New Reflective Guyline Kit is Now Part of the GEAR AID Adventure Tools Collection

GEAR AID expands its Adventure Tools line-up with the new Reflective Guyline Kit. This multipurpose tool features reflective accents and a bright orange color to secure tents and tarps with a line that can be seen even in low light settings. This kit comes with four Mini Line Tensioners for taut lines that are easy to set up. The suggested retail price is $12.95.

Quickly secure tents and tarps when outdoors using the Reflective Guyline Kit. With 50 ft of ultra-light 2 mm line and four Mini Line Tensioners, easily organize camp with up to four 12 ft guylines that are adjustable and taut all day and night. The bright reflective orange color and matte-finish tensioners catch the eye even in dim lighting to prevent trips and falls in the evening.

“We are excited to launch the Reflective Guyline Kit. There are tons of great uses for this line and tensioner set. Use it as a clothesline, lanyard, replacement shoelace/belt, or DIY mask strap,” says Christian Rudolph, GEAR AID product manager. “The 2 mm cordage is useful all-around camp and the lightweight tensioners make tarp and tent setup a breeze.”  He adds, “We also got rid of the bulky packaging and attached the goods directly to the card, so consumers can handle and interact with the product directly.”

Now available at select retailers and online, the Reflective Guyline Kit is the latest addition to the GEAR AID Adventure Tools collection, which also includes paracord in a variety of sizes, colors, and lengths (i.e., 325, 30 ft and 100 ft). Check out the complete GEAR AID line of paracord by visiting gearaid.com.

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About GEAR AID

GEAR AID champions renewal in the lives of those who play and work outside. We empower people to make gear last longer by designing reliable camp tools and products that fix and restore gear as well as enhance the outdoor experience. With more than 100 quality products including Aquaseal®, Seam Grip®, Revivex®, and Tenacious Tape®, we make gear better and adventures bigger. Learn more at gearaid.com.

Metolius Climbing Launches New Website With Compelling Photography and an Enhanced User Experience

Metolius Climbing, a leading manufacturer and designer of innovative climbing gear, unveils its new website with a vastly improved user interface, easily accessible athlete training videos, and a clean mobile layout. The new Metoliusclimbing.com helps shoppers make well-informed decisions and access the brand’s wealth of training education. 

All products – from climbing holds to big wall gear – are organized meticulously by category, making it simple for users to navigate purchases among Metolius’ expansive product portfolio. Within the ‘training’ and ‘extras’ menus, Metolius also includes its popular climbing training guides, as well as how-to videos led by Metolius athletes, including Beth Rodden

“Since the beginning of the pandemic with more people at home, we have seen an increased interest in building home climbing gyms,” said Brooke Sandahl, Vice President of Metolius Climbing. “As brick-and-mortar shops have remained closed or have only begun to open at limited capacities, our revamped online presence aims to offer education and training to better serve our customers.” 

The revamped site also features new 2020 Metolius product highlights, which include: the Basic Crash Pad, Light Rail, Wood Rock Rings and Prime Rib wood grip training tools. For more information, visit www.metoliusclimbing.com.

About Metolius

Founded in 1983 near the headwaters of the Metolius River, Metolius equipment was born out of respect for rock climbing. Metolius has since built a solid reputation as a leading designer and manufacturer of performance rock climbing equipment that is Safer by Design. Metolius has always focused on new and innovative rock climbing gear while ensuring the highest quality available. They’ve built a strong reputation as an innovator in the design of cutting-edge rock climbing gear. Metolius is proud to be able to claim innovations in just about every category of rock climbing gear from traditional, sport, bouldering and big wall/technical alpine. Metolius also works to educate others to preserve the environment and the climbing lifestyle. For more information, visit www.metoliusclimbing.com.

Grundéns Strengthens Bench and Improves Distribution to Better Serve Customers

Grundéns, producer of the world’s leading fishing apparel and footwear, today announces the addition of four team members to the marketing and sales teams, and a significant change in distribution capabilities. Grundéns is making these changes to better serve customers, both directly and within the dealer network. The hires include Brent Brauner as director of marketing, Dave Drulard as key accounts manager, Jaime Huffman as regional sales director (east), and Tom Shores as regional sales director (west). Additionally, Grundéns has partnered with Tigers Global Logistics in Tacoma, WA to increase shipping capacity.

“While Covid-19 has presented significant challenges, Grundéns continues investing and scaling to support both our commercial and sport fishing business segments,” says David Mellon, CEO of Grundéns. “We recognize that we’ve had some constraints in the past and are building our team and our operations to improve the results for both our dealers and direct customers along with all of our industry and marketing partners. Brent joins us from Columbia PFG with deep connections in the fishing industry that are benefiting us already. Dave has already significantly improved our interactions with key accounts and both Jamie and Tom are enabling our territory sales reps to perform at their best. These additions add significant capacity and skills to our existing teams and will help push the brand to the next level.”

By partnering with Tigers Global Logistics, Grundéns has expanded its product inventory into a much larger facility, capable of shipping five times as much product daily as the previous internal distribution center. This significantly improved shipping capability provides better logistics and costs to customers located around the country. Shipping began from the new facility in June and the transition is now fully complete with customers receiving all of their product from the Tacoma, WA distribution center.

Brent Brauner started as director of marketing in February 2020, after leaving Columbia Sportswear where he led brand marketing for Columbia’s Performance Fishing Gear category over the past 3 years. He is leading the coordination of all Grundéns marketing efforts, guiding the seasonal narratives and tactics of an existing marketing team. Prior to Columbia PFG, Brauner spent six years at Streamworks, a fishing tools and accessories brand. A lifelong fly fisherman, Brauner is based in Poulsbo, WA.

Jamie Huffman joined Grundéns in May 2019 as regional sales director east. She covers the eastern half of the US and Canada and supports territory reps in all of those areas to support existing dealer relationships and open additional retail doors. She previously held senior level sales positions at good2grow and Bubba brands. A lifelong boater and angler, Huffman is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dave Drulard joined Grundéns in November 2019 as key accounts manager and is primarily responsible for Grundéns relationships with large, multi-door retail accounts. He also serves as the sales representative for the pacific northwest and Alaska. He previously held domestic and international sales roles with The North Face, Black Diamond, and Patagonia for over 20 years of outdoor brand experience. Previous to the outdoor industry, Drulard spent 8 years commercial fishing in Alaska and in the brine shrimp industry on the Great Salt Lake. He is based in Seattle, WA.

Tom Shores joined Grundéns in March 2020 as director of sales west. Tom was previously director of sales for Royal Robbins and Stanley/PMI, national sales manager for Mountain Hardwear, key account and western US sales rep for Columbia Sportswear, and western US sales for The North Face. Tom manages sales and sales agencies for the western half of US and Canada based out his Northern California basecamp and has fished from Kodiak, AK to La Paz, MX and all points in between.

Stio Partners with Coombs Outdoors as Year-Round Program Sponsor

Mountain lifestyle brand Stio announces today that they will partner with Coombs Outdoors as their official and exclusive apparel partner.  Coombs Outdoors is a non-profit in Jackson Hole that provides outdoor recreational programming for children of families who do not have access to the same opportunities as their peers. This partnership is dedicated to strengthening community efforts to promote inclusion and access in the outdoors and in Teton County.

As of 2020, Coombs Outdoors serves over 250 children and families from the service industry and workforce population in Jackson through both winter and summer programming.

Through this partnership, Stio will provide winter outerwear and summer gear for the organization’s participants. Moreover, Stio’s commitment to Coombs Outdoors will go beyond supplying apparel, as they also plan to establish a mentoring and internship program between the two organizations and collaborate on storytelling opportunities to elevate new voices.

“In our mission to inspire connection with nature, the issues of access and inclusion in the outdoors are very important to us. We want outside to be accessible for everyone. Through our shared vision, we can work towards this commitment together,” said Liz Barrett, Brand Director at Stio. “We believe that change starts in our own community first, and we’re beyond thrilled to embark on this meaningful partnership together with such a strong local organization.”

“We are so pleased to announce this expanded partnership with Stio. They have been very generous with us over the years, but establishing a formal, collaborative agreement is a win-win,” says Mary Erickson, Executive Director of Coombs Outdoors. “We love having this level of support from a great business like Stio, homegrown right here in Jackson. We share a passion for outdoor recreation and this Valley’s community, and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the outdoors. It is a perfect fit.”

To learn more about Coombs Outdoors visit: https://www.coombsoutdoors.org/

To learn more about Stio visit: https://www.stio.com/

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About Coombs Outdoors

Jackson Hole is known for its natural beauty and world-class outdoor sports. However, there is a large population of children from low-income families who do not have access to the same opportunities as their peers. In an effort to create a healthy community where all our children thrive, Coombs Outdoors provides year-round outdoor programming for youth from Kindergarten through high school graduation.

Coombs Outdoors begins with basic instructional programs that introduce kids to a variety of activities to spark a passion for the outdoors, then adds a cohort-based mentoring component in middle school to help youth build deep relationships with their peers and trusted adults, and finally, works with high school youth to serve as mentors and coaches to younger kids, explore careers and college, and become passionate outdoor enthusiasts.

Coombs Outdoors’ goal is not to create world-class skiers or rock climbers, but to develop world-class people ready to embrace the future with confidence.

About Stio®
Headquartered in the heart of the Tetons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Stio® was founded to inspire balanced living in connection with nature. Time spent on trails, in rivers and on summits inspires their beautiful, functional outdoor apparel. Their progressive, premium products are designed to meet the demands of the epic and everyday moments of outdoor life and can be found at stio.com, in their catalogs and at the Stio Mountain Studio® retail stores in Jackson and Teton Village, Wyoming and Park City, Utah.

360 Adventure Collective Announces Cancellation of Southeast Summer Expo

360 Adventure Collective, the member association that has brought focused, regional events for outdoor sales reps and retailers for over 30 years, has decided to cancel the Southeast Summer Expo, which was to take place August 4-7 at the Greenville Convention Center in Greenville, SC.

Initially scheduled for June 17-20, the Southeast Summer Expo was postponed to August in hopes that the effort to flatten the curve and reduce new cases of COVID-19 would permit the in-person event to take place safely. However, this summer’s dramatic increase in new cases since the reopening of several southeastern states has necessitated the event’s cancellation.

“The safety of our members and retailers is our number one priority,” notes Phil Flamand, President of 360 Adventure Collective. “We are looking forward to a time when we can hold trade shows, demos, and dinners with our members and retailers. Until then, we are using this time to make our organization stronger with added tools for conducting business in this ever-changing landscape.”

Prior to its cancellation, the Southeast Summer Expo was the only show remaining on the 2020 calendar for 360 Adventure Collective. All other summer shows in the Mid-Atlantic, New England, and Southern regions were canceled earlier this year due to concerns for member safety during the COVID-19 outbreak.

360 AC is cautiously moving forward with their winter calendar which can be found here: https://www.360adventurecollective.org/event-calendar.

To learn more about 360 Adventure Collective, visit www.360adventurecollective.org or email Mandy Giles at mandy@darbycommunications.com.

About 360 Adventure Collective

EORA (Eastern Outdoor Reps Association) and NESR (New England Sports Reps) united in 2017 to create 360 Adventure Collective, a greater organization boasting a combined 40 years of success in connecting the most comprehensive offerings in outdoor and ski apparel, footwear, accessories and hard goods to the industry’s retailers who matter the most.  By hosting smaller, more conveniently located expos and markets than the national alternatives, 360 Adventure Collective is the traveling sales rep’s most trusted support system for maximizing connections with retailers and vendors.  360 Adventure Collective has over 675 members with 14 annual shows, and services over 2,900 retailers.  For more information or to become a member visit https://360adventurecollective.org/

Osprey Announces Expansion and Redesign of Best-Selling Aether/Ariel Featuring Innovative Backpanel and Custom Fit System

Osprey, the leader in creating top-quality, high-performance, innovative carry solutions, today announced the expansion and redesign of the brand’s best-selling Aether/Ariel series to include an innovative backpanel design, an all-new, customized fit system as well as the utilization of sustainable fabrics and construction. The all-new Aether/Ariel Plus and the redesigned Aether/Ariel will be available to consumers in October 2020.

“The Spring 2021 Aether/Ariel represents a significant upgrade in our custom fit program,” said Erik Hamerschlag, Sr. Product Manager at Osprey. “Our new in-pack sizing adjustment system, eliminates interchangeable componentry which allows for a reduction in SKUs for our retail partners and an overall better experience for our customers. The new Custom Fit-on-the-Fly™ Hipbelt and Shoulder Strap are intuitive to adjust, offer a wide fit range, and promise to deliver fine-tuned fit on trail for years to come.”

The Design
The new Airscape™ Suspension features an injection-molded, die-cut foam backpanel that maintains a comfortable and breathable contact surface, flexibility for dynamic movement and improved carry performance. Horizontal plane channels prevent barreling under a full load to ensure consistent fit and optimal stability while vertical planes follow the contours of the back preventing collapse under heavy loads.

In addition to the new backpanel, Osprey is debuting an all-new Custom Fit-on-the-Fly™ Hipbelt, a Custom Fit-on-the-Fly Shoulder Strap and adjustable torso length that allows for a fine-tuned fit for a variety of body shapes and sizes while allowing for easy adjustment on the trail.

In step with Osprey’s goal to become the most progressive, transparent and sustainable hardgoods brand in the world, the packs feature high quality bluesign®-approved body fabrics and PFC-free DWR. Additionally, the injected molding on the Airscape Suspension virtually eliminates plastic waste.

Aether Plus (men’s)/Ariel Plus (women’s)
With a highly proficient suspension and a selection of larger volume styles, the Aether Plus/Ariel Plus Series offers an impressive carrying ability to support the heaviest of loads. A full-range of features like a DayLid daypack, Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment and reliable high-tenacity durable nylon fabrics make life on the trail easier.

Available in:
Aether Plus 100 | $390
Aether Plus 85/Ariel Plus 85 | $380
Aether Plus 70/Ariel Plus 70 | $360
Aether Plus 60/Ariel Plus 60 | $340

Aether (men’s)/Ariel (women’s)
A customizable, perfect-fitting pack that has the ability to carry larger and heavier loads. With an adjustable Custom Fit-on-the- Fly™ Shoulder Strap and Hipbelt, the user can calibrate the perfect fit.

Available in:
Aether 65/Ariel 65 | $280 and Aether 55/Ariel 55 | $260

About Osprey
Founded in 1974 and based in Cortez, Colorado, in the foothills of the San Juan Mountains, Osprey designs the highest performing and longest lasting carry solutions on the market including technical packs for outdoor, travel and everyday adventures. 

In addition to creating top-quality packs, the Osprey team is focused on becoming the most progressive, transparent and sustainable hardgoods brand in the world. From raw materials and chemistry benchmarks to progressive factory code of conduct agreements and programs that extend a product’s end of life, Osprey is taking a truly holistic approach and looking at every aspect of their business to ensure they leave as little trace possible. Osprey’s dedication to create innovative, high performance, sustainable gear reflects the brand’s love of adventure, devotion to the outdoors and steadfast resolve to leave the world better than they found it.

To learn more about Osprey and its products backed by their industry leading All Mighty Guarantee, visit osprey.com. Osprey products can be found online at osprey.com and in specialty retailers in over 60 countries worldwide. Follow all brand updates on Instagram (@ospreypacks), Facebook (@ospreypacks) and Twitter (@ospreypacks).

 

PEARL iZUMi’s Fall 2020 Collection Keeps Riders Rolling All Year Long

PEARL iZUMi, the world leader in cycling apparel and footwear, today debuts its Fall 2020 line, featuring a broad range of new styles designed to keep riders pedaling comfortably through all conditions. Furthering its mission to feature sustainable content across 90% of its product line by 2022, the brand has once again implemented a variety of recycled, renewable and organic materials throughout this season’s collection, combined with key performance features and proven technology to combat even the toughest winter weather.

“As riders ourselves, we know that while fall and winter riding can be challenging, it can also provide some of the most beautiful, satisfying and memorable days on the bike,” said Andrew Hammond, Global Brand Manager for PEARL iZUMi. “This fall we’ve used new technologies to offer riders improved comfort and control in cold conditions. You’ll see jackets designed for layering flexibility so riders can use them more often, gloves with improved insulation and less bulk, and tights that dial up comfort with better stretch and fit. This is the type of gear that makes you want to get outside.”

Completely redesigned this season, with improved fit and fabric, the brand’s comprehensive winter tight lineup features an array of high-performance designs optimized for varying weather and temperatures. The AmFIB Tight ($130 to $200) is the warmest option, created for cold-to-sub-freezing temperatures. This tight features integrated membrane technology across both front and back to keep riders fully protected from the elements. The AmFIB Lite Tight ($150 to $175) is designed for cool-to-cold temperatures, featuring targeted membrane technology in the front for wind protection, combined with thermal fabric on the back for warmth. The Thermal Tight ($125 to $175) is designed for cool, shoulder-season weather, and features a soft, high-stretch fleece thermal fabric to keep riders comfortably warm and mobile. All styles include PEARL iZUMi’s proprietary PI Dry®permanent water-shedding technology, strategic BioViz®  reflective elements for maximum visibility, and best in-class 1:1® Chamois offerings.

Another staple in any winter riding kit, the winter gloves collection has also been overhauled for Fall 2020, featuring all-new technology to provide maximum weather protection and control with minimal bulk. Riders have three models to choose from, so they can be dialed in all conditions. The brand’s iconic AmFIB Lobster Gel Glove ($85) is the warmest option, featuring 170 grams of PrimaLoft Gold insulation and a traditional split-finger design to provide all the warmth of a mitten with the braking control of a glove, while the AmFIB Gel Glove ($75) includes 100 grams of PrimaLoft Gold in a low-profile design for unprecedented dexterity. Rounding out the collection, the sleek AmFIB Lite Glove ($55) features 60 grams of insulation, and is an ideal midweight option for fall or early spring riding conditions. 

For mountain biking, a new lineup of cold-weather pieces provides the performance and protection riders need to take advantage of peak trail conditions, even as temperatures drop. The Elevate Insulated AmFIB Jacket ($200) is a go-to layer for off-road riding. Breathable Barrier fabric, made from 100% recycled polyester with a durable water repellant (DWR) finish, provides superior protection from wind and moisture, while PrimaLoft Gold Insulation provides exceptional warmth without excess weight. Meanwhile, the redesigned Launch Trail Pant ($150) provides extra coverage for riders, with a lightweight, four-way stretch Cordura fabric for superior durability, and a tapered leg design to stay clear of the chain. For riders looking to conquer the worst winter weather on the trails, the freshly-designed Summit AmFIB Pants ($200) feature PEARL iZUMi’s signature AmFIB softshell fabric – treated with PI Dry for permanent water shedding — across the front and rear for maximum warmth, combined with midweight thermal behind the knees and lower legs for optimal mobility and pedaling comfort.

The brand’s casual BikeStyle Collection features several new styles this season, all designed to provide versatility, function and comfort for both casual riding and everyday wear. The Vista WXB Jacket ($200) is a sophisticated shell that is perfect for commuting. This piece boasts recycled polyester with PI Dry technology and taped seams for premium water-proof performance, while reflective tape on the rear hem aids nighttime visibility. On the women’s side, the all-new Scape Coverall ($150) offers effortless style, made with a four-way-stretch organic cotton and durable nylon. It’s packed with special commute-friendly features, including five separate pockets, a DWR finish to help riders stay dry, and zips at the ankles for added mobility when pedaling.

PEARL iZUMi is also debuting several new footwear models for Fall 2020, with new styles in every category. For mountain bikers, the highly-anticipated X-Alp Launch, X-Alp Launch Mid WRX and X-Alp Flow Pop models ($125 to $175) bring advanced technology to flat-pedal riding, combining premium grip and durability with unrivaled fit and comfort. Meanwhile, the redesigned X-Alp Elevate ($200) is the brand’s premier all-condition mountain bike shoe, offering maximum efficiency and comfort for the most epic all-day rides. Lighter than ever before, the shoe features a new midsole made with renewable algae-based BLOOM material, a perforated tongue for improved breathability, and a two-dial BOA® Fit System for the most precise fit.

On the road side, the all-new PRO Air ($400) is the lightest shoe PEARL iZUMi has ever produced, weighing in at a feathery 150 grams for a size 42 — but cuts no corners on stiffness, comfort or performance. The brand partnered with Ruckus Composites to develop a completely new carbon sole design that is 20% lighter than that of its Pro Road V5 model (launched in Spring 2020).The PRO Air features a mesh laminate upper construction, replaceable insole and lace-up design with ‘lace-lock’ technology. Last but not least, the Gravel X ($250) is a new premium gravel shoe that blends the light weight and stiffness of a road shoe with the durability of a mountain bike shoe, and features a full carbon sole, fully knit upper and micro-adjustable BOA fit systems for supreme off-road comfort.

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About Pearl Izumi: PEARL iZUMi was founded on two things: the love of cycling and more importantly, love for future generations. The brand originated more than 60 years ago in Japan, when the founder created a special jersey out of technical fabric for his son, an aspiring bike racer. Since then, the company has been progressing the design and manufacture of performance apparel and footwear for cyclists of all levels. PEARL iZUMi believes that how we live today shapes how future generations ride, and is committed to using its business practices, products and community advocacy to create a positive impact through cycling. PEARL iZUMi’s world headquarters are located in the Colorado Front Range, where it embraces strong influence, both culturally and structurally, from its Japanese heritage.

Adventure Ready Brands Strengthens Sales Team with Key Executive Hire

CPG veteran brings nearly 20 years of experience building brands with retailers to lead the sales team at Adventure Ready Brands

LITTLETON, N.H. (July 14, 2020) — Adventure Ready Brands, which markets a range of best-in-class first aid, insect repellent and outdoor recreation products including After Bite®, Adventure® Medical Kits and Ben’s®, announces that veteran sales leader Greg Solt has joined the company as senior vice president of sales.

“Greg brings to Adventure Ready Brands a strong track record of sales performance across a broad range of channels,” says Adventure Ready Brands CEO Chris Heye. “He has demonstrated success at Seventh Generation, Burt’s Bees, The Hershey Company, and Clorox. Greg’s focus on building partnerships that enable category growth for our retail partners is important to us as we continue to aggressively grow our own brands and acquire new companies.”

In his new role, Solt will be responsible for leading Adventure Ready Brands’ North American sales strategy and execution across a broad range of retail channels, including outdoor, mass, food and drug, sporting goods, specialty, and e-commerce.  Solt was most recently the head of sales for TDBBS, a private equity-backed leader in all-natural dog treats. 

Solt is the most recent in a series of high-profile hires by New Hampshire-based Adventure Ready Brands, which has recruited team members from Proctor & Gamble, General Mills, Bauer, and Wayfair since 2019.

“The outdoor market is all about enthusiasm and the enjoyment of connecting with nature. Given its portfolio of brands that serve a growing need for comfort and safety in the outdoors, the opportunity to join Adventure Ready Brands was extremely attractive,” says Solt. “I am excited to join the team and build on their momentum with an increased focus on customer partnerships and business-building plans to help take the company to new heights.”

Adventure Ready Brands portfolio:

  • Adventure® Medical Kits
  • After Bite®
  • Ben’s®
  • Counter Assault®
  • Easy Care First Aid®
  • Genuine First Aid®
  • Natrapel®
  • QuikClot®
  • RapidPure®
  • Ready 4 Kits®
  • S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer®
  • The Itch Eraser®

Learn more about Adventure Ready Brands and its portfolio of outdoor brands at www.adventurereadybrands.com.

Please direct all media inquiries to Account Manager Ethan Peck at ethan.peck@rygr.us.

About Adventure Ready Brands: Founded in 1973 in the heart of New Hampshire’s iconic White Mountains, Adventure Ready Brands has always operated with a simple, unified goal: To inspire outdoor adventure, no matter the condition. With innovative products from the organized-by-injury Adventure® Medical Kits to the category-leading After Bite® insect sting treatment, Adventure Ready Brands has—and continues—to make good on that promise. www.adventurereadybrands.com

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Uncharted Supply Co. Expands Team and Headquarters Following Series A Funding

Following the completion of their Series A Funding in June, Uncharted Supply Co. is proud to announce key additions to their team as well as the expansion of its Park City, UT headquarters.  Already realizing significant growth through the end of 2019, the industry leading emergency preparedness company faced exponential growth and attention in 2020 due the recent series of current global events.

 “It’s been an exciting and challenging time for our small team to keep up with the opportunity at hand.  I’m extremely excited to not only add a handful of smart and dedicated team members just beginning their careers, but also have the opportunity to add a few seasoned veterans with exactly the type of experience we need to help guide us in to the future” says Christian Schauf, founder and CEO of Uncharted Supply Co.  

Todd Ballard joins the Uncharted team after spending nearly a decade serving in multiple C-level marketing roles at GoPro, where his innovative and engaging marketing approaches solidified the brand as the premiere action camera brand. Ballard says, “Uncharted Supply Co.’s culture, products and brand mission align perfectly with my passions and I’m thrilled to join this amazing team. I strongly believe that Uncharted Supply Co products belong in every household globally, and I look forward to helping create strategies and partnerships to achieve that.”  

As Acting Chief Marketing Officer, Ballard will work closely with Marketing Manager, Kate Cier and newly appointed Partnerships Manager, Cathryn Haberman.

Cier’s role as Marketing Manager will primarily focus on content creation, digital and social strategy for the brand. Haberman will be working alongside Ballard to execute a more integrated approach to partnerships and brand collaborations moving forward.

Mike Dufner has also stepped in as CFO, bringing years of experience in respected brands like DPS Skis and Reynolds Cycling. Schauf commented, “Mike has been an absolute game-changer for us over the past few months, helping shape forecasts, improve margins and provide a seasoned perspective to our growth plans.”  

Uncharted also expands its operational functions, hiring two full-time managers for their customer service and warehouse teams and a lead purchasing manager, Black Diamond veteran, Jon Foster. 

The warehouse will be headed up by new Warehouse Manager, Joe Nuzzolo. Bobby Armijo, who came on-board when Uncharted moved into Cotopaxi’s warehouse, will fill the role of Customer Service Manager. 

In anticipation of a growing team, Schauf made the decision to undergo an expansion renovation at their headquarters in downtown Park City.  Coupled with moving shipping and fulfillment operations to Cotopaxi’s Salt Lake City warehouse, this move provides ample room to grow over the next few years.  

Schauf says, “These are special times for a young company. Only a few years ago, Uncharted was nothing more than me working out of my small apartment. To watch the team double in size this year, adding mentors of mine like Todd Ballard and Mike Dufner as well as a new generation of future leaders of this company is truly exciting and important to the continued growth of Uncharted.”

About Uncharted Supply Co. 

Uncharted Supply Co. © was founded 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.

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BUFF® and UNICEF Join Forces to Provide Global COVID-19 Relief

SANTA ROSA, California (July 14, 2020) – Buff, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of BUFF®, creators of versatile performance headwear for all-season outdoor enthusiasts and athletes, today announced its corporate alliance with UNICEF. Having had a previous philanthropic partnership with the United Nations agency, BUFF® is expanding support by pledging two percent of its worldwide profits from 2020 to UNICEF. Part of the proceeds will come from sales of the newly launched BUFF® Filter Mask. 

“In a year with unique struggles, we are incredibly grateful to be in a position to give back,” said Shirley Brunetti, Vice President and General Manager at Buff, Inc. “Our brand philosophy asks us to ‘Do More Now’ and we apply this to every element of our global operations, including Buff’s philanthropic efforts. Across multiple countries, the entire Buff team is in support of our partnership with UNICEF to provide aid and resources to the most vulnerable communities.”

BUFF® Brand teams globally felt the immediate impact of the virus’ surge throughout Europe early in the year, especially at the brands headquarters in Spain. As employees were sent home for safety precautions and production paused, brainstorming ways to provide aid began. While the pandemic continued to unfold around the world, it became clear that communities already struggling with access to healthcare would suffer greatly, particularly children in those areas. The realization sparked the idea for both the manufacturing of the newly introduced BUFF® Filter Mask and BUFF® Replacement Filter kits, available in both adult and junior, and the increased support of an existing partnership with international relief organization, UNICEF. 

“Buff feels deeply about the urgency of cooperating with UNICEF Spain to help children so they too can lead normal lives as far as possible. After thinking about how we could best contribute to improving the current global situation, we began developing our new functional BUFF® Filter Mask. We soon realized that we wanted to contribute much more,” said BUFF®’s Chief Executive Officer, David Camps. “We quickly implemented the decision to expand our cooperation with UNICEF and we speedily identified specific areas where resources and aid measures for children would be most decisive.”

BUFF®’s global donation will support three UNICEF Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) projects – one servicing 190 countries; a second in Syria; and a third in Senegal. Rapid action is critical in areas where ongoing conflict is present, like Syria, and where high-density populations exist, like Senegal. In attempting to minimize the spread of COVID19, UNICEF will be focusing efforts on access to water, providing education on sanitation, and aiding in the supply and distribution of vital supplies and equipment such as face masks. 

Please visit buffusa.com/unicef for more information regarding the BUFF® UNICEF Corporate Alliance partnership, or contact OutsidePR’s Senior Account Executive Anna Avery at anna@outsidepr.com

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About BUFF®

Founded in 1991, BUFF® is the original multifunctional headwear brand, having premiered and innovated the tubular headwear category. Partnering with superior manufacturers of raw materials and incorporating state-of-the-art fabric technologies such as HeiQ, Polygiene®, Primaloft and 100 percent Merino wool, BUFF® has built a world-renowned lifestyle brand recognized by athletes and outdoor enthusiasts for its quality, craftsmanship, and customizable design and style options. BUFF® products are sold in more than 70 countries across the globe and top outdoor sporting retailers across the U.S. Original Buff is headquartered in Spain and its subsidiary, Buff, Inc, is located in Santa Rosa, California.