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Leading outdoor gear innovator pushes the limits with defining new equipment

 

January 17th, 2023 – Broomfield, CO –  Award-winning camping equipment manufacturer Sierra Designs proudly announces an expansion of its Pushing the Limits collection with two new product launches: Elemental Quilt and Flex Hike daypack. Long guided by its mission to fundamentally redefine how we live in the backcountry, Sierra Designs is thrilled to continue the elevation of its innovative and sustainable design.

Providing optimal versatility, Elemental Quilt is the first-of-its-kind sleeping bag and quilt hybrid made with 100% recycled synthetic materials. Weighing in at 1lb, 15.3oz and with a temperature rating of 35°, Elemental Quilt is the next innovation of a sustainable sleeping bag, in quilt form. An ideal hybrid for thru-hikers and backpackers, this sub-two pound, synthetically insulated bag is a lightweight choice for cool and damp conditions. The oversized quilt easily converts into a sleeping bag with one simple zip and locks in heat with an adjustable hood, draft collar, insulated hand pockets, and foot box. Elemental Quilt is responsibly made with a PFC-Free 100% recycled 10D nylon ripstop shell and liner, and 100% recycled SierraLoft Eco synthetic insulation. The quilt also comes equipped with optional Pad Lock attachments to keep sleeping pads secure. The all-new Elemental Quilt will be available Spring 2023 for $199.95.

The Flex Hike daypack is the perfect companion for multi-sport explorers. Designed to expand to your evolving day trekking needs, the Flex Hike has expandable gussets that adjust the pack’s volume from 20L to 30L. With dual adjusting shoulder straps, the Flex Hike provides a customizable fit for torsos sized 15”-19”. Lightweight at 1lb, 14oz, this versatile pack also features two mesh side pockets, side waist belt pockets, a front hidden zippered pocket, a small stash pocket in lid for valuables, and is hydration reservoir ready. The Flex Hike daypack will be available Spring 2023 for $149.95. “We’re excited to continue with Sierra Designs’ history of innovation by bringing new and creative outdoor solutions to campers and backpackers alike,” says Alexandra Black-Paulick, Marketing Manager for Sierra Designs.

 Sierra Designs’ outdoor products are specifically designed to make getting outside easier and more enjoyable and with the least impact possible so that we may all continue to enjoy and protect the wild places we love. Sierra Designs is committed to evolving their designs and leading by example in finding ways to transition to materials that use fewer resources, discard less, and better protect public health. Learn more about Sierra Designs’ sustainability efforts here. For more information on the new Elemental Quilt and Flex Hike daypack, contact Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com.

 

About Sierra Designs:

Born in California and bred on the trail, Sierra Designs has been on a mission to redefine how people interact with the outdoors since 1965. Today, that means creating equipment and apparel that is functional, beautiful, and most importantly, attainable. Our team believes that adventures should be within everyone’s reach, because it’s not only about the destination, it’s about the journey you take along the way. Find more information at www.sierradesigns.com.

TRUCKEE, California (January 16, 2023) – The High Fives Foundation, the leader in adaptive sports and injury prevention, today announces the launch of the 2023 Ski-a-Thon Series fundraiser. The 12^th annual series will comprise three charity events in Vermont, California and Colorado, where participants ski to raise donation funds for the organization and can win prizes. The Ski-a-Thon Series is a keystone fundraiser for The High Fives Foundation and a staple event for participating communities.

Participants can register for each event in advance and begin to raise funds as individuals or teams and compete for prize packages of gear and goods provided by YETI, Eddie Bauer, Arcade Belts, GoPro, SMITH, Phunkshun Wear, Outdoor Tech, YAKIMA, Big Agnes and more. There is also a chance to win additional prizes based on lap count during each event’s specified date and location.

Event #1: March 5, 2023 – FAT Ski-a-Thon, Sugarbush, VT

The first event in the series, The FAT Ski-a-Thon kicks off March 5 in Sugarbush, VT. Launched in 2012, the event has grown to become the highest-grossing event in the series, raising over $272,532 by 144 participants in 2022.

Participants can register for the 2023 Fat Ski-a-Thon here.

Event #2: March 26, 2023 – Mothership Classic at Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley, CA

The next ski-a-thon on the calendar is the 9th Annual Mothership Classic. The event was born when Arcade Belts Co partnered with High Fives to sponsor friends for 25 cents a lap in 2012. The event has grown significantly over the years, raising $183,600 by 133 competitors in 2022.

Participants can register for the 2023 Mothership Classic Ski-a-Thon here.

Event #3: April 15, 2023 – Retro Shred-a-Thon, Winter Park, CO

The final ski-a-thon of the year is the 8th Annual Retro Shred-a-Thon, set to take place on April 15th, 2023, in Winter Park, Colorado. Created with Phunkshun Wear, the Retro Ski-a-Thon is gaining momentum with increased fundraising efforts with $44,820 raised in 2022.

Participants can register for the 2023 Retro Shreda-a-Thon here. 

Beginning in 2012, The High Fives Foundation Ski-a-Thon series has grown each year in participation and raised funds. The fundraising goal for 2023 is $500,000 for High Fives programs, which support athletes and veterans through the foundation’s Empowerment Fund.  We look forward to seeing you on the slopes in 2023!

 

About The High Fives Foundation:  The High Fives Foundation is a California-based, national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on preventing life-changing injuries and providing resources and hope to those affected. Since its inception in 2009, the Foundation has helped over 600 athletes and veterans from 44 states + Canada.

For more information, visit www.highfivesfoundation.org.

TRUCKEE, California (January 16, 2023) – High Fives Foundation, the leading adaptive sports and injury prevention nonprofit has appointed eleven new members to its board of directors, including a new board president, Susan Stone.

The foundation has also appointed Jamison Blair (Lake Tahoe Realty), Courtney Laggner (Darn Tough Vermont), Katie Steinharter (Ikon/ Alterra), Sydney Kirby (Smith Optics), Katie Besso (Guild Mortgage), Anthony “Big Ant” Thomas (Personality), Darlene B (Monster Energy Cares), Craig Abruzzo (Morgan Stanley), Richard Lewis (Hightower Advisor), and Tim Burr (Return to Dirt) to the board of directors. All appointments began on December 17, 2022.

The new board appointees are a representation of the diverse groups that support and drive High Fives’ growth and influence. Each member brings knowledge and expertise from their respective field to High Fives programming development and is a passionate member of the outdoor community.

“We are proud and honored to expand our board membership with a powerhouse group of experts and leaders from businesses and industries that have helped shape the outdoors.” said Roy Tuscany, High Fives Foundation founder and CEO. “We are also thrilled to have Susan Stone join as our board president, and lend her passion and extensive business and leadership experience to High Fives.”

Stone was named one of Entrepreneur’s 100 Most Influential Women of 2022 and is the current chief executive officer of Ubiquitous Technology, a leading transparent solar energy technology company. Previously, she was the founder and CEO of Sierra Wasatch Capital and managed early-stage investing for Riverhorse Investments in Los Angeles. She brings extensive leadership experience and a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

“I have been an avid fan and supporter of High Fives for years and am honored to join the foundation as board chair and president,” said Stone. “I am excited to work with such an outstanding and passionate team to help expand our programming and make a real impact on our community and the lives of our program participants.”

Stone will take the seat of Board President Emeritus Tyler Lightcap, a founding board member who played a major role in the foundation’s inception in 2009.

“I have no doubt that Susan will lead High Fives with distinction and positivity and guide the organization into its next era.” Said Board President emeritus Tyler Lightcap. “It has been an honor to help lead the High Fives Foundation, and I will be a lifelong advocate and supporter and look forward to its continued growth.”

In addition to Susan’s appointment, the foundation has also announced expanded board positions on the newly formed Empowerment Athlete Committee. High Fives athlete Tim Burr is the first member to join the new committee and the first High Fives athlete to join the foundation’s board of directors. The Empowerment Athlete Committee aims to ensure that the mission and vision of The High Fives foundation continues to advance for athletes, and be guided by athletes.

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About The High Fives Foundation: The High Fives Foundation is a California-based, national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on preventing life-changing injuries and providing resources and hope to those affected. Since its inception in 2009, the Foundation has helped over 600 athletes and veterans from 44 US states and Canada. For more information, visit www.highfivesfoundation.org.

CARLSBAD, Calif. – January 12, 2023 – prAna, a leader in sustainable, active outdoor apparel, announced today that it is the prizing sponsor of the HBO Max Original Series THE CLIMB debuting Thursday, January 12, 2023. The series is created by Jason Momoa through his production company On the Roam, along with legendary rock climber and prAna adventurer Chris Sharma, and The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC). Sharma and fellow prAna climbing adventurer Meagan Martin co-host the series.

“Founded 30 years ago in Carlsbad, California, prAna set out to bring street style cool and conscious thinking to the function-first clothing that dominated the climbing world,” said Monica Mirro, president of prAna. “We continue to build on that legacy today and are thrilled to shine light on the sport while supporting emerging climbers in THE CLIMB.”

THE CLIMB is a visually-arresting and life-changing adventure that represents the foundations of rock climbing and exploration of the human spirit. In this all-encompassing competition, amateur climbers are put through a rigorous series of mental and physical challenges, utilizing some of the most intimidating ascents in the world to crown the world’s best amateur climber with a prAna sponsored climbing ambassadorship and a $100,000 cash prize.

View the first three episodes of THE CLIMB on HBO Max starting January 12, 2023. Follow prAna on Instagram for updates and visit prana.com for the brand’s latest sustainable, active outdoor apparel including its climbing collection.

 

About prAna

Born from the experience. Inspired by the spirit of adventure.

prAna grew from the idea that creating high-quality clothing for climbers and yogis, in a way that respected people and the planet, could – and must – live hand in hand. We’ve evolved these past three decades, but remain rooted in these founding values while now providing apparel for climbing, hiking, yoga, swim – or wherever life takes you. Learn more at prana.com.

 

THE CLIMB Credits: THE CLIMB is executive produced by Eli Holzman, Aaron Saidman, Erin Gamble, and Matt Shanfield, and Fred Pichel on behalf of The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), a part of Sony Pictures Television. Jason Momoa, Brian Mendoza, and James Mendoza serve as executive producers for On the Roam, as well as Chris Sharma and Jonathan Retseck.

We are excited to announce the acquisition of consumer event specialists Lodestone Events, producers of the hugely successful Overland Expo series of adventure travel consumer shows. Lodestone is also Outdoor Retailer’s strategic partner on Outdoor Adventure X, Emerald’s first outdoor consumer event. Emerald and Lodestone share a mission to promote, encourage, and celebrate outdoor recreation.

All Lodestone employees will join the Emerald team, with Lodestone founders Lindsay Hubley and Jessica Kirchner joining Emerald’s management team and continuing to lead the Overland Expo series. In addition, they will oversee Outdoor Adventure X, debuting this June 17-18, 2023, at Snowbasin Resort in Huntsville, Utah.

Overland Expo is the world’s premier event series for adventure travel enthusiasts and stages four consumer shows annually, one each in Arizona, Oregon, Colorado, and Virginia. Last year, the events attracted nearly 80,000 consumer attendees, 1,300 exhibitors, and 250 journalists. In addition to a wide variety of camping and product demonstrations, attendees had access to 1,700 hours of classroom-style education, roundtable discussions and hands-on instruction across 1,380 sessions.

“Bringing the Overland Expo series of four premier events and Outdoor Adventure X together creates an expansive offering of consumer experiences not seen before in the outdoor community,” said Jeff Davis, group vice president, Emerald. “We look forward to the synergy these iconic gatherings bring to our collective events while creating even greater value for the entire outdoor ecosystem, from manufacturers to retailers and consumers. With the growing demand for outdoor experiences, we are excited to increase the opportunities for consumers to engage directly with their preferred products and brands, as well as discover new gear and opportunities to support their outdoor pursuits.”

“Overland is a growing market segment, recognized and valued by the outdoor industry at large. Overlanders are outdoor enthusiasts and explorers who outfit their vehicles for backcountry adventures, which often include hiking, camping, paddlesports, cycling, and climbing,” said Lindsay Hubley, Managing Partner of Lodestone Events.

“We’ve spent the last four years enhancing the attendee and client experience at Overland Expo events, developing the brand’s daily digital content offerings, and syndicating the event series into high-demand markets. Our team is more than just consumer event experts; they are passionate about gathering communities of enthusiasts to get trained, outfitted, and inspired for their outdoor adventures. In addition, we are inspired by Emerald’s commitment to connecting enthusiasts with the brands they love in live event environments. We look forward to continuing to enhance the client and attendee experience at events and applying the core business philosophies that have made Overland Expo successful in developing Emerald’s B2C properties,” Hubley added.

Overland Expo joins Emerald’s action and outdoor portfolio of events that includes Outdoor Retailer Winter, Outdoor Retailer Summer, The Summit by Outdoor Retailer, Outdoor Adventure X, Surf Expo, and Shop-Eat-Surf.