Archives: Press Releases

Gregory Mountain Products will be the official 2025 baggage and backpack outfitter for EF Pro Cycling, a professional cycling team founded in 2003.  Gregory, manufacturer of innovative, experience-enhancing products that carry your gear for more than 50 years, will be outfitting the men’s, women’s, and junior squads, as well as the behind-the-scenes team. Gregory’s collection of Active Travel luggage and backpacks are built for exploring with confidence and convenience, a perfect fit for EF Pro Cycling’s adventures on the road while training, competing, and exploring the world.

“EF Pro Cycling is no ordinary team. It is a team that stands for adventure, exploration, and the courage to forge new paths. In other words, our kind of people – people who appreciate gear that is made for travelling, facing tough challenges, and seeking new horizons. We are excited to equip EF Pro Cycling with our backpacks, stowing and storage solutions for their travels around the globe,” says Lars Föll, General Manager Gregory Europe.

Clever solutions for the discerning athlete

The team will be supplied with the tried and tested models from the Gregory collection, such as the Quadro Pro and the Rhune 28 – customized, of course, with the EF Pro Cycling logo. The team behind the team – from mechanics to managers – are provided with gear organization solutions from the Alpaca Gear Organization collection, as well as the Alpaca Duffel, built with a water resistant TPU-coating and recycled polyester ripstop for hardcore durability. These bags boast a hard-wearing construction and clever features to keep everything organised and protected while being hauled around the world from event to event.

“When you’re traveling as much as we do, you need gear that can keep up. Gregory makes bags that are durable, functional, and built to handle the demands of pro cycling – whether that’s moving from race to race, navigating airports, or getting through long training camps. This partnership isn’t just about outfitting the team with great-looking gear; it’s about giving our riders and staff equipment they can rely on every step of the way,” says Jonathan Vaughters, CEO and founder of EF Pro Cycling.

Redefining the spirit of adventure

The partnership transcends baggage solutions: it is a celebration of the spirit of adventure. Earlier collaborations have shown the importance of comfort and functionality in pro cycling – for both the riders and the supporting team. This partnership opens up new perspectives for travel and adventure with equipment that guarantees highest levels of performance and reliability.

About EF Pro Cycling

EF Pro Cycling is a team of 58 riders from 22 nations and speaking 17 languages. Our men’s WorldTour squad, EF Education-EasyPost; our women’s ProTeam squad, EF Education-Oatly; and our development squad, EF Education-Aevolo; compete in the biggest road and off-road events around the world, including the men’s and women’s Tours de France, Unbound Gravel, and other innovative adventures on two wheels. Since our founding in 2003, we have championed ethical competition and sought to disrupt the status quo. Our mission is to become the world’s most-loved team.

About Gregory Mountain Products

Gregory loves adventure. Since 1977, the name Gregory stands for backpacks and travel gear. Focusing on quality, comfort, and cleverly designed features, the US-based company regularly challenges the status quo. And just as regularly, they set new standards thanks to their relentless development efforts. Because Gregory not only designs backpacks and travel gear, it lives and breathes them. Even today, prototypes are made by hand and tested extensively at the company headquarters in Salt Lake City (Utah), in full view of the mountains. Gregory Mountain Products is now an independent brand under the umbrella of the Samsonite Group.

 

 

 

Learn more:

	eu.gregory.com
	https://www.facebook.com/GregoryPacksEurope/
	www.instagram.com/gregorypackseu

 

Press contact for Europe:

crystal communications GmbH

Anne Spring // anne.s@crystal-communications.de // +49 (0)171 576 16 05

Thomas Bergmann // thomas.b@crystal-communications.de // +49 (0) 151 1410 8977

 

BOULDER, Colo. (Feb. 26, 2025) – ORTOVOX, a global leader in mountain safety and alpine gear, is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with American professional ski mountaineer and filmmaker Cody Townsend. Townsend joins ORTOVOX as an ambassador for innovative avalanche safety equipment, including the electronic avalanche backpack LiTRIC and the Diract beacon.

Renowned for his groundbreaking ski projects like the YouTube series The FIFTY Project and the new Fifty+, Townsend is a trusted voice in the freeride and big-mountain skiing community. Known for his exceptional athletic achievements paired with a strong focus on safety, Townsend perfectly embodies ORTOVOX’s mission to protect mountain athletes through cutting-edge emergency equipment and targeted training initiatives.

“Since 1980, our driving force has been to make mountain sports safer while inspiring athletes around the world. With Cody Townsend, we’ve found a partner who embodies this mission through his projects and his authentic storytelling,” says Christopher Junge, Head of Brand Marketing at ORTOVOX. “We’re excited to use this long-term partnership to bring greater visibility to avalanche safety – especially within the freeride community.”

For Townsend, functionality is the key factor when choosing his gear: “ORTOVOX brings a unique, technologically advanced and sustainable approach to their product line,” says Townsend. “From the most innovative airbag system to intuitive and easy-to-use avalanche safety equipment, I truly appreciate what ORTOVOX brings to backcountry safety.”

The partnership between ORTOVOX and Cody Townsend sends a powerful message for the future, emphasizing their shared goal of making mountain sports safer and more responsible.

For more information, contact Andrea Green at andrea.green@rygr.us.

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About ORTOVOX   

Founded in 1980, ORTOVOX is a leading German mountain brand renowned for its expertise in avalanche rescue equipment and wool apparel designed for various mountain activities. The brand is dedicated to protection and comfort in the mountains while prioritizing responsible practices towards people and nature. ORTOVOX’s commitment to safety extends to its employees, animals on its Tasmanian merino farms, and eco-friendly product manufacturing. For more information, visit www.ortovox.com.  

Contact: 

Andrea Green

Senior PR Account Manager

andrea.green@rygr.us

(970) 236-1668 ext. 2196

High Res Image: https://cloudconsole.box.com/s/hwafpytvz95dvqpi2o3jj69xw25pvf9k

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 25, 2025) – Big Agnes, the Steamboat-Springs-based outdoor equipment brand, recently announced that Kinetic Representatives was awarded its annual Rep of the Year Award, which celebrates the brand’s top-performing sales group. Kinetic Reps’ Dave Donahue, Lisa Donahue, Kyle Norris, Mike Ebner, Matt Munson and Adam Miller are credited for the award, for their team’s outstanding performance.

“We are thrilled to honor Kinetic Reps with this award,” said Craig Hatton, Sales Director at Big Agnes. “They embody the core values of our brand and consistently deliver outstanding results. They are fantastic to work with and have the respect of their dealers and peers alike. We’re honored to have them on the team.”

Big Agnes’ Rep of the Year Award recognizes exceptional performance, and Kinetic Representatives demonstrated this through remarkable year-over-year growth exceeding 50%. Kinetic’s success stems from a strategic approach to account management and unwavering commitment to customer service.

Kinetic Representatives brings together a dynamic team of experts specializing across the outdoor industry. Operating throughout multiple states and regions, its team uses innovative strategies to create meaningful connections between the brand, retailers and consumers. Through its experienced and enthusiastic team members, Kinetic delivers superior service to retail partners while maintaining a sharp focus on building momentum for the brands they represent.

“Since joining Big Agnes in 2017, Kinetic Reps have gone above and beyond in servicing the territory, building strong relationships with retailers and driving growth. They developed a winning strategy in 2024 despite all headwinds in the market. Their relentless pursuit of excellence is a true asset to our brand,” continued Hatton. “We’re so impressed with the great year from all of our reps spread throughout the world, and we are eager for another great year in 2025.”

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

 

 

BUFFALO, NY (February 24, 2025) – LEKI athlete Mikaela Shiffrin won her 100^th World Cup ski race, a slalom, on Sunday, February 23, in Sestriere, Italy, adding to her status as the greatest skier of all time. To commemorate Shiffrin’s remarkable 100^th win, LEKI has produced 100 limited edition Mikaela 100 Venom SL poles to be sold online exclusively at LEKI USA. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Share Winter Foundation, a non-profit organization near and dear to Shiffrin’s heart, that works to improve the lives, health and fitness of youth through winter sports.

“On behalf of the entire LEKI family, I’d like to congratulate Mikaela on her extraordinary 100^th World Cup win on Sunday in Italy,” said Sven Brunso, marketing director for LEKI USA. “What she has been able to accomplish over the years has been truly groundbreaking for the sport of ski racing, especially here in the U.S., and we’re thrilled to be able to celebrate her achievements with these special commemorative poles.”

Shiffrin officially signed on with LEKI in 2013 but has been racing with LEKI’s revolutionary Trigger S grip system, the first “ski pole binding” system in the world, since it was first introduced to market in 2007. LEKI has produced one pair of the legendary Venom SL pole, the same pole Mikaela has used to triumph in World Cup Slalom races across the globe, for each of her record-setting victories. Each pole is custom screened with the individual win #, the location of her win, and the discipline (SL, GS, SG, DH). Poles with win #1, #87 and #100 will not be part of the sale.

Visit LEKI USA for more information and to purchase.

Link to photos HERE.

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 LEKI USA #1 in Trekking poles, Trail Running Poles, Ski Poles & Gloves.

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