Archives: Press Releases

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (June 16, 2020) – Scoring a trifecta of awards for Spring 2020, the Gregory Paragon and Maven, the newest lightweight category backpacks from Gregory Mountain Products, earned accolades for versatility and functionality from testers with Outside, Backpacker and Popular Mechanics magazines. 

In April and May, Outside Magazine gave the new Paragon and Maven its 2020 Gear of the Year Award, which calls out the season’s best gear. Backpacker and Popular Mechanics also called out Gregory, the longtime leader in premium backpacks and adventure travel gear, with their Editors’ Choice awards for the Paragon and Maven. All three awards are among the most prestigious and rigorous in the industry, with testers logging countless miles on the trail to determine the season’s most standout gear. 

Backpacker called out the Paragon and Maven as “one of the best all-around packs we’ve ever carried on the trail … There are other packs in these pages that hit this price point, or this weight, or this carryability. But none puts everything together with the way the Paragon (and Maven) does, which is why it’s our new go-to for weekends on the trail.” 

Outside’s editors said the packs have “one of the most effective trampoline-style suspension systems we’ve ever seen.” Gregory’s FreeFloat suspension keeps the pack “blissfully stable under oxen-grade loads.” 

 

The Paragon and Maven, updated for spring 2020, represent the pinnacle of high-performance backpacking gear — blending lightweight features, game-changing comfort, and thoroughly tested durability. The centerpiece of these packs is the adjustable FreeFloat Hybrid suspension system, which combines a ventilated lumbar support with a close-fitting upper suspension. This fresh design approach is combined with Gregory’s patent-pending FreeFloat hipbelt technology, which allows the pack to dynamically move and flex with the natural movements of the user’s body, delivering a new level of body-hugging comfort. 

The Popular Mechanics test team attested to that performance, noting the Paragon and Maven felt “almost like a second skin that moved in the same direction and at exactly the same time as we did. That meant more comfortable trekking, even on high-mileage days.” 

The Paragon and Maven come with a full set of features designed to make life on the trail easier: a full-length side-loading access zipper to access the main compartment, front and side stretch mesh pockets, an internal hydration sleeve, and a sunglass QuickStow on the shoulder harness.

“We’re always looking to improve the hiking experience on the trail through inventive designs that can move in tune with your body, and seeing a product line that we put so much effort into earning these kinds of awards and praise is rewarding for our team,” said John Sears, Vice President of Gregory. “We’re honored to receive these accolades from publications as respected as Outside, Backpacker, and Popular Mechanics.” 

The Paragon and Maven are available in three capacities: Paragon 48/Maven 45, Paragon 58/Maven 55, and Paragon 68/Maven 65. For more information about the spring 2020 line and Gregory Mountain Products, visit www.GregoryPacks.com. 

About Gregory Mountain Products

For more than 40-years, Gregory Mountain Products has been the leader in expedition,

backpacking, daypacks, and travel gear. World-renowned for fit, durability, and performance in

all of its products, Gregory has won awards for its pack designs from such diverse media outlets

as Outside Magazine, Backpacker, National Geographic, Popular Science, and Men’s Journal.

Responsible for many industry firsts in backpacking fit and design, the Gregory research and

design team continues to lead the way in innovative backpack technology and performance. For

more information, visit www.GregoryPacks.com.

Today, Rumpl, the category leader in technical blankets, announces the launch of an exclusive capsule collection of NASA products. The limited-edition line of insulated blankets and ponchos are available in honor of the 50^thanniversary of the safe landing of the Apollo 13 Lunar Module, one of history’s most triumphant space rescues. The collectible NASA designs are available in three signature Rumpl products—the NanoLoft® Puffy Blanket, Original Puffy Blanket and the NanoLoft® Puffy Poncho—and serve as a nod toward the inspiration of space exploration as well as the unbreakable human spirit.

“The NASA Collection celebrates humanity’s grit, adaptability and perseverance under extreme stress,” says Wylie Robinson, CEO and founder of Rumpl. “When Apollo 13’s Lunar Module crashed into the South Pacific Ocean 50 years ago, safely returning the three-man crew of astronauts, it became one of the greatest American rescue missions of all time. Today, in the midst of everything going on in the world, we must not forget that we can get through whatever challenges we face.”

The NASA collection is available across the Original Puffy Blanket (MSRP $199 USD), the NanoLoft® Puffy Blanket (MSRP $229 USD), and the NanoLoft® Puffy Poncho (MSRP $249 USD). The blankets and poncho feature spacesuit-inspired designs including a NASA logo patch, a replica NASA issued flag, a Tyvek® product label, and NASA RED matching trim and details. The blankets also come with a special stuff sack for extra packability. All products incorporate Rumpl’s authentic features like the blanket Cape Clip® and the poncho hidden pocket drink holder for hands-free mobility while on adventures or at home. 

The NASA Collection lifts off on www.rumpl.com June 14.

For more information, please visit the launch pad here: https://www.rumpl.com/pages/coming-soon-the-nasa-collection.

For more information about Rumpl, please direct inquiries to Senior Account Manager Emily Banks at emily.banks@rygr.us.

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About Rumpl: Based in Portland, Oregon, Rumpl makes Blankets for Everywhere. Utilizing material technologies commonly found in activewear and outdoor gear, Rumpl aims to modernize the everyday blanket. Rumpl’s high-quality, versatile blankets keep you comfortable no matter where you are. The materials have been tested and proven in harsh environments, yet specifically selected for comfort and durability. Rumpl believes the blanket you use every day deserves the same attention to detail as a sleeping bag you might use ten times a year. The end result is a premium and versatile blanket that can be used anywhere you go … or when you don’t go anywhere. https://www.rumpl.com.

Royal Robbins and MT Sobek, two companies with a shared heritage of inspiring adventure for 50+ years, announce a partnership that will help inform Royal Robbins’ product innovation and help strengthen the brand’s position as a leader in outdoor adventure apparel. 

Innovators in adventure travel, MT Sobek’s world-class adventure guides lead excursions across diverse climates and terrains to places all around North America and the world. Royal Robbins will tap into MT Sobek’s network of guides as brand ambassadors to test products, gather feedback, and bring new and enhanced offerings to Royal Robbins customers. 

Royal Robbins will soon unveil ‘Guide Picks’ into upcoming product collections, and through this partnership, MT Sobek guides will help Royal Robbins reach its ultimate goal: making versatile outdoor apparel for people who bring the spirit of adventure to everything they do.

“With over 50 years of experience, MT Sobek is a leader in outdoor adventures. We share a passion for seeking transformative adventures while preserving our planet and the local communities we visit and support. We’re excited to launch this multi-year partnership to help strengthen our expertise in this space and create the best outdoor clothing for our adventure-seeking customers,” said Michael Millenacker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Robbins.

“At MT Sobek, we believe that life is an adventure and to experience it at its apex one must be prepared physically and mentally,” said Kimberly Daley, President and Chief Executive Officer of MT Sobek. “For more than 50 years, like Royal Robbins, we have built products that enable adventurers to immerse in the outdoors and throughout the world with confidence that they are prepared. Be it through the clothing they are outfitted in or the guides leading them on transformative journeys. Together, we aim to provide adventurers with gear and trips made sustainably and from the field up so that they may truly go anywhere and incorporate adventure into all aspects of life.”

Discover more about this partnership at royalrobbins.com/pages/royal-robbins-x-mt-sobek or mtsobek.com/welcome-royal-robbins.

About Royal Robbins®
Founded in 1968 by world-renowned climbers Royal and Liz Robbins, Royal Robbins is a leading designer, manufacturer and retailer of outdoor apparel. The brand has gained worldwide recognition for its high-quality clothing and commitment to environmental and social responsibility. It has built a reputation of integrating technical features for consumers seeking performance-oriented garments, but with the style and comfort to cross over into everyday life. Royal Robbins’ collection of men’s and women’s products can be found in outdoor and specialty retail partners throughout the U.S. and abroad. To learn more, please visit www.royalrobbins.com.

About MT Sobek
MT Sobek, celebrating 50 years of adventure in 2019, is driven by a love of exploration and sharing special places with others. Specializing in handcrafted, small-group and custom adventures, MT Sobek offers insider access and award-winning trips in the world’s most incredible places. As testament to their excellent reputation as leaders in travel, they have earned preferred travel outfitter status for Active New York Times Journeys and Smithsonian Active Journeys. MT Sobek is the adventure company. For additional information, please visit mtsobek.com.

Camber Outdoors, a non-profit organization with the mission of supporting workplace inclusion, equity, and diversity in the active-outdoor industries, announced its Workplace Anti-Racism Action Agenda during a Facebook Live event Wednesday, June 10. The Agenda focuses on answering the question that workplaces across the nation have been asking this past week: What can we do?

 

Designed as a free resource for the active-outdoors industries, Camber Outdoors’  Workplace Anti-Racism Action Agenda will help companies activate their commitment to the ongoing work of creating and sustaining inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplaces. As a membership organization, Corporate Partners will also have access to step-by-step tools and hands-on guidance supporting the “how” of Agenda implementation from the Camber team. 

 

“Camber partner companies, who are demonstrating their commitment  to prioritizing equity, inclusion, and diversity understand that this work is a strategic business imperative.” says Camber Outdoors Executive Director, Emily Newman. “The Workplace Anti-Racism Action Agenda has three components: LEARN + ACT + CHANGE, and provides businesses with a model for moving to immediate action.”  

 

 “The Agenda is just the first step.” says Renita Smith, Chief Program Officer of Camber Outdoors. 

 Smith says that “in the coming days, Camber will be sharing an integrated suite of strategies, resources, and tools with our Partners designed to not only ensure immediate response to the current crisis but that will also create an on-ramp to sustained effort to transform systems and  workplaces. 

 

To learn more or become a Camber Corporate Partner, please visit www.camberoutdoors.org. Small businesses and nonprofits are eligible for free membership.

 

About Camber Outdoors

Camber Outdoors is dedicated to increasing inclusion, equity and diversity throughout the workplaces that comprise the active- outdoor recreation industries. Founded in 1996 to promote leadership and advancement opportunities for women, the organization responded to evolving needs of the industry and now provides systemic operational supports that promote workplace inclusion, equity and diversity across all communities who have been persistently underrepresented in the workplaces of the active-outdoors. To learn more about Camber Outdoors, visit camberoutdoors.org.

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The new line of Thule Chasm luggage is expanding to include three new pieces, as well as two new colors, is the best option for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Since introducing the Thule Chasm line in 2014, Thule has offered updated features and colors over the years to its popular line of adventure duffels. Now for the first time, three additional luggage pieces are offered, included a rolling duffel, rolling carry-on and backpack are added to the line. The entire Thule Chasm line, including these new sizes and colors, are all available now.

Thule Chasm

Over the past six years, Thule Chasm weather-resistant duffels have been a staple for the brand. The success of the collection has warranted an expansion for 2020 as three new models are added to the product line. Complementing the four existing duffel sizes, a carry on, wheeled duffel, and dedicated backpack will be joining the family, with new colorways in all seven models.

Designed for sport and adventure

From snowboarding to camping to hitting the gym, the Thule Chasm collection provides rugged bags of all shapes and sizes to carry and protect all your favorite active gear. Designed with weather-resistant tarpaulin fabric, plenty of storage, and smart pockets to easily locate smaller items, you can efficiently pack for a day of mountain biking or a beach weekend. Built for performance, every Thule Chasm bag is engineered with the perfect blend of strength and modern aesthetics.

From the conveniently designed 40L Thule Chasm duffel bags made with waterproof materials and interior organizational pockets, to the rugged 70L and 90L duffels for overnight trips and durable gear storage, to the cavernous 130L sized duffel for those extended trips away from home, Thule Chasm meets the needs of every traveler.

New models and colors

And now, newly added models to the line combine the best features of the existing Thule Chasm line with the qualities of our best-selling luggage and backpacks. New for 2020, the Thule Chasm Carry On and Thule Chasm Wheeled Duffel 81cm/32” feature the ultra-durable and patented V-Tubing channel on their telescoping handles for endless trips around the world. Add in the signature oversized wheels and an impact resistant polycarbonate base found on dozens of other Thule luggage, and these two new pieces are sure to never slow you down when on the road. While the new Thule Chasm Backpack 26L compliments every size of duffel bags and luggage in the line with its waterproof fabrics and durable YKK zippers and loads of organization for any accessory and padded compartments for everything from your sunglasses to your laptop. With new models available now, also comes two new outdoor-inspired colors as well, Autumnal and Olivine. Thule Chasm is designed for wherever your adventure takes you, now in three new sizes and models.

Collection:

Thule Chasm Carry On New

Thule Chasm Wheeled Duffel 81cm/32″ New

Thule Chasm Backpack 26L New

Available: Now

Thule Chasm Duffel 40L New Color

Thule Chasm Duffel 70L New Color

Thule Chasm Duffel 90L New Color

Thule Chasm Duffel 130L New Color

Available: July 2020

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For more information on the Thule Chasm collection and high-resolution images please click here, or contact: 

Chris Ritchie: PR & Communications Manager
E-mail: chris.ritchie@thule.com Phone: 617-435-2014

Austin Caron: PR Account Manager, Backbone Media Email: austin.caron@backbonemedia.netPhone: 970-963-4873 ext 180

For more information on Thule products, visit: thule.com

About Thule
The Thule brand was established in 1942. Under the motto Bring your life, Thule globally offers a wide range of premium products for active people that allows them to bring what they care most for – safely, easily and in style. Thule designs and manufactures roof racks and roof boxes, bike, water and winter sport carriers, luggage, laptop and camera bags, sports bags and backpacks and child-related products such as strollers, baby joggers and bike trailers, child bike seats and child carrier backpacks. The products are sold in more than 140 countries world-wide.

Thule is the largest brand in Thule Group.
www.thule.com

Parent company of After Bite®, Adventure® Medical Kits, Ben’s®, Counter Assault®, Natrapel®, RapidPure®, and more will change its company name to align with its mission.

Tender Corporation, which markets a range of best-in-class first aid, insect repellent and outdoor recreation products, announces today that the company will be doing business as Adventure Ready Brands in order to align more closely with the company’s mission to inspire outdoor adventure.

“Adventure Ready Brands is about helping people get out and enjoy all types of outdoor activity in a safe and prepared way,” says Senior VP of Marketing Garrett Cox.  “Our new name better reflects our team, our mission and our commitment to expanding our brands to help more consumers fully enjoy the outdoors.” 

Adventure Ready Brands will build upon Tender Corporation’s heritage of providing innovative, high-quality products.

Portfolio of brands:

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

“Over the last year, we’ve significantly enhanced our marketing team, bolstered the strength of our own brands and acquired other brands and companies that fit within our portfolio. It made sense to better communicate our purpose and mission with a new company name that reflects who we are and what we do,” says Adventure Ready Brands CEO Chris Heye. “In addition to driving aggressive growth through new product innovation, Adventure Ready Brands continues to seek to acquire authentic brands and businesses that can benefit from our global distribution and deep expertise in outdoor products.”

Following its acquisition by Victor Capital Partners in January 2019, the company expanded its portfolio with the acquisitions of Counter Assault®, Bushwacker®, Advanced Products® and RapidPure®.

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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ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia – June 8, 2020 – VSSL, creator of modern tools for the outdoors, today introduced the First Aid Mini, an everyday-carry first aid kit housed in a waterproof, military-grade aluminum “vessel.” The First Aid Mini is the latest addition to VSSL’s line of ultra-compact, ultralight, and virtually indestructible gear kits.

“The First Aid Mini is an indispensable first aid kit you can take everywhere and count on when you need it most,” said Todd Weimer, Founder of VSSL. “We wanted to create something that was easy to carry, yet completely reliable and durable. We relied on expert advice from local emergency first responders, who helped us select only the first aid supplies that will be the most essential and useful – from your backyard to the backcountry and everywhere in between.”

VSSL First Aid Mini combines rugged durability with a sleek, minimalist form factor. The contents have been intuitively organized for quick access in clearly labeled gear tins. The tins are housed in VSSL’s signature military-grade aluminum casing, ensuring the contents stay secure, dry and functional until they are needed most. The kit measures 6.75 inches in length and weighs only 9.9 ounces, offering maximum preparedness in a compact and stowable format.

The full contents of the VSSL First Aid Mini include:

• 6 antiseptic wipes
• 2 wound closure strips
• 2 large bandages
• 2 knuckle bandages
• 6 blister pads
• 8 pain medication tablets (acetaminophen and ibuprofen)
• 2 disposable thermometers
• 4 safety pins
• Antibiotic ointment, burn and pain cream
• Nitrile gloves
• Tweezers
• Razor blade
• Sewing kit
• Adventure tape
• Emergency whistle

The VSSL First Aid Mini (MSRP: $70) has a lifetime warranty and is available now at select retailers and online at www.vsslgear.com.

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About VSSL
VSSL, an industry leader in preparation, manufactures modern tools for the outdoors. VSSL makes ultra-compact, ultralight gear kits for essential outdoor supplies that are housed in sleek, waterproof, military grade, and virtually indestructible “vessels”. Each unique VSSL offers an extremely compact and efficient way of transporting essential outdoor gear, without compromising valuable pack space and weight. For more about VSSL, visit www.vsslgear.com.

Protekt Products, a new brand founded by two military veterans and renowned waterman Mark Healey, today launches its line of nutritional supplements and reef-safe zinc oxide sunscreen to arm people around the world with the tools they need to optimize health and get outside.  

The product line includes CLARITY, a lion’s mane mushroom complex, RESILIENT, a vitamin B12/D3/K2 tincture and several new supplements scheduled to launch later this summer. Protekt also offers a complete line of natural, reef-safe, moisturizing, mineral sunscreen products. Dedicated to improving overall well-being, Protekt has designed simple yet effective products that sharpen focus, galvanize immune system function and shield skin from the sun to promote more time in the outdoors.   

The founders, Nick Norris and Tim Duba, were roommates at the US Naval Academy, became best friends and married identical twin sisters prior to leaving military service to pursue entrepreneurship. They met professional big wave surfer, free-diver and filmmaker Mark Healey on a trip to Hawaii. He emphasized the need for an effective, reef-safe sunscreen, and after testing the product extensively, became a partner in the business.

“Mark is the ideal partner because he is committed to his values and never settles for imperfection. He would have been a good teammate in the SEAL Teams,” said Norris, co-founder and CEO. “Our founding team understands the value of simple routines. We wanted to give people products that will both directly optimize their health and support a commitment to routines that will positively impact overall well-being.”

 The brand’s products embody a minimalist philosophy, using natural ingredients to produce safe and effective solutions for the body and the environment.

Protekt’s product line includes:

• SPF 30 Lotion: Using a high concentration of non-nano zinc oxide (20 percent) as the only active sunscreen ingredient, it is uniquely formulated to moisturize while blending seamlessly on skin. NSF Organic ingredients, easy to apply, 80 minute water-resistant, reef-safe and ideal for outdoor sports. MSRP $18.
• SPF 15 Lip Balm: Lips are one of the most sensitive parts of the face and are subjected to constant drying by wind and sun. This lip balm nourishes the lips, replenishes lost moisture and ensures that the sun’s damaging rays are properly repelled. MSRP $5.
• SPF 30 Clear Sunstick: Water-resistant mineral sunscreen provides superior sun protection, and the sunstick offers an easy application for all ages. A tinted option is also available. MSRP $16.
• CLARITY Lion’s Mane Mushroom Complex: This powerful combination of nutritional mushrooms supports memory, mental clarity, focus, and optimizes both nervous and immune system health. MSRP $35.
• RESILIENT Oral Vitamin Formula: Packed with a healthy dose of B12, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin K2 to optimize both nervous and circulatory system health. This simple addition to your morning routine will boost energy, elevate your mood and prime your body for the sleep you need to recover. MSRP $30.

 

About Protekt Products

Founded by two veterans and a legendary waterman, Protekt Products is a wellness company committed to positively impacting customer health through safe, natural and effective personal care products and nutritional supplements. Protek Products helps people achieve an optimal state for outdoor activity and performance. To learn more about the company and the people behind Protekt, visit www.protektproducts.com.

Online retailer appoints Melanie Cox chief executive officer, Sarah Crockett chief marketing officer

Backcountry, the premier online specialty retailer of premium outdoor gear, accessories and apparel, announces today that its board of directors has named Melanie Cox chief executive officer, effective immediately. Additionally, Sarah Crockett will join the executive leadership team in the newly created role of chief marketing officer, effective June 15. The new leadership additions to Backcountry signify a new epoch for the brand moving forward.

 

Prior to joining Backcountry, Cox served as interim CEO at rue21 where she successfully led the national fashion retailer and prepared it for its next phase of growth. Cox brings more than 25 years of executive and senior-level experience in the retail industry, ranging from moderate to luxury fashion, as well as home goods, beauty, and toys. She has served in senior leadership roles at Wet Seal, Scoop NYC, and Urban Outfitters. She is also the founder of MBC Consulting, where she advised private equity and corporate clients on retail industry trends, identifying opportunities in the market, risk assessment and strategic direction, among other things.

 

“Backcountry is a phenomenal brand with an important position in the outdoor space and I am delighted to be joining the talented and hard-working team,” says Melanie Cox. “The strong fundamentals and terrific leadership team position Backcountry to capitalize on the growing interest in outdoor experiences and the tailwinds behind the e-commerce space. Backcountry was founded on the notion that by providing people with the best gear and expertise, it can connect people with the outdoors, and I see great potential for the brand by focusing on this opportunity.”

 

Cox was appointed to Backcountry’s board of directors in the first quarter of 2020 to advise on the company’s long-term business strategy. As the brand enters a new era with consumer habits increasingly shifting to e-commerce in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cox sees tremendous potential for the brand to engage new and existing customers and leverage meaningful relationships beyond purchasing gear and apparel.

 

“Melanie brings deep, extensive retail industry experience that positions her to accelerate Backcountry and solidify its position as a best-in-class e-commerce retailer and the next generation’s favorite outdoor retail brand,” says Blythe Jack, managing director, TSG Consumer Partners, Backcountry’s financial and strategic partner, and member of Backcountry’s board of directors. “She has an impressive track record of developing brands in many stages of their life cycles across different industries, and we firmly believe that under her leadership Backcountry will be best positioned for the long-term. We want to thank the previous CEO, Jonathan Nielsen, for his significant contributions and look forward to continuing a great partnership with the entire Backcountry team.”

Also joining Backcountry’s executive team, Sarah Crockett will serve as chief marketing officer. In this newly formed role, Crockett will lead marketing efforts for Backcountry and its portfolio of brands, including Competitive Cyclist, Motosport.com, Bergfreunde and Steep & Cheap. Crockett will be responsible for the growth and evolution of the brand by leading sales and marketing initiatives to ensure effective sales management, customer engagement, new business partnerships and product development. Prior to Backcountry, Crockett served as CMO at Burton Snowboards, where she oversaw creative and marketing for the global organization for two years. She previously served in leadership roles at Vans, REI and Lucky Brand Jeans.

 

“I’m elated to join the team at Backcountry and make the move to Park City with my family,” says Sarah Crockett. “Backcountry is a brand that stands for something bigger than the products it sells, and I am excited to fully unlock the unique value that it can offer to the modern outdoor segment. I’m confident that I can help lead the talented teams that are in place to realize the brand’s full potential and achieve meaningful milestones for both our business and the greater outdoor industry.” 

 

For more information, please direct Backcountry media inquiries to PR Director Mackenzie Carroll at mackenzie.carroll@rygr.us.

 

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About Backcountry: Backcountry.com is the premier online retailer of outdoor gear for snow sports, hiking, camping, paddling, biking, climbing, fly fishing, and more, including a wide selection of premium apparel. Backcountry’s mission is to connect people to their passions by supplying customers with the gear, knowledge, and inspiration necessary to find their backcountry. Backcountry does this by curating the biggest and best assortment of premium outdoor products, personalized Gearhead expertise, inspirational content, and fast fulfillment. The Backcountry family of companies includes Competitive Cyclist, MotoSport.com, Steep&Cheap, and Bergfreunde.de, based in Germany.

 

About Backcountry Gear & Apparel: Backcountry Gear & Apparel builds upon the brand’s 23 years of retail and product expertise, as well as insight gained from interactions between its in-house expert team of Gearheads™ and customers. Since 2018, Backcountry has released collections in winter pursuit, mountain biking, climbing, lifestyle, and more. Brand partnerships have been a cornerstone of Backcountry’s product lines, including collaborations with Burton, Black Diamond, GORE-TEX Technology, DPS Skis, and more leading outdoor brands. 

 

About TSG Consumer Partners LLC: TSG Consumer Partners, LLC is a leading private equity firm focused exclusively on the branded consumer sector. Since its founding in 1987, TSG has been an active investor in the food, beverage, restaurant, fitness, beauty, personal care, household, apparel & accessories, and e-commerce sectors. Representative past and present partner companies include Backcountry, SweetWater Brewing Company, Power Stop, Duckhorn Wine Company, Planet Fitness, IT Cosmetics, REVOLVE, BrewDog, Canyon Bicycles, Dutch Bros, Pabst, vitaminwater, thinkThin, popchips, Stumptown, Smashbox Cosmetics and e.l.f. Cosmetics. For more information, visit tsgconsumer.com.

 

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Contact: Mackenzie Carroll

Mackenzie.Carroll@rygr.us

(970) 704-5737 ext. 128

BÖNNIGHEIM, GERMANY (June 8, 2020) – Oronasal (community) masks are mandatory in many communities to help contain the coronavirus.  To be effective, community masks must meet legal and functional requirements. Testing services provider and research partner Hohenstein developed the Hohenstein Quality Label for Tested Community Masks to meet and verify these needs. 
 
While not required to guarantee defined protective functions like medical face masks or filtering facepiece (FFP) respirators, disposable and reusable community masks are still subject to functional claims.  By providing easily understood product information on labels, Hohenstein supports producers in increasing transparency for community mask users.   
 
Breathing comfort is a key criterion for consumers. To meet quality criteria, standardized test procedures verify whether the material used is too dense and will make breathing difficult for wearers. Further quality parameters include washability, proper fit and compliance with legal requirements.  
 
The quality criteria claimed on the label can be expanded by testing for harmful substances according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® as an indicator for skin friendly textiles and a cytotoxicity test based on the testing of medical devices. 
 
More detailed information can be found at Hohenstein.US/HQL-Community-Mask.  

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About Hohenstein 

With over 1,000 employees in more than 40 branches, offices and laboratories worldwide, Hohenstein is an internationally oriented testing services provider and research partner in the textile industry. Hohenstein is a founding member and leading provider of the OEKO-TEX® portfolio of services and is certified by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC ID #1058) as a third-party, independent laboratory for CPSIA compliance verification.