Hibear’s All-Day Adventure Flask Crushes Kickstarter Goal in 45 Minutes

Hibear’s 32 ounce All-Day Adventure Flask, the Swiss Army Knife of insulated bottles, crushed its funding goal within 45 minutes of launch on Kickstarter. Adventure travel needed a better bottle and Hibear has delivered exactly that. After two years of bolstering the Hibear community, meticulously perfecting the All-Day Adventure Flask, and receiving the fiercely sought-after 2020 Red Dot Design Award, the Hibear team experienced a huge influx of positive momentum approaching its crowdfunding launch date.  

Hibear’s Founder, Mark Tsigounis says, “We couldn’t be happier with the results from the launch of our Kickstarter campaign and are beyond stoked. We couldn’t have done it without a community rallied behind us. A community built over two years, gathered around the principals of travel, adventure, and sustainability.”

Hibear’s versatile, insulated, easy-to-clean, and rugged utility bottle is designed to craft all your favorite beverages – from cold brew to cocktails – yet simple enough to use as an everyday water bottle. With 10 times the versatility of the average insulated bottle, the All-Day Adventure Flask encourages users to pack less and do more. Hydration is an essential part of outdoor adventure and day-to-day travel. Most bottles tend to fall short when it comes to crafting beverages on the go, especially when bag space is at a premium. The answer to that call is Hibear’s All-Day Adventure Flask.

“The All-Day Adventure Flask was specifically designed for the adventure travel community,” says Tsigounis. “It’s the type of functionality and eye-popping design that we needed out of an insulated bottle on our own adventures and receiving the Red Dot Product Design Award was the icing on the cake. It’s a great feeling seeing the team’s efforts paving the way for the future of Hibear because this is just the beginning.”

Hibear’s All-Day Adventure Flask (MSRP: $85) is available now for pre-sale on Kickstarter. The Kickstarter campaign offers the All-Day Adventure Flask at a discounted price, including Super Early Bird pricing [$65] and Early Bird Pricing [$69] for the Pow Day and Night Hike colorways. A Limited Edition All-Day Adventure Flask, the Dawn Patrol, is also available [$79]. The All-Day Adventure Flask will launch worldwide in late Spring 2021. 

All-Day Adventure Flask Characteristics:

  • Total Volume: 32oz/950ml
  • Flask Body Volume: 25oz/750ml
  • Lid Volume:7oz/200ml Lid
  • Steel Filter Volume 12oz/355ML
  • 18/8 Stainless Steel Construction
  • Durable powder coat
  • Easy grip carabiner handle
  • Cocktail  Strainer w/ 130µ Center Filter Disc
  • Invertible Pour Over Lid
  • 12oz 130µ stainless steel filter
  • Total Height: 11″/283mm
  • Width: 3.7″/94mm
  • Removable Mug volume: 8.5oz/250ml

For more information about Hibear’s All-Day Adventure Flask, please contact Julie Bacon at julie@hotskilletmedia.com or 603-978-5530.

About Hibear
Adventure travel needed a better bottle, so Hibear made one. The 32 ounce All-Day Adventure Flask launched on Kickstarter on September 8, 2020. With 10 times more functionality than the average insulated bottle, Hibear encourages users to pack less and do more. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Hibear has a wild and beautiful testing ground for their products. Hibear is Climate Neutral Certified and a member of 1% for the Planet. You can find out more about Hibear via their website, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram. Climb high.

Hibear’s All-Day Adventure Flask Crushes Kickstarter Goal in 45 Minutes

Hibear’s 32 ounce All-Day Adventure Flask, the Swiss Army Knife of insulated bottles, crushed its funding goal within 45 minutes of launch on Kickstarter. Adventure travel needed a better bottle and Hibear has delivered exactly that. After two years of bolstering the Hibear community, meticulously perfecting the All-Day Adventure Flask, and receiving the fiercely sought-after 2020 Red Dot Design Award, the Hibear team experienced a huge influx of positive momentum approaching its crowdfunding launch date.  

Hibear’s Founder, Mark Tsigounis says, “We couldn’t be happier with the results from the launch of our Kickstarter campaign and are beyond stoked. We couldn’t have done it without a community rallied behind us. A community built over two years, gathered around the principals of travel, adventure, and sustainability.”

Hibear’s versatile, insulated, easy-to-clean, and rugged utility bottle is designed to craft all your favorite beverages – from cold brew to cocktails – yet simple enough to use as an everyday water bottle. With 10 times the versatility of the average insulated bottle, the All-Day Adventure Flask encourages users to pack less and do more. Hydration is an essential part of outdoor adventure and day-to-day travel. Most bottles tend to fall short when it comes to crafting beverages on the go, especially when bag space is at a premium. The answer to that call is Hibear’s All-Day Adventure Flask.

“The All-Day Adventure Flask was specifically designed for the adventure travel community,” says Tsigounis. “It’s the type of functionality and eye-popping design that we needed out of an insulated bottle on our own adventures and receiving the Red Dot Product Design Award was the icing on the cake. It’s a great feeling seeing the team’s efforts paving the way for the future of Hibear because this is just the beginning.”

Hibear’s All-Day Adventure Flask (MSRP: $85) is available now for pre-sale on Kickstarter. The Kickstarter campaign offers the All-Day Adventure Flask at a discounted price, including Super Early Bird pricing [$65] and Early Bird Pricing [$69] for the Pow Day and Night Hike colorways. A Limited Edition All-Day Adventure Flask, the Dawn Patrol, is also available [$79]. The All-Day Adventure Flask will launch worldwide in late Spring 2021. 

All-Day Adventure Flask Characteristics:

  • Total Volume: 32oz/950ml
  • Flask Body Volume: 25oz/750ml
  • Lid Volume:7oz/200ml Lid
  • Steel Filter Volume 12oz/355ML
  • 18/8 Stainless Steel Construction
  • Durable powder coat
  • Easy grip carabiner handle
  • Cocktail  Strainer w/ 130µ Center Filter Disc
  • Invertible Pour Over Lid
  • 12oz 130µ stainless steel filter
  • Total Height: 11″/283mm
  • Width: 3.7″/94mm
  • Removable Mug volume: 8.5oz/250ml

For more information about Hibear’s All-Day Adventure Flask, please contact Julie Bacon at julie@hotskilletmedia.com or 603-978-5530.

About Hibear
Adventure travel needed a better bottle, so Hibear made one. The 32 ounce All-Day Adventure Flask launched on Kickstarter on September 8, 2020. With 10 times more functionality than the average insulated bottle, Hibear encourages users to pack less and do more. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Hibear has a wild and beautiful testing ground for their products. Hibear is Climate Neutral Certified and a member of 1% for the Planet. You can find out more about Hibear via their website, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram. Climb high.

Setton Farms partners with May Zhu, MBA, RDN, LDN

Terra Bella, CA (September 8, 2020)- Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., the nation’s second largest pistachio grower and processor based in California’s Central Valley, is partnering with May Zhu, MBA, RDN, LDN of @nutritionhappens. Zhu will serve as an ambassador for Setton Farms beginning September 2020. Nutrition Happens is a nutrition and wellness focused platform dedicated to encouraging others to live their best and healthiest lives.

 

Zhu is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based in Chicago, IL.  She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Food Science, Nutrition, and Dietetics from Clemson University. She inspires her audience to enjoy a whole food, nourishing, and nutrient-dense diet. She will promote Setton Farms’ pistachio product offerings across multiple social media channels, as well as speak to the nutritional benefits of the brand’s pistachio goods.

 

“We are very excited to partner with May Zhu in what looks to be a record-breaking crop year,” said Setton Farms COO Mia Cohen. “May inspires us with her extensive knowledge of diet and nutrition, as well as her recipe creation and beautiful photo content promoting a healthy lifestyle.”

 

“My goal as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist is to help people feel confident about their food choices and that often starts with a conversation about why incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods (like pistachios!) can be beneficial for our health,” said Zhu. “I’m thrilled to be working with Setton Farms this year to show how pistachios are not only nutritious, but versatile and fun for all to enjoy.”

 

Setton Farms pistachio products are sold in stores nationwide, including Menards, Kroger, Wegmans, Lunds & Byerlys, Woodmans, Shoprite, Winco, Lidl, Bed Bath & Beyond, Albertson/Shaws, At Home, and online at Amazon.com.

Grown in California’s Central Valley, Setton Farms’ pistachios feature the AHA Heart-Check mark, are vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten Free, and Kosher. All of Setton Farms’ pistachios are grown, processed, and packaged using renewable energy and eco-friendly practices.

The Setton family is dedicated to providing healthy and delicious pistachio snack options that consumers of all ages love. Setton Farms produces Seasoned Pistachio Kernels, Pistachio Chewy Bites, Dark Chocolate Covered Pistachios, Premium Nut Blends, and other nutritious and delicious pistachio-based products. 

For more information on Setton Farms, visit www.settonfarms.com or follow on social media at: Instagram @setton_farms, Facebook @settonfarmspistachiochewybites, and Twitter @settonfarms

 

About Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc.

Since 1986, the Setton family has taken a hands-on approach to growing and processing America’s Best Tasting Pistachios in the Central Valley of California. As the second largest pistachio processor in the United States, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. sustainably produces pistachios that make their way to more than 60 foreign markets. Using proprietary techniques, the Setton Farms brand offers the highest quality pistachios with a fresh-from-the-orchard taste.

 

 

Uncharted Supply Co. Celebrates National Preparedness Month with Their Best Sale of the Year

From the COVID-19 pandemic to riots and natural disasters sweeping the nation, there’s never been a better time to get equipped for the unexpected. In honor of National Preparedness Month, preparedness-focused adventure brand, Uncharted Supply Co. announces the launch of their first-ever September sale—which will take place in lieu of a traditional Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale — offering customers 40% off from Sept. 10-20. 

After selling out in less than 24-hours when COVID-19 put the nation in a National State of Emergency, Uncharted’s line of preparedness products are back in stock. The company’s early Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale will begin on Sept. 10 and run through Sept. 20. The sale will feature a 40% discount on four Uncharted products: the SEVENTY2, SEVENTY2 Pro, The Zeus and the First Aid Pro. This will be the best price consumers will see all year, and the company promises to refund the difference if better prices are found elsewhere. 

“Emergency or survival scenarios aren’t the type of thing the average person wants to think about. However, this year in particular, I believe that people are being forced to think ahead and stock up in the event of a lockdown or evacuation. Preparedness is top of mind in a way it never has been before,” said  Uncharted’s Founder and CEO, Christian Schauf. “In honor of National Preparedness Month, we want to be a resource in terms of product and education. Offering these sales two months early not only makes it more affordable to stock up for emergencies but is also a testament to the importance of not waiting around until it’s too late.” 

In keeping with its mission of helping make the world a safer place, Uncharted will be providing daily survival tips during the month of September to get consumers excited about National Preparedness Month. This is Uncharted’s biggest sale of the year, with a price guarantee to the end of 2020. Below, information on each of the products that will be included in Uncharted’s National Preparedness Month sale:

SEVENTY2 – Uncharted’s SEVENTY2 is everything you need for survival, organized into one compact system. Inside the waterproof tarpaulin shell are eight neatly organized and durable gear pouches that contain expert-tested survival tools and products. Color-coded labels make accessing the best gear for that moment quick and easy, while a hard exoskeleton keeps the entire pack protected from impacts. Inside are dozens of essential survival items conveniently stored and labeled for quick access during any situation. MSRP: $389.00 

SEVENTY2 Pro – Uncharted’s SEVENTY2 Pro is an emergency preparedness kit designed by emergency professionals. The kit is designed with all of the tools necessary to keep two people prepared during any type of emergency, from a broken down car to a category five hurricane. The durable Hypalon shell (which can double as a floatation device) holds a collection of important survival tools. The pack’s unique design categorizes the tools into essential groups like food, water, shelter, air and vision so you can easily find what tools you need in a hectic emergency scenario. MSRP: $499.99 

Zeus Portable Jump Starter – For the times when there’s nobody at the other end of the jumper cables, the Zeus will get you back on the road and back on schedule. Never let a dead battery ruin your off-road adventures again. Not very comfortable handling spark plugs? Or maybe you’ve already been enjoying some cold brews – never worry about the negative (sometimes dangerous) repercussions of incorrectly handling jumper cables again. A unique Reverse Polarity + Spark Protection feature guarantees the device won’t activate (spark) until it’s connected correctly. It can recharge your iPhone Plus from 0 to 100% up to 10 times + can provide light for days on end with its built-in flashlight. Charge the Zeus at home or on the road with its cigarette adaptor to give yourself enough power to jumpstart up to 10L Diesel engine trucks on the road dozens of times. MSRP: $149.99 

First Aid Pro – A perfect solution for your vehicle, campsite, home, or classroom.  This compact bag features a robust collection of high-quality first aid products in an extremely durable and stylish package. Supplies in the First AId Pro include: First Aid book, Adhesive dressings, Bandage shears, Cotton gauze swabs, Notepad and pencil, Nitrile gloves, SMART Bandage, Emergency Blanket, Saline, Splinter probes, Wound closures, Rust-resistant tweezers, Triangular bandage, Safety pins. MSRP: $60.00 

About Uncharted Supply Co. ©

Uncharted Supply Co. was founded by a community of adventurers and philanthropists all with a shared mission in mind: to educate families, friends, and communities, and prepare them for any kind of emergency. Uncharted seeks to bring peace of mind and emergency preparedness into the modern era. With innovative products like the Seventy2 Survival System, standing ready is no longer just for the doomsayers and survivalists. To learn more about Uncharted Supply Co. visit: unchartedsupplyco.com. Or, follow them on Instagram: @unchartedsupplyco.

Applications Open for TrailHeads 2021 Blaze Your Own Trail Scholarship Program

TrailHeads is excited to announce that applications for the second annual TrailHeads Blaze Your Own Trail Scholarship Program are now being accepted. 

TrailHeads is a Kent, Connecticut based online retailer of hats, headbands, gloves, and related accessories targeted towards the running and outdoor sports enthusiasts community. 

TrailHeads President Stephanie Raftery commented, “We are eagerly looking forward to receiving this year’s round of applications. It means a great deal to us to hear the students’ stories and be able to give something back. Our company is dedicated to helping people overcome challenges of all kinds. We’re proud to continue the Scholarship this year.” 

The goal of the Scholarship Program is to recognize and support students in pursuit of a higher education who have faced and overcome their own challenges along the way. 

This nationwide scholarship is open to high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students. The winner, who will be selected based on his/her essay submission, will receive a one time $1,000 scholarship. The award can be put towards any education related expense from tuition to books to room and board. 

Applicants must be 17 or older and be attending an accredited college or university within the United States. The deadline to apply for the 2021 Scholarship is January 15; the winner will be announced on February 3rd. 

Students who wish to apply should visit www.trailheads.com/scholarship for essay requirements and additional information.

Salomon Introduces its First Recyclable Performance Running Shoe, Index.01

Designed to be disassembled and recycled, the Index.01 means runners can take a no-compromise approach to training while upholding sustainable values

Salomon, the global leader in trail running and winter sports equipment, unveils the Index.01, a ready-to-recycle performance road running shoe. The shoe is the result of three years of research and development at Salomon’s Annecy Design Center in the French Alps, developed to reduce material waste and lessen the environmental impact of footwear by using circular life cycle principles. The Index.01 is the latest project within Salomon’s Play Minded Program, the brand’s ongoing sustainability initiative, and is set to be released in Spring 2021. 

“Salomon’s unique expertise across multiple sports categories, coupled with a passion for the environment has led to the development of this exciting new shoe. When the Salomon Index.01 was presented internally, the audience burst into spontaneous applause as the dream of a performance Salomon running shoe that is fully recyclable became reality,” says Salomon President, Michael White.

“The internal enthusiasm for the Index.01 reflects what we hear from our loyal community of outdoor lovers as well—that they are eager for brands like Salomon to find more sustainable ways to develop products,” White adds. “Designing a recyclable running shoe that meets the level of performance people expect from Salomon is something we are proud of. It will be exciting to see what we learn from this process and how it shapes future innovation.”

Blending performance, style and environmental values, the new Index.01 features a clean aesthetic designed to perform on a road run and look sleek in more casual atmospheres, too. The Index.01 was inspired by Salomon’s Concept Shoe, which was introduced in late 2019 as the first step in the brand’s recycled shoe program. The new Index.01 is built using a recycled polyester upper and a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) bottom unit, which are recycled separately at the end of the shoe’s life. The upper will be reused in fabric creation, while the bottom unit will be ground down and reused for a variety of purposes depending on the region. Specifically in Europe, the recycled bottom units will be used in the production of Salomon alpine ski boots. In addition to being recyclable, the shoe is also made of entirely recycled materials.  

The running performance of the Index.01 is driven by the plush, TPU-based foam of the bottom unit and the shoe’s R.Camber geometry, which is Salomon’s own rockered design that helps propel the runner forward with quick heel-to-toe transitions. Weighing in at just 285 grams with a 9mm drop and comfortable molded sockliner, the Index.01 is a comfortable, quiver-killing road running shoe in its own right, making its recyclability an added bonus for runners in search of their next shoe.

HOW THE INDEX.01 WAS MADE

In late 2019, Salomon unveiled a concept shoe made completely from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that could be ground into tiny pieces at the end of its life and subsequently used in the creation of a Salomon alpine ski boot. Inspired by the concept shoe, the Index.01 will be the first recyclable shoe from Salomon available for consumers, marrying sustainability and performance in one. As the Index.01 couldn’t compromise on performance for recyclability, a key challenge the product team faced in creating the Index.01 was finding a material for the bottom unit that was recyclable that also delivered the perfect amount of shock absorption and rebound needed for road running.

“First, we had to construct a shoe that only used two materials that could later be separated and recycled,” says Olivier Mouzin, manager of Salomon’s footwear sustainability program. “Since Salomon has incredibly high standards for its products in terms of fit, performance and durability, we then had to make sure that those two materials would allow us to construct a shoe that delivers high quality for every day road running.” 

Salomon found its solution in a nitrogen-infused, TPU-based foam called INFINIRIDE, which can be ground into tiny pieces and recycled when the shoe reaches the end of its life. The Index.01 product team incorporated the INFINIRIDE technology into the bottom unit and then developed a construction in which the materials of the upper and bottom units could be separated and recycled after use. They then used a water-based glue and recyclable polyester thread to connect the two units to minimize material contamination.


RECYCLING THE INDEX.01

 

In an effort to minimize transportation impact and to streamline the recycling process for the consumer, Salomon is introducing a regional recycle process for the Index.01. At the end of the Index.01’s life, owners can simply visit www.salomon.com, print a shipping label and send the shoes to the closest collection center free-of-charge. The collection centers will be located across Europe, North America and Asia/Pacific, where they will receive the shoes, wash and dissemble them and then ship the parts to local recycling partners.

“It’s important to also be sustainable and consistent across markets in how we’re collecting the Index.01 shoes at the end of their life because we don’t want them traveling all over the planet,” Mouzin says. “That’s why, as a first step, we’ve set up collection centers in each region for consumers to ship their used shoes. From there, our recycling partners will begin the next step to recycle the used shoe materials locally. While Salomon can recycle TPU in Europe and in Asia, we had to find solutions for recycling regionally in North America, where we are unable to recycle our TPU. Localization is the key.”

Salomon is also taking measures in its packaging to reduce waste by eliminating extra hangtags and stuffing paper in Index.01 boxes. Beginning spring 2021, all Salomon footwear will use FSC certified packaging to ensure that all packaging materials come from sustainable and legal sources, further reflecting the brands long-term commitment to the environment.

For more information about Index.01 and Salomon’s sustainable footwear commitments, please visit: https://www.salomon.com/en-us/index01.

###


About Salomon: Born in the French Alps in 1947, Salomon is committed to pushing the boundaries of mountain sports through the creation of innovative equipment that allows people to play, progress and challenge themselves in their chosen outdoor sports. The company produces and sells premium footwear, winter sports and mountaineering equipment, hiking equipment, and apparel specifically designed for all of those disciplines. Products are developed in the company’s Annecy Design Center, where engineers, designers and athletes collaborate to create innovative solutions that continually improve the outdoor experiences of those who see nature as a vast playground.

Outdoor Economy Conference Taps Asheville-Based Darby Communications

The Outdoor Economy Conference, the nation’s premier event for those looking to grow the outdoor industry in their own regions, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Asheville-based Darby Communications. Conference organizers have tapped Darby Communications as their PR agency of record to elevate awareness of the virtual conference and its impressive lineup of speakers and panelists.

The 3rd annual Outdoor Economy Conference will virtually bring together outdoor leaders from around the country to advance five timely topics under one umbrella theme: The Future of the Outdoors. Through a series of keynotes, presentations, panels, and workshops, attendees will explore topics such as:  Healthy Communities Through Recreation; Growth Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Outdoor Innovation + Entrepreneurship; Next Generation Outdoors; and Building Outdoor Communities.

“Looking toward the future and adapting to change has always been at the heart of the Outdoor Economy Conference. By going virtual this year, we are able to reach a much wider audience, lower the barriers to attendance, and expand the impact of this event to reach even more states and communities,” says Noah Wilson, program director of the Growing Outdoors Partnership and lead conference organizer. “That’s why we’re so excited to have such an innovative and forward-thinking partner in Darby Communications. In the early months of our partnership, Darby has already proven to be one step ahead of the curve in all things PR and digital marketing.”

Darby Communications, who has long served the outdoor, fitness, and wellness industries, is perfectly poised to heighten the conference’s brand awareness and boost its ticket sales through a mix of PR, email marketing, and social media management. The agency has a proven track record of success in event promotion, having partnered with trade show association 360 Adventure Collective and longstanding popular music festival FloydFest.

“In its 3rd year, the Outdoor Economy Conference has proven to be a vital resource for outdoor industry professionals across the country,” says Angie Robinson, vice president of Darby Communications. “We’re thrilled we get to lend our expertise to help advance such important and timely topics as improving diversity in our industry, engaging youth in the outdoors, and investing in outdoor infrastructure to improve community health.”

This year’s Outdoor Economy Conference will be held entirely online every Thursday in October from noon-4 p.m. EST. All Access Passes, regularly priced at $149, are available for just $99 until September 7, while Single-Session passes, regularly $60, are available for $40. To learn more about the event or to purchase tickets, please visit outdooreconomy.org and look out for a second release coming soon for more information on keynote speakers, panelists, workshops, and more. For media inquiries, please email ashleigh@darbycommunications.com.

 

About The Outdoor Economy Conference

The Outdoor Economy Conference connects, educates, and inspires leaders and doers working to grow the outdoor industry and craft an economy that’s intimately tied to the well-being of their places and communities. With the outdoors more essential than ever, this year’s conference will bring together outdoor leaders from around the country to advance five timely topics and ensure a better future for the outdoor economy, and for the people and places that it serves. These five topics include: Healthy Communities Through Recreation; Growth Through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Outdoor Innovation + Entrepreneurship; Next Generation Outdoors; and Building Outdoor Communities. Learn more at outdooreconomy.org or follow on social @growingoutdoors.

About Darby Communications

Darby Communications is a boutique PR & digital marketing agency serving the outdoor, fitness, and wellness industries through impactful content creation, media placement, email marketing, and social media management. Headquartered in Asheville, NC with a coast-to-coast portfolio, Darby Communications takes a team approach to everything they do for clients and have worked with many of the outdoor and fitness industries’ most respected companies. Their current client roster includes: 360 Adventure Collective, Appalachian Gear Company, Astral, Feetures, Hyland’s, Ignik, Industrial Revolution, Johnson Outdoors, LifeSaver, Ombraz Sunglasses, Outdoor Economy Conference, Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn, Sierra Designs, SylvanSport, Tarpestry, and Wildwater. Learn more at www.darbycommunications.com or follow on social @darbycomm.

Feetures Enters the Bike Lane With Its First Cycling Sock Collection

Performance sock brand Feetures is excited to launch Feetures Cycling: the brand’s first cycling collection, created to shift cyclists’ rides into high gear. By bringing its Custom-Like Fit technology into its new cycling socks, Feetures offers cyclists maximum performance behind the handlebars.

 

Nearly two decades ago Feetures set out to make a running sock that would change the way runners looked at socks. After 25 years in the sock manufacturing business, founder Hugh Gaither recognized that performance socks had changed very little during that time. He created a prototype with a seamless toe and a contoured fit and, with the help of some independent reps, he introduced this pioneering sock to the running world. It was an instant success due to its snug fit and ability to prevent blisters. Years later, after identifying more ways to improve their product, Feetures unveiled the Elite: an anatomically designed sock constructed with moisture-wicking fibers and Targeted Compression to create a supportive and custom-like fit.  Once again Feetures had revolutionized performance socks and created what is still the gold standard. Learn more about Feetures history and innovation HERE.

 

With their latest collection, Feetures has incorporated the same qualities that made their socks a hit with runners: custom-like fit, moisture-wicking fabric, and a seamless toe to reduce irritation. The Cycling collection is built with proprietary iWick fibers to keep feet cool and dry, and provide superior comfort. The custom-like fit prevents slipping and bunching, and reduces the risk of blisters, while Targeted Compression provides zone-specific compression for extra support where cyclists need it most.

 

“Much like runners, cyclists are competitive athletes who are always looking for a new piece of gear that will take their ride to the next level,” said Feetures Vice President of Marketing Joe Gaither. “Many times, cyclists focus on bikes and components to get an edge over the competition, but they never consider that a performance sock could be their secret weapon. Athletes who wear Feetures socks rely on them for their comfort and fit, and we’re confident that when cyclists try our new socks, they’ll understand the Feetures difference.”

 

The Feetures Cycling collection is currently available at Feetures.com. If you’re interested in carrying the Feetures Cycling collection or would like more information, please visit their website or contact sales@feetures.com. For media inquiries, please reach out to Angie Robinson at angie@darbycommunications.com.

About Feetures

Feetures, a leading performance sock brand, has been family owned and operated in North Carolina since 2002. Their goal is to create products that help people achieve their personal best. Feetures are engineered for performance with Targeted Compression and Anatomical Design to create a custom-like fit. As a testament to the quality of Feetures, each pair is sold with a lifetime guarantee. Go. Do. Live. In Feetures. Feetures.com / @feetures

OUTDOOR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (OIA) AND PEOPLE FOR BIKES (PFB) ENTER INTO A POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP TO EXTEND THE REACH AND IMPACT OF THE CLIMATE ACTION CORPS

OIA and PFB announce a partnership between the outdoor and bike industries to empower collective action to achieve measurable and meaningful carbon reductions by 2030 while simultaneously combining and amplifying the industries’ political voices.

DENVER, Colo. – September 1, 2020 – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and PeopleForBikes (PFB) have announced a unique partnership through which PFB members — bicycle manufacturers and retailers — will be able to join the OIA Climate Action Corps, an unprecedented, collaborative model for alignment, action and accountability to achieve industry-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions in accordance with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines.

Launched in January 2020, the OIA Climate Action Corps supports and enables brands, retailers, manufacturers and suppliers to measure their greenhouse gas emissions, set reduction targets, develop company-specific reduction plans and publicly share their progress annually. More than 75 outdoor companies have joined the Corps since its launch and have begun using the Climate Action Corps Guidebook as well as the industry-relevant regular trainings and gatherings offered in the online community to take a step-by-step journey toward a climate positive future for their businesses and for the industry as a whole. This new partnership — the Corps’ first — represents the uniquely collaborative, precompetitive nature of the two trade associations as well as the intersectionality of their industries’ goals.

“Outdoor companies rely on healthy outdoor places and healthy people outdoors,” says Amy Horton, OIA’s Senior Director of Sustainable Business Innovation. “The Corps has a strong first-do-no-harm ethos. Members are taking responsibility for the gear they make to ensure it is sourced, manufactured and delivered to consumers in ways that don’t jeopardize the health of our climate, our outdoor treasures or the people who buy, sell, or make the products. They are also committing to advocating for climate policy. We are excited to have PeopleForBikes as our first industry trade partner, not only because of the potential to grow the Corps’ carbon reduction impact but also to grow its advocacy muscle.”

Through this agreement, PeopleForBikes member companies will be able to join the Corps and access its exclusive resources — including the Climate Action Corps Guidebook, on-demand webinars, free online workshops, and other community learning opportunities — at a discounted rate. In addition, members will have the option of participating in Climate Action Corps Impact CoLab projects, specific initiatives — such as widespread renewable energy procurement in the U.S., mill energy efficiency improvements in China, and increased use of recycled content — in which OIA will lead or facilitate partnerships to drive greenhouse gas reductions through collaboration, helping participating members to meet their targets in less time and for less cost and effort.

“Climate is so important to the health of the bike industry,” said JJ Trout, PFB’s Chief of Staff. “Natural disasters pose a threat to supply chains, directly impacting folks who want to ride bikes. PeopleForBikes supporters are advocating for the environment. Today’s consumer cares about the planet and wants to align with companies who are listening to their concerns and taking action.” said JJ, ‘The industry needs a clean planet with safe, fun and healthy places to continue riding.”

The Climate Action Corps Guidebook is an interactive roadmap that guides members on their journey to set and meet aggressive GHG reduction targets. Most notably, membership in the Climate Action Corps provides a dramatically faster and significantly cheaper path to meaningful reduction than any company could achieve on their own.

Since launching the Corps in January 2020, OIA has welcomed more than 75 outdoor companies into the cohort, adding several companies to the roster each week, even amid the coronavirus pandemic, signaling the industry’s and businesses conviction that this work is more important than ever. The partnership with PeopleForBikes signals a moment in time like no other, and with it comes tremendous responsibility for the organization and an industry that has largely been slow to respond. The bike industry brings a unique and valuable set of business perspectives to the cohort, as the bicycle supply chain and typical material sourcing and product manufacturing standards are different from many of the Corps’ outdoor companies’. More information about the Climate Action Corps can be found at outdoorindustry.org/climateaction. Media interested in interviews with PeopleForBikes or Outdoor Industry Association or with Corps member companies can contact Deborah Williams (dwilliams@outdoorindustry.org) or JJ Trout (jj@peopleforbikes.org).

###

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA unites and serves 1300 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

About PeopleForBikes

Based in Boulder, Colo., PeopleForBikes is making biking better for everyone by uniting millions of individuals, thousands of businesses and hundreds of communities. When people ride bikes, great things happen. Join us at PeopleForBikes.org.

ECCO Outdoor Honored with German Design Award for Two Key 2021 Footwear Styles

ECCO, the leading family-owned global footwear brand, has been recognized by the German Design Award for two key styles.  The BIOM 2.0 trail shoe and the EXOWRAP all-terrain sandal have been recognized in the category of Excellent Product Design and will debut in the US and globally in spring 2021.

The German Design Awards constitute the German Design Council’s premium international prizes and one of the world’s most renowned design competitions. Last year more than 5,400 projects from 63 countries were entered.

“Since our founding in 1953, our primary task has been to observe, analyze and evaluate what is happening in design internationally,” explained Andrej Kupetz, CEO of the German Design Council. “The winners each year not only exemplify the economic and cultural value of outstanding design, but they also provide direction and are representative of current themes and trends.”

“As we deepen our ongoing commitment to the outdoor category globally, our product and design teams are always raising the bar for themselves to bring fresh and relevant styles to the new athletic outdoor consumers of today,” said Nikolai Christensen, global head of ECCO Outdoor.  “We are honored to be recognized for our innovations, from our water-saving Dri-Tan technology to these two new versatile styles that give our specialty retailers something new, different and truly design-driven to offer their customers.”

BIOM 2.0
Inspired by barefoot runners and originally developed for elite athletes, speed and agility are blended with futuristic street style in the ECCO BIOM 2.0, a new statement sneaker from ECCO Outdoor. With ECCO’s proprietary BIOM® NATURAL MOTION® technology, this urban and outdoor athletic hybrid sneaker enables more natural and efficient movement on city streets and hiking trails, while offering a close-to- barefoot feel.  Available February 1, 2021. MSRP $180 / $200 USD

EXOWRAP
Outdoor functionality and state-of-the-art weightless comfort are mixed with a modern, urban aesthetic in the ECCO EXOWRAP. An all new premium sandal from ECCO Outdoor, the EXOWRAP delivers long-lasting cushioning and remarkable rebound with a  PHORENE™ foot bed for all day comfort on beaches, trails and city streets.  Available March 1, 2021.  MSRP $130 / $140 USD

 “Due to our vertically integrated production and owning our tanneries and factories, we’re looking forward to delivering these and other key outdoor styles to our retail partners with predictable and dependable inventory for spring 2021,” added Thomas Dixon, national sales and product manager for ECCO Outdoor USA.

The two awarded styles as well as ECCO’s Outdoor assortment will be in inventory and available at retail for spring and summer 2021. 

About ECCO: ECCO is one of the world’s leading shoe brands, combining style and comfort. ECCO’s success is built on products with a great fit and top-quality leathers. ECCO owns and manages every aspect of the value chain from tanneries and shoe manufacturing to wholesale and retail activities. ECCO’s products are sold in 90 countries from over 2,200 ECCO shops and more than 14,000 sales points. ECCO is family-owned, founded in Denmark in 1963, and employs more than 21,000 people worldwide. ecco.com