Roark and Matt Costa Announce Sonic Nomads, Original Soundtrack Designed for Runners

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. — (Aug. 27, 2026) – Roark, the travel-inspired apparel brand rooted in surf, adventure and storytelling, and musician Matt Costa are proud to announce the launch of Sonic Nomads, a 32-minute music track created specifically for running. The musical release complements Roark’s recently launched Sonic Nomads collection, an extension of the brand’s men’s run and active apparel line, with an audio experience designed to accompany runners throughout their run.

Created in partnership with Costa and EOSAS, an experiential sound collective founded by Costa, Sonic Nomads combines intentional pacing, analog frequencies and modular synthesis. Tested by members of the Roark team, the track moves from 126 to 150 beats per minute, creating a progression that carries runners from warm-up through cool-down.

“We created Sonic Nomads from a dry lake bed out in Joshua Tree, with synthesizers and guitar blasting from the back of a van as Roark runners kicked up dust around us,” said Matt Costa. “We took those live desert ideas into the studio and shaped them into a 32-minute sonic journey for running. I practice meditation and have worked a lot with binaural frequencies, so we infused the track with 6 Hz theta waves to help connect the body and brain and encourage focus and flow. It sounds trippy, but it’s really just music meeting science.”

With Sonic Nomads, Roark and EOSAS are taking brand-led music beyond the traditional campaign soundtrack, creating an original, standalone track designed specifically around the experience of running. The project marks a new chapter for Roark, expanding the brand’s storytelling into an original music release.

“Rhythm is an essential component to running, and Matt discovering that your heart rate can sync with the BPM of a song was mindblowing. The idea really resonated with us, and we felt the project would be a natural way to complement the Sonic Nomads collection,” said Ryan Hitzel, founder of Roark. “We’re always looking for ways to tell stories beyond the product, and creating something that could actually become part of the running experience felt like a really exciting direction for Roark. Being able to bring people together through running and give back to the community makes the project even more meaningful.”

The project also gives back to the running community and the places where runners move. All streaming royalties generated by the track will be donated to Runners for Public Lands, supporting the nonprofit’s work to protect public lands and build a community of runners who advocate for the places where they run.

Sonic Nomads is available Aug. 27 across all major streaming platforms.

About Roark

Roark is a travel-inspired brand rooted in surf, adventure and storytelling. Built for the journey, Roark creates versatile apparel designed for the modern traveler to move effortlessly between the trail, the ocean and everyday life. For more information, visit roark.com and follow @roark.

About Matt Costa, EOSAS

Matt Costa is a musician, songwriter and founder of EOSAS, an experiential sound collective focused on creating musical experiences that uplift artists, inspire community and give back. A longtime artist with a career spanning indie rock, folk and experimental music, Costa blends organic instrumentation, analog sound and immersive sonic elements to create music rooted in connection, movement and exploration. Through EOSAS, Costa partners with musicians and values-aligned brands to reimagine how music can bring people together and create positive impact. For information, visit mattcosta.org and follow @mattcostamusic.

norda and Black Diamond Equipment Launch Long-Term Partnership with Inaugural Alpine Running Collection

SALT LAKE CITY, UT & MONTREAL, QUEBEC (AUGUST 26, 2026) – norda, the performance footwear brand built on advanced material innovation, and Black Diamond Equipment, a global leader in mountain sports equipment and apparel, are proud to announce a long-term partnership and launch an alpine running collection grounded in respect for the demands of technical mountain environments and the craft of the athletes who move through them.

Black Diamond’s most expansive collaboration in its four-decade existence, the collection brings together norda’s unparalleled innovation in footwear material science and Black Diamond’s rich heritage in mountain equipment. The result is both evolutionary and timeless: tools for the trail, built from experience, aimed at aligning the fast energy of technology with the slower cadence of nature through gear that clears the mind and creates space to explore.
The offerings encompass a fully integrated kit for efficient alpine movement, many pieces of which were developed with insight from Black Diamond and norda mountain runner Joe Grant. An all-new norda 000 shoe model, designed for high mountain running, is accompanied by a selection of innovative Black Diamond pieces reimagined with cutting-edge materials: the Distance 15 Pack, Distance Carbon Z FKT poles, Mini Mission Duffel 30L, Miniwire Carabiner, T-Shirt, and Cap. The collection’s color palette — subtle obsidian and moonstone shades, contrasted by soft pink kunzite — draws from minerals found in mountain environments.

“norda and Black Diamond are both makers of pinnacle products, crafted by iconoclasts who refuse to indulge the status quo,” said norda co-founders Nick and Willa Martire. “With our unparalleled footwear expertise and their extensive history of making the most advanced mountain equipment, we can leverage our shared beliefs and mindset to create incomparable tools for alpine running and exploration, products that empower athletes to explore, discover, and push their boundaries.”

“This collaboration truly represents the best of the best in mountain sports: two pinnacle brands coming together in a creative partnership that harnesses the complementary strengths of each,” said Neil Fiske, President of Black Diamond. “We are honored to partner with norda on this exciting new venture and look forward to the stream of innovation that will emanate from it.”

The inaugural norda x Black Diamond collection debuted at Sanglard Sports in Chamonix, France today, August 26, and is available now at nordarun.com and blackdiamondequipment.com. It will arrive at Black Diamond retail stores in the US, Innsbruck, and Seoul as well as a curated group of global stockists beginning August 31.

Collection Highlights

  • 000 ($295): An all-new shoe model, designed to provide the ground feel and responsiveness necessary for high mountain running. Features include seamless bio-circular Dyneema® uppers, an all-new Vibram® Stream midsole, and a custom norda x Vibram® Megagrip® and Litebase® soleplate with 5mm lugs. Available in Moonstone, Obsidian and Kunzite. See the attached technical specifications sheet for more info.
  • Distance 15 Pack ($299.95): Built for speed, comfort and durability during demanding alpine endurance missions. Exclusively constituted using ultralight, waterproof Challenge Sailcloth UltraWeave 100D, which is PFAS-free and 15 times stronger than steel by weight. Available in Glacier Grey.
  • Distance Carbon Z FKT Poles ($279.95): Ultralight technical poles designed for efficient power transfer. Speed Cone technology enables instant deployment, and a quick-connect glove strap is reinforced with Dynex. Available in Obsidian/Kunzite.
  • Mini Mission Duffel 30L ($329.95): A limited-edition extension of the Mission Duffel made of Challenge Sailcloth UltraWeave 400D fabric for a zero-waste ethos. Available in Obsidian and Glacier Grey.
  • Miniwire Carabiner ($11.95): The lightest carabiner in the Black Diamond line, embellished with another company’s logo for the first time ever. Available in Kunzite.
  • T-Shirt ($95): Three pre-faded, made in the USA tees, constructed of 100% cotton with a relaxed fit and reinterpretations of archival Black Diamond graphics. Available in Kunzite, Washed Black, and Off White.
    Cap ($85): Pre-faded unstructured six-panel hat with a Black Diamond x norda logo. Available in Garnet and Washed Black.

 

About Black Diamond Equipment

Black Diamond Equipment is a global leader in designing innovative outdoor-engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, skiing, and mountain sports. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Black Diamond is known for its commitment to performance, durability, and purposeful design. For more information, visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com.

About norda®

Founded in Montreal, Canada, in 2020 and headquartered in the mountains of Quebec’s Eastern Townships, norda® is a privately held footwear and apparel company. norda® is inspired by Canada’s toughest conditions, and committed to crafting the highest-performance products. As avid athletes and adventurers, we understand the technical specifications required to deliver a product that we can not only trust, but unwaveringly rely on.

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Announces New Hires to Strengthen Leadership Team, Deepen Support for Members and Industry

BOULDER, Colo. — Aug. 26, 2026 — Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), the leading trade association for the outdoor industry, today announced a series of key leadership hires and promotions that reflect the organization’s continued investment in the talent and expertise needed to serve its members and advance the industry’s shared priorities. Its two new leadership hires include Adam Pugh, Sr. Director of Advocacy & Government Affairs, and Lindsay Hogan, Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications.  

The additions and promotions span government advocacy, marketing, operations, and sustainability, bringing together leaders with deep roots in the outdoor industry. Chief Operating Officer Andy Fletcher was hired on full-time at the end of 2025; Keelin Christensen was promoted to Sr. Manager of Sustainability in August; and new hire Robert Kyte is joining the organization as Marketing Specialist in September. As a collective, the team has senior experience at outdoor companies including Patagonia, Backcountry.com, VF Corporation, Vail Resorts, and Alpenglow Expeditions, alongside proven expertise in federal policy and sustainability-focused business strategy.  

“As the issues facing our industry grow more complex, from federal policy to sustainable business practices to the evolving needs of our members, the strength of our organization depends on the strength of our team,” said Kent Ebersole, President of OIA. “These hires and promotions represent a significant investment in the expertise, leadership and continuity our members count on. Each of these individuals brings deep experience and a genuine commitment to this industry, and together they position OIA to deliver even greater value to our members and to advance the work of the outdoor economy.” 

Adam Pugh, Sr. Director of Advocacy & Government Affairs 

Adam Pugh joined OIA as Sr. Director of Advocacy & Government Affairs on Aug. 24 and will be based in Washington, D.C., strengthening OIA’s capacity to serve its members. In this role, Pugh leads OIA’s federal government affairs strategy, advising OIA’s leadership and its members on legislative and regulatory developments affecting trade, recreation, permitting, and environmental policy, and representing OIA’s interests before Congress and federal agencies. 

Pugh brings a decade of federal government affairs experience to OIA. He most recently served as Director of Government Affairs for the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, where he led federal advocacy strategy on agriculture, energy, environmental permitting, and tax and trade policies for the aggregates and construction materials industry. His work included drafting legislative language for major federal permitting reform proposals and leading direct engagement with congressional offices and federal agencies on policy initiatives affecting industry timelines and regulatory certainty. He previously held policy and advocacy roles at the National Association of Home Builders, the National Association of Counties, and the National Association of Conservation Districts, where he advanced advocacy on environmental regulation, land-use policy, and infrastructure funding affecting member companies and local governments nationwide, and began his career in the U.S. House of Representatives.  

Pugh has a deep personal passion for the outdoors and believes some of life’s most meaningful experiences happen outside, whether camping with family, exploring a new trail or simply giving kids the opportunity to experience something beyond a screen. As a father, he is especially passionate about ensuring the next generation has opportunities to experience and enjoy the outdoors. This connection is a big part of what motivates his work to help ensure the outdoors remains accessible, welcoming and vibrant for generations to come. 

Lindsay Hogan, Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications 

Lindsay Hogan joined OIA as Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications on July 13. In this role, Hogan is responsible for executing the strategic direction for OIA’s marketing, branding, and communications work. She is central to the execution of OIA’s signature events, including Switchback and Rendezvous. She’s focused on building a broader channel strategy and thought leadership platform for the organization, designed to amplify and give voice to OIA’s voice in the outdoor industry, including its government affairs and advocacy work. Her role will continue to support the development of member-facing programs, services, and products. 

Hogan brings more than two decades of marketing and communications leadership in outdoor, travel, and member-based organizations. She most recently served as Sr. Director of Communications at Vail Resorts, where she led enterprise-wide integrated marketing and communications strategy across 42 destination resorts in four countries — overseeing digital and social strategy, brand positioning, media relations, community engagement, and crisis communications. She previously spent 13 years at the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, where she served as Sr. Director of Marketing Communications, leading promotions and publicity for Team USA at multiple Olympic Games, collaborating with broadcast partner NBC Universal on promotional campaigns and events, and delivering measurable value for corporate partners.   

Andy Fletcher, Chief Operating Officer 

OIA also announced that Andy Fletcher has transitioned from contractor to full-time Chief Operating Officer, effective December 2025, formalizing the strategic and operational leadership role he has held since joining as interim-COO in June 2025. In this role, Fletcher oversees OIA’s finances, internal operations, and organizational infrastructure, ensuring the association has the systems, resources, and cross-functional alignment needed to execute its strategic priorities and deliver consistent value to members. 

Fletcher brings more than two decades of strategy and operations leadership across the outdoor, retail, and consumer products industries. Most recently he served as Chief Operating Officer at Ellavate Wagon, an electric stroller-wagon startup, where he oversaw finance and operations. Fletcher also served as Head of Strategic Planning at Patagonia, where he led the company’s strategic planning function and guided cross-functional transformation initiatives. He previously served as Head of Owned Brands at Backcountry.com, with multi-million-dollar P&L responsibility for the Backcountry, Basin + Range, and Stoic apparel brands, and held strategy and business development leadership roles at VF Corporation and Nordstrom. 

Keelin Christensen and Robert Kyte 

Rounding out the announcement, Keelin Christensen has been promoted to Sr. Manager of Sustainability, effective Aug. 1, continuing to lead OIA’s sustainable business work since joining the organization as Manager of Sustainability in March 2023. Over the past three years, she has led sustainability compliance for members, enhanced member collaboration opportunities related to sustainability, and supported member education and engagement on climate action. Robert Kyte will join OIA as Marketing Specialist on Sept. 8, bringing cross-channel marketing experience from Alpenglow Expeditions and prior work as Lead Storyteller for The Global Climbing Initiative. 

Together, these hires and promotions reflect OIA’s ongoing commitment to building a team equipped to meet the outdoor industry’s evolving needs — a deliberate investment in talent that strengthens the organization’s ability to serve its members and advance the industry as a whole. 

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. 

Offgrid Provisions Selects Darby Communications as PR Agency of Record

August 25, 2026 – West Gosford, Australia- Offgrid Provisions, the Australia-based brand renowned for its chef-crafted, fresh, and shelf-stable meals for outdoor adventures, proudly announces its partnership with Darby Communications, a leading PR and digital marketing agency representing outdoor, hunt, fish, and endurance brands. Effective immediately, Darby Communications will serve as Offgrid Provisions’ PR agency of record, leading communications strategy as the brand launches its Australian-born, American-made meals in the U.S. market.

Offgrid Provisions was founded in 2020 by James Viles, an Australian chef, author, restaurateur, and food entrepreneur known for his deep commitment to sustainability, local produce, and cooking philosophy centered around ethically sourced wild ingredients. Raised in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Viles started cooking professionally at a young age and has since founded multiple award-winning restaurants and food brands. His love for the outdoors inspired him to create Offgrid Provisions: fully cooked, preservative-free meals designed and crafted to help adventurers eat well, wherever they roam.

Now considered Australia’s premium brand for ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and supplements, Offgrid Provisions will make its stateside debut this fall as the first brand to launch fresh, preservative-free, ready-to-eat meals in the outdoor industry. American customers will have access to favorites like Bloody Good Bolognese, Butter Chicken, and Ranchers Chili— of which some are gluten-free, lactose-free, halal, and made in the U.S. with locally sourced ingredients.

“Making healthy, delicious food for people has been my passion for as long as I can remember,” says Viles. “I started Offgrid Provisions to help people reconnect with what they eat on their adventures, to fuel their adventures with purity and nutrition. I wanted to show them that there’s a better, more natural way to make meals for the outdoors—real, chef-prepared food that’s responsibly sourced and easy to make, with no water required. We’re so excited to bring that model to the U.S. market. Every meal American customers buy will be made in the U.S. using locally sourced ingredients. That means the food is fresher, tastes better, and has a smaller impact on the planet.”

“From the first time we met the OffGrid Provisions team, we knew this was a brand we had to help launch in the U.S.,” states Angie Robinson, President of Darby Communications. “James and his team are dedicated to providing locally sourced, real food that tastes good for folks who are spending time outdoors, and that really resonates with us. We can’t wait to help OffGrid Provisions make a huge impact in the ready-to-eat meals category in the outdoor, overlanding, and hunt, and fish industries.”

Offgrid Provisions will be available to U.S. customers starting in November 2026 online and through selected retailers across the U.S. For more information, contact Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com.

About Offgrid Provisions

Offgrid Provisions is redefining outdoor food with chef-crafted, fully cooked meals made from real, responsibly sourced ingredients. Founded by Australian chef and restaurateur James Viles, Offgrid brings chef-driven recipes and high-quality ingredients to backcountry and outdoor adventures, without sacrificing flavor or convenience. After establishing itself as a leading ready-to-eat meal brand in Australia, Offgrid is bringing its chef-crafted approach to the U.S., with meals made in America using locally sourced ingredients. For more information, visit https://www.offgridprovisions.com.au/

About Darby Communications

Darby Communications is an East Coast-based public relations and digital marketing agency dedicated to supporting leaders within the outdoor, endurance, hunting, and fishing industries. We blend technical expertise and creative storytelling across a full range of services to grow awareness, strengthen reputation, and turn media and customers into brand advocates. Darby Communications is a trusted partner of respected brands such as KUIU, Shimano, Jetboil, Old Town, Skratch, and HydraPak, and was named Outdoor Media Summit’s 2025 Agency of the Year. For more information, visit www.darbycommunications.com

AllTrails community reaches 100 million members

SAN FRANCISCO (August 25, 2026) — AllTrails, the app for exploring the outdoors, has surpassed 100 million members. The milestone reflects the growing community of people around the world who use and trust AllTrails to help them spend more time outside.

Millions of people return to the app daily to recap their adventures, share photos and discover new trails. Together, they have:

  • Logged over 2.5 billion miles (4 billion kilometers) and 1.3 billion hours of outdoor activities
  • Downloaded over 185 million maps to confidently explore beyond cell service
  • Saved over 293 million trails to lists, to keep track of their favorites and plan future trips
  • Shared 117 million photos, helping others picture and plan their trail experience
  • Submitted nearly 72 million reviews across AllTrails’ 500,000 global routes, giving others real insights from real people who’ve been there

“Surpassing 100 million members means people everywhere are choosing to spend more time outside with AllTrails as their trusted companion,” said Liz Hamren, Chief Executive Officer of AllTrails. “Our community thrives on shared expertise and a passion for exploration. AllTrails members are at the heart of everything we do, and this milestone is a celebration of their adventures and contributions.”

Meeting a growing need for the outdoors

AllTrails membership tripled from 10 million in 2019 to 30 million by 2021, reflecting a growing interest in the outdoors for its physical and mental health benefits. The company built on this momentum by investing in new experiences and features in the app, and expanding to 14 languages to reach new people around the world.

AllTrails Plus is the essential membership for getting outside, with offline maps, 3D trail previews, wrong-turn alerts, live share and community-powered trail conditions, and popular times. The company recently expanded its membership offering with the addition of AllTrails Peak, which provides advanced planning tools like custom routes and detailed map layers.

AllTrails’ evolved memberships are one part of its broader commitment to innovation. The company constantly develops new ways to help members explore, plan, and connect — drawing on community feedback to guide its investments. Most recently, AllTrails enhanced its wearables apps and integrations for hands-free exploration and introduced dedicated apps in Claude and ChatGPT, bringing its trusted trail expertise and community insights to AI users worldwide. AllTrails also launched a suite of advanced tools for backpacking, including a first-of-its-kind feature that helps people plan and customize multi-day hikes.

“Community feedback has moved the AllTrails experience forward for over a decade, from small details to our biggest app updates,” said Carly Smith, Chief Business Officer at AllTrails. “Members’ contributions show up in their photos and reviews, but also in how we build AllTrails and think about what comes next. We’re building for our members and with them.”

More members, more impact

As AllTrails has grown, so has its commitment to giving back. In 2024, the company launched the Public Lands Program, a free resource for land management agencies and nonprofits that provides visibility into how people are using their trails plus custom tools for managing trail information, analyzing data, and connecting with visitors to elevate the trail experience. The following year, AllTrails introduced the Stewards Fund, awarding its first round of grants to 24 grassroots organizations and helping improve 1,022 miles of trails.

AllTrails has been a 1% for the Planet member since 2019, contributing a portion of its revenue to conservation and access nonprofits, with more than $3 million given to date. The company detailed the social and environmental impact work it’s maintained alongside its community’s growth in its inaugural 2025 Impact Report.

Looking ahead, AllTrails is focused on a community-first approach to innovation, a growing commitment to giving back, and its core mission to help the world find its way outside.

About AllTrails

AllTrails is the app for exploring the outdoors. We help people spend more time outside by connecting them to their next adventure. We’re home to the world’s largest outdoor community, with members and trails around the globe. Find AllTrails in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and at alltrails.com.

CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics Announces Atextile as Its First CORDURA Adventurer™ Mill Partner at Intertextile China

Kennesaw, GA, August 25 – CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics today announced Atextile as its first official mill partner for CORDURA Adventurer™, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the curated outdoor fabric collection. During Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics 2026, Atextile will showcase the new CORDURA Adventurer™ fabric collection, presenting innovative outdoor fabric solutions to brands, designers, and industry partners. As the first official mill partner for CORDURA Adventurer™, Atextile will leverage the exhibition platform to highlight its technical expertise, innovation capabilities, and shared commitment to advancing performance-driven outdoor fabrics. This strategic partnership brings together shared expertise and technical investment to address the evolving needs and performance challenges of the global outdoor apparel market.

Developed to support outdoor designers seeking confidence, clarity, and proven performance, the CORDURA Adventurer™ fabric collection is built on deep technical expertise and close collaboration with carefully selected mill partners, beginning with Atextile. Chosen for their strong manufacturing heritage, technical capabilities, and proven success in performance-driven categories, Atextile shares a commitment to innovation and quality. With support from CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics, Atextile is expanding their reach further into the outdoor apparel segment and will support CORDURA Adventurer™ programs globally.

“This partnership is about working together to solve real market needs,” said Ryan Castanet, Director of Business Development, CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics. “By collaborating closely with mill partners like Atextile, we can deliver meaningful innovation faster, pairing material performance with a trusted brand platform that helps designers and brands move forward with confidence.”

Innovation Focused on Outdoor Performance

As part of the CORDURA Adventurer™ collection, Atextile will introduce a range of fabrics engineered specifically for outdoor apparel applications, including recycled nylon developments and advanced constructions designed for durability, protection, and comfort.

Among the upcoming innovations are:

  • Down-Proof Lightweight Fabrics – Engineered with a tight weave construction and a sheer coating to prevent down leakage, helping extend garment life by minimizing fill loss while maintaining lightweight performance.
  • Next-Generation Waterproof Lamination – A newly developed laminate system designed to meet a critical market need, offering enhanced durability and improved breathability compared to current industry benchmarks, while addressing long-term wear and performance breakdown seen in traditional constructions.
  • Additional Performance Constructions – Including unique mesh structures with crossover potential into complementary categories such as bags & packs.

The new fabrics Atextile is launching today demonstrate its strength in stretch fabric platforms for outdoor, sport, and workwear pant applications. These materials reflect a shared commitment to thoughtful material engineering, tighter process control, and real-world performance testing aligned with the demands of outdoor use.

A Mutually Beneficial Partnership

This partnership reflects the broader strategy behind CORDURA Adventurer™—creating value across the supply chain through collaboration. “The textile industry is becoming increasingly competitive.,” added Castanet. “The strength of the CORDURA® brand helps elevate our mill partners in terms of brand recognition, trust, and perceived quality. At the same time, our global business development team connects those mills with brands seeking proven, performance-driven solutions. It’s a relationship designed to create value for everyone involved.”

“As a strategic partner, CORDURA® brand’s empowerment and implementation of products will help us gain a stronger market share, and CORDURA® brand will also bring added endorsement to many brands.” Said Figo Wu, Atextile CEO.

Global Visibility at Performance Days and Functional Fabric Fair

The new CORDURA Adventurer™ fabric collection featuring Atextile will be available to designers, developers, and sourcing teams at Performance Days in Munich, Germany October 13-14 as well as the Fall Functional Fabric Fair in Portland, Oregon October 27-28, where attendees can explore the fabrics firsthand and learn more about their unique capabilities and performance stories.

“We’re excited to share this first mill partnership with our brand partners worldwide,” said Castanet. “Showcasing Atextile’s fabrics and technical strengths through the CORDURA Adventurer™ platform underscores our commitment to collaboration, innovation, and delivering confidence to the outdoor market.”

Learn more at: cordura.com/adventurer
For general brand information, visit www.CORDURA.com.
To connect directly with the sales or marketing team, click Contact Us on the website.

To learn more about Atextile visit: www. ATEXTILE-XMN.COM

To connect directly with the sales team, reach out to: iris@atextile.com.cn

###

About CORDURA® Brand

CORDURA® fabric is a primary ingredient in many of the world’s leading high-performance gear and apparel products ranging from casual apparel and activewear to footwear, backpacks, tactical wear, and workwear. The CORDURA® brand is a registered trademark of INVISTA, a global manufacturer of chemical intermediates, polymers and fibers. To distinguish the CORDURA® brand, the word “CORDURA®” must be spelled out in all caps and used with an ®, and it must be followed by the word “brand” or “fabric.” To learn more about INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand, end-use products, and  marketing tools please visit www.CORDURA.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

About INVISTA

INVISTA is a global manufacturer of chemical intermediates, polymers and fibers. From parts for the automotive industry to medical equipment, air bags, food packaging and clothing, our ingredients in the nylon 6,6 and polypropylene value chains help bring many of life’s essential products to market. A Koch company since 2004, INVISTA is committed to innovation and responsibly creating more value for its customers and society while consuming fewer resources to make these products. See the bigger picture at INVISTA.com.

About Atextile

Atextile is a global textile manufacturer focused on performance-driven woven and laminated fabrics for outdoor, sports, and workwear markets. With advanced capabilities in lamination, coating, and functional finishing, Atextile develops materials engineered for waterproofness, breathability, durability, and comfort. Headquartered in Xiamen, China, the company collaborates with international brand partners to deliver innovative fabric solutions backed by strong manufacturing control and technical development expertise. Visit www.atextile-xmn.com for more information.

Outdoor Retailer Drives Industry Reset in Minneapolis, Igniting Focus on Emerging Brands and Creator Reach

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (August 24, 2026) — Outdoor Retailer, owned and produced by Forge, wrapped its Minneapolis debut with more than 1,800 attendees, 275-plus brands and 150-plus media and creators from 45 states and 20 countries. The event marked a meaningful reset for the outdoor industry, reinforcing Outdoor Retailer’s role as a platform for connection, learning and innovation.

The three-day show also surpassed its goal of 400 qualified retailers, established when Outdoor Retailer announced its new direction in October 2025. Through more than 850 onsite connections, creators engaged with new and emerging brands while reaching a combined audience of 21.2 million outdoor consumers.

“Moving a legacy event to a new city while navigating significant change is no small undertaking,” said Matthew Mathiasen, group show director, Outdoor Retailer. “It takes trust, patience, curiosity and a willingness to believe in what’s possible. Our buyers, exhibitors, partners, brands, retailers, media and friends across the industry brought all of that to Minneapolis. Most importantly, they reminded us why this industry comes together: to discover what’s next, champion great ideas, make connections and move the outdoor industry forward, together.”

Day one drew more than 600 founders, retailers and industry professionals for a full slate of programming, anchored by the new Retailer Playbook Lab workshop series and an Industry Day featuring keynotes from Eoin Comerford (principal, Outsize Consulting and former CEO of Moosejaw), Neil Fiske (brand president, Black Diamond Equipment), and author and endurance athlete Mirna Valerio.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the most surprising part was the level of buyer activity,” said Comerford. “Booths were busy with exhibitors taking orders onsite.”

Exhibitors and attendees noted a decisive turnaround, with a sold-out show floor and strong buyer activity. Specialty and regional retailers from six continents attended, supported in part by Outdoor Retailer’s Specialty Scholarship and Hosted Buyer Program.

“The quality of buyers that we saw were fantastic,” said Scott Jensen, founder of Near Zero. “I had to have more staff come in – there was a line of people trying to talk to us.”

“We had the right kind of buyers show up and the right kind of people who understand what we’re trying to do,” said Ponch Membreño, commercial director, Flowfold. “It feels really good that the group of people putting on Outdoor Retailer understand the need for supporting emerging brands.”

Founder-led brands were a significant presence at the show, with more than 150 brands represented through the Ascent Program, Garage Grown Gear, Founded Outdoors and REI Path Ahead Ventures. Garage Grown Gear and Founded Outdoors also debuted the inaugural Ascent Summit, bringing together 75 up-and-coming founders for workshops and peer-led sessions focused on scaling, retail distribution and brand growth.

“Footprints and quantity of people don’t explain that there is a heartbeat in the show that hasn’t been here for at least seven years,” said Roberto Gutierrez, director of brand marketing for Backcountry. “Outdoor Retailer focusing on the emerging brands makes a ton of sense. I love the fact that it’s more of a discovery engine as it once was.”

Working with Popfly, a content platform connecting brands with relevant adventure creators, Outdoor Retailer created the Wild Reach program, matching exhibitors that opted in with over 150 creators creating measurable content onsite during and after the event.

“Throughout the show, Wild Reach connected exhibitors with curated outdoor storytellers, driving verified engagement through Popfly’s tracking suite and providing brands with an asset library designed to extend their ROI long past closing day,” said Taylor Hoekstra, founder of Popfly.

“The show is at a time when small retailers can attend, and there are plenty of interesting brands to talk to,” said Wes Allen of Sunlight Sports in Cody, Wyoming. “It was a very worthwhile trip.”

Minneapolis and Minnesota welcomed the show with a civic reception led by Mayor Jacob Frey, who opened the event with a ceremonial ribbon cutting alongside the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, one of Minnesota’s sovereign tribal nations and longtime stewards of the land. The Mille Lacs Honor Guard completed the ceremony, marking Outdoor Retailer’s arrival in its new home.

“Outdoor Retailer got three days to prove whether a year of hard conversations and decisions mattered,” said Lindsay Hubley, senior vice president, Sports and Outdoor Division. “Rebuilding the show meant asking the industry to believe again, one courageous yes at a time. In Minneapolis, brands could launch products, reach more than 20 million followers through structured creator matching, meet with Backcountry and REI buying teams, access more than 400 specialty retail accounts and leave with a content library – all in three days.  Was it perfect? No show ever is. But it was progress. It was energy. It was a community deciding Outdoor Retailer’s story isn’t finished.”

###

About Forge

Forge is a leading global B2B events and media company, connecting buyers and sellers across high-value industries through live events, trusted media brands, digital products and year-round communities. Powered by first-party data, technology and deep market expertise, Forge helps businesses discover opportunities, build the right relationships and stay engaged well beyond the event itself. It is a company guided by a single purpose, Moving Markets.

For more information, visit forgelive.com.

Contact: Chris Goddard, CGPR, chris@cgprpublicrelations.com, 781-640-8387

Lems Shoes Officially Launches ZenSpeed Road Running Collection

August 24, 2026—Boulder, CO—Lems Shoes, the Boulder-based footwear brand known for its commitment to natural, foot-shaped designs, is officially entering the road running category with the launch of its debut collection: ZenSpeed+ and ZenSpeed Lite. Both models will be available for pre-sale beginning August 24, with the official launch following in early October.

For Lems, this launch represents both an evolution and a return to where the brand started. In 2008, founder Andrew Rademacher was a collegiate decathlete with a lifelong passion for running. He grew frustrated with the lack of running shoes that truly fit the foot’s natural anatomy. In search of something better, he began dissecting his own running shoes, cutting away excess material and studying their construction to understand why traditional footwear felt so restrictive. That early obsession became the foundation for Lems itself. Even as the brand built its name in casual and outdoor footwear, its roots stayed in movement and performance, with a running shoe always on the long-term roadmap.

“The running category today is filled with highly engineered, often overbuilt shoes with thick, cushioned stack heights and designs that can feel disconnected from natural movement,” said Rademacher. “That works for some runners, but we saw an opportunity to offer something different. We believe there’s a place for a return to basics with a shoe that draws from our traditional philosophy of a simple, uncomplicated design that lets your foot move the way it was intended. Stepping into the running category felt like a natural next step for us. It lets us connect with runners who are thinking deeply about how they move and what they’re putting on their feet, which is, quite honestly, something I am always thinking about. We’re excited to see how these land, and we’re just getting started.”

For this collection, Lems developed its first-to-market TrueFit™ last and Natural Running Platform to give runners a more natural, efficient ride. Built around the true shape of the foot, the last keeps the big toe properly aligned and allows all five toes to splay on impact, supporting better stability and power transfer. Its sleek profile removes the bulk and unwanted movement common in wide toe box shoes, creating a more secure, responsive fit. The Natural Running Platform encourages a natural midfoot strike, and the smooth rocker design delivers a more connected running experience. Both models feature Lems’ proprietary injected rubber outsole, which is lighter than traditional solid rubber while offering high abrasion resistance. The brand’s new ZENCELL™ midsole foam is engineered to deliver an energetic push-off for effortless motion. Together, these elements reflect the same idea baked into the collection’s name: Zen for the calm, connected, natural movement Lems has always built around, and Speed for the performance to back it up on the road.

The ZenSpeeds are designed for runners and active people of every skill level and body type who are ready to ditch the overbuilt, overcushioned shoe and get back to a natural stride, whether that’s on the road, at the gym, or just moving through everyday walking and urban wear. It’s a daily running shoe as much as a race-day one, made for runners easing into the sport and veterans craving more ground feel alike. The ZenSpeed collection is available in men’s and women’s styles, each offered in wide and medium fit options.

ZenSpeed+: Built for Longer Miles and an Energetic Ride

The ZenSpeed+ is Lems’ first road running shoe, built on the healthy fit and low drop that define Lems footwear. Designed for runners, walkers, and anyone who believes movement should feel natural, it’s engineered with a smooth rocker profile to promote an efficient midfoot strike and a stable, energized stride. MSRP: $175

  • Weight: 9.4 oz. (Men’s size 10)
  • Heel stack: 31 mm
  • Forefoot stack: 26 mm
  • Drop: 5 mm
  • Last/fit: TrueFit™ last (foot-shaped and streamlined)
  • Width: Available in Wide (D width, similar to the original Lems Wide Fit) and Medium (less wide, B width)
  • Midsole: ZENCELL™ — highly responsive EVA + 10% PEBA
  • Outsole: 3.5 mm injected rubber, super-light floating design
  • Insole: Minimal Cork Insole
  • Available in Blackburn, Chalk, and Lime (Men’s only, Wide), Firecracker (Women’s only, Medium)

ZenSpeed Lite: Designed for a Minimal, Grounded Feel

The ZenSpeed Lite is the more minimal counterpart to the ZenSpeed+, delivering a lighter, lower-profile ride for runners who want to stay closer to the ground. With a 2mm drop and reduced stack height, it pairs Lems’ Natural Running Platform with just enough cushioning for a connected, grounded feel. MSRP: $165

  • Weight: 8.8 oz. (Men’s size 10)
  • Heel Stack: 24mm
  • Forefoot Stack: 22mm
  • Drop: 2mm
  • Last/Fit: TrueFit™ last (foot-shaped and streamlined)
  • Width: Available in Wide (D width, similar to the original Lems Wide Fit) and Medium (less wide, B width)
  • Midsole: ZENCELL™ — highly responsive EVA + 10% PEBA
  • Outsole: 3.5 mm injected rubber, super-light floating design
  • Insole: Minimal Cork Insole
  • Available in Blackburn, Chalk, and Citrus

Pre-sale orders for both models open August 24 and will be available for one month, with shipments starting in early October ahead of the launch. Both styles will be available at www.lemsshoes.com and select independent retailers.

For more information on Lems Shoes and the latest brand news, visit www.lemsshoes.com or contact Stacy Kline at stacy@darbycommunications.com. For sale inquiries, please contact caileigh@lemsshoes.com.

###

 

ABOUT LEMS SHOES

Founded in 2011 by Andrew Rademacher, Lems Shoes was born from a simple idea: shoes should be built around the natural shape and movement of the human foot. Frustrated by the lack of anatomically correct footwear on the market, Rademacher took matters into his own hands, literally, by dissecting traditional shoes, studying last construction and pattern making, and designing his own. The result? Minimalist footwear that strips away the unnecessary, delivering full flexibility, comfort, and foot-shaped design. From its first release, the Primal, to its ever-evolving lineup today, Lems remains committed to creating lightweight, versatile shoes that let your feet move the way nature intended. Learn more about the brand at lemsshoes.com.