Black Diamond Launches Experiential “Designed for the Deep” Event Series in Partnership with AIARE and Leading Backcountry Retailers

All proceeds go to support local avalanche centers and the important work they do keeping skiers and riders safe.

Salt Lake City, UT — [September 30, 2025] — Black Diamond Equipment is proud to announce the launch of its Designed for the Deep pre-season ski events this fall and winter, in collaboration with the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), top independent backcountry ski retailers, regional guide services and local avalanche safety centers across Colorado, Washington, and California.

The Designed for the Deep series combines educational opportunities and communal excitement for an immersive kick-off to the 2025/26 ski season. Attendees at each stop can connect with Black Diamond athletes, AIARE instructors, and local avalanche experts for an evening of backcountry tips, avalanche awareness refreshers, raffles, sweepstakes, and Designed for the Deep short film premiers.

“Designed for the Deep isn’t just a campaign plastered in your social feed showing someone neck deep in powder,” says Adam Peters, Sports Marketing Director. “We’re also interested in how this resonates with our partners, like AIARE and the regional forecasters, our specialty retailers, and the backcountry community. Our goal is to unite all these resources at one event in key locations, for the sake of providing everyone from newbie to hardened skier with information, stoke and hopefully a little gear to kick off their season safely.”

Skiers and riders will learn from the insights, stories, and excitement of the most respected names in ski mountaineering. They will also glean insights on gear and backcountry safety strategies from AIARE instructors and local avalanche safety center staff.

All raffle and sweepstakes proceeds will directly support avalanche centers in each region, including the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC), and Sierra Avalanche Center (SAC).

Event Schedule:

  • October 2 – Mountain Chalet (Colorado Springs, CO)
    Featuring BD Ambassador Mike Hattrup | Proceeds benefit AIARE & Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC)
  • October 9 – Bent Gate (Golden, CO)
    Featuring BD Ambassador Bjorn Leines | Proceeds benefit AIARE & CAIC
  • October 15 – Pro Guide Service (North Bend, WA)
    Featuring BD Athletes Dorian Densmore & Mya Akins | Proceeds benefit AIARE & Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC)
  • October 23 – Backcountry Essentials (Bellingham, WA)
    Featuring BD Athlete Adrian Ballinger | Proceeds benefit AIARE & NWAC
  • November 19 – Alpenglow Sports (Truckee/Tahoe, CA)
    Featuring BD Athlete Angela Hawse | Proceeds benefit AIARE & Sierra Avalanche Center (SAC)

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 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, visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com.

Nomadix Announces Partnership with 5 Gyres. A shared mission to reduce plastic pollution and protect the planet’s oceans.

San Clemente, Calif. – September 30, 2025 – Today, Nomadix, a social purpose corporation and makers of The Only Towel You Need®, made from post-consumer recycled plastics, announced its partnering with 5 Gyres Institute, a leader in the global movement against plastic pollution on a shared mission to reduce plastic pollution and protect the planet’s oceans.

By pairing Nomadix’s commitment to sustainable products made from post-consumer recycled materials with 5 Gyres’ leadership in science, education, and advocacy, the partnership aims to raise awareness, inspire conscious consumerism, and fund actionable solutions. Together, they intend to demonstrate how collaboration between purpose-driven brands and nonprofits can amplify impact and create a future with less waste.

“Nomadix is deeply grateful to join forces with fellow 1% for the Planet member, 5 Gyres, in a shared mission to protect our oceans and reduce plastic pollution,” said Mia Helminiak, director of community engagement at Nomadix. “Through this partnership, we celebrate the power of collaboration and thank every supporter helping to drive real, lasting change for our planet.”

To commemorate the partnership, Nomadix is launching a limited-edition product capsule with 5 Gyres. Inspired by ocean conservation, the artist-designed collection is sustainably made by repurposing post-consumer recycled materials. For each product sold, Nomadix will donate five dollars to 5 Gyres in support of their ongoing research and advocacy. The collection features custom art from Planet People Studio, which includes Jeff LoPilato, a sustainable brand designer, and Dominic McLeod, graphic designer and illustrator.

Starting October 2, 2025, the capsule will be available on nomadix.co and includes the following five Nomadix products:

  • Original Towel: Coastal Gathering, MSRP: $39.95
  • Original Towel: Fern Over Waves, MSRP: $39.95
  • Festival Blanket: Kelp Swirl, MSRP: $69.95
  • Bandana Towel: Kelp Swirl, MSRP: $24.95
  • Pocket Tote: Coastal Gathering, MSRP: $19.95

“This collaboration between 5 Gyres and Nomadix is a wonderful representation of artistic expression to highlight science-based solutions,” said 5 Gyres Director of Development, Sara Mais. “The special link between art and science is something that 5 Gyres celebrates and fosters in our staff, ambassadors, and our cause partners. Art tells a story and creatively connects the viewer to the message the artist is trying to convey, in this case: More Ocean, Less Plastic. We appreciate Nomadix’s attention to the plastic pollution issue by creating a beautiful collection of sustainable products and we look forward to sharing them with the world!”

For more information about this partnership, visit nomadix.co.

ABOUT NOMADIX

California-based Nomadix launched in 2015 with The Only Towel You Need® – a multi-purpose towel that performs for any activity, including travel, yoga, boating, and at the beach. Nomadix understands that the environmental footprint of the products people buy will have an impact on the planet that lasts longer than we will. A commitment to discovering durable, multi-purpose, responsibly manufactured solutions that will leave the planet better than we found it is part of its ethos – Own less. Do more. Nomadix is a member of 1% for the Planet and is Climate Neutral Certified. Today, Nomadix is carried in major retailers in the United States and is distributed in 31 countries around the world. Visit www.nomadix.co for more information.

ABOUT 5 GYRES

The 5 Gyres Institute (5 Gyres) is a leader in the global movement against plastic pollution with 15 years of expertise in scientific research, engagement, and education. With the original goal of answering a few key scientific questions about ocean plastics, co-founders Marcus Eriksen and Anna Cummins led 19 research expeditions in all five subtropical gyres, as well as many of the world’s lakes and rivers. 5 Gyres continues to lead with scientific research to drive upstream solutions through education, advocacy, and community building. Learn more at 5gyres.org and @5gyres. For press inquiries, contact: Hannah Tizedes, hannah@5gyres.org, 734-308-3279.

OrthoLite® Partners with Bureau Veritas to Elevate Quality, Compliance, and Sustainability Standards in Footwear Manufacturing

AMHERST, Mass. [Sept 30, 2025]— OrthoLite®, a global leader in innovative footwear comfort solutions, announces a new strategic partnership with Bureau Veritas Hong Kong Limited (“Bureau Veritas”), a world-renowned leader in testing, inspection, certification, and auditing services. This collaboration highlights OrthoLite’s commitment to establishing standardized testing practices across all global operations, ensuring consistency while staying a step ahead of upcoming regulatory requirements in material traceability, safety, and compliance.

 

Under this partnership, Bureau Veritas will provide OrthoLite with comprehensive services including product testing, inspections, social audits, factory audits, security audits, and environmental audits in production facilities worldwide. These rigorous evaluations ensure OrthoLite’s products and manufacturing processes conform with stringent quality assurance protocols and supplier compliance measures.

Bureau Veritas’ audits will assess various aspects such as environmental management systems, workplace conditions, factory security, and product conformity to industry and legal standards. Through ongoing inspections and testing performed at Bureau Veritas’ accredited facilities and client-designated sites, OrthoLite’s leadership in responsible manufacturing will be further solidified.

“Collaboration with Bureau Veritas supports OrthoLite’s goal of delivering sustainable, high-quality footwear solutions responsibly,” said Richard Bevan, COO of OrthoLite. “This partnership strengthens our ability to uphold transparency and accountability across our supply chain, ensuring superior product performance and ethical manufacturing practices.”

The multi-year agreement includes provisions for confidentiality, ownership of intellectual property, and adherence to stringent audit protocols, reflecting the mutual dedication to professionalism and data integrity. Furthermore, Bureau Veritas will work closely with OrthoLite’s vendors to identify and address any quality or compliance issues proactively.

As consumer demand for sustainable and ethically produced products grows, OrthoLite’s investment in third-party verification demonstrates a strategic approach to maintaining industry leadership and supporting brand partners worldwide.

About OrthoLite®
OrthoLite is the world’s leading supplier of open-cell foam technology found in more than 550 footwear brands across all categories of footwear and is the first name in comfort and performance foams. OrthoLite also is the innovator and creator of Cirql®, the sustainable materials solutions provider that provides footwear brands and their factory partners with lower impact, circular options in materials. OrthoLite has a stalwart commitment to an ongoing journey toward producing excellence with less-impactful manufacturing practices. The company also has a long-standing history of meaningful partnerships and sponsorships that demonstrate a dedicated commitment to supporting its customers, consumers, brand partners and the footwear industry. OrthoLite is the Official Insole sponsor of the New York Yankees, supporter of Textile Exchange, and is a founding supporter of the Two Ten Foundation. Stay up to date with company news by visiting OrthoLite.com and following OrthoLite on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. To learn more about the benefits of OrthoLite, visit www.ortholite.com.

About Bureau Veritas
Bureau Veritas is a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification services, dedicated to ensuring quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and social responsibility. Founded in 1828, the company operates in over 140 countries, helping clients achieve compliance and advance sustainable progress. Learn more at www.bureauveritas.com.

SCARPA introduces lightweight backcountry hunt/field boots for Fall 2025, Spring 2026

The R-Evolution, Rebel boots are crafted with deep experience in mountain footwear, input from backcountry hunters and guides.

BOULDER, Colo. (Sept. 30, 2025) — SCARPA, manufacturer of high-performance mountain footwear, unveils a new collection of lightweight mountain boots this fall built for backcountry hunters and other rugged-country users like trail and forestry workers who need light, reliable, supportive footwear for field use.

The boots are a culmination of SCARPA’s nearly century of experience in crafting category leading mountain footwear, combined with specific input from the backcountry hunting community, making this category a natural extension for the brand. The new program also builds on a line of footwear created in collaboration with the hunting brand Kuiu in past years.

New for Fall 2025, the R-Evolution 8 HD is a light and agile backcountry field boot that balances flexibility and nimbleness with protection and support. Developed in collaboration with expert hunters and guides, the R-Evolution 8 HD is one of the lightest boots on the market  in its category, built to support long days and extensive miles in the backcountry.

Its upper is synthetic PU leather paired with lightweight, abrasion-resistant Microtech fabric and backed with an HDry membrane, providing durability in a 685-gram package and keeping weather at bay in the field. A full-perimeter rubber rand provides 360-degree protection on the 8-inch-height upper. Vibram’s Total Traction/Mont sole completes the R-Evolution 8’s premium materials. The R-Evolution 8 HD retails for $299.

In Spring 2026, SCARPA will build on this program with three additional backcountry hunt and field boots, the Rebel 8 HD, the Rebel 10 HD and the Mont Blanc GTX.

The Rebel 10 and 8 HD offer even more supportive alternatives to the R-Evolution 8 — the ultimate footwear for long days tackling off-trail mountainous terrain. They pair lightweight materials with rugged supportive construction, resulting in boots among the very lightest on the market that provide the requisite support, protection and traction needed to move through rugged terrain.

Building on a collection of footwear SCARPA originally designed in collaboration with hunting retailer Kuiu, which quickly gained a cult following amongst backcountry hunters, the Rebel boots are light and agile, thanks to their synthetic PU leather and PU Tek uppers, which are supportive, breathable and dry quickly. Paired with an HDry waterproof membrane and a full-perimeter rubber and PU rand, the Rebel boots provide 360-degree protection.

The Rebel 10 is a 10-inch tall boot with Primaloft Gold Eco insulation. The Rebel 8 is its uninsulated 8-inch tall sibling. Both boots feature an ankle flex zone, a dual-density durable polyurethane midsole, and Vibram’s Total Traction/Mont sole. For precision, support and secure footing in uneven mountainous terrain, these lightweight boots are the leaders in their class at 785 and 730 grams respectively (size 42).

SCARPA is also introducing a field-oriented sibling in Spring 2026 as part of its well-known Mont Blanc family, the new Mont Blanc GTX, which offers exceptional stability on uneven terrain and robust protection against rocks and debris.

Built with a combination of premium Italian 3mm Perwanger Suede leather and synthetic S-Tech Fabric, the Mont Blanc GTX features a supportive 9–inch tall cuff, a thermomolded ankle collar, a full-perimeter rubber rand and an, integrated GORE-TEX waterproof membrane. A double tongue has a removable insert allowing for easy volume adjustment. The midsole is an ultra-durable, cushioned construction built with a combination of polyurethane and TPU, paired with a Vibra​m Essential AC/Mont sole. Recessed high-tenacity stitching pairs with these premium materials for long-term durability.

 About SCARPA and SCARPA North America

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

Media Contact

Verde Brand Communications

scarpa@verdepr.com

(970) 235-0268

 

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Altra Steps Into a New Era with Renewed Focus on Foot Health

The brand’s first global platform puts longevity at the center of athletic performance

DENVER (September 29, 2025) — Altra has always been a challenger in the running shoe industry and, today, with the launch of Altra Fit, the brand continues to disrupt industry status quo. Altra Fit is the company’s first global brand platform and the start of a multi-year investment to explore the power of the foot to unlock human potential. The initiative marks a new era for the brand under Creative Director Dani Coplen, who is reshaping Altra’s identity to highlight the connection between healthy movement and long-term performance.

“Runners are constantly promised faster shoes, but speed alone does not define success,” said Jen McLaren, President of Altra. “Altra Fit is about broadening the definition of performance. Longevity is part of the story, and we are making foot health a central theme of our brand so runners can continue to enjoy the sport for years to come.”

Unlike conventional footwear that narrows or elevates the foot, Altra has always emphasized designs that respect natural movement. Altra Fit carries that philosophy forward, spotlighting the role footwear can play in supporting healthier running mechanics and encouraging consistency over time.

“Altra started by breaking the rules of what a running shoe should look like,” said Dani Coplen, Creative Director at Altra. “With Altra Fit, we are doubling down on that challenger spirit. We want runners to know that performance is not just about seconds off a split, it’s about sustaining your running for the long haul.”

The rollout begins this fall with new creative campaigns, in-store experiences, and community activations with run clubs and specialty retailers. Athlete stories and expert perspectives will highlight how Altra’s approach to design supports both performance and long-term participation in the sport.

By centering its platform on the fit, it acknowledges the combined potential of the foot and the shoe.  Altra is offering an alternative in an industry often focused on marginal speed gains. Altra Fit positions the brand around a simple belief: the best measure of performance is not just how fast you run, but how long you can keep running.

About Altra

Altra isn’t just a shoe. It’s a promise. It all started when we hacked the typical running shoe, challenging industry convention by opening the toe box so your feet could splay naturally. Born from a passion for innovation and natural running, Altra designs footwear in Colorado that helps runners move more naturally. The Altra Fit allows toes to spread for enhanced comfort, balance and strength, so you can Stay Out There™ for more miles and more years. #altrarunning #stayoutthere

WX Saber Advanced Now Meets MIL_PRF-32432A Testing Standard

Frisco, TX – [September 30, 2025] Wiley X, a global leader in protective eyewear, announced that the WX Saber Advanced, one of their best-selling styles, is now tested to meet the MIL-PRF-32432A safety standard – the highest U.S. military qualification for combat eye protection.

This rigorous standard exceeds ANSI Z87.1+ requirements and sets the benchmark for impact resistance, optical clarity, and ballistic protection within the Military Combat Eye Protection (MCEP) System. The Saber Advanced was previously tested to the MIL-PRF-32432(GL) standard, already more demanding than ANSI testing. With this upgrade to MIL-PRF-32432A, the WX Saber Advanced now delivers unmatched durability and performance to meet the most demanding requirements of the U.S. military.

For more information about the WX Saber Advanced and Wiley X’s full line of protective eyewear, visit www.wileyx.com.

Surly Bikes Unveils Updated Straggler Gravel Bike this Season

A Surly classic gets frame and fit updates across eight new sizes

Link to assets

Bloomington, Minn. (Sep 25, 2025) – Surly Bikes, known for its quality steel bikes and parts, releases an updated Straggler gravel bike. A decade after its original launch, the new version of the Straggler emerged this week as the do-it-all gravel bike with a wider range of fitment and updated geometry.

The Surly Straggler gravel bike is revamped for 2025 with an all new geometry improving fit, and reducing the number of sizes from 5 to 8, resulting in minimizing toe overlap and improving standover clearance for riders with a shorter inseam. The updated iteration has a sloped top tube for improved stand over, a lowered seat tube for greater travel on dropper posts, increased bottom bracket drop for stability, and raised stack for a more comfortable ride. The inclusion of 12x100mm front and 12x142mm rear thru-axles, flat mount brakes, and wider handlebars, provide stability for performance-oriented riding.

The Straggler is a gravel bike built for multi-terrain wanderings. It also serves as a light-duty touring bike and an all-weather commuter. Utilizing the classic ‘Natch’ tubeset by Surly, the 4130 steel frame features a 44mm head tube diameter allowing for varied fork options from steel to carbon, or even a 40mm gravel suspension fork. With internal dropper post routing compatibility, the Straggler continues to perform at every opportunity.

“We’re thrilled to expand on the capabilities of our long-standing gravel bike, which now performs at (almost) an unfair advantage,” said Tim Simundza, brand and marketing manager at Surly. “The new Straggler is more comfortable, more modern, and more capable for however humanoids want to ride it.”

Known for making serious steel bikes while not taking themselves too seriously, Surly delivers bikes that perform over their lifespan. From tube design and manufacturing to welding, heat treatment, and finishing, versatility and durability are considered every step of the way.

“We designed the next-gen Straggler with the modern explorer in mind,” said Adam Scholtes, Surly Brand Business Director. “Balancing the line between performance and transportation, this bicycle is built for those who take the path less traveled in confidence. Trusting in the capabilities of this vehicle, a detour through unpaved roads is no problem for the Straggler rider.”

The Straggler GRX is available at $2,499, the Cues at $1,999 and Straggler frameset at $899. Available in stores now and online at Surlybikes.com

 

About Surly Bikes

Founded in 1998, Surly is a pioneering brand in the world of steel bicycles and durable bike components. Renowned for its no-nonsense approach, Surly designs and builds bikes and gear that are built to last, perform in tough conditions, and adapt to a wide range of riding styles—from commuting and touring to singletrack and expedition cycling. With a strong focus on utility, simplicity, and rider freedom, Surly has cultivated a passionate community of riders who embrace adventure, resilience, and self-reliance on two wheels. Headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, Surly continues to challenge conventional bike industry trends by putting purpose, performance, and personality first. To learn more, visit www.surlybikes.com.

Durango to Host 2030 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships

‘Worlds’ Return to Durango 40 Years After the City Hosted the Inaugural Event in 1990

Durango, Colo. [Sept. 25, 2025] — The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced today that Durango, Colorado, will be the host city of the 2030 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships. The event marks the 40-year anniversary from when the town of Durango and Purgatory Resort hosted the very first UCI mountain bike world championships races in 1990.

Leading into the World Championships in 2030, the “Worlds,” Durango will also host a major international mountain bike race in 2028 and a UCI World Cup race in 2029.  All events will be held at Purgatory Resort and will include Downhill, Cross Country Olympic, Short Track and Ebike.

“We’re thrilled to once again host the World Championships at Purgatory Resort,” said Dave Rathbun, Purgatory’s general manager. “Biking and Durango are synonymous with each other. This is a great opportunity to showcase our community’s commitment to the sport with the entire world.”

The series of global events elevates Durango, Colorado as a global cycling homeland and solidifies the City as North America’s mountain biking capital. The area features over 300 miles of world-class singletrack traversing environments from high-desert to high-alpine. The elevation training advantage of 6,500 feet fuels the success of numerous on- and off-road Olympic and professional cyclists who call Durango home, and powers Fort Lewis College’s collegiate cycling team to multiple national titles. Most importantly, mountain biking continues to shape the very fabric of the mountain-town community.

“We are beyond proud to announce the Worlds’ return to Durango 40 years after we pioneered the event in 1990,” said Durango Native Todd Wells, co-leader of the events and three-time Olympian mountain biker. “Mountain biking and cycling are woven into Durango’s DNA; from our pioneering spirit to the incredible trail infrastructure and our renowned junior-development programming, Durango is a true heartland of cycling. The 2030 World Championships will enable us to showcase our community on a global stage once again.”

Gaige Sippy, long-time Iron Horse Bicycle Classic director and co-leader behind Durango’s World Championship bid, added: “Hosting the 2030 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships is both a tribute to our past and an investment in our future. The world’s best will once again race on trails that continue to build legends right here in our backyard. We can’t wait to welcome riders and fans from around the world back to Durango.”

The City of Durango rose to international off-road cycling prominence when it hosted the inaugural UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in 1990. The first-ever men’s mountain biking world championships was won by Ned Overend, who still calls Durango, Colorado home. Julie Furtado, a long-time Durango resident and the visionary behind Juliana bikes, won the women’s event. Greg Herbold, also a Durango resident, won the men’s downhill race event. The 1990 Worlds attracted the world’s best mountain bikers of the time and generated global interest in the sport among fans and media.

“This is a momentous occasion for our community,” said Mayor Gilda Yazzie. “The city is honored to be chosen by the UCI to host this historic anniversary year, and we are thrilled to partner with Durango Cycling Championships and Purgatory Resort.”

Durango is host to the renowned Iron Horse Bicycle Classic for close to 55 years, established one of the country’s first junior development cycling organizations, Durango Devo, and is the birthplace of world-class trail advocacy (with more than 300 miles of maintained trails) in non-profit Durango Trails. Durango has a remarkable record of producing top athletes in the sport—including numerous Olympians, professional cyclists, multiple world champions, and the most recent American Grand Tour winner in Sepp Kuss, who came up through the ranks in Durango’s cycling infrastructure, including formative years racing with Durango Devo’s Sweet Elite.

Additional details on event routes, community programs, and ticketing will be announced in the coming months. Please follow @Durangoworlds2030 on Instagram and visit www.durangoworlds.com. Join the newsletter to be part of Durango’s journey to host the mountain bike world championships in 2030.

About Durango, Colorado:
Durango, Colorado has a vibrant community spirit shaped by its numerous, year-round outdoor adventure opportunities and is a veritable global hub for cycling. The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic, The City of Durango and Purgatory Resort produced and hosted the very first UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in 1990 and countless major cycling events since. Durango is celebrated for its trails, racing heritage, and enduring contributions to cycling. The City’s selection as host city for the 2030 World Mountain Bike Championships acknowledges its over-50-year legacy as North America’s mountain biking capital. Durango features over 300 miles of world-class singletrack traversing high desert to alpine environments and an elevation training advantage of 6,500 feet. The 2030 “Worlds” represents a full-circle moment for the pinnacle of competitive mountain biking and celebrates the sport’s grassroots heritage in the American West. Visit www.durangoworlds.com for more information.

Media Contacts
Kristin Carpenter | For Durango Cycling Championships | kristin@verdepr.com
Tom Sluis | For City of Durango | tom.sluis@durangogov.org
Theresa Graven | For Purgatory Resort | theresa@treehousepr.com