Archives: Press Releases

February 17, 2025 — Oakland, CA — HydraPak®, the global leader of high-performance hydration solutions, announces its partnership with Darby Communications, a PR and digital marketing agency renowned for its expertise in the outdoor, endurance, and hunt/fish markets. Effective immediately, Darby Communications will serve as HydraPak’s agency of record, focusing on media relations to highlight HydraPak’s innovations and elevate the brand’s presence within the outdoor and endurance industries.

Since 2001, HydraPak has designed and produced performance hydration systems including water reservoirs, bottles, soft flasks, storage, and filtration systems to help athletes reach their peak performance. HydraPak is a trusted brand partner for hundreds of brands helping equip athletes for their pursuits. From flexible bottles and soft flasks that carry as little as 150ml of hydration to water storage for up to 10L of water, HydraPak innovates to ensure its products are easy to fill, stash, and haul no matter the activity.

Partnering with Darby Communications reinforces HydraPak’s commitment to innovation while strengthening its expert voice in both endurance and outdoor spaces. HydraPak will leverage the agency’s expertise to heighten brand awareness, increase media coverage, and solidify its position as the trusted, sustainable leader in performance hydration equipment.

“At HydraPak, we know that athletes rely on hydration—whether they’re racing, training, or exploring the outdoors. Partnering with Darby Communications will help us reach more athletes and attain our business goals,” shared Jennifer Krupey, Vice President of Marketing of HydraPak. “We’re looking forward to collaborating with Darby to promote our product innovations and our strategic roster of events, athletes, and partnerships.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with HydraPak, a legacy brand that is dedicated to innovation and designing high-performance hydration solutions for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and military personnel,” says Angie Robinson, President of Darby Communications. “As HydraPak’s agency of record, we will help the brand reach new audiences and elevate its story to expand reach in existing markets.”

For more information on HydraPak, its product categories, and its 2025 athlete, event, and partnership roster, visit www.hydrapak.com or contact Abby Harris at abby@darbycommunications.com.

ABOUT HYDRAPAK

HydraPak® is the leading original equipment manufacturer of soft flasks, reservoirs, and water storage solutions globally. Founded in Northern California, the company is dedicated to producing flexible and durable hydration products tailored for recreational, athletic, and military use. HydraPak and its proprietary brand, Bottle Bright® cleaning tablets, are category leaders. Over the past 20 years, HydraPak has not only pioneered new product categories, but has also become a trusted partner for hundreds of renowned global brands and athletes.

 

 

 

 

BOULDER, Colo. (Feb. 14, 2025)—La Sportiva, makers of the world’s finest mountain gear, today announced two new ski boot models for Fall 2025: the Kilo XTR and the Sender. The Kilo XTR builds on the success of the award-winning Kilo, refining its lightweight construction while increasing downhill power. The Sender, a new four-buckle freeride boot, is designed for big-mountain skiers who need power and control on the most demanding backcountry lines.

“La Sportiva has a long history of crafting high-performance ski boots that balance lightweight efficiency with outstanding control,” said Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America. “With each new model, we are refining our designs to push the limits of what ski touring boots can do. The Kilo XTR takes the performance of the Kilo to the next level,  delivering more control on challenging lines, while the Sender offers freeride skiers the stability and responsiveness needed for steep technical descents and rugged alpine terrain.”

Kilo XTR – Uphill Efficiency, Downhill Power

Built on the foundation of the award-winning Kilo, the Kilo XTR delivers enhanced control on the downhill while remaining lightweight and efficient on the skin track. Weighing just 1190g, the Kilo XTR excels in difficult terrain, offering a 68-degree range of motion for fast, energy-efficient climbing. A carbon-infused tongue increases the flex rating to 120, giving skiers a powerful, responsive feel for confident descents in variable conditions.

The boot’s Force Power Strap and Force Power Buckles allow for precise tuning of responsiveness and fit, while the Tilt Lock Lite System makes ski-walk transitions quick and seamless—even in harsh alpine conditions. The Force Flex System, featuring a Pebax® Rnew® tongue, enables a smooth, natural walking motion on the uphill, while the In-Axis Pivotal Joint optimizes efficiency on steep climbs.

A Frixion Wave Alpine XTR sole prevents snow buildup and provides traction when boot packing, while dual-compound rubber enhances grip in high-wear zones. Inside, the Ultralon high-density thermo-moldable liner delivers a precise, comfortable fit with excellent warmth and support.

The Kilo XTR retails for $849.

Sender – Freeride Performance, Backcountry Versatility

For big-mountain skiers who thrive on steep, challenging descents, the Sender offers a powerful freeride experience in a lightweight package. With a 130 flex and a weight of just 1480g, it’s one of the lightest freeride touring boots available, ensuring that long approaches and high-alpine missions don’t come at the cost of downhill performance.

Designed to seamlessly transition between the backcountry and the resort, the Sender utilizes a GripWalk™ outsole, making it fully compatible with alpine bindings. La Sportiva’s new Force Wrap System enhances the fit and features a Force Wrap Tongue constructed with a double layer, allowing for increased flexibility when in walk mode and maximum power transfer on the descent. With a 64-degree range of motion, the Sender climbs efficiently and feels just as natural on the uphill as it does charging big lines on the descent.

The $849 Sender features a Pebax Bio Based Rnew shell and a Grilamid Bio Based LF Carbon shell. A last width of 102.5 accommodates a wide variety of foot shapes, while the Tilt Lock FR System allows for quick, intuitive ski-walk transitions.

Both the Kilo XTR and Sender ski boots will be available at select retailers and online at www.sportiva.com in the fall of 2025.

About La Sportiva
With over 90 years of heritage, La Sportiva has unrivaled experience in building the world’s finest performance mountain footwear. Creating innovation through passion, La Sportiva now offers the most versatile technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking shoes on the market as well as ski mountaineering hardware and apparel. For more information on La Sportiva visit www.lasportivausa.com or visit their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/LaSportiva.

 

 

 

 

Portland, OR – February 14, 2025 – Snow Peak, the renowned Japanese camping brand with a 65-year legacy, is proud to introduce Epic Fly Fish, a premium fly fishing brand built on craftsmanship, authenticity, and a deep passion for the sport, as part of its new fly fishing collection of apparel and gear.

Born in the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, Epic Fly Fish has earned worldwide respect for its dedication to precision and quality. Each rod blends modern materials with time-honored techniques, delivering exceptional strength, sensitivity, and responsiveness. Designed for anglers who value both performance and tradition, Epic rods offer an unparalleled casting experience—now available for the first time in the United States starting March 27.

Following this launch, Snow Peak will introduce its first-ever Snow Peak Fly Fishing collection, an assortment of apparel designed to pair with existing Snow Peak products and Epic Fly Rods, everything you need for a memorable day on the river. The Fly Fishing apparel collection, which will be available to US consumers on March 27th,  will include fishing vests, base layers, mid-layers, and outer shells to keep you comfortable, no matter the conditions. The collection will also highlight an assortment of popular Snow Peak gear like the Camping Essentials Set, insulating coolers, and packable furniture.

The first Epic Fly Fish release under Snow Peak features a curated selection of award-winning fly rods and reels, with prices ranging from $695.00 – $1,195.95.. Each product is designed to elevate the fly fishing experience, ensuring anglers have the tools they need to perform at their best.

“At Snow Peak, our mission is to reconnect people with nature and its restorative, healing powers. We embrace ‘Noasobi’—the art of being outside, and view the campsite as a destination of rest,” said Yuichi Uchida, Brand Director at Snow Peak USA. “Fly fishing embodies a similar ethos—immersing us in our environment and grounding us in the moment. Our flyfishing collection brings a design-forward approach to the riverside experience. Epic shares our commitment to craft and innovation, and our combined collection offers a seamless fusion of functionality and comfort,  elevating the riverside experience for both seasoned and novice flyfishers.”

With a long-standing commitment to quality and innovation, Snow Peak continues to expand its offerings, bringing new opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to connect with the natural world. The partnership with Epic Fly Fish and the launch of Snow Peak Fly Fishing marks an exciting step forward, uniting two brands that share a deep respect for craftsmanship and the outdoor experience.

About Snow Peak        

Founded in Japan in 1958, Snow Peak is a camping brand serving customers in the USA for more than 20 years, with a mission to unite people and alleviate the stresses of modern life through time gathering outside. Its Japanese-designed, lifetime-guaranteed camping equipment serves as a catalyst for restorative experiences in nature. Focused on bringing people together, Snow Peak operates immersive retail locations in Portland and Brooklyn, and offers hospitality experiences through its restaurant Takibi, and campground, the Long Beach Campfield. More at snowpeak.com

About Epic Fly Fish

Epic Fly Fish traces its roots to the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, where a commitment to excellence and a passion for craft guide every rod they create. Combining modern materials with time-honored techniques, each rod is known for its strength, sensitivity, and responsiveness. Through unwavering attention to detail, Epic has earned worldwide respect among fly anglers.​

 

 

 

PRESCOTT, Ariz. and CARRBORO, N.C. (February 13, 2025) — Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of run specialty stores, today announced the opening of its newest store in Prescott, Arizona. The store, owned by Billy Preston, is located at 122 N. Cortez St., Suite 100, in downtown Prescott. A grand opening celebration is planned for February, with details to be announced soon.

Billy Preston’s journey with Fleet Feet began in 2016 when he joined a long run with a group in Charleston, South Carolina. That run introduced him to Fleet Feet and its mission of empowering runners and walkers of all abilities. Preston started working for Fleet Feet Mt. Pleasant shortly after and, inspired by the rewarding experience of helping customers, dreamed of one day opening his own store. Nearly a decade later, that dream is becoming a reality.

“Opening this store in Prescott is a culmination of years of passion for the running community and Fleet Feet,” said Preston. “I’ve seen firsthand how Fleet Feet changes lives, whether through finding the perfect fit for someone’s unique needs or helping them achieve goals they never thought possible. I’m thrilled to bring this experience to Prescott.”

The Prescott location is uniquely positioned in the heart of downtown, just steps from the town’s main square. It offers easy access to over 500 miles of nearby trails and is surrounded by a community that celebrates outdoor recreation year-round. With a mild climate, Prescott is a hub for running, hiking and mountain biking events, including the Cocodona 250, Saddles 100, Whiskey Row Marathon and Whiskey Off-Road event.

“Prescott is the perfect place for a Fleet Feet store,” said John Moloznik, vice president of franchise operations and development at Fleet Feet. “The town’s growing population, active community, and proximity to world-class trails make it an ideal fit for our personalized approach to outfitting and community support.”

As part of its commitment to the community, Preston plans to use Fleet Feet Prescott to support local races and events by volunteering services and forming partnerships with local organizations. They also have made connections with local medical professionals to help individuals with foot pain find solutions through proper footwear.

Fleet Feet Prescott will offer a comprehensive range of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories from leading brands such as HOKA, Brooks and New Balance, as well as performance apparel from rabbit and New Balance and sports bras from On and Brooks.

The new store will operate with the brand’s exclusive personalized outfitting experience, fit id®, which includes 3D foot scanning technology that allows the brand to accurately assess the size and shape of customers’ feet and how each foot moves through the gait cycle. This personalized, expert-led approach allows outfitters to offer the right fitting footwear and accessories for each customer.

For 49 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners, and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge, and empowerment. Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.

Images of Fleet Feet Prescott are available upon request.

###

About Fleet Feet

Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 275 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

 

 

 

{Dover, NH—February 13, 2025} — Outdoor gear manufacturer NEMO Equipment’s list of partners for 2025 is a clear reflection of the brand’s continued focus on innovation, community, and sustainability. These key partnerships emphasize access, advocacy, inclusivity, and conservation and support NEMO’s overarching efforts to get more folks outdoors and to create the next generation of stewards for our planet.

CONSERVATION

Conservation Alliance harnesses the power of business and outdoor communities to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s wild places and outdoor spaces. Through its membership, the Conservation Alliance champions solutions that balance the best interest of the land, water, wildlife, and people, as well as provide for nature-based solutions to climate change through the protection of key landscapes and ecosystems.

Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership works to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish. TRCP and its partners advance America’s legacy of conservation, habitat, and access.

NEMO also continues to partner with Southeast Land Trust of NH and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers in conserving our public lands and waterways to provide areas where the public can recreate, as well as creating healthy landscapes for wildlife.

ADVOCACY & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is the leading business coalition advancing a sustainable and growing outdoor recreation economy for the benefit of all Americans. ORR brings industry, government, and other stakeholders together to educate, advocate, and identify solutions to the most pressing issues facing the future of the outdoor recreation economy.

To expand its government affairs capabilities and knowledge, NEMO also works with organizations including Outdoor Industry Association, California Outdoor Recreation Partnership, European Outdoor Group, and American Apparel and Footwear Association.

INCLUSIVITY

Outdoor Diversity Alliance is a group of outdoor industry businesses and organizations working together to build the outdoor industry of the future — one that is long lasting, prosperous, and relevant to the society in which it lives. ODA helps outdoor companies grow with purpose while supporting the development of authentic relationships with underrepresented communities.

Big City Mountaineers is a nonprofit that connects youth in disinvested communities with the outdoors. BCM provides free, fully outfitted, professionally led backpacking trips to kids in urban areas across the country. BCM currently engages young people in six metropolitan areas across the U.S., including Birmingham, AL; Boston, MA; Minneapolis, MN; Denver, CO; San Franciso, CA; and Seattle, WA.

To support equitable access to outdoor adventures and increase diverse participation, NEMO also supports Bewilder, Black.Surfers, Confluence Collective, and Outdoors Empowered Network.

More information on places to adventure and folks to go with can be found on NEMO’s Adventure Resources page.

About NEMO
NEMO is a New Hampshire-based outdoor gear company known for creating award-winning products that are built to last, comfortable, and fun to use. The brand has been named Outdoor Brand of the Year by Outdoor Retailer’s The Daily, and one of Outside Magazine’s and Business New Hampshire’s Best Places to Work. NEMO has also been recognized as a small business leader for the environment by New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility. NEMO’s reputation for design innovation across its product lines—tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, luggage, camp accessories, and furniture—is an outgrowth of its design philosophy to never bring anything to market that doesn’t offer a meaningfully better experience. NEMO’s team of designers and engineers are motivated by a passion for outdoor adventure and sustainability.

Adventure Anywhere. Adventure for Anyone. Adventure Forever.®