Archives: Press Releases

BUFFALO, NY (January 16, 2025) – LEKI, a leader in innovative skiing, trekking, and trail running poles, announces the appointment of Scott Park as national sales manager. Park will oversee all sales operations for LEKI’s summer and winter collections in the U.S., working closely with General Manager Chris O’Donoghue and Marketing Director Sven Brunso.

“We’re really excited to have Scott join the team, as his industry experience, knowledge, and sales network will be of paramount importance as we continue to navigate the changing landscape of the retail space in the outdoor industry,” said Sven Brunso, marketing director for LEKI, USA. “This business is more turbulent than ever, and the addition of a seasoned pro to the team will help us continue to build momentum.”

Park brings two decades of experience in the outdoor industry, having held key sales positions at Deuter USA where he most recently served as sales manager for the last 11 years. In that role, he managed the national sales budget and implemented aggressive sales targets for the U.S. market with a focused approach for national retail accounts, specialty brick-and-mortar, and e-commerce. In his free time, Park enjoys backcountry skiing, traveling, rock climbing, and backpacking.

“Throughout my career in the outdoor industry, LEKI has always been known as an industry leader in both product and service. I am excited and honored to be a part of the LEKI family and look forward to contributing to their continued success,” said Park.

For LEKI USA sales inquiries, Park can be reached at spark@leki.com.

ABOUT LEKI USA

Founded in 1948, LEKI is the leading manufacturer of Skiing, Trekking, and Trail Running poles and gloves that are German-engineered and mostly produced in the company’s Czech Republic factory. This in conjunction with extensive research and independent testing, makes the best

products featuring quality, value, and technology. LEKI equips over 1,000 of the world’s best athletes and brand ambassadors in the disciplines of alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, trail running, ski mountaineering, mountain guiding, and alpine climbing. Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, LEKI USA, Inc. is the sole distributor of LEKI brand products in the United States. For more information, visit lekiusa.com.

PORTLAND, Maine (January 15, 2025) –  Switchback Spring, the education and business gathering for the outdoor industry community, has received a wave of brand commitments ahead of registration opening next week. The initial agenda has also been released for the event taking place June 16-18, 2025, in Nashville, TN.

“What we’re hearing from the 70-plus brands already committed to Switchback is that while supporting a gathering for the outdoor community is important, specific business motives are also driving their decision to exhibit,” said Christina Henderson, Event Director, Switchback. “There’s a lot of optimism in the outdoor market as we head into 2025, and we’re ready to be the space where that momentum translates into business and new opportunities.”

The first day of Switchback Spring features educational programming including keynote presentations, leadership and executive insights, and various other informational sessions targeted to outdoor specialty retailers and their team. The following two days move to the exhibit hall where retailers, brands, media, and industry professionals can connect to discover new products, share trends, and explore new brands. To see the schedule-at-a-glance visit this page.

In the coming months, Switchback will announce keynotes and featured speakers as well as a detailed schedule of the presentations taking place during the education day and on the exhibit floor.

To date, more than 70 brands have committed to exhibiting at Switchback Spring, including Altra, Arcteryx, Biolite, Birkenstock, Cotopaxi, Helinox, Liberty Mountain, LifeStraw, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, Rumpl, Scarpa, Teva, The North Face, and Toad & Co., among others. A complete list of attending brands will be posted on the Switchback website in the coming weeks.

“We believe there is strong business value in gathering in real life, and Switchback Spring is a great opportunity for us to get reacquainted with many of our customers,” said Matt Burbach, VP of Marketing, Mountain Hardwear. “Simultaneously, Switchback Spring provides the opportunity to create new connections and relationships that will fuel our growth along with the industry’s as a whole.”

Registration for Switchback Spring will open the week of January 20, 2025. Those interested in attending will be able to register through the Switchback website: www.switchbackevent.com. Registration is open to retailers, media, and outdoor industry professionals; for details about available passes and pricing, visit this page.

Switchback Spring will be hosted within a dedicated portion of the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, a spacious venue with 12 restaurants and an attached premium hotel. With all attendees staying and meeting in a single location, the focused environment will enable both private planned meetings as well as organic meetups and run-ins.

For more information about Switchback, please visit www.switchbackevent.com/switchback-spring/.

Brands interested in exploring exhibiting opportunities can contact Christina Henderson at chenderson@divcom.com.

About Switchback

Switchback is the twice-a-year business and education gathering for the outdoor industry owned and operated by Diversified Communications, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. Scheduled at optimal times for discovery and buying conversations, Switchback is held each fall in conjunction with The Running Event and each spring as a standalone event. Blending an accessible format with a schedule of education, peer connection opportunities, and business meetings, Switchback is a dedicated gathering place for all sectors of the outdoor industry community. Upcoming dates for the event include Switchback Spring (Nashville, TN; June 16-18, 2025) and Switchback at TRE (Dec. 2-4, 2025; San Antonio, TX). To learn more about Switchback, please contact Michael Collin (michael@palemorning.com) or visit www.switchbackevent.com.

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Lake Oswego, OR (January 14, 2025) – May we have your attention, please? Yakima is thrilled to stand up with the rebranding of its revamped vehicle awning line, introducing the new name OverNOut as replacement for its previous “SlimShady” and “MajorShady.” titles. This change not only reflects Yakima’s dedication to collectively enhancing outdoor experiences with innovative, high-quality products, but under a unifying moniker and sizing that makes it easy for consumers to differentiate between models.

It’s never been said, but Yakima sets precedents: As pioneers, innovators, and envelope pushers in the outdoor space, it isn’t surprising that upon release of the MajorShady 270, there are a number of brands trying to act like Yakima, dress like Yakima, cuss like Yakima and just don’t give a [pluck] like Yakima. At such a time for a list, (and there’s a list, and here’s the order of the list that it’s in), Yakima’s awnings look as such:

• OverNOut SM: Either-side and universal vehicle fit; compact and lightweight for quick setups. OverNOut SM provides 30 sq. ft. of coverage for smaller vehicles
• OverNOut MD: A mid-size option offering ample coverage for a wide variety of vehicles, while offering an industry-leading 42 sq. ft. protection from the elements
• OverNOut 180: Ideal for those needing expansive (94 sq. ft.), one-sided shade, OverNOut 180 offers tough, backcountry-tested waterproof materials from an awning that needs only one person to deploy, is available in either left- or right-handed deployment, and is compatible with the OverNOut 180 Wall Kit
• OverNOut 270 LG: 270º of protection and 80 sq. ft. of coverage, but this isn’t a geometry class. The LG offers Incredible protection from the elements and helps make OverNOut 270 LG an ideal fit for any outdoor adventure
• OverNOut 270 XL: Features a massive 132 sq. ft. of coverage, and still only a one person deployment – that’s Taking It Easy. OverNOut 270 XL provides maximum coverage with a full 270-degree extension, is freestanding, and is compatible with Wall Kits to create the ultimate base camp.

Each model is designed for easy installation and deployment, ensuring that outdoor enthusiasts can quickly create a comfortable shaded space wherever their adventures take them. Now that’s worthy of an encore.

Key Features of OverNOut awnings include:

• Durable Materials: Constructed with high-quality, weather-resistant fabrics to withstand various conditions. Our favorite artist might not give an “eff” about a Grammy, but Yakima holds a deep commitment to quality, durability, and how its products keep consumers comfortable.
• User-Friendly Setup: Tool-free installation allows for quick assembly and disassembly, even if there’s a screw up in your head loose.
• Versatile Mounting Options: Compatible with a wide range of vehicles and roof racks. That’s right. We aren’t sugarcoating it at all.

“We are excited to launch OverNOut as a fresh identity for our vehicle awnings,” said Joel Grabenstein, VP; Sales, Brand, Product Marketing at Yakima. “These awnings are designed to provide reliable shade, protection, and enhance the outdoor experience for adventurers everywhere, and we’re happy to have the entire collection under one unifying moniker that collectively is the easiest to deploy, easiest on the wallet, and best buy in the outdoor market.”

The complete, revitalized OverNOut line will be available for purchase on Yakima’s official website and through authorized retailers starting February, 2025. For more information on the complete line of Yakima products, please visit yakima.com

I guess there’s some Shade(y) in all of us.

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About Yakima

Based in the Pacific NW, Yakima Products Inc. has been a pioneer of cargo and gear management solutions since 1979.  We connect people with their passions to bring them closer to nature with our innovative, rugged and dependable products.  Yakima Products, Inc. is headquartered outside of Portland, Oregon. For more information about Yakima products, visit yakima.com.

Innovative Ultralight Tent Fabric Delivers Superior Waterproofing and Sustainability Without Harmful Chemicals

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO – Big Agnes, a leader in innovative outdoor equipment, today announced its next evolution in sustainable ultralight equipment with the launch of its revolutionary HyperBead™ fabric technology. Embodying the brand’s commitment to performance, sustainability and adventurer-first design, HyperBead represents the next step in outdoor gear innovation, elevating some of the brand’s most popular tents.

Redefining Ultralight: Lighter, Stronger and Built for Every Adventure

Since its conception, Big Agnes has been obsessed with a simple mission: design equipment that makes outdoor adventures more comfortable, accessible and sustainable. The introduction of HyperBead fabric continues this legacy of innovation, changing how campers think about comfort, performance and weight. The technology addresses core challenges faced by outdoor enthusiasts while setting a new standard for tent fabric innovation.

Breakthrough Performance Highlights:

• 25% More Waterproof: Exceeding traditional ultralight fabric performance without relying on harmful chemicals – offering permanent water repellency that doesn’t degrade over time
• 6% Lighter: Reducing weight with enhanced durability, so adventurers can focus on their journey, not their load
• Environmentally Conscious: No intentionally added PFAS. No DWR or WR treatments

“We’ve spent two years sweating over every ounce and every detail of this process and technology,” said Michael Thompson, director of design and development at Big Agnes. “HyperBead is a complete reimagining of ultralight gear – a technology that performs better, weighs less and is easier on the environment. This fabric is the culmination of that vision.”

HyperBead Debuts Across Flagship Tent Lines:

Big Agnes is thrilled to introduce its HyperBead fabric technology across some of its most highly acclaimed tent lines:

• Copper Spur UL Tents
• Copper Spur UL XL Tents
• Tiger Wall UL Tents
• Fly Creek UL Tents
• Tiger Wall Platinum Tents

Commitment to Continuous Innovation

This launch underscores Big Agnes’ ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of outdoor equipment design and innovation. By prioritizing performance, weight reduction and environmental responsibility, the brand continues to empower adventurers to explore further, lighter and more sustainably.

Download product information and hi-res images: HERE

About Big Agnes: Named for a peak in the nearby Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, Big Agnes®, Inc. is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and was founded there in 2001. The company produces award-winning sleeping bags, pads, tents, packs, insulated apparel, camp furniture and backpacks. For more information, visit www.bigagnes.com or call 1-877-554-8975.

For more information, contact:

Brandon Martinez

brandon.martinez@backbone.media

 

 

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – Jan. 14, 2025 – Selkirk Sport, a leader in pickleball innovation, today announced the launch of its pickleball-specific court shoe line, completing its head-to-toe offering.

After more than three years of rigorous testing with an advisory team of 3,500 professional players, coaches and key ambassadors, Selkirk is introducing the CourtStrike and CourtStrike Pro models, designed to enhance performance, comfort and safety on the court.

“Selkirk has always focused on providing players with the tools to elevate their game,” said Rob Barnes, co-founder and co-CEO of Selkirk Sport. “The CourtStrike line is a natural evolution, allowing us to fully outfit pickleball athletes and enhance their performance on the court.”

The line addresses the specific movements of pickleball, including lateral motion and quick directional changes. The shoes offer premium cushioning designed to offer shock absorption and fatigue reduction, allowing players to stay in the game longer.

Both models feature a wide toe box for comfort, high-abrasion rubber soles for durability and a six-month outsole warranty. The CourtStrike Pro adds advanced features such as 360-degree 3D-printed overlays and a supportive engineered mesh for players with an aggressive style of play.

Designed in collaboration with Selkirk’s shoe consultant Dave Larson — who has worked for companies such as Brooks Running, K-Swiss and Nike — the shoes provide stability and cushioning to meet the physical demands of pickleball.

“Our CourtStrike shoes are engineered for lateral movements and rapid direction changes particular to the sport of pickleball,” Larson said. “We’ve prioritized stability and comfort to enhance performance and keep players healthy for longer play. ”

Product Details

The CourtStrike Pickleball Shoe retails for $100 while the CourtStrike Pro is $120. The shoes are offered in men’s sizes 7-14 and women’s sizes 6-11. Each model is offered in three colors for men and three for women, totaling 12 colorways in all.

Technical features of both models include:

• Wide toe box for comfort and toe splay;
• High-abrasion rubber outsole for traction and durability;
• Dual-density molded footbed and premium midsole foam for enhanced responsiveness and fatigue reduction; and
• Supportive chassis for quick directional changes.

The CourtStrike Pro additionally features 360-degree Thermal Plastic Rubber and 3D-printed overlays for increased lateral stability and supportive engineered mesh uppers for aggressive playstyles. The women’s shoe also offers a female-specific last, or foot form, to allow a more tailored fit.

For more information or to shop the new shoe line, visit Selkirk.com.

About Selkirk Sport

Selkirk Sport, a premium manufacturer of pickleball paddles and accessories, is a family-owned and operated company. Selkirk Sport is based in Hayden, Idaho, in the shadows of its namesake, the Selkirk mountain range. Founded in 2014, Selkirk Sport was born from a passion for sport and the Western outdoor leisure lifestyle that was afforded to the company’s founders, Rob and Mike Barnes, along with their father Jim, who is Selkirk’s production manager. Backed by the philosophy of always pushing the limits, Selkirk Sport is committed to manufacturing products that deliver the highest performance with unmatched quality and service. Selkirk Sport has become one of the industry’s fastest-growing companies, with paddles used by many of the game’s premier players, such as Jack Sock, Catherine Parenteau, Dylan Frazier, James Ignatowich and a host of others premier players and national/regional champions.

Media contacts:

Kyle Whatnall: Kyle@Selkirk.com

Brynn Grissom: Brynn@Selkirk.com

 

 

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (Jan. 14, 2025) – VALLON, the independent and family-owned eyewear brand that blends timeless style with cutting-edge performance, has named Verde Brand Communications as its agency of record, effective January 2025. This partnership will help VALLON expand its brand presence in North America and further connect with the growing global community of outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Founded by two Swedish brothers, VALLON is known for eyewear that combines soulful designs with top-tier functionality. The brand’s product lineup draws inspiration from decades past, fusing classic aesthetics with modern performance. VALLON has quickly become a go-to for athletes, adventurers, and trailblazers, including freestyle ski legend, Wayne Wong, global-leading skipper and environmental campaigner, Boris Herrmann, and world record-breaking mountaineer, Adriana Brownlee. Trusted by professionals facing some of the world’s most challenging environments, VALLON also stands out for its commitment to sustainability—each pair of sunglasses sold supports the clean up of 1kg of plastic waste.

VALLON’s flagship product, the Heron Glacier, has recently been released in three new colorways:

Brown-Yellow, Dark-Grey-Red, and

Off-White-Green. With its vintage round silhouette, leather side shields, and removable centerpiece, the Heron Glacier is equipped with Cat. 4 mirrored lenses for optimal eye protection. Now in its fourth edition, the Heron Glacier continues to be the eyewear of choice for elite high-altitude mountaineers.

“We’re excited to partner with Verde Brand Communications, an agency that shares our values of authenticity, storytelling, and passion for the outdoors,” saidMarcus Franck, Co-Founder at VALLON. “Verde’s proven track record in helping brands thrive aligns perfectly with our vision as we expand our presence in North America and beyond.”

Verde Brand Communications is renowned for its expertise in brand strategy, public relations, and digital engagement, and will work closely with VALLON to develop and execute impactful communications campaigns aimed at boosting brand awareness. With a robust portfolio of outdoor, lifestyle, and sustainability-focused brands, Verde is ideally positioned to support VALLON across a variety of sports and lifestyle categories, strategically supporting their mission to deliver ‘Classic Style, Maximum Performance’ eyewear to outdoor enthusiasts and explorers worldwide.

This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for VALLON, working to elevate the brand’s visibility and global reach in 2025 and beyond.

For more information on VALLON and their full range of outdoor sports eyewear, visit vallon.com and follow them on Instagram at @vallon_official.

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, or get in touch for more information.

Media Contact:

Verde Brand Communications vallon@verdepr.com

BURLINGTON, N.C. and CARRBORO, N.C. (January 10, 2025) — Fleet Feet, the nation’s leading franchisor of locally owned run specialty stores, will open a new location in Burlington, N.C., on Jan. 10, 2025, at 3816 Rural Retreat Road. This will be the third Fleet Feet store owned by John and Elizabeth Dewey, who have successfully operated locations in Greensboro and High Point for more than 20 years.

Before opening Fleet Feet Greensboro in 2003 and Fleet Feet High Point in 2012, John Dewey worked as a certified athletic trainer and licensed physical therapist, credentials he still holds and applies in his stores.

“Our mission is to help every customer find the right footwear to meet their unique needs, no matter their goal,” says Dewey. “At Fleet Feet, we’re not just about selling shoes—we’re here to support our community’s health and help people move in comfort.”

Fleet Feet Burlington will celebrate their grand opening by offering special gifts with purchase throughout the weekend of Jan. 10–12. The store will also host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. to mark the official opening.

The new store will feature a wide selection of performance footwear, apparel, and accessories from top brands, including Brooks, HOKA, Vuori and lululemon. The Burlington location will also offer the brand’s exclusive fit id® service, which uses 3D foot scanning and dynamic pressure mapping to assess each customer’s foot shape and gait. Combined with expertise from attentive outfitters, this personalized fitting service helps ensure that every customer finds the right footwear to meet their needs.

Additionally, the store will serve as a hub for the local running and fitness community. Conveniently located near some of Burlington’s best running paths and parks, Fleet Feet Burlington is close to local attractions, making it a natural meeting place for fun runs and community events.

“John and Liz have become pillars in their communities,” says John Moloznik, vice president of business development at Fleet Feet. “Their success in Greensboro and High Point—built on consistent growth, customer loyalty, and an inclusive culture—makes them the perfect partners for this expansion. We’re confident that their continued success will be a tremendous asset to the Fleet Feet brand.”

“We look forward to welcoming the community to explore the store, discover our in-depth outfitting experience and join our opening celebrations,” Dewey says. “We’re grateful to the City of Burlington and Alamance County for their support. We can’t wait to start this new chapter.”

For more than 48 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners, and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge, and empowerment. Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.

Images of Fleet Feet Burlington are available here.

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About Fleet Feet

Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 275 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

 

 

 

STAMFORD, Conn. — (January 10, 2024): LOWA Boots, the global footwear brand known for over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, today announced it is expanding its sales and marketing teams in the United States. Midwest Outdoor Sales will now cover key territories across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. In addition, to enhance brand initiatives and streamline operations, Katie McEntire has been appointed marketing content specialist and Madison Wage joins as special events and project manager.

“We continue to see steady growth in the U.S. which is driving the broadening of our talent,” says Peter Sachs, general manager of LOWA. “Our partnership with Midwest Outdoor Sales marks an exciting new chapter for LOWA as we strengthen our regional presence and expand our reach. We extend our deepest gratitude to Bruce Marsh, whose nearly two decades of leadership were instrumental in establishing LOWA’s reputation and growth. We wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement. Alongside this transition, Katie McEntire will bring her expertise in passionate storytelling and brand engagement, while Madison Wage will use her event planning skills to raise the level of activations, trade shows and community functions. Together, they position LOWA for even greater success in the U.S.”

Emily Rach and Jeff Riemann, co-owners of Midwest Outdoor Sales, bring nearly 40 years of combined experience in fostering success for established outdoor brands. Their expertise lies in building strong relationships with a diverse portfolio of retailers, including specialty outdoor stores, big-box outdoor chains, and farm-and-ranch outlets. They have worked with leading brands such as Cascade Designs, Princeton Tec^®, and Yakima^® and partnered with top-tier retailers including Bass Pro Shops and Scheels.

Katie McEntire, who previously worked at SafeWise, will support broader marketing efforts across communications including social media, content creation and blog development. Madison Wage, who comes to LOWA from Spartan Race, is joining LOWA to help the company with tradeshows and events, and strengthen its connections within the outdoor community.

For more information visit www.lowaboots.com.

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About LOWA Boots
With over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, LOWA Boots is a globally respected footwear brand located in Jetzendorf, in Upper Bavaria. Since 1923, LOWA has created premium outdoor boots and shoes featuring beautiful silhouettes, best-in-class quality, and proprietary technology. Its designers adeptly navigate the outdoor performance, trail running,  lifestyle, and tactical categories, always nurturing brand integrity. LOWA is one of the only footwear brands to receive ISO 9001 status for the highest quality construction and process standards. LOWA certified tactical boots are also made to comply with the European Union’s PPE standards. For more information, visit www.lowaboots.com.

Media Contact:

Lindsey Clinkingbeard, CGPR

lindsey.clinkingbeard@offmadisonave.com

602-432-1667