Archives: Press Releases

Osprey, the leader in top-quality, high-performance, innovative carry solutions, announced today a new program aimed to support independent specialty retailers as they begin to open following the COVID-19 pandemic. The new “Buy Online, Fit In-Store Program” is designed to drive customers to Osprey specialty retail partners, the local experts in product, fit and regional adventure.

Customers purchasing qualifying backpacking styles on Osprey.com will be encouraged to visit their local participating retailer to receive a professional fit and continue shopping for their remaining gear and apparel needs. Once the retailer fits the customer, the retailer will receive 15% of the pack’s purchase price as a credit on their Osprey account. To further assist the retailer, Osprey has created an updated contactless pack-fitting method to maintain social distancing and provide peace of mind to both the customer and retail sales person.

“We are really excited to roll out this program to support our independent specialty retail partners during this incredibly challenging time,” said Brian Mecham, Senior Director of Sales, Osprey. “Our goal with the program is two-fold. It provides retailers with an additional revenue stream and, most importantly, drives customers into stores once restrictions are lifted. Generating traffic and opportunities for add-on sales will be critical over the next few months.”

Consumers who have purchased a qualifying, multi-day, backpacking pack, after April 1, 2020 can enter their zip code in the Osprey dealer locator to find the closest participating “Buy Online, Fit In-Store” retailer and bring their pack, along with the receipt, to the retailer for a professional pack fitting. The retailer then reaches out to Osprey’s dealer service team with the order number from the receipt to receive the credit.

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).

Each year people all across the country unite on the first Saturday of June to celebrate American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day®. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, events won’t be held in person this year on June 6, but American Hiking is still fighting for trail protections and equitable access to the outdoors. On National Trails Day® 2020 American Hiking Society will partner with land managers, volunteers, and the public to take actions from home that protect trails and public lands and ensure outdoor access for all.

“While the COVID-19  quarantines have put into sharp focus how much our minds and bodies need time outside every day, the trails and parks we value are under threat and not everyone has easy access to safe, quality green space,” explains Kate Van Waes, Executive Director of American Hiking Society. “In honor of National Trails Day®, we are encouraging everyone to take American Hiking’s #PublicLandsProtector Pledge to protect trails and parks and fight for equitable access.”

In addition to taking the #PublicLandsProtector Pledge, American Hiking is encouraging the public to join the National Trails Day® digital movement and share on social media why access to trails and natural space are important to them. Tag photos with #NationalTrailsDay and @AmericanHiking to be entered into a photo contest with a chance to win one of multiple prize packages of outdoor gear.

In the upcoming weeks, American Hiking Society will provide easy actions the public can take to protect trails and fight for equitable access to the outdoors, even while social-distancing.

American Hiking’s National Trails Day® is made possible by the generous support of Corporate Sponsors – Athletic Brewing Co., Merrell, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., REI Co-Op, Popular Mechanics, Adventure Medical Kits. Federal Partners include the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Federal Highway Administration, and U.S. Forest Service.

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Founded in 1976, American Hiking Society is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering all to enjoy, share, and preserve the hiking experience.

TrailHeads has joined Brands x Better – a coalition of like-minded brands that have united to give back to those impacted by Covid-19. 

During the month of May TrailHeads will be donating 2% of sales to 4-CT – the Connecticut Covid-19 Charity Connection. 4-CT is a non-profit organization that connects donors to statewide programs aiding those most in need of relief. Projects include providing childcare for first responders, funding food banks, and more. 

Brands x Better is a coalition of consumer brands that was formed to help foster stability in a time of crisis. The coalition strives to give back to those affected by COVID-19, while also supporting conscious consumer spending and working to keep the economy functioning. 

“We’re proud to join this exceptional group of brands” noted Stephanie Raftery, TrailHeads President. “Our team has been inspired by the countless stories of community support and we’re committed to finding ways that we can help those impacted the most during these difficult times.”

Customers who wish to support the coalition’s efforts and help give back can use the code BRANDSXBETTER at trailheads.com to receive 25% off their order. 

To date Brands x Better has raised $2,636,716. 

TrailHeads is a Kent, CT based online retailer of performance hats, gloves and related accessories for runners, hikers and outdoor adventurers.  Learn more by visiting trailheads.com.

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Kitsbow, maker of premium cycling clothing, and most recently PPE to equip medical workers and first responders fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, today announces that Andrew Chmar has joined Kitsbow’s Board of Directors. An expert logician having served in the U.S. Army for more than two decades, Chmar brings extensive expertise in strategic planning and operational management to the Kitsbow board.

Most recently, Chmar served as the Executive Director of the Hudson Highlands Land Trust for 12 years, where he guided the organization to preserve over 2,300 acres within 50 miles of New York City. He tapped a 30-member board of directors, leading the transformation of this locally-focused organization to one of national prominence and statewide influence—while annual revenues grew by 500-percent and net assets increased from $350k to $6.5m.

“We are beyond lucky to welcome Andy to the Board and we are looking forward to soaking up his decades of expertise developed in business, in nonprofits, and as a decorated U.S. Army Officer,” said David Billstrom, Kitsbow CEO. “Living here in Western North Carolina he isalready a part of this region, as well as having a deep passion for developing trails and protecting land, makes him an absolutely perfect fit for Kitsbow.” 

“I am thrilled that our team will benefit from a Director with such a deep well of experience not only in business, but also in the protection of our trails and the outdoors, which we consider vital to our passion and to the world,” said Zander Nosler, Kitsbow Founder. 

Chmar will join existing members of the board: Zander Nosler, David Billstrom, Paul Blum and Jim Gingrich. He is based in Highlands, North Carolina. 

Kitsbow is privately held and based in Old Fort, North Carolina. 

About Kitsbow

Kitsbow was established in Sonoma County, California eight years ago by dedicated mountain bikers and apparel industry veterans. Because its designers have logged years in the saddle, each detail is obsessively considered. Every element — down to zippers and reflective piping — is vetted for quality, style, and durability. Relocating its manufacturing to Old Fort, North Carolina in 2019, Kitsbow is committed to a Made to Order manufacturing model, minimizing waste and maximizing flexibility to serve the customer. Kitsbow already makes over 50% of its products in the USA and is ahead of schedule to be making all of its products in-house by 2021. To learn more about Kitsbow, visit www.kitsbow.com.

The social media campaign reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to supporting the women’s outdoor community

Today, Salomon announces the launch of the Beauty Box campaign, an Instagram contest for active women, as the latest step in the brand’s ongoing initiative to support the growing community of women in the outdoors. To participate, women are encouraged to post an outdoor-themed photo or video on Instagram that challenges the stereotypes typically associated with beauty.

Posts must be set to public with the tag @Salomon and hashtag #SalomonWMN, showing a creative, cliché-fighting interpretation of a popular, beauty-related hashtag, such as #nofilter, #morningroutine and #hairstyle before the contest ends on May 24. Ten lucky winners will receive a Beauty Box filled with prizes hand-chosen by the female employees of Salomon. The box will include items for both everyday life and your outdoor adventures, including a pair of the coveted Vaya Mid GTX®, Salomon’s women’s-specific hiking boot.

“When we launched our women’s initiative in 2019, WMN, we found that the women’s outdoor community is hungry to reimagine age-old stereotypes and come together as a cohesive group,” says Becky Marcelliano, outdoor marketing manager for Salomon in North America. “I think we often feel that women’s-specific marketing puts us in boxes and tells us we must choose one identity and stick to it, while Salomon’s approach aims to do the opposite. We’re encouraging people to embrace their own, unique definitions of beauty in order to feel empowered in these outdoor spaces we share. While we’re super excited to see the content that comes out of this contest, we also acknowledge that we need to stay safe in light of COVID-19. We hope that this comes as a fun opportunity to dive into the camera rolls, reminisce and get excited to return to play.”

The Beauty Box Contest comes on the heels of Salomon’s hugely successful WMN Campaign, which sought to break down harmful stereotypes and clichés that women face when recreating in the outdoors. The new campaign addresses and redefines the word “beauty” as a concept that extends beyond harmful beauty standards in order to foster a more inclusive space, so that people of all shapes, colors, interests, sizes and walks-of-life can enjoy the outdoors as a community.

For more information, please visit: https://www.salomon.com/en-us/outdoor/salomon-wmn

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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.   

For decades, Snow Peak has defined itself by bringing people together in the outdoors. However, given the safety concerns of current events, campgrounds around the world are closed, stifling the traditional kick-off to the camping season over Memorial Day weekend. In response, Snow Peak is announcing it will bring people together by hosting a backyard community camping event on May 23^rd. The Snow Peak At Home Campout will unite quarantined campers, encouraging them to engage in a nationwide backyard campout simultaneously with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, new and old, both near and far.

“Snow Peak exists to bring people together in the outdoors, and we will continue to do so, even while staying home,” said Matt Liddle, chief operating officer at Snow Peak USA. “The Snow Peak At Home Campout will kick off the 2020 camping season, offering a way for us to come together and enjoy the nature that’s accessible right now in our backyards, gardens, and patios. When we gather with loved ones around the fire, unplug from technology, and sleep under the stars, we do something special for ourselves – we nurture the human spirit.”

Registered participants will be mailed a Campout Kit, which includes a family-oriented activity book, camp cooking recipe cards from award-winning chefs and bartenders, enamel Snow Peak pins, and a fire-starting tool.

Snow Peak Amenity Dome tents will be available to rent for the weekend, and essential camping gear kits will be available for purchase. The Snow Peak blog will feature resources including, Everything You Need for an At-Home Campout, Backyard Activities For Kids and Takibi Time from Start to Finish.

Active participation around the campout will be encouraged through a number of contests on social media based on campsite set up, camp cooking, and a children’s coloring contest. Prizes will include a Takibi Fire and Grill, Takibi Cooking Set, Spork, Titanium 300 Mug and Mini Hozuki.

Schedule

• May 6^th –  Registration opens at https://snowpeak.com/athomecampout; physical Campout Kits available for the first 250 registrants. 
• May 14^th – Kits and rentals shipped, registration with virtual Campout Kits continues through May 22nd.
• May  22^nd – Friday Evening Takibi time on IG Live
• May 23^rd – Snow Peak At Home Campout
  • #snowpeakathome contest on social feeds runs through the weekend.

About Snow Peak

Snow Peak’s journey began in 1958, when Japanese mountaineer and founder Yukio Yamai created his own line of superior gear, inspired by Mount Tanigawa in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. It is this place that inspired Yukio, and to this day continues to inspire all of the products created by Snow Peak.

Today, Snow Peak strives to create products that inspire people to enjoy the outdoors and find harmony in nature. Snow Peak’s products are a catalyst, introducing people to the healing power of the outdoors and fostering a close-knit community of enthusiasts around the world. Snow Peak seeks to restore humanity by gathering people to experience the rhythms of nature. snowpeak.com

Kahtoola, creator of award-winning MICROspikes® and NANOspikes® footwear traction, is proud to announce its certification as an Innovator/Silver Level business from the Sustainability Alliance. Certification within Arizona is based on the Sustainability Alliance’s four scientific principles of a sustainable society including a reduction of non-renewable energy and materials, a reduction of pollution/waste, and a commitment to protect ecosystems while meeting human needs.

Kahtoola’s environmental commitment began with the company’s founding in 1999 and the subsequent launch of a grant program that provides 1% of annual sales to support indigenous cultures and fund projects that improve communities, healthcare, education, resources and the environment.

Over the past two decades, Kahtoola has also implemented projects locally to reduce their environmental impact at the company’s Flagstaff headquarters. Projects have included a building remodel to add windows and skylights that maximize natural light and reduce energy consumption. The addition of solar panels supplies 100 percent of the company’s daily energy requirements. A new basement warehouse ventilation system efficiently maintains clean air and proper heating throughout the building. And to reduce emissions, Kahtoola tracks Scope 1 and 2 emissions from fuels they burn and electricity used and is working to calculate Scope 3 emissions in the immediate future which includes employee commuting, air travel, shipping emissions and beyond.

On the production side, Kahtoola relies exclusively on ocean freight to reduce emissions on products manufactured overseas. A redesign of pallets and warehouse racks has increased the number of units per pallet. “With these changes and some planning adjustments we were able to decrease our shipping volume by 36 percent,” said Kelly Slutz, Shipping Associate for Kahtoola. “We can now get more units per shipment, but overall receive less shipments.”

The majority of greenhouse gas emissions from ground packages sent from Kahtoola’s warehouse are offset with carbon neutral shipments through UPS that are paid by Kahtoola. An onsite repair shop allows customers to easily return products for repair to extend their lifecycle. Any non-repairable parts are disassembled and recycled through a local metal recycler with plastic pieces sent to TerraCycle. Kahtoola also minimizes design process waste by creating 3-D printer prototypes in house to eliminate the frequency of shipping prototypes to outside vendors and implements recyclable packaging, natural and 100 percent recycled materials for their marketing giveaways in addition to reusable signage at events. “Whenever we go to trade shows, we always commit to zero single-use plastic,” added Slutz.

As the company continues to grow, it has implemented protocols for measuring environmental impacts while encouraging employees to lead the charge. “We are expected to hold ourselves accountable for our  contributions to the company, and build support from others where coordination is needed to put ideas into action,” said Betsy Harter, Customer Service Associate for Kahtoola. “Called the Associate Model, it supports associate empowerment and initiative. This model has allowed Kelly and I to create our roles as sustainability project leaders within the company.”

For more information on sustainable business certification in Arizona, please visit Sustainability Alliance.

About Kahtoola:

Since 1999, Kahtoola has been creating reliable gear that makes the outdoors more accessible and rewarding. Kahtoola’s flexible footwear traction systems, including MICROspikes® and NANOspikes® footwear traction, are built to improve safety and performance in wintry locales around the globe. Every product from hiking crampons to running gaiters are thoughtfully designed and vigorously tested at the brand’s Flagstaff, AZ headquarters high on the Colorado Plateau. Owned and operated by founder Danny Giovale, Kahtoola proudly grants 1% of annual sales to fund projects that support indigenous cultures, investing in community improvements, healthcare, education, resources and the environment. For more information, please visit Kahtoola.com.

Balega International, a leading sock brand in the run specialty market, is partnering with New England-area run specialty retailer, Marathon Sports, to support essential workers in New England area food banks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Balega and Marathon Sports will donate and distribute a total of 1,000 pairs of socks to the New Hampshire Food Bank, The Greater Boston Food Bank and the Connecticut Food Bank in appreciation of the critical work their employees and volunteers are doing.

The Balega community has always been driven by kindness and compassion and views Ubuntu – the Zulu word for “shared humanity” or “I am because we are” – as a calling. During this challenging time, Balega looks to continue to share that message as it is now more important than ever. The sock donation to the New England-area food banks is made possible by the Lesedi Project, Balega’s non-profit organization and give-back initiative to strengthen South African and American communities.

“One of Balega’s founding principles has always been about caring for the community. We want to say thank you and show our appreciation of the important work these food bank employees and volunteers are doing in their respective communities during this extremely challenging time,” said Tanya Pictor, VP of Balega Marketing. “We are always looking for ways to spread the message of ‘shared humanity’ and to inspire others to do the same.”

“Marathon Sports is centered in community, and we have been since our inception more than 40 years ago,” said Colin Peddie, President of Marathon Sports. “Our local communities have been impacted and it’s apparent that so many people are in need beyond the frontline workers and those who are ill. We are humbled by and grateful for the numerous volunteers who devote their time every day to making sure that our community doesn’t go hungry.”

To learn more about the food banks and find out how to help, visit the Ways To Give webpages of the Connecticut Food Bank, the Greater Boston Food Bank and the New Hampshire Food Bank. For more information about Balega’s Lesedi project and other give-back initiatives, visit https://balega-socks.implus.com/giving-back. For more information about Marathon Sports, visit https://www.marathonsports.com/.

About Balega International
A leading performance sock brand in the run specialty market, Balega is a designer and manufacturer of technical performance socks and part of the Implus family of brands. With a proud American-South African initiative, the company develops its product in both South Africa and North Carolina production facilities utilizing the best performance yarns produced in the United States. Crafted for a superior fit and unmatched comfort, Balega is committed to the technical excellence, quality, and performance expected in the Balega brand. A brand with ‘sole,’ Balega prides itself on its commitment to the community with projects aimed at enriching those less fortunate than ourselves. For more information, please visit www.balega.com.

 About Implus

Implus is home to more than 20 brands in the footwear accessories, hosiery, specialty running, outdoor, fitness and medical categories. As an industry leader in consumer packaged goods, Implus is committed to enhancing healthy and active lifestyles, providing innovative products to more than 80,000 retail outlets worldwide. Distributing across more than 70 countries, Implus is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with five international offices and four domestic satellite offices. Key brands within Implus’ portfolio include Sof Sole®, Balega®, Yaktrax®, SKLZ®, TriggerPoint™, RockTape® and Spenco®. To learn more, please visit www.Implus.com.

About Marathon Sports

Founded in 1975 in a renovated first-floor apartment near Harvard Square in Boston, Marathon Sports has grown to 11 retail locations, bringing their unparalleled customer experience to runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts across Massachusetts. In 2013 Marathon Sports added the soundRUNNER brand to their family of run specialty stores, gaining a valued partner in Connecticut. soundRUNNER operates four locations – Branford, Fairfield, Glastonbury, Old Saybrook. In 2015, Marathon Sports welcomed Runner’s Alley’s three stores in New Hampshire – Concord, Manchester, Portsmouth – into the fold. For more information, please visit https://www.marathonsports.com/.

Sales agencies in the Pacific Northwest, Eastern Canada and Western Canada signed to grow North American representation

Primus, the Swedish heritage outdoor equipment brand established in 1892 known for its reliable, safe and innovative cooking products, and Brunton, the U.S.-based manufacturer of precision outdoor navigation instruments established in 1894, announces partnerships with three respected sales agencies to expand brand representation, including sales, service and customer relationships in North America.

Primus and Brunton have seen steady growth in market share in the North American landscape, leading to increased demand from specialty retail across new and existing regions. Retaining Seattle-based Alta Group, Inc. in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. will provide focused attention to accounts in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, while a change from one agency in Canada to two new agencies will provide increased coverage and support from border to border.

Serving eastern Canada, Agence Quartier Général Inc. will cover Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The western territory overseen by Tandem West Ltd., will include coverage of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

“Adding the Alta Group to our sales team to provide dedicated support in the Pacific Northwest region is directly connected to our growth in the continental U.S.” says Chris Clark, director of sales and marketing for Primus and Brunton. “Additionally, we made the decision to change our sales force representation in Canada to two new agencies that are respected and trusted in the outdoor active retail space,” adds Clark. “Our previous Canadian agency supported our brands over the last decade and we wish them well, but as we move forward, we want to emphasize our top priority of maintaining strong relationships between our brand and retailers.”

All three of the new agencies were carefully selected with regard to proven track records, complementary brand portfolios, and enthusiasm to deliver best-in-class gear in the outdoor industry.

“We are excited to welcome these new agencies to the Primus and Brunton family and know that they will serve our brands well with their talented and driven sales teams,” says Clark. “As individuals who live and breathe the outdoor lifestyle and are passionate about the outdoor activities we serve, they are a perfect fit to represent our namesake in their territories.”

 For more information on these agencies and their territories, please contact the Alta Group Principal Dave Haavik at dhaavik@altagroupinc.com, Agence Quartier Général Principal Yannick Raymond at yannickr@me.com, and Tandem West Principal Gordon Chin at gordon@tandemwestsales.com.

 For more information on Primus or Brunton, please direct media inquiries to Account Manager Eric Hockman at eric.hockman@rygr.us

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About Primus: Primus has powered expeditions and fueled pioneers since 1892, including the first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Primus products are engineered in Sweden with an emphasis on technology, innovation and sustainability, resulting in reliable equipment that serve as life-long companions on any outdoor adventure—from summit bids to weekend picnics. Primus AB, based in Solna, Sweden, is an independent unit of Fenix Outdoor AB and is distributed in North America by the U.S. compass manufacturer, Brunton Outdoor Inc., out of Louisville, Colorado. Primus products are sold in more than 70 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit www.primus.us.

 About Brunton: For over 125 years, Brunton has set the gold standard in precision equipment for outdoor enthusiasts and field-based professionals. In 1894, founder David W. Brunton patented and manufactured the original ‘Brunton’ in Colorado, which quickly became the top geological instrument in its class. Today, this heritage of reliability and precision lives on in the professional-grade transits and accessible outdoor tools for geoscientists, foresters, military, search & rescue, and backcountry navigators. Brunton Outdoor Inc. offices are based in Louisville, Colorado with manufacturing in Riverton, Wyoming. Brunton products are sold in more than 50 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit www.brunton.com.