Archives: Press Releases

Portland, OR  – Snow Peak, a Japanese camping brand with over 60 years of history, is pleased to announce a partnership with FUTURE LIFE FACTORY by Panasonic creative studio, exploring the theme of Naosobi, or “playing with nature” as it develops new products intended to deepen our society’s connection to nature. 

Noasobi literally translates to “playing in the field,” but it illustrates a broader picture of the joy experienced in nature. Noasobi is the peaceful feeling of waking up with the sunshine on your face. It’s sharing a beer with friends as you swap stories. It’s a child’s excitement at seeing their first shooting star.  

FUTURE LIFE FACTORY by Panasonic is a studio in Panasonic’s Design Center specializing in cutting-edge development, rethinking what it means to live well in the future. The studio explores  new types of businesses, taking a creative approach based on human values and social issues. 

Inspired by a fireside discussion, FUTURE LIFE FACTORY by Panasonic and Snow Peak USA began a collaborative partnership in 2022.  Over the past year, the teams have hosted numerous listening and innovation sessions at Snow Peak HQ in Japan, in Portland and soon in New York City. The brands believe that deepening our connection to nature inspires  the world’s environmental issues, and seek creative ways to solve them.  The end goal of the partnership is to bring new technologies to consumers as a way to remind us that we are a part of nature. 

“I first connected with the Panasonic team around a bonfire in 2021, when wildfires in North America were causing significant damage. Our discussion about the future began when we shared our sense of crisis and loss, which ran deeper than just a piece of news from a camper’s perspective,” said Snow Peak Chief Brand Officer Yui Uchida. “We believe our future lives will be richer if we all take the viewpoint of playing in and learning from nature, and hope this will offer people a new perspective on environmental issues.”

“As a design group that thinks about future lifestyles, we feel the need to think not only about life in the home, but also to expand the sphere of our lives. The opportunity to think about this with Snow Peak, an expert in the field, was important inspiration,” said Tomoaki Ino, Lead Designer at Panasonic FUTURE LIFE FACTORY “Additionally, when considering major social issues such as environmental problems, I feel it’s essential to move beyond a limited vision conceptualized by one department of one company, and instead take a synergistic approach through collaboration with companies from different industries.”

FUTURE LIFE FACTORY by Panasonic and Snow Peak are inviting the public to test experience tools through a workshop taking place March 17-19th at Snow Peak Brooklyn. Individuals will have the opportunity to take part in immersive experiences melding the digital and natural worlds. Additional event details below: 

Snow Peak USA × FUTURE LIFE FACTORY by Panasonic “Noasobi × Kurashi Exhibition 

Friday, March 17th  – Sunday, March 19th, 2023, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm  

Snow Peak Brooklyn, 76 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249

RSVP via the event website: https://www.snowpeak.com/blogs/explore/future-life-factory 

About Snow Peak         

Founded in Japan in 1958, Snow Peak is a camping brand serving customers in the USA for more than 20 years, with a mission to unite people and alleviate the stresses of modern life through time gathering outside. Its Japanese-designed, lifetime-guaranteed camping equipment serves as a catalyst for restorative experiences in nature. Focused on bringing people together, Snow Peak operates immersive retail locations in Portland and New York City, as well as a Portland restaurant, Takibi, a PNW izakaya that brings to life the brand’s belief that time spent sharing food and drink by the fire is the best way to connect with one another. snowpeak.com

About FUTURE LIFE FACTORY by Panasonic

FUTURE LIFE FACTORY is Panasonic’s design studio that seeks to answer the question, “What does a fulfilling future look like?” Through creative and out-of-the-box thinking, it continues to present the world with ideas that envision a richer future for all.

 

Vimazi, a Pacific Northwest-based running shoe startup, has announced the release of their first models of pace-tuned running shoes, which are now available online. They’ll be available at select retailers in the next few weeks. Vimazi’s innovative pace-tuned shoes are engineered to deliver peak performance tailored to a specific pace zone. 

 

Pioneering a new era in running footwear, Vimazi leverages its patent-pending technology, developed from the complex physics of the running gait,  to provide optimal cushioning on impact and maximum propulsion efficiency during push-off for each runner’s pace.

 

“We’re breaking with the old-school thinking that a mega-thick ‘bouncy’ shoe helps you run faster,” says Vimazi CEO Scott Tucker. “The idea that you can put energy into a shoe and it will make you faster by returning more energy violates the law of energy conservation. At Vimazi, we’ve tuned the densities of the heel versus the forefoot in each of our models, so they compress optimally to forces of the impact and propulsion phases of the stride – which vary according to the pace you run. Doing this delivers more shock absorption at impact and minimizes energy loss at push-off. Over the long run, our shoes reduce cumulative strain on the body and maximize efficiency.”

 

This week marks the beginning of shipping the Z40 (6:15-7:45 min/mi), Z50 (7:15-8:45 min/mi), Z60 (8:30-10:30 mini/mi) and Z70 (10:00-12:30 mini/mi) models. The Z20 and Z30 are slated to arrive in early spring. With additional trail and walking shoes coming later in 2023. 

 

“We’re stoked to share our pace-tuned running shoes with the world,” says Vimazi Chief Marketing Officer, John Zilly. “Vimazi has shoes that will give every runner the best performance and efficacy no matter if they are a casual weekly runner or an elite pro and we can’t wait for everyone to try them out.”

 

Vimazi is also excited to announce a number of special retailers that will carry the new collection. Shu’s Idaho Running Company in Boise, Idaho, North Coast Runners Supply in Astoria, Ore., Seven Hills Running in Seattle, Wash., NW Tri & Bike in Kent, Wash. and Elephant’s Perch, Ketchum, Idaho. The Vimazi team expects additional retailers within the next few months. 

 

To learn more about Vimazi, follow along on social media and sign up for their email newsletter at https://vimazi.com/.  

 

About Vimazi

A running shoe startup founded by industry veterans and lifelong marathoners, Vimazi makes shoes tuned for the pace of the runner. The shoes are engineered to provide better cushioning and more efficiency. It’s the logical evolution and personalization of running shoe design. Vimazi pace-tuned running shoes are now available online and select retailers. For additional information, please visit vimazi.com or email faster@vimazi.com.

Outdoor Eats, the ultimate camp cooking resource founded by classically trained Chef Corso proudly announces its partnership with Darby Communications, an Asheville-based PR and marketing agency specializing in outdoors, active lifestyle, fishing, and food and beverage markets. Effective immediately, Darby Communications will serve as Outdoor Eats’ agency of record, working closely with Chef Corso to share the mission of elevated meals outdoors by promoting a collection of trail-ready cookbooks, online recipes, an upcoming TV series, and sourcing opportunities for brand partnerships and events.

“When I originally connected with Darby Communications regarding a brand partnership with one of their existing clients, I became curious about how public relations could help to expand awareness of Outdoor Eats,” said Chef Corso, Founder of Outdoor Eats. “2023 is shaping up to be an important year for Outdoor Eats, and I’m thrilled to have Darby Communications as an extension of my marketing team.” 

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Chef Corso is a classically trained chef with over 20 years of restaurant and food development experience. While backpacking in North Cascades National Park, Chef Corso was inspired to shake up the status quo of pre-packaged and processed camp food. With both his extensive culinary and food science experience, Chef Corso started developing and testing recipes with the hiker and camper in mind– easy to shop for, easy to pack, mindful of pack weight and volume, easy to make, and unbelievably delicious. All recipes are created by Chef Corso and trail-tested by a member of the Outdoor Eats community to ensure they’re easy, quick, tasty, and nourishing. Adventurers can choose between over 275 recipes, customized meal plans, or trail-ready cookbooks to create meals that will get you excited about your camp meals. All recipes are 10 ingredients or less,  ready in 30 minutes or less, require no dehydrating, and work with dietary restrictions.

Darby Communications will work to expand the Outdoor Eats community by promoting Chef Corso’s trail-ready cookbooks, his growing YouTube channel, an upcoming TV series produced by Heliconia TV, and by seeking opportunities for interviews, brand partnerships, and events. 

“Here at Darby, we appreciate good food just as much as a good day outdoors, and there’s no reason the two shouldn’t go together,” says Darby Communications Media Relations Director, Suzanne Hermann. “We love Chef Corso’s mission to make elevated outdoor meals that are approachable and healthy alternatives to traditional dehydrated camp meals. We’re thrilled to help Chef Corso grow the Outdoor Eats community and empower adventurers to improve their backcountry cooking skills.”

For more information on Outdoor Eats or to connect with Chef Corso, contact Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com.

About Outdoor Eats

Founded by classically trained Chef Corso, Outdoor Eats is a backcountry culinary resource for the outdoor adventurer. With over 20 years of restaurant and food research experience, Chef Corso has developed and tested over 200 trail-ready recipes for backpackers and campers looking to ditch pre-packaged, processed, and dehydrated meals. From pocket-sized cookbooks, customizable meal plans, community workshops, a successful YouTube channel, and an upcoming TV series, Outdoor Eats gives outdoors people the tools necessary to create easy to pack, easy to make, and above all, tasty recipes in the backcountry. Trading fine dining rooms for mountain vistas, Chef Corso is changing what it means to be a chef. Learn more at www.outdooreats.com, follow on Instagram @outdooreats365, or subscribe on YouTube. 

About Darby Communications

Darby Communications is a boutique PR & digital marketing agency serving the outdoor, active lifestyle, fishing, and craft food and beverage industries through impactful media placement, digital advertising, email marketing, social media management, and content writing. Headquartered in Asheville, NC with a coast-to-coast portfolio, Darby Communications takes a team approach to everything it does for clients and has worked with many respected companies. Learn more at www.darbycommunications.com or follow on social @darbycomm.

Silipint, the Oregon-based brand known for its fun and colorful silicone drinkware, is pleased to announce their partnership with Outtech Inc., an outdoor industry leader in sales and marketing. Outtech will be working closely with Silipint as their sales representation partners nationwide in Hunting, Shooting Sports, Camping, Outdoor Sports Channels and Farm & Home/Hardware. 

“Silicone drinkware has so many applications in the world of outdoor recreation,” explained Outtech President John Seliga, “and there is no doubt that Silipint is a category leader in product quality and innovation. Our team is so excited to sell these unique products to our retailers, and we know they are a perfect fit for our consumers and their active lifestyles.”

Silipint launched in 2010 with its patented silicone pint cup that propelled the brand into a successful drinkware company specializing in customized drinkware. Today, Silipint has evolved into a spirited durability-focused brand. Its expansive line of unbreakable and adaptable products, which now include foodware, are designed to inspire people to live a more sustainable life with products that deliver joy. 

“Outtech’s success and dedication in both the independent dealer channel and with large retailers are a great fit for Silipint as we invest in new product innovations and growing our brand reach,” said Todd Spang, Silipint President. “We are incredibly excited about this partnership.”

ABOUT SILIPINT

Based in Bend, Oregon, Silipint has been breaking the mold since 2010 with patented silicone drinkware. Silipint is the ideal companion for everyday moments and life’s adventures and offers the highest quality drinkware and foodware. Learn more about Silipint and its products at Silipint.com. Follow all brand updates on Instagram (@silipint) and Facebook (@silipint).

ABOUT OUTTECH INC. 

Established in 1989, Outtech Inc. is an 100% employee-owned company (ESOP). Outtech is one of the outdoor industry’s leaders in sales & marketing, maintaining a portfolio of brand leaders across hunt, camp, fish, shooting sports and outdoor lifestyle categories. Outtech is staffed with a group of over 80 industry specialists spread across multiple divisions, with over 1,500 combined years of experience in the outdoor industry. More information about the Company can be found at www.teamouttech.com 

Improving on the INDEX.01, the new edition of the brand’s recyclable running shoe is lighter, more comfortable and (still) designed to be recycled

Salomon is proud to introduce the new INDEX.02, a new recyclable running shoe that builds upon the groundbreaking INDEX.01 model that the company introduced two years ago. Like its predecessor, the INDEX.02 is 100% recyclable. It’s also 10% lighter (263grams) and features a massive upgrade in comfort and performance due to improvements in the midsole geometry, foam quality and upper construction.

Most notably, the midsole foam and midsole geometry of the INDEX.02 have been upgraded to increase comfort and running performance by delivering smoother transitions from stride to stride. The plush, long-lasting comfort is due to the use of a lightweight Infiniride foam. This TPU foam is the only foam that is fully recyclable. The weight of the INDEX.02 has also been reduced from 288 grams down to 263 grams (sample size US 9 Men’s). The INDEX.02 shoe also has an updated upper, which now features more colors, softer materials and premium finishes for improved step-in comfort. Specifically, the upper uses Engineered Mesh, a structure that varies the weave to offer more support and breathability, along with better flexibility or durability, according to the specific needs of the shoe. 

“The foam is less dense on the INDEX.02, so it feels cushier,” says Laurent Coudurier, Salomon Footwear R&D Manager. “We also removed some bits in the upper, bringing the shoe closer to the foot. Our goal is to provide the same level of performance as the rest of our road running shoes and we’re getting there.”  

Like its predecessor, the INDEX.02 features a unique construction that allows it to be disassembled at the end of its life, so that the shoe materials can be recycled and used to make a new product. There is even a subtle line along the shoe showing where it will be split when it is recycled. The different colors on the upper and bottom unit of the shoe help to highlight that the shoe only uses two materials and that it can be separated at the end of its life. A QR code on the tongue of one shoe allows the shoe owner to easily scan it and register it after purchase, making it easy to return it for recycling at the end of its life. Like the INDEX.01, when INDEX.02 shoes are sent back for recycling in Europe, the materials will be used in the construction of Salomon alpine ski boots.  

Available to consumers in 2021, the INDEX.01 was Salomon’s first shoe that was designed to be recycled, with the recycled materials being used in the construction of Salomon’s MTN Pure ski touring boot range.

“We started researching materials for the INDEX.01 shoe about five years ago, looking to reduce its impact,” says Coudurier. “With this new INDEX.02 model, we’re getting closer to providing the same level of performance as the rest of our road running shoes.” 

Analyzing the lifecycle of the Index.01 to create the Index.02

To assess the environmental impact of the INDEX.01 recyclable running shoe, Salomon’s Footwear development teams compared the impact of the INDEX.01 with the Sonic 3 shoe from the brand’s road running range. By compiling and evaluating the inputs, outputs and potential environmental impacts of a shoe throughout its lifecycle, it is possible to clearly tell the impact of each step—in terms of carbon emissions, use of natural resources, water eutrophication from nitrates (caused by the cooling of machines and colorization) and water acidification, among other aspects.

“A lifecycle analysis identifies the biggest environmental impact during the life-cycle of the product, in order to work on reducing it,” says Olivier Mouzin, Footwear Sustainability Manager.

The way the INDEX.01 is made and the fact that it can be recycled reduces by 44% the amount of CO2 compared to a traditional shoe, which is 4.9kg of CO2 Eq less for every pair. The emissions from the lifecycle of the Sonic 3 are 11.2kg of CO2 Eq; the INDEX.01 emits 6,3kg of CO2 Eq. Water eutrophication is reduced by 70%, and water acidification is reduced by 35%.

“The INDEX.01 is a great start for sustainable footwear: we can test this new, simple design and its performance on the road, and test out the collecting and recycling process,” Mouzin explains. “As the lifecycle analysis shows, the impact of the shoe is reduced by 44%, which validates our work and encourages us to develop more footwear products following this circular economy concept. Now, with the INDEX.02, we are continuing to improve the quality, comfort and performance of a fully recyclable shoe. It’s very encouraging.”

About Salomon: Born in the French Alps in 1947, Salomon creates premium footwear, apparel, gear and winter sports equipment that is superior in function, radical in design and obsessive in style. At the Annecy Design Center, engineers, designers and athletes collaborate to write the future of sports by creating products that transform outside sports experiences and enable a deeper connection with nature, allowing people to unleash the best version of themselves so that they might positively impact the world.