes of the Arizona Snowbowl conquering up to 3.5 miles and over 2000 feet of elevation gain on foot using various traction gear including MICROspikes® footwear traction and alpine touring skis.

“The GORE-TEX Kahtoola Uphill has something for everyone, from kids to professional athletes,” said Ari Wilder, executive director of Friends of Camp Colton. “Each year, businesses, racers, volunteers, spectators and supporters all come together to make this race special and memorable. It’s incredibly gratifying to be part of a community that appreciates a wintery challenge and embraces fun, all while raising funds to get kids connected with nature at Camp Colton.”

Each February, fun-loving adventurers come together, often in creative costumes, at this family-friendly event which includes a post-race raffle fundraiser and festive dinner. Since its inception, the GORE-TEX Kahtoola Uphill event has raised over $650,000, directly supporting the education of future environmental stewards.

“Since Kahtoola’s inception in 1999, we’ve been driven by a dual purpose – make exceptional outdoor gear and operate as a responsible business that enriches the world,” said Danny Giovale, owner and founder of Kahtoola. “As we celebrate our 25th year in business this winter, we’re proud to continue to pursue our dual purpose through events like the Kahtoola Uphill and supporting the valuable work that nonprofits like Friends of Camp Colton are doing within the local outdoor community.”

For more information on Friends of Camp Colton, please contact Ari Wilder at 928-864-8129 or ari@friendsofcampcolton.org.

About Kahtoola:

Established in 1999, Kahtoola crafts exceptional outdoor gear with a commitment to philanthropy, conservation, and sustainability. Kahtoola’s gaiters, hiking crampons and traction systems, including MICROspikes® footwear traction, are built to elevate human potential in the outdoors. Every product is thoughtfully designed and vigorously tested at the brand’s Flagstaff, Ariz. headquarters high on the Colorado Plateau. Owned and operated by founder Danny Giovale, Kahtoola proudly grants 1% of annual sales through the Kahtoola Philanthropy Program to organizations that support indigenous cultures, outdoor community and environmental responsibility. For more information, please visit Kahtoola.com.

About Friends of Camp Colton:

For over 21 years, Friends of Camp Colton has cultivated exceptional outdoor learning experiences that instill the value of preserving the natural world and inspire growth and discovery. By enriching the student experience at Camp Colton, an outdoors learning and discovery center for Northern Arizona youth, Friends supports adventure, discovery, personal growth, and environmental education. Through program innovation, hosting events and building community partnerships, Friends raises funds so all kids — regardless of income or circumstance — can have an uplifting and rewarding connection with nature and with each other. Working with the Flagstaff Unified School District, Friends of Camp Colton is committed to preserving this community tradition for generations to come.

Media Contact:

Catherine Donovan

Terra PR

323-708-6953

CatherineD@terrapublicrelations.com

 

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REI Co-op to hold grand opening celebration in Lynnwood, Washington on April 4-5

SEATTLE – Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op welcomes the community to its grand opening at Alderwood Parkway Plaza Shopping Center on April 4 in Lynnwood, Washington. A two-day celebration will include 25 outdoor vendors, community partners, an outdoor social, and more.
At 39,480 square feet, the new Lynnwood store is nearly twice the size of the current Alderwood Mall location. Outdoor enthusiasts will find larger gear and apparel selections in every department, including extended sizing offerings. The new location is close to the Interurban Trail, a multiuse cycling and walking/running path that connects Seattle to Everett. An in-store community space will offer classes and workshops.
The store will open every day at 10am with festivities including giveaways (while supplies last) and free morning coffee. Washington National Park Foundation will receive proceeds from commemorative mug purchases to support their efforts at Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks.
More than two dozen outdoor brands will participate in an outdoor social from 10am-5pm with giveaways, music, and more. Brands include Arc’teryx, AeroPress, Altra, Arbor, Backpacker’s Pantry, Black Diamond Equipment, Dragon, ENO Hammocks, Gear Aid, GORE-TEX, Gregory Mountain Products, Hydro Flask, Igloo, Mammut, Nikwax, Nuun, Oboz Footwear, Osprey, OOFOS, OXO, Salomon, Saucony, Saxx, Sea to Summit, and Tailwind Nutrition.
“After two decades at the mall, our team of more than 70 green vests look forward to sharing their expertise with our members and outdoor community at Alderwood Parkway Plaza Shopping Center,” said store manager Nikki Mashapure. “With twice the sales floor space and expanded product offerings, the one-level store will feature a larger bike and ski shop, expanded backstock area, and a larger loading dock for added efficiency to our operations. We are incredibly grateful to have a community room to offer to local outdoor nonprofit partners and to host in-store classes and workshops.”
REI’s Alderwood Mall location will close at 3pm on March 23. The relocated store will soft open to the community on March 28. All grand opening festivities with outdoor brands and giveaways begin April 4.
Today, nine stores serve more than 1.65 million members in western Washington. There are 28,600 lifetime REI members in Lynnwood. The closest locations to the Lynnwood store are the Seattle flagship (15 miles away, opened 1996) and locations in Bellevue (16 miles away, opened 2016), Silverdale (33 miles away, opened 2013) and Issaquah (23 miles away, opened 2007).
As the country’s largest consumer co-op, everyone is welcome to shop at REI. Co-op members enjoy a wide range of benefits, including bike and snow shop discounts, member coupons and discounts, access to a used gear trade-in program, annual member reward of 10% back on eligible purchases, extended satisfaction guarantee window of one year, free U.S. standard shipping, and more.
With each new membership purchased, the co-op donates $5 to support the REI Cooperative Action Fund, a community-driven nonprofit that supports nonprofits across the country doing essential work to create a more equitable outdoors for everyone and research nature’s impact on health. Since its inception in 2021, the Fund has provided 698 grants totaling nearly $24 million. Last year, $240,000 went to Washington nonprofits, including Climbers of Color, Edge Outdoors, Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, Black Farmers Collective, The Mountaineers, Skate Like a Girl, and Outdoors for All.
 
About the REI Co-op
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 24 million members who expect and love the best quality gear and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.
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Wiley X Releases Two New Lifestyle Frames: The Axe and Apex

FRISCO, Texas (March 3, 2025) – Wiley X, the global pioneer and leader in premium protective eyewear, is proud to release two new models – the Axe and the Apex – now available online and through select retailers. Designed and assembled at the company’s headquarters in Frisco, Texas, these innovative additions will expand the brand’s Active 6 Series line.

will be an extension of the WX Founders released in early 2024, with upgraded features such as stainless-steel temples and a smaller frame size option for a more tailored fit. Alongside the existing Active 6 Series, the WX Axe and WX Apex are perfect for the everyday outdoorsman or the city commuter. Tested to meet ANSI Z87.1+ safety standards, these meticulously engineered frames are built to provide protection from harmful light, debris, and impacts.

“We are so excited to be adding the Axe and Apex into our Active 6 Series line,” said Dan Freeman, CEO and Co-Founder at Wiley X. “Wiley X has always been about providing uncompromising eyewear solutions, and the Axe and Apex frames are no exception. From impact resistance to sleek, lightweight designs, these frames set a new benchmark for protective eyewear.”

Both models feature shatterproof Selenite™ 6-Base lenses, providing exceptional protection and durability. Equipped with the WX CAPTIVATE™ lens technology – available in polarized and non-polarized options- they deliver superior clarity, enhanced contrast and vivid colors for an unparalleled visual experience. The Axe and Apex offer an ultralight, long-lasting frame built with impact-resistant lenses, hydrophilic rubber nose pads, temple tips for a secure fit, and new hand-brushed stainless-steel temples. Additionally, both models are available with prescription lenses using the brand’s proprietary Digiforce2™ technology.

Each model comes with removable side shields, allowing users to adjust their level of protection as needed. With side shields installed, the Axe and Apex meet both ANSI Z87.1+ and EN.166 safety standards. Designed and assembled in the USA, the Axe and Apex exhibit Wiley X’s dedication to high-quality craftsmanship.

For more information about Wiley X, its product offering or to shop the new styles, visit www.wileyx.com.

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About Wiley X

Veteran-founded in 1987, Wiley X has been producing the world’s most protective eyewear to various markets that rely on impact resistance for over 30 years. Myles Freeman Sr., a military veteran, started Wiley X to protect the eyes of those who protected America. The company’s military heritage helped carve a roadmap for Wiley X in the years to follow for many well-respected weekend warriors. Every adult sunglass style made by Wiley X meets ANSI Z87.1 High Velocity and High Mass Impact Safety Standards, for protection that goes far beyond the harmful rays of the sun. Several styles also meet U.S. military MIL-PRF-32432 (GL) standards for ballistic eye protection, a key reason why Wiley X has been a leading provider of vision protection equipment to the U.S. military and law enforcement for more than 30 years.

Should we state that these frames are a line extension of our Founder frames that were launched last year – with new features such as stainless steel temples and a smaller frame option (Axe)?

 

 

HEAD RENEW – revolutionary skis for a sustainable future

They are reusable and recyclable: HEAD will launch their revolutionary and sustainable RENEW skis on February 20th, 2025. These skis are made from materials that can be renewed and recycled thanks to a new technology. Studies show that this new, innovative concept reduces their carbon footprint by 26 per cent* and that the wooden core can be reused up to five times**.

HEAD has been developing innovative skis for 75 years. This completely new concept is a major step forward for HEAD towards more sustainable ski production. With its combination of greater sustainability and high performance, the HEAD RENEW redefines skiing. Thanks to a new technology in ski construction, these skis can be dismantled into their individual parts at the end of their service life. An internal study has proven that the wooden core can be reused up to five times with the same level of performance. The fibreglass and ABS suspension inserts can also be reused for new skis. The other components on the RENEW such as the top sheet, tail protector, steel edges and the base layer can be recycled.

Reduces carbon footprint by up to 26 percent

HEAD RENEW skis represent a real revolution, both ecologically and in terms of cost effectiveness. A product carbon footprint analysis by Green Vision Solutions confirms that up to 26 percent carbon can be saved in the production of recycled RENEW skis compared to a new pair of skis.

EUR 100 voucher when you return the skis

These skis will be available for the first time from 20th February 2025 in lengths of 160 cm and 170 cm only via the website www.head.com in Euro countries. To make sure that the skis are reused and recycled, they need to be returned to HEAD within one to five years of use. The exact instructions are also on the website. When you return the skis, you will be rewarded with a 100 Euro voucher.

High-performance all-mountain skis

The HEAD RENEW is a particularly powerful all-mountain ski with rocker. Available in the two lengths 160 and 170 cm, it has a side cut of 130 mm (tip), 78 mm (centre) and 110 mm (tail). The radius is 12.3 m (160 cm) or 14.2 m (170 cm). HEAD RENEW skis are made with a wood core cap construction. They consist of a vertically laminated wood core with fibreglass reinforcement and a durable top sheet that runs the entire length of the ski. This forgiving design is ideal for taking skiers to the next level. Other highlights of the ski include ERA 2.0, the Protective Frame Design, the integrated Tip Protector and the thicker, structured top sheet.

* according to Green Vision Solution GmbH’s Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) analysis

**according to internal studies

There is more information on the HEAD RENEW landing page

https://www.head.com/en/sports…

Topics

Contacts

Julian Fischer, Teamlead Marketing Communication Wintersport

HEAD Sport GmbH

j.fischer@head.com

ABOUT HEAD

HEAD is a leading global provider of premium, high-performance equipment and apparel for athletes and players, at all levels.

We have five divisions: Winter Sports, Racquet Sports, Water Sports, Sportswear and Licensing.

We sell products under the brands:
HEAD (alpine skis, ski bindings, ski boots, snowboard and protection products, tennis, racquetball, paddle, squash and pickleball racquets, tennis balls and tennis footwear, sportswear and swimming products)
PENN (tennis balls and racquetball balls)
TYROLIA (ski bindings)
MARES, SSI and rEvo (diving)
LiveAboard (diving holidays, dive tours)
ZOGGS (goggles, swimwear and equipment)
INDIGO (skis, ski helmets, ski goggles, ski accessories, snowboards and other ski gear)

Since our launch in 1950, we’ve achieved a reputation for cutting-edge design, engineering excellence and a passion for championing all sport, everywhere. World-class performance demands the very best equipment and that’s why, at HEAD, our purpose is to give athletes and players at every level, exactly what they need to win.

 

BRANWYN Elevates Activewear with the Compressive Collection

Bend, OR – March 3, 2025 – BRANWYN Performance Innerwear, the brand known for redefining performance, comfort, and sustainability, proudly announces the launch of its Compressive Collection. Featuring the newly launched revolutionary Compressive Leggings, updated Compressive Racerback Sports Bra, and Compressive Shorts and Capris to come later this spring and summer, this new activewear collection delivers body-hugging, seamless support designed for high-impact performance and comfort.

“At BRANWYN, we’re inspired by our community who continually challenge their limits and expect the best gear made solely for them and their needs,” says BRANWYN President Deanne Buck. “We are honored with the trust they have placed in us and designed our Compressive Collection to deliver a new paradigm in activewear with high-performance benefits, great fit, second-skin comfort, and healthy fibers. With our Seamless Merino construction, we’ve created pieces that move with her body, help regulate temperature, and stay fresh, all while being free of harmful chemicals. This collection reflects our commitment to game-changing innovation that raises the bar on high-performance gear for women.”

BRANWYN’s recently updated Compressive Racerback Sports Bra now features a redesigned neck and shoulder strap configuration, ensuring a more inclusive fit and unparalleled comfort. Designed to offer compressive, seamless support, this bra is made to go the distance, perfect for tackling miles on the trails, conquering singletrack, sending your latest boulder project, or crushing a HIIT session. The integrated racerback design allows maximum mobility, while body-mapped contours provide additional support and separation. Plus, it features sleeves for removable bra pads (pads not included), giving you customizable coverage for any adventure. The Racerback is available in sizes XS-2XL.

The Compressive Leggings are designed to provide a second-skin feel with natural fiber comfort and sustainability. Thanks to seamless construction and performance compression, these leggings sculpt and move with you—whether you’re layering up for a hike, braving a chilly morning run, or navigating your daily routine. BRANWYN’s Seamless Merino construction ensures body-mapping shaping and contouring, while the POWRspun Merino blend enhances durability, breathability, and flexibility. The Compressive Leggings are available in sizes S-XL.

Both the Compressive Racerback Sports Bra and Compressive Leggings feature industry-first construction that provides natural fiber comfort with enhanced performance benefits:

  • POWRspun knit blend of 76% extra fine Merino, 14% nylon, and 10% elastane
  • Superfine 17.5 Micron ZQ Merino for next-to-skin softness
  • Heavy-weight 4-way knit fabric moves with you
  • Naturally odor-resistant for all-day freshness
  • Merino wool is PFAS, BPA, and forever chemical-free

BRANWYN is leading the way in Seamless Merino construction, using advanced Italian Santoni Seamless machines to create body-mapped designs for women’s comfort. By blending 76% Merino wool with performance fibers in this new, game-changing collection, BRANWYN ensures durability, breathability, and softness while maintaining a commitment to ethical sourcing. Their seamless construction minimizes waste, providing a perfect fit while enhancing Merino’s natural performance properties like moisture wicking, temperature regulation, and odor control. Building on this innovative design and construction, BRANWYN has evolved its approach into a first-of-its-kind Seamless Merino activewear collection—redefining what’s possible in natural-fiber performance apparel and setting a new standard for sustainability and function in the category.

The Compressive Racerback Sports Bra (MSRP $75.00) and the Compressive Leggings (MSRP $158.00) are available now at branwyn.com. Compressive Shorts and Capris will be available later this spring and summer. To learn more, please visit branwyn.com and follow @branwynofficial on Instagram. For media inquiries, please contact Stacy Kline at stacy@darbycommunications.com.

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About BRANWYN

BRANWYN, based in Bend, Oregon, produces the world’s first ethically sourced, naturally sustainable Performance Innerwear designed by and for active women. By combining ZQ Merino and seamless knitting technology, BRANWYN revolutionizes women’s next-to-skin apparel, prioritizing comfort, temperature regulation, anti-microbial properties, breathability, and overall health. Our ethos, rooted in “Find A Way,” was inspired by the radical idea that women could create better underwear for themselves that meet our unique needs. Additionally, we collaborate with organizations fostering a sense of self in girls and women by breaking limiting beliefs through outdoor activities, sports, sweat, and movement. Committed to personal and global health, we use natural, non-toxic fibers, and sustainable materials, and prioritize ethical farming and work practices.