Wilderness Exchange Reopens as Black Diamond Wilderness Exchange

[Denver, CO] – January 30, 2025 – Black Diamond Equipment, a global leader in mountain sports gear, is proud to officially announce the grand reopening of Wilderness Exchange as Black Diamond Wilderness Exchange. The overhaul marks the evolution of an iconic independent outdoor retailer into a new kind of partner-run mountain shop, merging Black Diamond’s innovative designs with Wilderness Exchange’s community-driven mission to make outdoor activities more affordable and accessible across the board.

Located in the heart of Denver, the newly rebranded store maintains its independent spirit while benefiting from a new partnership model that supports independent retail. Black Diamond Wilderness Exchange will continue to serve as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts in the Front Range by offering weekly and monthly events, educational programs, and partnerships with local organizations.

“The Black Diamond Wilderness Exchange store represents a novel approach to supporting independent retail while growing our brand in one of the premiere outdoor activity markets in the U.S.,” says Neil Fiske, President of Black Diamond Equipment. “We’re working together to elevate everything that the outdoor enthusiasts of Denver knew and loved about the original Wilderness Exchange:  premium gear, expert advice, and a thriving outdoor community.”

New Look, Same Mission

The reimagined store will feature a full selection of Black Diamond gear and apparel catering to climbers, skiers, trail runners, and hikers. Customers will also find an expertly curated selection from complementary brands including La Sportiva, Tenaya, Smith, Atomic, Tecnica, Western Mountaineering, Topo, BCA, ATK, Mammut, Petzl, and SmartWool.

One of the original store’s defining features, the legendary consignment and used gear section, will remain part of the new model. Staying true to Wilderness Exchange’s 25-year history, the downstairs space will continue to showcase a range of affordable second-hand outdoor gear in support of circularity and access.

“Our partnership with Black Diamond allows us to continue our longstanding mission of making the outdoors more accessible and affordable to the local outdoor community in Downtown Denver,” says Don Bushey, owner and founder of Wilderness Exchange. “The new store combines the best of Wilderness Exchange’s legacy, with the ability to provide our customers with an immersive brand experience and a world class mountain shop where they can find the best outdoor equipment available for their adventures.”

Grand Reopening Celebration: February 8-16, 2025

Black Diamond Wilderness Exchange will host weeklong Grand Reopening festivities featuring:

  • Multiple giveaways, including chances to win full kits of Black Diamond equipment and apparel
  • Screenings of “BD Presents” adventure films
  • Swag, discounts, contests, gift-with-purchase opportunities, and more

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.

About Wilderness Exchange:

Founded in Denver, Wilderness Exchange has been a trusted source for high-quality outdoor gear at affordable prices for over 25 years. Known for its legendary consignment section and commitment to fostering the local outdoor community, it remains a go-to hub for adventurers of all levels as Black Diamond Wilderness Exchange.

Visit Black Diamond Wilderness Exchange:

2401 15th Street #100

Denver, CO 80202

(303) 964-0708

 

 

Nutriex Announces Partnership with Legendary Rock Climber Chris Sharma

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – [Jan 2025] – Nutriex, a leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals through research-based nutritional supplements and education, today announced a formal partnership with world-renowned professional rock climber Chris Sharma. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, building upon Sharma’s two-decade personal experience with Nutriex Sport, the company’s flagship supplement.

Chris Sharma, widely recognized as one of the world’s most influential climbers, has been at the forefront of rock climbing progression for over 25 years. His groundbreaking first ascents and contributions to the sport have earned him recognition as one of climbing’s greatest athletes.

The partnership emerges naturally from Sharma’s long-standing relationship with Nutriex. For over 20 years, Chris has independently chosen Nutriex Sport as part of his nutritional regime, well before any formal partnership discussions began.

Chris explained, “I’ve been taking Nutriex Sport since 2005 and it has accompanied me on all of my hardest climbs, in the 20 years since. It’s been a key part of my tool kit in my climbing pursuits and in maintaining my overall health.  As I continue to push my limits going on 44yrs old, Nutriex plays an important role in my longevity as an elite athlete.”

Chris continues, “I’m super excited to be taking my partnership with Nutriex to the next level, working alongside their team to introduce people to Nutriex Sport as well as develop new products. Nutriex has been a fundamental part of my climbing and health journey and I’m really happy to help spread the word so that others can benefit from these amazing products.”

“Chris’s authentic connection to our products makes this partnership particularly meaningful,” said Kathleen Deffner, Head of Product at Nutriex. ”He is a great example of how our products support the grueling training regimen of elite athletes. The high levels of joint and connective tissue nutrients in Nutriex Sport act “preventively” to manage the effects of hard training year after year. This allows Chris and other athletes to stay competitive and achieve new goals, even as they mature/age.”

The collaboration will focus on promoting preventive health and optimal nutrition for athletes and active individuals. Sharma will work closely with Nutriex to educate the climbing community about the importance of comprehensive nutrition for performance and recovery. Additionally, Sharma will contribute his expertise to future product development initiatives, bringing his decades of elite athletic experience to help shape the next generation of Nutriex supplements tailored for climbers and high-performance athletes.

“Having an athlete of Chris’s caliber choose Nutriex products independently for so many years speaks volumes about their efficacy,” said Eli Kerr, Head of Marketing at Nutriex. “It is rare to have an individual, like Chris, who has spent their entire career using a product (or brand) and experienced an insane amount of success. Now in his 40’s to be using the products and still performing at such a high level – this isn’t just marketing b.s.!”

This partnership reinforces Nutriex’s commitment to supporting athletes across all disciplines. Nutriex products, developed by medical experts and manufactured in FDA-registered facilities, combine essential nutrients with joint-supporting compounds, making them particularly valuable for climbers and other athletes who place high demands on their bodies.

Chris closed out, “The grind of climbing at your highest limits day in day out is something that’s extremely difficult to sustain, without breaking down your body. The people around me have known for years that I have been using Nutriex Sport as my daily supplement and now I’m about to share it openly with the entire outdoor community.”

The partnership will officially launch in January 2025, with various educational initiatives, campaigns, and future product development.

About Chris Sharma: Chris Sharma is widely considered one of the world’s greatest rock climbers. Since emerging as a climbing prodigy at age 14, he has been a leading force in the sport’s evolution. Sharma has established many of the hardest first ascents in the world, including “Biographie/Realization” (the world’s first 5.15a) and “La Dura Dura” (5.15c) and most recently one of his hardest and best projects, “Vision Quest” (9a+). Beyond his athletic achievements, Sharma is a passionate advocate for climbing education and environmental stewardship.

Nutriex, part of Dry Creek Charity, is a not-for-profit organization based in Salt Lake City, Utah, dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve vibrant health through research-based nutritional supplements and education. Founded in 1999 by medical experts, Nutriex develops comprehensive, synergistic formulations that combine essential nutrients with joint-supporting compounds. Visit Nutriex.com for more information

 

Outdoor Industry Leaders Launch Open-Source Tool to Decarbonize Textile Mills

Cotopaxi, L.L.Bean, New Balance, Patagonia, REI Co-op, W.L. Gore & Associates, Global Efficiency Intelligence, and OIA Collaborate to Drive Industry-Wide Emissions Reductions 

BOULDER, CO [Wednesday, January 29, 2025] — Cotopaxi, L.L. Bean, New Balance, Patagonia, REI Co-op, W.L. Gore & Associates, Global Efficiency Intelligence, and Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) proudly introduce the Textile Heating Electrification Tool, an innovative open-source resource designed to help textile mills reduce emissions by transitioning to efficient, electrified heating technologies. Developed as part of OIA’s Clean Heat Impact CoLab, this initiative underscores the outdoor industry’s commitment to decarbonizing the textile industry and driving progress toward bold climate goals. 

The Textile Heating Electrification Tool equips decision-makers with essential data and insights to replace fossil fuel-based heating systems with electric solutions. This innovation addresses the pressing need for decarbonization in the textile and apparel industry, which accounts for approximately 2% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and faces growing demand due to population increases and consumer trends. 

Key features of the Textile Heating Electrification Tool include:  

  • Data management system 
  • Modeling and simulation module 
  • Implementation checklist 
  • Manufacturer and supplier finder 

The Clean Heat CoLab builds on the findings of the 2023 Electrification of Heating in the Textile Industry study, which highlighted the potential for electric heating technologies to reduce emissions and costs for textile mills. Extending those insights, the CoLab transformed research into actionable solutions. Through beta testing with nominated facilities, the tool was refined to meet the needs of textile manufacturers worldwide. 

“At REI, we believe advancing climate solutions requires broad cooperation. While we have an ambitious goal to halve our emissions by 2030, we can’t meet it without the help of our brand and manufacturing partners,” said Andrew Dempsey, Director of Climate at REI. “Electric heat technologies are a crucial component to decarbonizing textile manufacturing. This tool provides REI and our value chain partners valuable information and analysis to accelerate decision-making about decarbonization investments.” 

Developed under OIA’s Clean Heat CoLab, the tool reflects a collaborative, pre-competitive approach to solving complex climate challenges. OIA Impact CoLabs accelerate industry progress by enabling brands and suppliers to work together, meeting company sustainability goals more efficiently and cost-effectively. Learn more about Impact CoLabs here. 

“Since 2021, Patagonia has partnered with Outdoor Industry Association, through its Clean Heat CoLab, on providing the industry with solutions to decarbonize heating emissions from textile mills,” said Kim Drenner, Head of Environmental Impact at Patagonia. “Over the years, this work has brought together several brands and suppliers funding research and now the development of a tool that supports suppliers in identifying electrified technology to replace fossil fuel-based heat systems in their facilities. This work would not be possible if it wasn’t for the collaborative environment that OIA fosters.” 

The tool is now freely available here. To ensure widespread adoption, Global Efficiency Intelligence will create comprehensive training materials, including user guides, tutorial videos, and FAQs, in five languages. Additionally, online training workshops will give suppliers an opportunity to interact with the tool and ask questions. Register here for the upcoming information session on February 13. 

“A tool that shortens the discovery and due diligence process for implementing electric manufacturing equipment can significantly accelerate decarbonization in the textile supply chain. We are really pleased with the outcome of this collaboration with leading outdoor industry brands,” said Markus Wieser, Climate Team Leader at W.L. Gore & Associates. 

“We’re proud to have led the development of the Textile Heating Electrification Tool to help textile and apparel companies decarbonize their operations and supply chain. By providing clear, data-driven pathways to electrification, this tool offers a powerful blueprint for cutting carbon emissions at scale,” said Dr. Ali Hasanbeigi, CEO and Research Director at Global Efficiency Intelligence. 

“We are thrilled with the launch of the Textile Heating Electrification Tool, a vital step in our collective effort to decarbonize the textile industry. This tool combines expertise from across the outdoor industry to provide textile mills with actionable insights to transition to cleaner, more sustainable heating technologies,” said Julie Brown, Director of Sustainable Business Innovation at Outdoor Industry Association.  

About Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org. 

Mountain House Teams Up with Darby Communications

January 29, 2025 — Albany, OR — Mountain House, a leading provider of freeze-dried meals for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness, announces its partnership with Darby Communications, a PR and digital marketing agency renowned for its expertise in the outdoor, endurance, and hunt/fish markets. Effective immediately, Darby Communications will serve as Mountain House’s agency of record, focusing on media relations and affiliate marketing services to drive brand authority and increase share of voice in the industry.

Mountain House is turning up the heat and cooking up greatness. Following a comprehensive brand redesign last spring, the heritage freeze-dried food brand has modernized its image and deepened its relevance in the outdoor industry with new product innovation and increased participation across outdoor audiences. Partnering with Darby Communications marks a pivotal next step in the brand’s evolution, leveraging the agency’s stellar outdoor and hunt/fish credentials to amplify Mountain House’s voice and strengthen its connection with outdoor enthusiasts. Through this partnership, Darby Communications will lead efforts to generate impactful media coverage, create compelling brand-driven narratives, and foster engagement through targeted affiliate marketing strategies.

“Darby Communications will be an important partner in helping us reach our marketing goals, which include the introduction of a beloved American entrée to the just-add-water ready-to-eat food category this spring,” said Sally Wilson, Interim Chief of Marketing for Mountain House. “Darby Communications is strategically aligned with our mission to grow and lead in this category in terms of taste, innovation, and nutrition, building upon last year’s rebrand and first-ever integrated marketing campaign.”

Since 1969, Mountain House has pioneered the commercial-scale freeze drying process, becoming the #1 trusted brand for outdoorspeople, backpackers, and preparedness-minded individuals seeking delicious, nutritious, and reliable meal options. From its iconic breakfast skillets to hearty dinner entrees, Mountain House prepares every meal in small batches before drying and packaging, which locks in texture, flavor, and nutrition and sets the gold standard for quality and flavor. Today, the brand continues to push the innovation of quick cook and portable meals in the outdoor industry, and is proudly made in the USA.

“With over 50 years of experience supplying freeze-dried meals to the military, feeding NASA’s space program, and supplying the first ascent of Annapurna, Mountain House is an iconic brand that is dedicated to innovation,” says Angie Robinson, President of Darby Communications. “We’re proud to be their partner during this exciting time to showcase the brand’s leadership. Together, we will amplify the brand’s story and inspire more people to fuel their adventures with Mountain House.”

For more information on Mountain House and upcoming product launches, visit www.mountainhouse.com or contact Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com.

ABOUT MOUNTAIN HOUSE

Named after an Oregon restaurant on the slope of the Cascades that once welcomed outdoorspeople with warm meals after full days of adventure, Mountain House is the freeze-dried meal category leader. With its great taste, ease of use and reliability the brand has been helping backpackers, hikers, anglers and hunters stay out longer and go out further since 1969, offering comfort under any condition. Mountain House has a 56-year legacy proudly serving wholesome, delicious meals to the US military. All of its products are backed by a Taste Guarantee and a proven shelf life of 30 years. For more information and a complete list of products, visit www.mountainhouse.com.

 

 

 

 

Verde Brand Communications Takes the Wheel for Rossmönster Adventure Truck and Van PR Efforts

BOULDER, Colo. (January 29, 2025) — Verde Brand Communications, a leading agency specializing in outdoor and active lifestyle industries, has been appointed as the public relations agency of record for Rossmönster, effective immediately. Verde will work closely with Rossmönster to showcase their innovative approach to adventure truck and adventure van builds to help highlight the brand’s commitment to enabling unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Co-founded by Ross Williamson and Luke Farny, Rossmönster has honed their skills as custom van builders over the past nine years to become a prominent and sought-after name in the adventure vehicle market. The company’s truck and van conversions are designed to provide comfort, functionality, and durability for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore off the beaten path.

“At Rossmönster, we believe that the journey is just as important as the destination,” said Luke Farny, CEO of Rossmönster. “Our adventure vehicles are crafted to empower individuals to embrace the freedom of the open road while enjoying the comforts of home. We’re thrilled to partner with Verde Brand Communications to share our passion for adventure and craftsmanship with a wider audience.”

Rossmönster’s commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous attention to detail and use of premium materials in every build. From solar power systems to innovative storage solutions, each van is tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of its owner.

“The surge in interest for outdoor recreation and remote work has created a perfect storm for companies like Rossmönster,” said Julie Evans, CEO of Verde Brand Communications. “We’re excited to help tell the story of how Rossmönster is revolutionizing the way people experience the outdoors. Their dedication to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with Verde’s mission to promote brands that enhance people’s connection with nature and adventure.”

As more individuals seek ways to combine work, travel, and outdoor pursuits, Rossmönster’s vehicles offer a solution that bridges the gap between comfort and adventure. Verde Brand Communications will work to highlight Rossmönster’s unique position in the market and their contribution to the evolving landscape of outdoor recreation.

To learn more about Rossmönster’s storied history and a more detailed look at its line of adventure trucks and vans, please visit rossmonster.com.

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About Rossmönster
Rossmönster redefines the adventure lifestyle, crafting premium trucks and vans that fuel your passion for exploration and discovery. With groundbreaking designs and unmatched craftsmanship, Rossmönster creates vehicles that are more than just a mode of travel — they’re a gateway to the extraordinary. Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering exceptional customer experiences, Rossmönster is shaping the future of adventure vehicles for those who dare to roam further and live boldly.

About Verde Brand Communications

Verde Brand Communications is a woman-founded, woman-led agency focused on brand communications and strategy, media relations, digital marketing and affiliate management. We specialize in serving the outdoor and active lifestyle industries as well as adjacent specialty markets. Our market-driven approach stems from a nimble, close-knit team of creative thinkers along with proven industry experience since Verde was founded in 2002. We have offices in Durango and Boulder, Colo., and Jackson, Wyo. For more information about Verde, please visit www.verdepr.com or follow our adventures on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Kevin Nicol-Lints | Kevin@verdepr.com