Archives: Press Releases

MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. — January 30, 2025 —  Following a landmark 2024 event that drew nearly 2,000 runners from 22 countries and 40 states—with 47% female participation—mammoth trailfest. has entered into a new multi-year partnership with Craft Sportswear. This collaboration signals an exciting new chapter for the celebrated trail running festival.

Tim Tollefson, head crafter and founder of mammoth trailfest., reflected on the journey leading up to this partnership. “After losing our title sponsor, it was difficult to be honest,” Tollefson shared. “While we measure success in smiles and the feedback we get from our community, it’s hard not to feel disheartened when a sponsor moves on. But just like the seasons in the Eastern Sierra, change came quickly, and we soon found ourselves in discussions with leading brands in the running industry.”

Tollefson noted the importance of aligning with a partner that shared the festival’s core values. “We believe trail running has the power to change lives and improve communities,” he said. “At trailfest., we pride ourselves on being more than just a world-class event. The focus on experiences with movies, talks, parties, and kids events is our vehicle to reach people. We continue to push for more youth, women, and people from historically underrepresented communities to have access to this sport and it was important for us to find a partner that would help drive that mission forward.”

Enter Craft Sportswear, the Swedish brand renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence in endurance sports. “Much like the upstart underdog we are at trailfest., Craft struck me as a brand ready to make noise,” Tollefson explained. “trailfest. celebrates every runner, from course record breakers to those who persevere to finish against the odds, and Craft is a community-driven brand that aims to inspire and enable athletic progress for world champions and everyday heroes. They made it clear they share the same vision and bring with them a 40 year brand committed to disruption.”

“Partnering with mammoth trailfest. and collaborating with Tim, a true icon in trail running, is an incredible opportunity for Craft,” said Niklas Moberg, Head of Brand at Craft Sportswear. “Trailfest. represents all that is great about the running community—celebrating the joy of running in nature and bringing people together on the trail. This partnership was a natural fit for us, and we’re excited to work even closer with Tim and help elevate trailfest. to new heights while creating a memorable experience for all participants.”

Looking ahead to the 2025 event, Tollefson shared his vision. “Everything we do at trailfest. is checked with, ‘Will this be best for our runners?’ In this new partnership with Craft, we will elevate the trailfest. experience for everyone involved, push industry boundaries in the event space, and launch initiatives to welcome more people into the sport, including an innovative program this summer in Mammoth directed towards high school kids and collegiate running programs.”

From oldtimers and newbies to course record breakers and cutoff chasers, trailfest. is a celebration of community focused on stewardship and storytelling. The 2025 event will take place September 18-21 in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Registration is now open for all events.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.mammothtrailfest.com/.

About mammoth trailfest.

Held on the third weekend in September each year, trailfest. is a multi-day experience designed to increase access to trail running through opportunity, education, and trail stewardship. It offers races of 50k, 26k, Tenkay, hillclimb, and a kids 1k. All festival activities are free and the event elevates local environmental nonprofits, encourages youth participation, and serves as a major economic driver to the Mammoth Lakes community during a difficult shoulder season. It is an event built by community, for community, right in the heart of California. For more information visit mammothtrailfest.com or email info@mammothtrailfest.com.

About Craft Sportswear

Craft is a Swedish brand specializing in clothing and gear for endurance sports where performance and comfort are crucial for optimal results. Working closely with elite athletes and constantly developing new materials and technical solutions, Craft offers innovative training and competition apparel and footwear for World Champions and Everyday Heroes.  For more information, visit craftsports.us.

DENVER, Colo. – January 30, 2025 – The Outside Summit is thrilled to announce its return in 2025 with a slate of featured speakers that includes some of the biggest names in the outdoor industry. As part of the larger Outside Festival, the Summit brings together key stakeholders, career veterans, and emerging talents to set a vision for the future. The multi-day program is designed to foster networking and offer strong professional development opportunities.

The 2025 Outside Summit speaker lineup features sessions with celebrated pioneers and rising stars, including Reed Hastings (Co-Founder of Netflix and CEO of Powder Mountain), Caroline Brown (Global Brand President, The North Face), Albert Lin (National Geographic Explorer and TV Host), Alyssa Ravasio (Founder, Hipcamp), Carrie Besnette Hauser (President and CEO, Trust for Public Land), Kent Ebersole (President, Outdoor Industry Association), Luis Benitez (VP Global Government Affairs, Lululemon), Mike de la Rocha (Co-Founder, Revolve Impact), Nicole McLaughlin (Multidisciplinary Designer), Sen. John Hickenlooper, Joey Montoya (Founder, Urban Native Era), Dhani Jones (Former NFL Linebacker, TV Host & Entrepreneur), Lauren Bash (Climate Creator and Storyteller), Jessica Wahl Turner (President, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable), Conor Hall (Director, Colorado Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry), Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh (Digital Brand Strategy Consultant, Two Six Eighty Productions) and Alex Zhang (Chief Creative Officer, Powder Mountain). The lineup of speakers is subject to change and will be regularly updated at theoutsidesummit.com.

“The Summit is an embodiment of our mission at Outside, and serves the larger vision behind the Outside Festival,” said Robin Thurston, Founder & CEO of Outside Interactive Inc., who will also be speaking at the Summit. “Last year’s inaugural Summit brought together changemakers from across the outdoor industry to spark important conversations about the future of our businesses. Our 2025 speaker lineup will continue building on last year’s success with an inspiring group of individuals who will empower more people to enjoy, discover, and protect the outdoors. I’m eager to hear their valuable insights.”

Last year’s Outside Summit saw 35 speakers, 27 panel discussions, and a sold-out audience of more than 500 attendees. In 2025, the program will expand to a dedicated campus adjacent to Denver’s Civic Center Park from Thursday, May 29 to Sunday, June 1. Sessions will take place at the Denver Art Museum and newly renovated spaces within the Denver Public Library, providing a vibrant backdrop for connection and inspiration.

“The Outside Summit is where outdoor culture and bold vision converge, and it’s only getting better,” said Melanie Strong, Founding Partner of NEXT Ventures. “The speaker content last year was top-notch, the networking opportunities were unparalleled, and the connections I made continue to shape my work in the outdoor industry. The Summit offers something the outdoor industry has long needed—a dedicated space to meet, collaborate, and drive meaningful change. The 2025 Outside Summit is a must-attend for anyone looking to be part of the future of the outdoors.”

The 2025 Outside Summit program will focus on entrepreneurship, storytelling, access, and sustainability, and will include a pitch competition for industry startups, plus networking activities and gatherings. The complete schedule will be released early in the spring. Industry professionals interested in attending are encouraged to secure their spot today.

Outside Summit registration and badge pick-up will begin Thursday, May 29, following an industry job fair hosted that same day in partnership with Basecamp. A full day of programming takes place on Friday, May 30 (8 a.m. – 6 p.m., approximate), followed by evening festivities, setting the stage for the larger Outside Festival on Saturday and Sunday in Civic Center Park (festival times are 1 p.m. – 10 p.m., approximate). The Outside Summit badge grants ticketholders access to both days of the Outside Festival, as well as pre-festival activities and gatherings over the weekend, plus entry to an Outside Summit lounge on the festival grounds. Summit badge holders will receive a complete schedule of Outside Festival and Summit events, times, and locations in advance.

Tickets to the Outside Summit, which include meals and a two-day General Admission+ pass to the Outside Festival, start at $745 for a limited time. Group discounts of $50 off per ticket are available for purchases of five tickets or more. Outside+ members also enjoy a $50 discount. For attendees who prefer an upgraded experience, the Summit Badge with Outside Festival VIP Upgrade is available for $810, including access to all Summit programming, plus a two-day VIP pass to the Outside Festival. A limited number of discounted badges are available on an as-needed basis for students, those who work in education and government, nonprofits, and smaller brands or startups.

For tickets, programming updates, and more information, visit theoutsidesummit.com. Sponsors for the 2025 Outside Summit include REI Co-op, VF Corporation, The State of Colorado, Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, Outdoor Industry Association, Trust for Public Land, Visit Denver, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, Outside for Business, Denver Art Museum, and Denver Public Library.

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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

• Location: 95 Oakway Center, Eugene, OR
• Store size: 30,120 square feet
• Store features: Full-service bike shop and ski and snowboard shop, Re/Supply used gear and apparel department
• REI Co-op membership: More than 137,000 lifetime members in Eugene and 988,000 members in Oregon
• REI stores in state: Beaverton, Oregon (107 miles away, opened 2024); Bend, Oregon (89 miles away, opened 2005); Clackamas, Oregon (99 miles away, opened 2007); Hillsboro, Oregon (121 miles away, opened 2004); Medford, Oregon (167 miles away, opened 2012); Salem-Keizer, Oregon (66 miles away, opened 2014); and Tualatin, Oregon (94 miles away, opened 1990). REI Re/Supply Clackamas opened in 2023 to provide members with access to high-quality, used outdoor gear and apparel at great prices.

[Denver, CO] – January 30, 2025 – Black Diamond Equipment, a global leader in mountain sports gear, is proud to officially announce the grand reopening of Wilderness Exchange as Black Diamond Wilderness Exchange. The overhaul marks the evolution of an iconic independent outdoor retailer into a new kind of partner-run mountain shop, merging Black Diamond’s innovative designs with Wilderness Exchange’s community-driven mission to make outdoor activities more affordable and accessible across the board.

Located in the heart of Denver, the newly rebranded store maintains its independent spirit while benefiting from a new partnership model that supports independent retail. Black Diamond Wilderness Exchange will continue to serve as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts in the Front Range by offering weekly and monthly events, educational programs, and partnerships with local organizations.

“The Black Diamond Wilderness Exchange store represents a novel approach to supporting independent retail while growing our brand in one of the premiere outdoor activity markets in the U.S.,” says Neil Fiske, President of Black Diamond Equipment. “We’re working together to elevate everything that the outdoor enthusiasts of Denver knew and loved about the original Wilderness Exchange:  premium gear, expert advice, and a thriving outdoor community.”

New Look, Same Mission

The reimagined store will feature a full selection of Black Diamond gear and apparel catering to climbers, skiers, trail runners, and hikers. Customers will also find an expertly curated selection from complementary brands including La Sportiva, Tenaya, Smith, Atomic, Tecnica, Western Mountaineering, Topo, BCA, ATK, Mammut, Petzl, and SmartWool.

One of the original store’s defining features, the legendary consignment and used gear section, will remain part of the new model. Staying true to Wilderness Exchange’s 25-year history, the downstairs space will continue to showcase a range of affordable second-hand outdoor gear in support of circularity and access.

“Our partnership with Black Diamond allows us to continue our longstanding mission of making the outdoors more accessible and affordable to the local outdoor community in Downtown Denver,” says Don Bushey, owner and founder of Wilderness Exchange. “The new store combines the best of Wilderness Exchange’s legacy, with the ability to provide our customers with an immersive brand experience and a world class mountain shop where they can find the best outdoor equipment available for their adventures.”

Grand Reopening Celebration: February 8-16, 2025

Black Diamond Wilderness Exchange will host weeklong Grand Reopening festivities featuring:

• Multiple giveaways, including chances to win full kits of Black Diamond equipment and apparel
• Screenings of “BD Presents” adventure films
• Swag, discounts, contests, gift-with-purchase opportunities, and more

About Black Diamond Equipment:

Black Diamond Equipment is a global leader in designing innovative outdoor-engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, skiing, and a wide range of other year-round outdoor activities. Headquartered in Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Black Diamond is synonymous with performance, innovation, and durability in the outdoor community. For more information on Black Diamond Equipment, visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com.

About Wilderness Exchange:

Founded in Denver, Wilderness Exchange has been a trusted source for high-quality outdoor gear at affordable prices for over 25 years. Known for its legendary consignment section and commitment to fostering the local outdoor community, it remains a go-to hub for adventurers of all levels as Black Diamond Wilderness Exchange.

Visit Black Diamond Wilderness Exchange:

2401 15th Street #100

Denver, CO 80202

(303) 964-0708

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – [Jan 2025] – Nutriex, a leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals through research-based nutritional supplements and education, today announced a formal partnership with world-renowned professional rock climber Chris Sharma. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, building upon Sharma’s two-decade personal experience with Nutriex Sport, the company’s flagship supplement.

Chris Sharma, widely recognized as one of the world’s most influential climbers, has been at the forefront of rock climbing progression for over 25 years. His groundbreaking first ascents and contributions to the sport have earned him recognition as one of climbing’s greatest athletes.

The partnership emerges naturally from Sharma’s long-standing relationship with Nutriex. For over 20 years, Chris has independently chosen Nutriex Sport as part of his nutritional regime, well before any formal partnership discussions began.

Chris explained, “I’ve been taking Nutriex Sport since 2005 and it has accompanied me on all of my hardest climbs, in the 20 years since. It’s been a key part of my tool kit in my climbing pursuits and in maintaining my overall health.  As I continue to push my limits going on 44yrs old, Nutriex plays an important role in my longevity as an elite athlete.”

Chris continues, “I’m super excited to be taking my partnership with Nutriex to the next level, working alongside their team to introduce people to Nutriex Sport as well as develop new products. Nutriex has been a fundamental part of my climbing and health journey and I’m really happy to help spread the word so that others can benefit from these amazing products.”

“Chris’s authentic connection to our products makes this partnership particularly meaningful,” said Kathleen Deffner, Head of Product at Nutriex. ”He is a great example of how our products support the grueling training regimen of elite athletes. The high levels of joint and connective tissue nutrients in Nutriex Sport act “preventively” to manage the effects of hard training year after year. This allows Chris and other athletes to stay competitive and achieve new goals, even as they mature/age.”

The collaboration will focus on promoting preventive health and optimal nutrition for athletes and active individuals. Sharma will work closely with Nutriex to educate the climbing community about the importance of comprehensive nutrition for performance and recovery. Additionally, Sharma will contribute his expertise to future product development initiatives, bringing his decades of elite athletic experience to help shape the next generation of Nutriex supplements tailored for climbers and high-performance athletes.

“Having an athlete of Chris’s caliber choose Nutriex products independently for so many years speaks volumes about their efficacy,” said Eli Kerr, Head of Marketing at Nutriex. “It is rare to have an individual, like Chris, who has spent their entire career using a product (or brand) and experienced an insane amount of success. Now in his 40’s to be using the products and still performing at such a high level – this isn’t just marketing b.s.!”

This partnership reinforces Nutriex’s commitment to supporting athletes across all disciplines. Nutriex products, developed by medical experts and manufactured in FDA-registered facilities, combine essential nutrients with joint-supporting compounds, making them particularly valuable for climbers and other athletes who place high demands on their bodies.

Chris closed out, “The grind of climbing at your highest limits day in day out is something that’s extremely difficult to sustain, without breaking down your body. The people around me have known for years that I have been using Nutriex Sport as my daily supplement and now I’m about to share it openly with the entire outdoor community.”

The partnership will officially launch in January 2025, with various educational initiatives, campaigns, and future product development.

About Chris Sharma: Chris Sharma is widely considered one of the world’s greatest rock climbers. Since emerging as a climbing prodigy at age 14, he has been a leading force in the sport’s evolution. Sharma has established many of the hardest first ascents in the world, including “Biographie/Realization” (the world’s first 5.15a) and “La Dura Dura” (5.15c) and most recently one of his hardest and best projects, “Vision Quest” (9a+). Beyond his athletic achievements, Sharma is a passionate advocate for climbing education and environmental stewardship.

Nutriex, part of Dry Creek Charity, is a not-for-profit organization based in Salt Lake City, Utah, dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve vibrant health through research-based nutritional supplements and education. Founded in 1999 by medical experts, Nutriex develops comprehensive, synergistic formulations that combine essential nutrients with joint-supporting compounds. Visit Nutriex.com for more information

January 29, 2025 — Albany, OR — Mountain House, a leading provider of freeze-dried meals for outdoor enthusiasts and emergency preparedness, announces its partnership with Darby Communications, a PR and digital marketing agency renowned for its expertise in the outdoor, endurance, and hunt/fish markets. Effective immediately, Darby Communications will serve as Mountain House’s agency of record, focusing on media relations and affiliate marketing services to drive brand authority and increase share of voice in the industry.

Mountain House is turning up the heat and cooking up greatness. Following a comprehensive brand redesign last spring, the heritage freeze-dried food brand has modernized its image and deepened its relevance in the outdoor industry with new product innovation and increased participation across outdoor audiences. Partnering with Darby Communications marks a pivotal next step in the brand’s evolution, leveraging the agency’s stellar outdoor and hunt/fish credentials to amplify Mountain House’s voice and strengthen its connection with outdoor enthusiasts. Through this partnership, Darby Communications will lead efforts to generate impactful media coverage, create compelling brand-driven narratives, and foster engagement through targeted affiliate marketing strategies.

“Darby Communications will be an important partner in helping us reach our marketing goals, which include the introduction of a beloved American entrée to the just-add-water ready-to-eat food category this spring,” said Sally Wilson, Interim Chief of Marketing for Mountain House. “Darby Communications is strategically aligned with our mission to grow and lead in this category in terms of taste, innovation, and nutrition, building upon last year’s rebrand and first-ever integrated marketing campaign.”

Since 1969, Mountain House has pioneered the commercial-scale freeze drying process, becoming the #1 trusted brand for outdoorspeople, backpackers, and preparedness-minded individuals seeking delicious, nutritious, and reliable meal options. From its iconic breakfast skillets to hearty dinner entrees, Mountain House prepares every meal in small batches before drying and packaging, which locks in texture, flavor, and nutrition and sets the gold standard for quality and flavor. Today, the brand continues to push the innovation of quick cook and portable meals in the outdoor industry, and is proudly made in the USA.

“With over 50 years of experience supplying freeze-dried meals to the military, feeding NASA’s space program, and supplying the first ascent of Annapurna, Mountain House is an iconic brand that is dedicated to innovation,” says Angie Robinson, President of Darby Communications. “We’re proud to be their partner during this exciting time to showcase the brand’s leadership. Together, we will amplify the brand’s story and inspire more people to fuel their adventures with Mountain House.”

For more information on Mountain House and upcoming product launches, visit www.mountainhouse.com or contact Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com.

ABOUT MOUNTAIN HOUSE

Named after an Oregon restaurant on the slope of the Cascades that once welcomed outdoorspeople with warm meals after full days of adventure, Mountain House is the freeze-dried meal category leader. With its great taste, ease of use and reliability the brand has been helping backpackers, hikers, anglers and hunters stay out longer and go out further since 1969, offering comfort under any condition. Mountain House has a 56-year legacy proudly serving wholesome, delicious meals to the US military. All of its products are backed by a Taste Guarantee and a proven shelf life of 30 years. For more information and a complete list of products, visit www.mountainhouse.com.

BOULDER, Colo. (January 29, 2025) — Verde Brand Communications, a leading agency specializing in outdoor and active lifestyle industries, has been appointed as the public relations agency of record for Rossmönster, effective immediately. Verde will work closely with Rossmönster to showcase their innovative approach to adventure truck and adventure van builds to help highlight the brand’s commitment to enabling unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Co-founded by Ross Williamson and Luke Farny, Rossmönster has honed their skills as custom van builders over the past nine years to become a prominent and sought-after name in the adventure vehicle market. The company’s truck and van conversions are designed to provide comfort, functionality, and durability for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore off the beaten path.

“At Rossmönster, we believe that the journey is just as important as the destination,” said Luke Farny, CEO of Rossmönster. “Our adventure vehicles are crafted to empower individuals to embrace the freedom of the open road while enjoying the comforts of home. We’re thrilled to partner with Verde Brand Communications to share our passion for adventure and craftsmanship with a wider audience.”

Rossmönster’s commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous attention to detail and use of premium materials in every build. From solar power systems to innovative storage solutions, each van is tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of its owner.

“The surge in interest for outdoor recreation and remote work has created a perfect storm for companies like Rossmönster,” said Julie Evans, CEO of Verde Brand Communications. “We’re excited to help tell the story of how Rossmönster is revolutionizing the way people experience the outdoors. Their dedication to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with Verde’s mission to promote brands that enhance people’s connection with nature and adventure.”

As more individuals seek ways to combine work, travel, and outdoor pursuits, Rossmönster’s vehicles offer a solution that bridges the gap between comfort and adventure. Verde Brand Communications will work to highlight Rossmönster’s unique position in the market and their contribution to the evolving landscape of outdoor recreation.

To learn more about Rossmönster’s storied history and a more detailed look at its line of adventure trucks and vans, please visit rossmonster.com.

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About Rossmönster
Rossmönster redefines the adventure lifestyle, crafting premium trucks and vans that fuel your passion for exploration and discovery. With groundbreaking designs and unmatched craftsmanship, Rossmönster creates vehicles that are more than just a mode of travel — they’re a gateway to the extraordinary. Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering exceptional customer experiences, Rossmönster is shaping the future of adventure vehicles for those who dare to roam further and live boldly.

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.

Media Contact: Kevin Nicol-Lints | Kevin@verdepr.com