Archives: Press Releases

[Amsterdam, Netherlands] March 17, 2025 – VALLON, a brand known for pairing leading performance eyewear with classic style for the modern-day adventurer, is proud to unveil its newest style, Heron Desert – built to withstand and protect your eyes in the world’s toughest desert landscapes. Available in two classic colorways, Sand and Black, this addition to the Heron collection is designed to protect your eyes from the desert’s harshest elements – wind, sand, dust, and sun.

Inspired by the mountains, built for the desert

VALLON’s flagship style, Heron Glacier, have made their way to the top of the highest peaks on the planet, and have been tried and tested by world leading mountaineers. The latest iteration of the hero frame, Heron Desert, is built with the same performance features, but with the ever-shifting climates of the desert in mind: Extreme heat, freezing nights, sudden sand storms, and high-glare salt pans.

The polarized Category 3 lenses offer 100% UVA/B protection for long days in the sun without compromising on clarity or vibrancy. The polycarbonate lenses are shatterproof, and feature an anti-fog inner coating that keeps your vision clear during periods of intense heat and perspiration. In addition, the grey lens enhances contrast and keeps your natural color vision.

Leather side shields provide full peripheral protection, shielding your eyes from dust, wind and direct sunlight. A detachable centre nosepiece provides extra ventilation when required. The fully adjustable temples ensure a snug, customized fit, while the lightweight frame, made of Swiss-invented TR90®, promises both durability and comfort, weighing in at only 25g. In addition, for every pair sold, 1 kg of plastic waste is cleaned up and recycled through empower.eco.

Trusted by explorers

Armed with a pair of Heron Desert sunglasses, and a donkey named Sabar (later a camel named Pete), adventurer and world-traveler Christine Bergholdt embarked on the ultimate testing trip – a 600 km journey along the Jordan Trail, from Umm Qais to the South Beach of Aqaba. VALLON’s were a vital piece of Christine’s gear, where protecting her eyes against the elements was a game-changing necessity.

“My Heron Desert glasses endured everything from rocky mountain trails to relentless desert sandstorms, and the salty waves of the Red Sea. They were stolen and recovered, played with by children, tried on by curious locals, and even sat on more than once—yet they never broke. They protected my eyes through every twist and turn of the adventure, and if the countless compliments were anything to go by, they also made me look like a heroine straight out of Mad Max.”

Read more about Christine’s adventure here.

Heron Desert is now available at vallon.com, and select specialty retailers. Explore with confidence and style, knowing your eyes are protected, and your purchase is making a positive impact on the planet.

About VALLON

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

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

Visit www.vallon.com for more information.

Follow us on social media

Instagram: @vallon_official

#ClassicStyleMaximumPerformance #theVALLONway

Media contacts

NAM

Verde Brand Communications

Becca Katz: vallon@verdepr.com

Verde PR Boulder, Colorado, USA

EMEA & All other regions

VALLON Marketing and Communications Manager

Victoria Bushnell: victoria@vallon.store

+44 (0)7766 242220

VALLON B.V. Amsterdam, Netherlands

 

 

 

North Vancouver, BC – Wednesday, March 12:  Arc’teryx Equipment, the global design company specializing in technical high-performance outerwear and equipment today announced the brands 2025 Summer Academy Series, a premier global event series designed to unite climbers of all levels in some of the world’s most iconic climbing destinations. Building on the success of previous academies, this year’s events will further elevate the experience with an expanded focus on education, sustainability, and inclusivity—reinforcing Arc’teryx’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and accessible climbing and running culture. This comes at an exciting time for the brand with the growing number of climb athletes joining the team in 2025.

“The Arc’teryx Academy Series is a cornerstone of our brand’s commitment to education, community, and progression in the mountains.” Says Shannon Reynolds, Senior Manager, Brand Experience at Arc’teryx. “These events empower outdoor enthusiasts of all levels to learn from the best-in-class guides and athletes, connect with like-minded individuals, and push their limits in a supportive environment. With an increased focus on both climbing and trail running, we’re bringing even more opportunities for attendees to develop their skills and experience the mountains in new ways.”

The 2025 Global Summer Academy Series will feature three flagship events this summer:

Climb Academy Lake District | May 24 – 26, 2025 | Great Langdale, UK

Set in the heart of the UK’s legendary climbing region, Climb Academy Lake District offers an unparalleled opportunity for climbers to refine their skills on classic trad routes and boulders. Attendees will gain hands-on instruction from Arc’teryx athletes and experienced guides through a range of clinics, from technical climbing techniques to outdoor leadership workshops. The event will also host film screenings, gear testing, and community gatherings, emphasizing Arc’teryx’s mission to inspire and educate the climbing community.

Alpine Academy Chamonix | July 3 – 6, 2025 | Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

A cornerstone of the Arc’teryx Academy Series, the Alpine Academy in Chamonix continues to be one of the world’s most anticipated climbing events of the year. With over 1,000 clinic spots available, participants can immerse themselves in alpine climbing, mountaineering, and trail running clinics. The Alpine Village in Parc Couttet will serve as the festival hub, featuring expert-led talks, film premieres, an expanded music series, and hands-on gear demos. This year, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from top athletes, including Ines Papert, Stian Hagen, and Emma Cook Clarke, who will lead specialized clinics and community sessions. The Academy Music Series will also be bigger than ever, with multiple live performances across different venues, including Parc Couttet and Maison des Artistes, bringing a high-energy cultural component to the event.

Climb Academy | August 22 – 25, 2025 | Squamish, BC, Canada

Returning for its 18th year, the Squamish Climb Academy invites climbers of all levels to experience the world-class granite of British Columbia. Participants will have the opportunity to refine their skills through technical climbing clinics, affinity sessions for women and Indigenous climbers, and adaptive climbing experiences, all led by top Arc’teryx athletes. This year, Ashima Shiraishi, Amity Warme and Jonathan Siegrist, along with other renowned climbers, will be on hand to share their expertise and inspire the next generation. The event will also feature sustainability initiatives through ReBIRD™ repair and trade-in programs, expanded Pavilion Park programming with educational seminars, a bouldering competition, and a two-night Academy Music Series that will bring the community together to celebrate the sport.

Expanding the Climbing Experience

The 2025 Arc’teryx Climb Academy Series will introduce several new and expanded initiatives, including:

• Elevated Women’s Programming & Representation – This year’s Academy will offer an expanded selection of women-focused clinics, mentorship opportunities, and community gatherings designed to foster inclusivity and progression in the sport. Led by female athletes and guides, these sessions aim to create supportive spaces for learning and connection.
• Youth & Adaptive Climbing Programs – Continued partnerships with Indigenous youth organizations and adaptive climbing athlete Craig DeMartino will help break down barriers and make climbing more accessible to diverse communities.
• Commitment to Zero Waste – Arc’teryx remains dedicated to minimizing environmental impact by maintaining Zero Waste Events, expanding ReBIRD™ circularity initiatives, and integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of the Academy.
• Growth in Trail & Mountain Running Integration – As part of the Academy’s evolving focus on mountain experiences, this year will see an expanded selection of trail running and mountain movement clinics, offering more opportunities for athletes to explore the terrain beyond vertical climbing.
• Expanded Free Day Time and Evening Programming – Pavilion Park and Vendor Village will feature an even greater mix of vendors, athlete talks, and cultural programming across all three Academies. The Academy Music Series will bring top-tier performances to Squamish and Chamonix, making it a signature element of the Arc’teryx Academy experience.

Hear it from our Arc’teryx community:

“Squamish holds a special place in my heart, and I’m beyond excited to connect with the community at this year’s Climb Academy. Whether it’s sharing beta with new climbers, swapping stories with seasoned veterans, or taking in the incredible film lineup, this event is all about coming together to celebrate the sport we love.” – Amity Warme, Arc’teryx Athlete

“As a Canadian climber, Squamish has been my training ground for years. The Academy is not just about learning technical skills; it’s about building connections and celebrating the climbing culture that makes this place so special.” – Alannah Yip, Arc’teryx Athlete

Registration details and full event programs will be available soon. For more information on the 2025 Global Summer Academy Series, visit www.arcteryxacademy.com.

Full event programs and registration details will be available soon. Key registration dates include:

• March 20, 2025 – Alpine Academy Clinic Sales Open
• March 31, 2025 – Climb Academy Lake District Clinic Sales Open
• April 16, 2025 – Squamish Climb Academy Clinic Sales Open

About Arc’teryx                                                                     

Arc’teryx is a Canadian company based in the Coast Mountains. Our design process is connected to the real world, focused on delivering durable, unrivaled performance. Our products are distributed through more than 2,400 retail locations worldwide. We are problem solvers, always evolving and searching for a better way to deliver resolved, minimalist designs. Good design that matters makes lives better.

About Arc’teryx Academy                                               

Arc’teryx Academies are a global event series that provide the most comprehensive mountain education and expertise in the world. An immersive celebration of the outdoors, that showcase our commitment to education and community. Academies are constructed around the core sports that Arc’teryx builds products for with a focus on climbing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, alpinism, and running and take place across the US, Europe, China and Canada, with smaller offerings in the UK.

 

DENVER, Colo. – March 12, 2025 – The Outside Summit, the outdoor industry gathering happening in tandem with the Outside Festival on May 29 to June 1, 2025, is pleased to announce an open call for submissions to Outside Ignite, a new pitch competition for outdoor startup companies with prizing valued at over $100,000 in combined cash and advertising value.

“Outside Ignite is more than just a startup opportunity—we see it as a catalyst for fresh ideas and bold innovation that will impact and support the future of our industry,” said Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside Interactive Inc. “Progress in our category relies on embracing new perspectives and business models that challenge the status quo. This competition, and the Outside Summit as a whole, is part of our broader commitment to keeping this industry dynamic, inclusive, and capable of driving real change.”

Outside Ignite is open to new businesses across hard goods, soft goods, services, and technology within the outdoor, health and wellness, and active lifestyle industries, from seed stages to series A. Startups interested in submitting a proposal must demonstrate a clear, positive impact on the outdoor industry and a detailed articulation of the innovative market opportunity. Once submissions close on April 11, a panel of judges will select up to five finalists to present their pitch on the first day of the Outside Summit on May 29 in Denver.

Finalists will take the stage before the judging panel and an audience of Outside Summit badge holders* to briefly present their pitches followed by a Q&A window with the judges. Judges will award a first-place prize package worth $100,000 in combined cash, media, and legal services, and a runner-up prize valued at $50,000 in advertising. The audience will then vote for the recipient of the Outside Ignite People’s Choice Award, sponsored by REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures, valued at $20,000 in advertising and cash. Awarded advertising will be executed across Outside’s platform of over 25 brands and legacy media titles, reaching an audience of over 100 million registered users, helping early startups bring critical awareness to their brands. All prize winners will be announced at the Outside Summit on May 30, 2025.

More information on submissions, winner selection, and prizes can be found here.

Sponsors for Outside Ignite include REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures, NEXT VENTURES, Cooley LLP, Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, ICELab, and Outside for Business.

*Purchasing an Outside Summit badge is not required to apply, present at, or win Outside Ignite, but is required to attend as an audience member.###

Media Contact:

Rachel Weiss rachel.weiss@backbone.media

Photo and Video Assets (Credit Outside)

About the Outside Festival and Summit

The second annual Outside Festival and Summit will take place in downtown Denver from May 29 – June 1, 2025. The Outside Festival, presented by Capital One and REI, May 31 – June 1, is a celebration of everything outdoors, featuring music, films, speakers, gear, and more. The event is driven by a partnership between Outside Interactive, Inc., The State of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Office, and Visit Denver—all with a shared vision to make the outdoors more accessible and more inclusive. The Outside Summit, May 29 – June 1, 2025, is the outdoor industry’s premier networking conference. For more information, including tickets, please visit theoutsidefestival.com.

About Outside Interactive, Inc.

Outside Interactive, Inc. is the premier destination for outdoor inspiration, activation, and celebration. Each year, Outside reaches more than 300 million unique users and has more than 100 million registered users across its network of 25 media, service, and utility brands, including Outside, MapMyFitness, Velo, Yoga Journal, Pinkbike, Gaia GPS, Trailforks, athleteReg, and more. Outside’s mission is to get everyone outside, experiencing healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives by creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside’s subscription offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, videos, gear reviews, mapping apps, online courses, discounted event access, and more. Learn more at outsideonline.com/outsideplus.

 

BOULDER, Colo. (March 12, 2025) – Matador Travel Equipment, renowned for its commitment to innovation and quality, is excited to introduce the GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack, designed and built for the world traveler with endless organization and an ultra-comfortable carry harness inspired by leading outdoor designs. The GlobeRider35 combines thoughtful engineering with rugged performance and is an expansion of Matador’s generalist travel bags, which includes the award-winning GlobeRider45.

With 35 liters of capacity and a soft-sided design, the GlobeRider35 meets most airline carry-on requirements. It’s loaded with organization and offers dual main compartment access – with a lay-flat clamshell design with flexible internal organization and an innovative top zipper for backpack-style access during transit.

“We had a lot of customer requests for a smaller version of our popular GlobeRider45 travel pack, but we had to make sure we didn’t lose the essence of the pack when we made the bite-size version,” said Chris Clearman, founder and CEO of Matador. “Just like its big brother, the Globerider35 is built for true global travel. It’ll handle whatever you throw at it. We even added a few enhancements along the way, like a top access zipper to easily get at your gear while in transit. This new pack is carry-on sized, but it still hits all the marks and makes every trip just that much smoother.”

The GlobeRider35 combines the high-performance construction of an outdoor backpack with the sleek, modern design of a travel-forward pack. Its comfortable, outdoor-inspired carry harness is paired with a full internal frame and an aluminum framestay for stability, and a cushioned back panel and shoulder straps.

Additional key features include:

• Padded and removable hip belt and sternum strap for additional support
• Rolling luggage handle pass-through
• External access admin pocket with layered organization
• Dual-access padded laptop pocket, with protected false-bottom and magnetic closure
• Zipper security loops on all external pockets
• Grab handles on top, front, back, side and bottom
• Durable, recycled materials that meet Bluesign® criteria

Matador’s GlobeRider35 (MSRP: $289.99) is available in Black, Garnet and Arctic White now at select retailers and online at http://www.matadorequipment.com/ .

ABOUT MATADOR TRAVEL EQUIPMENT
Matador, based in Boulder, CO, designs high-performance adventure travel equipment engineered for objective-based travel. The team’s strengths in design, material technology, and construction give them an edge in developing innovative products that bring outdoor expertise to the pursuit of travel. For more information about Matador, visit MatadorEquipment.com.

Gunnison, CO – March 12, 2025 – Gnara, the women-owned trailblazer in functional outdoor apparel, has teamed up with legendary snowboard brand Burton Snowboards to launch an exclusive limited-edition drop of Burton Reserve Stretch Ski Bib Pants and Midweight Base Layer Bottoms featuring Gnara’s award-winning GoFly® Pee Zipper and Flap System. The game-changing two-piece kit showcases a first-of-its-kind bib designed to provide women the ability to quickly and discreetly answer nature’s call while on the slopes, in the backcountry, or at the lodge without removing any layers. The Stretch Ski Bib pairs perfectly with the Midweight Base Layer Bottoms, keeping users warm and comfortable no matter the conditions.

Gnara was born from a simple yet frustrating problem: outdoor clothing has long neglected women’s needs. CEO and Co-Founder Georgia Grace Edwards experienced this firsthand as a glacier guide in Alaska. The challenge of relieving herself in extreme conditions exposed a significant gap in women’s technical gear. Determined to create a solution more sustainable than dehydrating herself, Edwards developed GoFly®, a patented technology that enables women to easily Answer Nature’s Call® without removing safety gear or layers, eliminating the discomfort and inconvenience of traditional snow, hike, climb, and workwear apparel.

Since launching from a Vermont dorm room as a college project in 2018, Gnara has cultivated a dedicated consumer base and received multiple outdoor industry awards across numerous product applications of the GoFly®. The game-changing Burton + Gnara Bibs + Base Layers represent the next chapter in winter recreation, combining accessible innovation with renowned quality and craftsmanship.

“This partnership proves that functional, performance-driven gear for women isn’t niche–it’s universal and necessary. For the first time ever, more than half of all American women are participating in outdoor recreation. We’re excited to reach even more of them by collaborating with Burton to bring GoFly® to two entirely new product categories and audiences for us,” said Edwards. “Burton has led the way in snowboarding innovation for nearly half a century, and together, we’re creating technical gear that truly serves every skier and rider—without limitations. Gnara is honored to play a role in helping to shape the future of snowsports, and we’re stoked about this more functional, inclusive, diverse, accessible, and fun direction for the industry. ”

Kyle Smith, Senior Developer for Research and Development at Burton Snowboard Softgoods, added, “One of the projects that I work on is our adaptive collection, and the beauty of working on so many different projects in R&D is that you often find some projects will help out other projects, and GoFly® is one of those. It’s perfect for what our sit ski community consumers need, for example. So I’m excited to see what the future holds for implementing this technology in future collections. This is up there in projects I’m most proud of being a part of in my 13 years here at Burton.”

Burton Stretch Ski Bib Pants featuring Gnara GoFlyⓇ Technology

As the only skiing and snowboarding bibs on the market to feature Gnara’s revolutionary GoFly® zipper technology, this two layer stretch fabric shell stays in place and allows wearers to “go” on the go, without having to remove jackets, bibs, or base layers in cold temperatures, without accidentally mooning anyone, and without having to hold extra fabric from a side or drop seat zip out of the way. Designed with breathable, waterproof fabrics, reinforced durability, and a sleek, rider-friendly fit in Burton’s Reserve silhouette, these high-performance bibs are built for long days (and the pit stops that come with them) on the mountain. Additional features include eight functional pockets (two zippered chest pockets, two zippered handwarmer pockets lined with microfleece, two zippered thigh pockets, and two back pockets), mesh-lined, no-snag thigh vents for temperature control, and stretch suspenders with convenient shoulder clips. MSRP: $398

Burton Midweight Base Layer Bottoms featuring Gnara GoFlyⓇ Compatible Flap Design

These ultra-comfortable base layers hit the sweet spot for warmth and breathability while integrating GoFly® functionality via two overlapping flaps through the gusset for discreet and hassle-free bathroom access. Designed in a flexible fit for ease of movement and made with recycled, BluesignⓇ approved hyper-fast moisture-wicking materials, these bottoms are the perfect foundation for any adventure. Additional features include two functional thigh pockets, chafe-free softlock seams, and a quick-dry, odor control fabric. MSRP: $98

“In addition to being a major professional milestone for Gnara, this partnership is also especially meaningful to us on a personal level,” Edwards says. “The Gnara and Burton teams have dedicated the last two ski seasons to prototyping, testing, and perfecting every detail of this launch. Sarah Steinwand, our dear friend, a veteran outdoor industry professional, and a vital member of our testing and press team, tragically passed away in a recent backcountry avalanche while splitboarding. Her remarkable insights, dedication, and expertise are woven into so many elements of these pieces, and we tribute this collection to her.”

The limited-edition Burton x Gnara Bibs and Base Layers drop is available for pre-order in two colorways, Black and Floral Blur, in inclusive sizes XS-XXXL at Gnara.com while supplies last. Product delivery from this truly one-of-a-kind partnership is expected to ship September of 2025. With this launch, Gnara aims to create a world where everyone, especially women and girls, can venture outdoors and explore just as they are—safely, comfortably, and confidently—with a “layerable” line of outdoor apparel.

For more information on Gnara and to check out their entire line of apparel, including other collabs like LIVSN x Gnara Ecotrek Overalls featuring GoFly®, check out Gnara.com.

About Gnara Apparel

Gnara designs innovative and inclusive apparel for people to feel safe, comfortable and confident to explore as they are outside. Gnara creates products at the intersection of fashion, function, and accessibility with patented GoFly® Zipper Technology, which has been recognized by Forbes, Women’s Health, USA Today, CNN, Good Housekeeping, Outside, Gear Junkie, U.S. News & World Report, Outdoor Retailer Innovation Awards, and more. Gnara’s GoFly® has revolutionized women’s apparel, empowering them to Answer Nature’s Call® without removing important safety gear or exposing skin to the elements (or others!). From hiking to serving on the front lines, Gnara helps people “go” on the go — whether at work or at play. Designed and tested in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Gnara products are available online and at outdoor retailers across the country. Learn more at https://gnara.com/ and @gnara_apparel on socials.

About Burton

In 1977, Jake Burton Carpenter founded Burton Snowboards out of his Vermont barn and dedicated the rest of his life to snowboarding. Since its founding, Burton has played a pivotal role in growing snowboarding from a backyard hobby to a world-class sport by creating groundbreaking products, supporting a team of top snowboarders, and pushing resorts to allow snowboarding. Today, Burton designs and manufactures industry-leading products for snowboarding and the outdoors. As a sustainability leader within the outdoor and winter sports industries, Burton is the world’s first snowboard company to become a certified B Corporation®. Privately held and owned by Donna Carpenter, Burton’s headquarters are in Burlington, Vermont with offices in Austria, Japan, Australia, Canada and China. For more information on Burton, head to www.burton.com and follow our line at facebook.com/burtonsnowboards, twitter.com/burtonsnowboard and @burtonsnowboards on Instagram.