Archives: Press Releases

Asheville-based craftsman Colin Buxton to lead outdoor furniture brand

ASHEVILLE, NC – Blue Ridge Chair Works, a renowned outdoor furniture manufacturer, has announced Colin Buxton as the new craftsman to lead the team and introduce a brand refresh that embodies its unwavering commitment to heritage and quality craftsmanship. With Buxton at the helm, the brand is ready to continue its growth and success in the portable outdoor furniture market.

After many years of guiding the company, Alan Davis of Blue Ridge Chair Works has passed the torch to Buxton, a skilled craftsman who shares the same passion for the great outdoors and commitment to quality craftsmanship. Buxton specializes in fine furniture making and brings more than five years of woodworking experience to the brand. Before joining Blue Ridge Chair Works, Buxton worked for Shackleton, a Vermont-based custom furniture and hand tools shop. As lead craftsman for the brand, he is committed to maintaining its focus on sustainability and local manufacturing and prioritizing the use of locally sourced wood and eco-friendly production methods. Buxton is also exploring new ways to reduce waste and increase efficiency, such as repurposing scrap materials to create new products. With his dedication to the craft and the outdoors, Buxton is well-equipped to take Blue Ridge Chair Works to new heights and continue the brand’s tradition of producing high-quality, functional, and durable outdoor furniture.

“As a lover of the outdoors and woodworking, it made perfect sense for me to join a company that specializes in bringing people together outside through quality handcrafted furniture,” shared Buxton. “I am excited to bring my personal touch to designs while maintaining the timeless feel for which Blue Ridge Chair Works is known. With my background in making studio furniture, I hope to implement new ideas and influences into the brand all while staying true to our traditions and craftsmanship.”

For more than 20 years, Blue Ridge Chair Works has been dedicated to producing exceptional outdoor furniture that combines durability, functionality, and style. Its mission is to create furniture that not only enhances the outdoor experience but can also be passed down for generations, while maintaining its unique charm. In line with this mission, the company has unveiled a new logo that reflects its core values of preserving the heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains and creating high-quality, long-lasting products. The design embodies the essence of the outdoors, representing simplicity in style, function, and attitude.

To view the new Blue Ridge Chair Works brand refresh and website, visit blueridgechair.com. For media inquiries or more info, contact Lysianne Peacock at lysianne@darbycommunications.com.

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About Blue Ridge Chair Works

Blue Ridge Chair Works handcrafts high-quality, portable wood furniture in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Established in 2000 by a local river guide who originally made custom wood paddles, the company has since expanded into a sustainably driven business committed to creating consciously made, timeless goods. Blue Ridge Chair Works’ tables and chairs are designed to enhance outdoor experiences whether you’re camping, enjoying time on the beach, or spending time in the backyard with friends. The company takes pride in sourcing sustainable and locally sourced materials to create high-quality, durable, and environmentally conscious products that are built to last. You can learn more at blueridgechair.com or follow us on social media @blueridgechairworks.

 

The Brevard, NC-based innovative camper will be on display in the Go RVing Hall

Brevard, NC – April 3, 2023 – SylvanSport, the Brevard, NC-based innovator and manufacturer of pop-up campers, rooftop tents, renowned travel trailers, and outdoor gear with a mission to make outdoor adventure accessible, is proud to add the award-winning GO camping trailer to the Go RVing Hall at the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart, Indiana for its second appearance in the last two years. The GO will be featured there as a multi-month exhibit.

The Go RVing Hall, sponsored by the Go RVing Coalition, celebrates the role of the Go RVing campaign in modern RV history while honoring the past through an interactive museum with video, art, and computer kiosks to research campers and RVs. Visitors will have the opportunity to step inside and see the versatile features of the GO camping trailer. The GO is the newest camper on site and represents 18 years of innovation.

“It is an honor to have the GO pop-up camper included in the RV/MH Hall of Fame again because it’s an important part of RV’ing history and one we want museum visitors to experience first-hand,” shared Tom Dempsey, founder, and CEO of SylvanSport. “The GO has become an innovative symbol redefining and bridging the worlds of RV camping and adventure camping, and to this day is one of the best ways to experience the outdoors in a comfortable, economical, and simple way.”

The GO is a deluxe pop-up camper delivering one-of-a-kind comfort and connection with nature while offering universal cargo hauling capabilities, including a variety of gear and recreational equipment such as bikes and kayaks, as well as other hauling needs. At only 840 pounds, the GO is a great option for those who drive EVs and SylvanSport has seen strong traction in that emerging market. The GO has garnered a passionate community of campers and leisure seekers across the country, and has earned multiple recognitions and awards, including an International Design Excellence Award (IDEA) Gold award. “We feel honored to have the GO camping trailer displayed in the museum,” said Ryan Szklarek, Executive Vice President of RV/MH Hall of Fame. “It is a great present-day piece for the museum to allow our visitors a look into modern day options!”

For more information on SylvanSport, visit www.sylvansport.com or direct media inquiries to Mindy Smith at mindy@darbycommunications.com. For more information on RV/MH Hall of Fame, visit rvmhhalloffame.org or direct media inquiries to Kelsey McDaniel at museum@rvmhhalloffame.org.

ABOUT SYLVANSPORT

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, SylvanSport is the leader in innovative, lightweight tow behind campers and outdoor gear. Since 2004, SylvanSport’s mission has been to make camping more comfortable for everyone to enjoy. SylvanSport’s products range from personal camping gear including backpacks, sleep systems, and camping kitchens to rooftop tents, gear trailers, haulers, pop-up campers, and travel trailers including the award-winning GO camper and Vast travel trailer. Visit sylvansport.com to learn more.

Enter to win a weekly gear drawing, or the grand prize gear and stay package at one of Hipcamp’s premiere U.S. campsite locations 

 

Denver, Colo.—Hipcamp, REI Co-op and GearJunkie today announced their #SaveASpot sweepstakes collaboration to kick off the camping season. The sweepstakes will award a grand prize of a fully outfitted trip to a top Hipcamp destination, and gear prizes for 25 additional winners (five chosen each week) starting April 10, 2023. The sweepstakes launches on April 3, 2023, at GearJunkie.com/saveaspot.

Hipcamp gift certificates, and some of the season’s newest and greatest gear from REI (including brands like REI Co-op, Black Diamond, Hest, Coleman, Stanley, Dometic, BioLite and more), will be awarded to lucky winners via weekly drawings. The grand prize includes a two night stay at any available Hipcamp in the U.S. for up to four people (the winner and guests), a $1,000 travel stipend, plus a grand prize camping package from REI to keep after the trip.

“Imagine arriving at a coastal ranch or an incredible vista overlooking a national park to find your campsite set up and waiting with your dream list of gear,” said Hipcamp Head of Partnerships Kristen Vasan. “We see an opportunity to create more magical experiences by surprising and delighting Hipcampers with gear and amenities that will make their trip unforgettable. We’re thrilled to collaborate with REI by delivering some of the most popular outdoor gear to campers at our one-of-a-kind Hipcamp sites.”

“GearJunkie strives to motivate people to get outdoors and explore, and with #SaveASpot we are excited to offer some incredible gear with REI and a weekend away at a Hipcamp,” said Stephen Regenold, founder of GearJunkie.

Hipcamp offers access to more than 500,000 campsites, cabins, yurts, treehouses, RV sites, and other outdoor stays across America. The #SaveASpot Grand Prize winner will choose where they want to go and travel this summer for an ultimate weekend of adventure.

See sweepstake entry rules, details and a full list of the weekly prize and grand prize gear at GearJunkie.com/saveaspot.

 

ABOUT HIPCAMP

Founded in 2013, Hipcamp is the world’s largest provider of outdoor stays. It gives a growing community of good-natured people the opportunity to list, discover, and book unique outdoor experiences. The fully remote company operates in North America, Europe, and Australia, and to date has helped people spend more than 7 million nights under the stars. When listing on Hipcamp, farmers, ranchers, vintners, and other landowners generate new revenue streams to steward their land and keep working lands working. By making it simple to get outside, Hipcamp protects habitat and supports a growing love for the land.

ABOUT GEARJUNKIE

GearJunkie is a top media site for news and product reviews in the outdoors world. The site is a part of the AllGear Digital network of owned and operated media properties focused on new products, the outdoors, and active-lifestyle pursuits.

ABOUT REI

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 21.5 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 181 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app.

 

REI Co-op introduces its new Trailmade collection, aimed to accommodate more people’s needs for hiking and backpacking. This collection provides customers with affordable gear and apparel options, including gender-free sleeping bags, backpacks, trekking poles, hiking apparel and jackets, and more inclusive sizing options across the line.  

“Trailmade is all about alleviating the feeling of having to fit into a limited mold,” says Amy Marks, REI Co-op product designer. “We’ve created a line that’s intended to fit more bodies and lifestyles, and help people feel more comfortable outside, without compromising durability and performance.”  

The Trailmade collection was designed from the ground up and guided by insights from members of REI’s inclusion advisory panel of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, body positive and adaptive communities in collaboration with Unlikely Hikers, Latino Outdoors, 52 Hike Challenge, The Venture Out Project, and Fresh Tracks at the Aspen Institute. The panel added feedback to inspire designs that were familiar, approachable to more people, and reduced common feelings of intimidation that frequently come with getting started outside.  

“For too long, we’ve had to make outdoor gear work for us that wasn’t made with our unique access needs—be they fit, function or financial—in mind,” said Jenny Bruso, founder of Unlikely Hikers. “The Trailmade collection is more than an invitation to the table. It’s an invitation to getting our best lives outside.” 

The Trailmade collection is available exclusively for REI members in REI stores and on REI.com through May 1, when sales open to the broader public. Designed to best suit the needs and lifestyles of the ever-evolving outdoor enthusiasts. Highlights include: 

• REI Co-op Trailmade 20 Sleeping Bag: This year the co-op introduces an affordable, gender-free sleeping bag in a variety of sizes for under $100. This synthetic, 20-degree, mummy-style sleeping bag provides warmth and comfort, even under damp conditions, designed for all body shapes. The bag is available in six sizes including short, short wide, regular, regular wide, long, and long wide sizing. $99.95. 

• REI Co-op Trailmade 60-Liter Pack: This pack’s adjustable torso design makes it easy for people of different sizes to enjoy or share with a regular fit range of XS to 4X for women, S to 4X for men. $149. 

• REI Co-op Trailmade 2 Tent with Footprint: This two-door, two vestibule tent is designed with a dome-shaped, two-pole configuration and color coding for an easy set-up. $179. 

• REI Co-op Trailmade Apparel: Includes a variety of tops from fleece layers to rainproof shells, and bottoms from hiking shorts to hiking pants, all available in tall options for men as well as a range of men’s S-XXXL and women’s XS-3X. Pricing varies. 

About the REI Co-op  

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 21.5 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 181 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all. 

New Products Hit Shelves April 1st. 

Nikwax, the international leader in technical cleaners and waterproofing products for outdoor gear and apparel, has added to its already wide breadth of products with the launch of its oral care line. Tooth Wash® and Plaque Proof® will be available as both stand-alone products and together in a convenient DUO-Pack.

Proper oral care is an essential component of good physical health. Just as important as getting outside to sweat and soak up nature, outdoorists need to be mindful of proper oral care. Nikwax’s new Tooth Wash is a technical cleaner for teeth that effectively cleans, revitalizes, and restores luster to your pearly whites without harming the enamel. Plaque Proof, when used in conjunction with Tooth Wash, adds plaque repellency and revives enamel. The two products together offer a revolutionary advancement in oral care that replaces brushing—just one wash with each is equivalent to brushing with an electric toothbrush five times, and flossing! With Tooth Wash and Plaque Proof, you can maximize your time on the trail and minimize your time brushing, while simultaneously brightening your smile by 112%! See our product video here. 

“Launching into the personal care market just seemed like the obvious next step for Nikwax, and completely aligns with our long-term strategic growth plan,” said Nikwax NA President, Brian Davidson. “Customers already come to us for fast, easy, and safe solutions to make their gear last longer, so why wouldn’t they look to us for ways to cut their dental care time down so they can continue to do the things they love outside?”

As with all Nikwax products, Tooth Wash and Plaque Proof are water-based, PFAS-free, and come in bottles made from 100% recycled and recyclable plastic. Easy color coordinated packaging—Green for Clean, Purple for Proof, are available now at your local Nikwax retailer or dentist. MSRP: $24.95.

For more information and to locate your nearest retailer, please contact aprilfools@nikwax.com.

Founded in 1977, Nikwax is the trusted global leader in environmentally safe cleaning and waterproofing solutions that extend the performance life of outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment. The brand’s 45-year commitment to clean chemistry means never using PFCs or aerosols, and not testing on animals. Its product line is water-based and non-persistent, and all product bottles are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic that can also be recycled. Nikwax has carbon balanced all 45 years of its operations and became an employee-owned trust in 2022. For media inquiries and more information, please contact Kate Ketschek at Revolution House Media, kate@revolutionhousemedia.com.