Archives: Press Releases

SEATTLE (February 20, 2025) — Since 2002, Astral has led the outdoor industry in designing high-performance equipment and footwear with a commitment to protecting soil and water resources through its production process. Today, Astral announced its upcoming Spring 2025 footwear collection, featuring five new models with major updates to its cult-favorite silhouettes—the Brewer™ and TR1 Mesh™.

Designed in close collaboration with footwear design legend Tuan Le, Astral’s Spring 2025 collection introduces revolutionary innovations that will offer users some of the most natural, high-performance footwear to date.

“Our Spring 2025 collection is built to meet the demands of the trail community while continuing our legacy of innovation on the water,” said Astral Founder and CEO Philip Curry. “Whether navigating rivers or trekking for days in the wilderness, our users rely on gear that won’t fail when it matters most. We recognized critical needs in trail footwear—durability, fit, and feel—and set out to address them. By extending the lifespan of our shoes, we’re helping adventurers go farther while significantly reducing our environmental impact. Longer-lasting products mean greater value for our community and a lighter footprint on the planet’s water and soil.”

New to the Spring 2025 collection are the Nosobo™, Techyak™, TR1 Mesh 2.0™, Brewer 3.0™, and Crewer™. Astral introduces the world’s first Rechargeable™ hiking shoes, redefining durability and performance with the Nosobo™ and Techyak™. Featuring the innovative Rechargeable™ Drop-In Midsole, these shoes offer exceptional comfort and responsiveness while allowing for easy midsole replacement—extending their lifespan far beyond traditional trail footwear. Additionally, Astral debuts Astralite™, a proprietary supercritical foam that enhances cushioning and energy return while being more environmentally sustainable to produce and offering a cleaner end-of-life cycle. Select models in the Spring 2025 collection will also feature Biodynamic Fit™, providing a roomier toe box that expands on  Astral’s signature natural fit.

Nosobo™ – The World’s First Rechargeable Hiking Shoe

Astral’s Nosobo™ is a trail shoe like no other—engineered for the perfect balance of ground feel, cushioning, durability, and grip, hikers can expect a truly unique, natural ride. Built for long-distance adventures, it features the Rechargeable™ Drop-In Midsole, allowing wearers to restore cushioning instead of replacing their shoes once they become ‘packed out’. DirectConnect™ construction bonds the upper directly to the outsole, reducing the risk of delamination, while Biodynamic Shape™, G.15 Rubber™, and the Trail Grip 2™ outsole provide exceptional stability and traction. Launching April 9, 2025, in three colors for all genders at $159, the Nosobo™ sets a new standard for performance and sustainability.

Techyak™ – Performance Meets Innovation

For those seeking the perfect blend of minimalism, natural movement, and trail-ready durability, the all-new Techyak™ delivers. This trail shoe offers a natural fit, zero-drop heel, and exceptional grip, making it an ideal choice for runners and hikers who crave a minimalist feel without sacrificing performance. Built with Rechargeable™ midsoles, DirectConnect™ outsole, and Astral’s new Biodynamic Shape™, the Techyak™ enhances fit and comfort while maintaining the flexibility and traction needed for the most technical terrain. The Techyak™ will be available in four colors for all genders, launching on April 22, 2025, for a retail price of $149.

TR1 Mesh 2.0™ – Next-Generation Amphibious Hiking

Engineered with Astralite™, the highest performance road running tech available is now available in an ultra-lightweight, exceptionally breathable trail shoe. The TR1 Mesh 2.0™ combines enhanced stability, grip, and ventilation with an improved fit and modernized style, making it as versatile as it is functional. Featuring Astral’s signature balanced geometry, water-ready construction, and exceptional grip, this upgraded trail shoe offers the perfect blend of performance, versatility, and style. The TR1 Mesh 2.0™ will be available in two colors for all genders, launching on February 26, 2025, for a retail price of $149.

Brewer™ 3.0 – A Reengineered Classic

The iconic Brewer™ series advances with the all-new, reengineered Brewer™ 3.0—designed to elevate adventures both on and off the water. Building on over a decade of improvements, this latest edition boasts an improved fit, barefoot comfort and the same legendary performance Astral fans rely on. Featuring an upper made entirely from 100% recycled materials, the Brewer™ 3.0 delivers balanced geometry and unbeatable grip for any terrain. The Brewer™ 3.0 is available now in five colors for a retail price of $135.

Crewer™ – High-Performance for Life on the Water

Inspired by the iconic Brewer™, the Crewer™ is Astral’s new high-performance deck shoe—designed to deliver top-tier performance on and off the water. Engineered with an ultra-ventilated, quick-drying mesh upper, best-in-class grip, and balanced geometry, this lightweight shoe is built for boating, travel, and all things summer. Whether navigating slippery decks or exploring coastal towns, the Crewer™ offers a heightened blend of function, style, and comfort to keep up with any adventure. The Crewer™ is available now in three colors for a retail price of $129.

Astral’s Spring 2025 footwear collection will be released throughout the first half of 2025 at astraldesigns.com and through participating retail partners. For more information about Astral and its latest collection, please visit astraldesigns.com.

ABOUT ASTRAL
Established in 2002, Astral designs high performance wilderness equipment created in the least toxic, lowest impact ways. Built on decades of experience and experimentation, Astral has assembled athletes, artists, and craftspeople to build the cleanest, most beautiful, and highest performing gear. Astral has significantly reduced toxic PVC foam from the PFD industry, invented breathable life jackets, won awards for their paradigm changing footwear designs, and developed the stickiest rubber ever worn on wet rock. Visit www.astraldesigns.com for more information.

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Media Contact:
Max Akselrad | Verde Brand Communications | (917) 699-8491 | max@verdepr.com

 

 

 

Red Lodge, Mont. (Feb. 19, 2025) – Crazy Creek Products, a pioneer in portable outdoor seating, is proud to announce the launch of two new products — the AirLounger and the Canoe IV chairs. With these latest innovations, Crazy Creek continues its mission to provide outdoor enthusiasts with high-performance gear designed for comfort, durability, and convenience.

The AirLounger is an inflatable 2-in-1 chair and sleep pad that offers versatility for a range of activities, from lounging by the lake to relaxing around the campfire. In chair mode, the AirLounger provides a comfortable seating option with customizable cushion layers. For those moments when you want to stretch out and relax, the AirLounger transforms into pillow mode, offering the perfect headrest. When it’s time for bed, the AirLounger unfolds into a 50-inch sleep pad, providing a compact and comfortable sleeping solution. This chair can fully inflate in only five breaths, weighs 32 ounces, and rolls up to a compact 3-inch diameter. The AirLounger MSRP is $139.95 USD.

The second-ever inflatable chair in the Crazy Creek lineup, the AirLounger builds on the design and success of the AirCliner. Launched in 2024, the AirCliner is the most compact Crazy Creek to date. It’s durable, as it’s made with recycled 420D/210D ripstop nylon, compact, as it rolls to a 2.7-inch diameter (or less), weighs 29 ounces, and comes with a one-year limited warranty.

The Canoe IV Chair is an update to the iconic Canoe III, trusted by canoe fans across North America and Europe for over 20 years. Designed with feedback from customers and retailers, the Canoe IV Chair offers several key improvements, enhancing both comfort and durability. The chair features a low-profile Crazy Creek wing design, a multi-foam layer bottom cushion, and drain holes to eliminate puddling. The Canoe IV also has a strap system to securely attach it to any canoe, making it ideal for long days on the water. For ease of transport, the chair folds flat, and the side straps ensure easy storage and portability, allowing for effortless carrying wherever your adventures take you. The Canoe IV weighs 36 ounces and the seat back measures 16.5 inches tall by 15.5 inches wide, while the seat bottom is 10.5 inches deep by 15.5 inches wide. The Canoe IV MSRP is $79.95 USD.

Both the AirLounger and Canoe IV are built to last. The AirLounger is made with a PFAS-free water-repellent coating and ripstop nylon. The Canoe IV features durable, TPU-waterproof coated fabric with welded seams, ensuring it performs in any weather.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve our products to meet the needs of our consumers,” said Karson Bagby, Co-Owner of Crazy Creek. “The AirLounger and the Canoe IV Chair reflect our commitment to innovation and quality. We know that comfort is key to a good outdoor experience, and we’re proud to offer two new products that provide unmatched versatility, durability, and convenience”

Both the AirLounger and the Canoe IV Chair will be available for purchase in March 2025.

For more information about Crazy Creek and its range of outdoor seating, please visit crazycreek.com. For media inquiries, please contact Alexa McRoberts, alexa@verdepr.com.

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About Crazy Creek

Founded in 1987 in Red Lodge, Montana, Crazy Creek has been a pioneer in outdoor seating, known for its innovative, lightweight chairs. The brand’s mission to perfect “just sit there” comfort across any terrain has garnered trust worldwide among outdoor professionals and enthusiasts alike. Renowned for their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, Crazy Creek chairs have traveled from the backcountry of Northern Alaska to sunny backyards in Southern Florida. The product line includes a range of chairs crafted from the most durable fabrics, featuring carbon fiber stays and a custom stitching process, all backed by a lifetime warranty on Original & Hex 2.0 Chairs. In 2024, Crazy Creek introduced the AirCliner, its most compact and comfortable chair yet. For more information, visit crazycreek.com.

About Verde Brand Communications

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

Washington, D.C. (Feb. 19, 2025) —  Over the last few days, at the direction of the new administration, the Forest Service, BLM, and National Park Service have laid off over 5,000 people, including several Park Rangers. These reductions will make it harder for agencies to care for public lands and ensure safe, enjoyable outdoor experiences.

Over the last ten years, staffing at land management agencies has steadily declined even as visitation has increased (source). Since 2010, the NPS has seen a 20% reduction in full-time staff despite a 16% increase in visitation during the same period (source). The Forest Service has been facing ongoing budget shortfalls, which include a recent hiring freeze for seasonal workers, further straining its ability to maintain trails, campgrounds, and recreation sites.

These additional cuts will have significant consequences for outdoor recreation. They could mean long lines or closures of popular trails, parks, forests, and other recreation infrastructure. Contracts for trash removal, toilets, and campgrounds have been stalled and could prevent Americans from getting out and enjoying their public lands safely this summer.

Beyond recreation, these cuts could also hamper emergency response efforts and wildfire prevention. Seasonal employees play an essential role in wildfire preparedness by clearing hazardous fuels and assisting with initial attack efforts—reducing their ranks could increase the risk of uncontrolled wildfires on public lands and in nearby communities.

Louis Geltman, Vice President for Policy and Government Relations at Outdoor Alliance, said, “We are deeply sorry to hear about the staffing cuts rolling in across federal land management agencies. Land managers do incredibly important work, often for long hours at modest pay. They are at the front line for stewarding the resources we all care so much about, and the loss of these workers will have real, tangible impacts on our public lands and waters, outdoor recreation, and community safety as we start to move into fire season.”

Without adequate staffing and resources, our experiences outside, the health of public lands, and the outdoor recreation economy will suffer. Outdoor Alliance has established a quick-action form to help the public send personalized letters to their lawmakers. You can ask your members of Congress to take urgent action to protect the workforce that keeps America’s public lands safe, accessible, and well cared for.

To learn more, please visit www.outdooralliance.org.

About Outdoor Alliance

Outdoor Alliance is the only organization in the U.S. that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands. A nonprofit coalition comprised of 10 national advocacy organizations, Outdoor Alliance’s members include American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, the Colorado Mountain Club, and the Surfrider Foundation. By working with its member coalitions and helping mobilize the involvement of individuals to protect public lands and waters, OA helps ensure public lands are managed in a way that embraces the human-powered experience. Outdoor Alliance — conservation powered by outdoor recreation. Learn more at OutdoorAlliance.org.

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FRISCO, Texas (Feb. 19, 2025) – Wiley X, a global leader and pioneer in premium protective eyewear, has expanded its sales leadership team with the addition of three seasoned executives: Seth Quackenbush as Director of Sales for the Outdoor Division, Jack Schindler as National Sales Manager for the Outdoor Division, and Johnathan Weikum as Director of Sales for the Optical Division. These strategic hires underscore Wiley X’s commitment to enhancing its presence in key markets and providing exceptional service to its retail partners and customers.

With over 20 years of experience growing renowned brands such as Ride, Fjällräven, and Stanley, Seth Quackenbush brings a deep understanding of the outdoor industry. His leadership at Stanley played a pivotal role in the brand’s recent success, and he is now focused on strengthening Wiley X’s partnerships to elevate the brand’s impact in the outdoor market.

“I am honored to join the world-class team at Wiley X,” said Quackenbush. “Wiley X is a truly authentic brand with industry-leading products and a deep legacy that is second to none. I’m excited to collaborate with our internal team, reps, and retail partners to expand our presence in the outdoor market.”

In his new role as National Sales Manager for Wiley X’s Outdoor Division, Schindler also brings over 20 years of experience driving revenue and brand development for industry leaders. His previous experience includes stints at O’Neill, C1RCA, and Adio Footwear. He has a proven track record of exceeding sales targets and fostering long-term client relationships. Schindler’s entrepreneurial background and deep understanding of the action sports and outdoor markets make him a key asset to the Wiley X team.

“As a veteran-founded and family-owned company, Wiley X embodies a commitment to excellence that aligns with my principles,” says Jack Schindler. “I look forward to helping grow the outdoor division and contributing to the company’s continued success.”

Wiley X has also welcomed Johnathan Weikum as Director of Sales for the Optical Division. With extensive experience in the eyewear industry, Weikum played a key role in launching and expanding Costa’s Optical and Sunglass Specialty Channel, driving the growth of its 580 Rx Authentic lens program and leading national sales initiatives. He later spearheaded strategic partnerships for Costa and Oakley, driving business development and fostering relationships with industry leaders. Recognized for his excellence, he earned Gold and Silver Presidents Circle Awards at Essilor Luxottica for top-tier sales performance.

“I am honored to leverage Wiley X’s legacy as a leader in premium protective eyewear,” said Weikum. “My goal is to create, design, and implement a comprehensive approach that prioritizes patient care, fosters long standing partnerships within the optical industry, and enhances customer engagement. By delivering superior optics and exceptional customer service, we strive to meet the diverse needs of professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyday consumers. Collaborating with Aaron Quigley and the executive team to revolutionize the optical channel with an innovative salesforce strategy is incredibly exciting.”

For more information, or for dealer inquiries, please contact Wiley X Customer Service at (800) 776-7842 to be put in touch with the sales representative for your area.

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About Wiley X

Veteran-founded in 1987, Wiley X has been producing the world’s most protective eyewear to various markets that rely on impact resistance for over 30 years. Myles Freeman Sr., a military veteran, started Wiley X to protect the eyes of those who protected America. The company’s military heritage helped carve a roadmap for Wiley X in the years to follow for many well-respected weekend warriors. Every adult sunglass style made by Wiley X meets ANSI Z87.1 High Velocity and High Mass Impact Safety Standards, for protection that goes far beyond the harmful rays of the sun. Several styles also meet U.S. military MIL-PRF-32432 (GL) standards for ballistic eye protection, a key reason why Wiley X has been a leading provider of vision protection equipment to the U.S. military and law enforcement for more than 30 years.