Rumpl Launches New Partnership with Respected Whitewater Outfitter OARS

PORTLAND, Ore. (May 7, 2024) Rumpl, the category leader in premium outdoor blankets, today announced a new partnership with best-in-class whitewater outfitter OARS. Rumpl will be the official and exclusive blanket sponsor for OARS and OARS Events, providing blankets and other comfort-focused products to guests, guides and support staff on OARS’ legendary rafting trips.

“Rumpl and OARS are connected by our value of getting people outside to experience the beauty of nature. Our partnership is a natural fit, as we remain committed to creating quality, durable products for our core consumers in the outdoor adventure space,” said Josh Weichhand, Rumpl’s vice president of global brand marketing. “The river has always provided a special sense of sanctuary, adventure and community for myself, so I’m personally excited to be working with a company as respected and experienced as OARS to amplify the benefits of Rumpl gear in those unique settings.”

The Rumpl and OARS partnership will put Rumpl’s technical blankets and comfort gear front and center on OARS guided rafting trips and events, allowing consumers and guides to experience product benefits first-hand. The versatile and useful Original Puffy Blanket will be accompanied with other river-friendly Rumpl products, including the Everywhere Towel, Puffy Poncho and more.

“A great experience on the river starts with assembling the best team and the right gear. In teaming up with Rumpl, we celebrate a passion for the outdoors and a shared ethos and approach to adventure,” said Steve Markle, vice president of sales and marketing for OARS. “Since the beginning, OARS has been proud of the company we keep, from our world-class guides to the people behind the scenes making each trip happen. We’re excited to welcome Rumpl into the fold—and provide our guests and crew with some cozy blankets to stay warm and comfortable in the wild places we love most.”

OARS has grown from humbling beginnings to become a world-class whitewater outfitter that caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with more than 75 unique adventures offered worldwide. Founder George Wendt began professionally guiding rivers throughout North America 1969 and was quickly named the first exclusive non-motorized rafting outfitter authorized by the National Park Service to run trips on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Since then, OARS expanded its offerings with international trips while maintaining its distinct family-owned and operated management.

For more information on OARS or Rumpl, please reach out to Emily Nuchols (emily@undersolenmedia.com) or Corinne Baud (corinne.baud@rygr.us) respectively.

About OARS: In 1969, OARS became the first exclusively non-motorized rafting outfitter authorized by the National Park Service to run trips on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Today OARS caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-day and weekend escapes. Each year the company contributes to regional conservation organizations around the globe via voluntary donations and annual fundraising events, and in partnership with their guests, OARS has contributed more than $6 million in donations and fees toward the preservation of the environment and to various conservation initiatives since the company’s inception. For more information on OARS’ eco-friendly adventures, visit www.oars.com, email the company at info@oars.com or call 1-800-346-6277.

About Rumpl: Born of van life and enjoyed by adventure seekers everywhere, Rumpl exists to enrich the outdoor experience through versatile, high-performance comforts. Rumpl is the inventor of The Original Puffy Blanket and the originator of the technical blanket category. The brands’ products enhance places and pursuits, from mountains to beaches and every adventure in between. Rumpl’s vision is to get more people outdoors, stay comfortable and be prepared for whatever unfolds. Made For Whatever Unfolds.™ rumpl.com

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OARS PR Contact:

Emily Nuchols

emily@undersolenmedia.com

360-510-8696

 

Rumpl Contact:

Corinne Baud

corinne.baud@rygr.us

970-924-0704, ext. 2109

Turtle Fur Shell-ebrates Summer with First Warm Weather Collection

MORRISVILLE, Vt. (May 7, 2024) – Turtle Fur, the leading cold-weather headwear and accessories brand, is proud to launch its first official summer collection to encourage year-round adventuring. The collection offers performance styles for high-exertion activities and lifestyle options for everyday wear for the whole family, including cooling neck tubes, stylish bucket hats, and ball caps – all made of sustainable materials.

The new summer collection includes the following items:

  • Offgrid 5 Panel Hat(MSRP $40): Designed for casual adventures, the Offgrid 5 Panel Hat is incredibly lightweight to keep you cool and comfortable. It also offers a floatable brim and moisture-wicking sweatband that allows an easy transition from paddling at the lake to sitting fireside at the campground.
  • Hemp Boondocker Ball Cap (MSRP $50): Comfortable, lightweight, and classic, this wear-anywhere ball cap is mindfully made with soft and sustainable hemp and organic cotton. Perfect for your morning commute, long travel days, and beach hangs.
  • Comfort Ice Tube (MSRP $20): Made from recycled materials, this feather-light and quick-drying tube is designed for maximum sun protection. With engineered perforation to keep you cool, this will be your new go-to accessory on every adventure – from fishing to running to hiking.

To learn more about the new collection visit www.turtlefur.com.

About Turtle Fur

Since 1982, Turtle Fur has been a leading headwear and accessories brand in the outdoor, snow sports, and lifestyle markets. Their mission is to create sustainable solutions for every body, that feel great, in every element, built for a life lived outside

Turtle Fur is proud to be a Certified B Corp®, committed to supporting access to the outdoors for all, investing in product sustainability, reducing waste, and collaborating as a force for good. For more information, visit turtlefur.com and follow them on social media @turtlefur.

 

 

 

Maven Debuts Reticles in Select B Series and S Series Optics

LANDER, Wyo. (May 6, 2024) – Maven Outdoor Equipment Company, a Wyoming-based direct-to-consumer brand known for offering world-class optics at affordable prices, is excited to announce it has introduced reticles to its award-winning B Series and S Series product lines, as well as an all-new Ballistics Calculator powered by Applied Ballistics.

The new B.5 MOA/MIL brings customers the option of MIL and MOA reticles to the 18×56 configuration of the best-selling B.5 binocular. Featuring the same fluorite glass as the S Series spotting scope, the B.5 MOA/MIL is a large objective and high-magnification powerhouse designed for premium performance. It’s a go-to choice for those who are seeking a high-powered binocular specifically to elevate their shooting experience.

Reimagining the cornerstone of Maven’s spotting scope lineup is the new S1.2A and S1.2S. These new models expand on the exceptional features of the S.1, retaining all top-of-the-line specifications of their predecessor, while introducing interchangeable eyepieces. In addition to a 25-50×80 configuration, the S1.2A and S1.2S will be offered with fixed 30x MIL and MOA reticle eyepieces.

In addition to those available for the S1.2 models, Maven is also introducing reticle eyepieces for the S.3A and S.3S spotting scopes. Current S.3 owners will have the option of MIL or MOA reticles in a fixed 24x eyepiece.

“Hunters, long-range shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts all demand versatility in their optics,” said Brendon Weaver, Co-Founder and Head of Design/Marketing for Maven. “Offering further customization by introducing interchangeable eyepieces into our full-size and mid-size spotting scopes allows each user to personalize the optic to meet their changing needs. Additionally, a full-size binocular with reticles helps us round out our product offering. With the combination of these offerings alongside our newly introduced web-based Ballistics Calculator, achieving precision is now within reach for nearly everyone, surpassing past constraints.”

The brand has also introduced another outstanding tool for hunting and shooting enthusiasts with the new Ballistic Calculator powered by Applied Ballistics. Available on the Maven website, this new feature allows users to plug in their ballistic information to generate custom ballistic calculations for reticle holders, range cards and more.

“As always, we incorporated customer feedback and requests into the creation of these new items,” said Weaver. “Adding these optics and options to our existing lineup of scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars allows us to better provide our customers with nearly everything they need on the range or in the field.”

The Maven B.5 MOA/MIL binocular ($1,700), S1.2A/S spotting scopes ($2,200 with zoom eyepiece/$2,000 with reticle eyepiece), interchangeable spotting scope eyepieces ($500 zoom/$300 fixed), and Ballistics Calculator (free) are available now for purchase at www.mavenbuilt.com. All products and eyepieces are covered by Maven’s unconditional lifetime warranty.

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About Maven

Maven is a Wyoming-based direct-to-consumer brand known for offering world-class optics at affordable prices. By cutting out the middleman and selling directly to the consumer, the company eliminates retail markups and is, therefore, able to produce affordable products using best-in-class components. The result is high-quality optics offered at an exceptional value and covered by a lifetime warranty.

 

 

 

 

Imbox Protection Wins Prestigious International Red Dot Award for Innovative Product Design

DENMARK (May 3, 2024) – Imbox Protection, the world’s only in-store footwear protection technology, today announced it won the Red Dot Award for Product Design 2024 for its minimalist appearance and innovative approach to automating the care service in shoe stores, relieving the burden on sales staff. Imbox Protection provides in-store treatment in sixty seconds protecting footwear against water damage, dirt, stains, and color fade.

The Red Dot Award, one of the most highly regarded seals of design quality worldwide, selects winners via a panel of international experts who seek exceptional design and innovation, composed of 39 experts from 20 countries across four continents. Criteria included aesthetic appeal, functionality, and innovative engineering. Imbox Protection will be recognized at the Red Dot Gala June 24, 2024, at the Aalto Theatre in Essen, Germany.

“We’re truly grateful to receive the Red Dot Award for Product Design 2024,” shared Oliver Hede, vice president of North American sales at Imbox Protection. “This recognition speaks volumes about the dedication of our team to create products that make a real difference. We are always striving to evolve and grow. This award will continue to inspire us to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”

The Red Dot Award builds upon Imbox Protection’s achievement of performing 150 million treatments since its founding and having a presence in 33 countries. Imbox Protection systems in the U.S. dispense a proprietary PFA-free, water-based formula through a modern box located in the footwear department of retailers.

Imbox Protection’s proprietary technology guarantees precise application, drying, and heating tailored to the specific needs of each shoe and protects suede, leather, textile, nubuck, and synthetic components, among others. After the treatment is completed in-store, shoes are ready for immediate wear.

The flagship Imbox Protection model is available in retailers around United States including Dillard’s, Famous Footwear, Lucky Feet, Scheels, Schuler Shoes, and SNIPES.

About Imbox Protection.
Launched in 2011 in Denmark as a more sustainable and convenient alternative to protecting shoes, Imbox Protection is the world’s only in-store footwear protection technology service using a safe and environmentally friendly treatment to protect against water damage, dirt, stains, and color fade. Imbox Protection has more than 7,500 units in retail stores globally selling more than 35 million treatments a year with trusted footwear retailers and partners. Based on surging demand in Europe and Japan, Imbox Protection has expanded availability in the U.S. with a North American headquarters in Chicago. The PCT patent-protected technology is designed, developed, and manufactured in Denmark. Retailers can learn more about Imbox Protection and its in-store footwear protection solution at https://imboxprotection.com/us.

WaveCel Partners with Backbone to Accelerate Brand Awareness and Safety Innovation

PORTLAND, OR (May 2, 2024) – WaveCel, setting new benchmarks in helmet safety technology by going beyond standards to protect the head and the brain, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Backbone as its integrated marketing agency of record. This collaboration marks a significant step in WaveCel’s mission to revolutionize helmet safety across various industries.

Since its debut in 2019 within the sports sector, with Trek Bicycle and Burton/Anon embracing WaveCel technology in cycling and ski/snowboard helmets respectively, WaveCel has been at the forefront of safety solutions that revolutionize what’s inside a helmet. Now, with Backbone onboard, WaveCel aims to amplify its efforts in helmet safety by emphasizing the importance of brain protection and redefining the essence of what a helmet should provide.

“Backbone’s experience and expertise growing brand awareness in a dynamic media landscape make them the ideal partner for WaveCel,” said  David Visnack, Chief Marketing Officer at WaveCel. “As we expand our focus to address workplace safety in manufacturing and heavy industrial settings, we are confident in Backbone’s ability to effectively communicate our brand message to consumers.”

WaveCel launched a line of hard hats in 2022 designed to mitigate traumatic brain injuries resulting from slips, falls or impacts from falling objects. The WaveCel T2+ PRO and T2+ MAX models offer unparalleled protection, surpassing industry standards  by safeguarding against rotational forces as well as lateral impacts.

“As avid skiers and cyclists ourselves, we are intimately familiar with WaveCel Technology,” said Melissa Boisjoly, senior director at Backbone Media.  “We are excited to support the brand’s continued expansion into new categories.”

Founded by a leading surgeon and biomedical engineer, WaveCel’s technology, rooted in scientific research and rigorous testing, features a spatial cellular structure that absorbs energy from impacts through crumpling, flexing, and gliding mechanisms. With up to 73% more rotational force absorption compared to standard helmets, WaveCel significantly reduces the risk of concussion, making safety a top priority.

For more information about WaveCel and its innovative safety solutions for helmets, please visit WaveCel.com.

About WaveCel:

Based in Oregon and founded in 2016 by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Steve Madey and biomechanical engineer Dr. Michael Bottlang, WaveCel is a leading innovator in helmet safety technology. WaveCel’s spatial cellular structure revolutionizes helmet design, offering unparalleled protection against head injuries. With a commitment to advancing safety standards across industries, WaveCel continues to push the boundaries of innovation. Learn more at WaveCel.com and follow WaveCel on Instagram, Facebook and X

 

OUTDOOR RETAILER AND COLLECTIVE SHOWS COLLABORATE FOR NOVEMBER 2024 EVENT

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, California – (May 2, 2024) – Outdoor Retailer, the leading business event for the outdoor industry, and Collective Shows, the premier wholesale marketplace for activewear and swimwear, today announced a collaboration for this year’s winter events. For the first time, Collective Shows will host a marketplace as part of Outdoor Retailer Winter this November 6-8, 2024, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

In November, the Outdoor Retailer show floor will feature an exciting new addition: the Outdoor Retailer x Collective Shows space. This integration offers buyers from both events an opportunity to discover more brands and more products for their stores. Exhibitors in this space can select a Collective Shows all-inclusive booth package, allowing them to meet new buyers from across both markets. Attendees will have full access to the Collective Shows space, the Outdoor Retailer show, and the new Outdoor Design + Innovation sourcing show, as well as to all programming throughout the three days.

“We’re thrilled to bring Collective Shows into Outdoor Retailer this winter and create opportunities for buyers to explore activewear, swimwear, and athleisure, as well as see top brands across more categories as they plan their 2025 buys. And it provides avenues for exhibitors to build relationships with new buyers and enter new stores,” said Sean Smith, Outdoor Retailer show director. “There’s tremendous benefit in the ability to connect with new markets and support buyers from both events by delivering a larger assortment of products they’re already buying for, all under one roof. The November show will be a great preview into 2025.”

“Collective Shows is excited to be part of Outdoor Retailer and bring two great shows that complement each other together in November,” said Devon Ranger, show director for Collective Shows. “This opportunity expands our platform and provides greater value to our retailers and brands, creating more avenues to see emerging products and learn about future trends across multiple markets. Our priority is to ensure brands and retailers can successfully grow their businesses, and we’re looking forward to seeing new connections and inspiration through this collaboration.”

The Collective Shows allow buyers to connect with a curated selection of brands from activewear, swimwear, athleisure, performance wear, wellness, and more. Retailers gain a deeper understanding of the products they are buying through unique experiences and place orders for upcoming seasons. Renewal and early bird rates are available for Collective Shows exhibitors, and interested brands can inquire with their sales representative for more information on joining the new space in November.

Outdoor Retailer and Outdoor Design + Innovation, the new co-located sourcing event, bring buyers and brands from the outdoor industry together to connect, discover what’s new, learn from experts, and network with the outdoor community. Education sessions and networking events are held each day on the show floor and are accessible to all attendees and exhibitors. The early bird rate for Outdoor Retailer Winter 2024 exhibitors is approaching, and brands interested can contact the sales team.

Outdoor Retailer, Outdoor Design + Innovation, and Collective Shows are owned and produced by Emerald. The shows’ respective summer events are staging as scheduled. Outdoor Retailer and Outdoor Design + Innovation Summer is this June 17-19, 2024, at the Salt Palace. Collective Shows West, Swim Collective + Active Collective, is in Huntington Beach, California, on July 23-24, 2024.

About Outdoor Retailer

Outdoor Retailer, the leading U.S. business events for the outdoor and winter sports industry, brings together retailers, manufacturers, designers, distributors, industry advocates, journalists, and more to conduct the business of outdoor recreation through commerce, unique product experiences, dedicated media events, content, and web-based business solutions. Outdoor Retailer provides critical platforms for face-to-face commerce, product launches, networking, and focused industry education to enhance business and support the outdoor recreation economy. Visit outdoorretailer.com for more information.

About Collective Shows

Collective Shows are curated business to business trade shows that serve as an essential marketplace for top designers, manufacturers, and retailers in the swimwear, resort wear, activewear, and athleisure industries. A focus of the Collective Shows – Swim Collective + Active Collective – is to engage retailers and brands in ways that are unlike conventional trade show methods. Multiple annual events create a place for deep engagement through exhibition spaces, networking, immersive experiences, and advertising opportunities. Visit collectiveshows.com to learn more.

About Emerald

Emerald’s talented and experienced team grows our customers’ businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit www.emeraldx.com.

 

 

The Conservation Alliance Applauds the Expansions of San Gabriel and Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monuments

(May 2, 2024) – The Conservation Alliance (TCA) celebrates today the Biden Administration’s  announcement of the  expansion of California’s Berryessa Snow Mountains and San Gabriel Mountains National Monuments that  will protect over 100,000 acres of public lands in California. The Biden Administration’s decision to expand these monuments will not only safeguard and preserve the natural beauty of these areas but also honors the profound connection various Tribes and communities have to these lands.

“We thank President Biden, Secretary Haaland, and Congressional champions for these historic protections in California that will provide conservation benefits and enduring recreational opportunities for generations to come,” said Rebecca Gillis, TCA Senior Director of Advocacy and Outreach. “The Conservation Alliance has long worked alongside our grantees to support National Monuments because they are a proven tool to permanently protect public lands for all to enjoy while also directly benefiting our economy. These kinds of expansions are exactly what we had in mind when we launched Mobilizing for Monuments last year. We are now proud to stand with nearly 100 companies advocating for National monuments across the country.”

The addition of Molok Luyuk to Berryessa honors the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation who have sought tribal co-management of these ancestral homelands. Protecting the entirety of Berryessa Snow Mountain is a win for tribes, local communities, and the outdoor recreation industry. Berryessa Snow Mountain was first designated as a national monument in 2015 and The Conservation Alliance is proud to have supported grantee, Tuleyome, and have given $80,000 to protect this monument.

The Biden Administration is protecting 105,000 acres of public lands by expanding San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. Located near Los Angeles, over 18 million people live within a 90-mile radius of these public lands and the expansion will help ensure equitable access to nature for these residents. TCA grantee, CalWild, worked alongside the coalition of local organizations, tribes, and businesses to advocate for the expansion of San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.

Fueled by this success and the support of the Biden Administration, TCA will continue to advocate for the expansion and conservation of public lands in the United States with the support of its members, through political advocacy and with campaigns like  Mobilizing For Monuments.

For more information about The Conservation Alliance, please visit conservationalliance.com. For more information on the Mobilizing for Monuments campaign and to sign the pledge to support public lands conservation through national monument designation, visit mobilizingformonuments.com.

About The Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership – companies from a range of industries from outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – take bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, we’ve awarded over $31.9 million in grants and helped protect over 82 million acres and 4,570 river miles, remove or halt 38 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas and designate five marine reserves. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit conservationalliance.com.

REI Co-op to open in College Station, Texas in fall 2024

SEATTLE (May 1, 2024) – Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open a store in College Station, Texas in fall 2024, less than a half mile from Texas A&M University. The location will offer a wide assortment of outdoor gear and expertise for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, climbing, and more. For those who adventure on two wheels, a full-service bike shop will be staffed by certified mechanics.

“College Station and the surrounding region have many natural places to play, explore and relax so being outside can be part of everyday life,” said Kristen Engels, REI regional director. “With incredible settings for hiking, camping, mountain biking, trail running and much more so close to the city, the co-op looks forward to being a resource when we open our 11th store in the state. We also are excited to develop partnerships with local nonprofits to support their efforts to welcome more people outside.”

Store facts

  • Location: University Park at 615 University Drive East, College Station, TX. Adjacent to Crunch Fitness (opening fall 2024)
  • Store size: 21,732 square feet
  • Store features: Full-service bike shop, buy online-pickup in store, curbside pickup
  • REI co-op membership: 7,000 members in College Station, 32,300 members in the Waco-Temple-Bryan region and 1.44 million members in Texas
  • REI stores in Texas: Austin-Downtown (107 miles away, opened 2006), Austin-Gateway (107 miles away, opened 1989, relocated 1995), Dallas (186 miles away, opened 1993, relocated 2015), Fort Worth (174 miles away, opened 2016), Houston (93 miles away, opened 1996, relocated 2003), Houston-Baybrook (117 miles away, opened 2016), Houston-Willowbrook (72 miles away, opened 2004), Plano (200 miles away, opened 2005), San Antonio (173 miles away, opened 2012), and Southlake (194 miles away, opened 2014)

REI is the country’s largest consumer co-op. Everyone is welcome to shop REI and tap into the vast amount of expertise provided by the co-op’s store staff and online resources. Members who join the co-op enjoy a wide range of benefits, including a used gear trade-in program called Re/Supply; discounts on shop services and experiences; a share of the co-op’s annual profits based on qualifying purchases; and more.

New members join a growing community that fights for a life outside. With each new membership purchased, the co-op donates $5 to support the REI Cooperative Action Fund. The community-supported nonprofit is fueled by donations from REI members, customers, employees, foundations, and corporate partners – including the co-op. The REI Fund provides support to nonprofit organizations across the country doing essential work to create a more equitable outdoors for everyone. As part of the REI College Station grand opening, a donation will be made to a local nonprofit. Since launching in 2021, the REI Fund has invested $815,000 in 19 Texas nonprofits. To learn more about REI Cooperative Action Fund grantees in Texas, visit www.reifund.org/grantees.

Join the REI team

REI expects to hire approximately 40 employees for the new College Station store. Candidates interested in joining the REI team can apply online at REI.jobs. Those interested can set up a job alert on the co-op’s career site to be notified when positions are posted. New employees will receive a variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay, and retirement contributions. Health insurance is also offered to both full-time and part-time employees.

About the REI Co-op

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 23 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. If you can’t visit one of our many stores, you can shop at REI.comREI Outlet or the REI shopping app. Everyone is welcome to shop REI, but members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits. More than a retailer, REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.

 

Backpacker Pantry aims to elevate the backpacking meals and nutrition category with the introduction of Backpacking Nutrition Week

Boulder, Colo. (May 1, 2024) — Boulder, Colo.-based Backpacker’s Pantry, the family-owned maker of gourmet adventure meals, announces Backpacking Nutrition Week, a week-long holiday aimed at elevating the importance and awareness of backpacking food and nutrition among camping enthusiasts. Starting today, May 1 through May 6, the industry is encouraged to participate in this newly established holiday to bring meal planning to the forefront of trip planning.

To help elevate this category, Backpacker’s Pantry encourages everyone to chime in with their nutrition tips and tricks and use the hashtag #BackpackingNutritionWeek throughout the first week of May.

“We’re excited to announce Backpacking Nutrition Week! This initiative is designed to raise awareness of the importance of proper meal planning for backpacking trips,” said Chris Dickerson, Marketing Director at Backpacker’s Pantry. “By focusing on nutrition early on in their trip planning, backpackers can ensure they have the energy they need to enjoy their adventures.”

Taking place early in the spring, before peak camping and backpacking season begins, the hope is that this educational week gives consumers the time and awareness to plan for their summer adventures and understand the importance of nutrition as a key component to their planning. Through the industry-wide sharing of fun and informational content related to backpacking nutrition, the goal is to uplevel this category which can sometimes be an afterthought when it comes to trip preparation.

Backpacker’s Pantry is joined by other outdoor industry brands and groups to celebrate and amplify #BackpackingNutritionWeek, such as American Hiking Society, BearVault, Continental Divide Trail Coalition, Crazy Creek, ExpertVoice, Fjallraven, Good-To-Go, Gregory Packs, Heather’s Choice, Mountain Safety Research, National Parks Fund, Outdoor Prolink, Royal Robbins, The Conservation Alliance, The Trek, and Washington Trails Association. Backpacker’s Pantry invites other brands, retailers, athletes, consumers, and ambassadors alike to take part in the celebration of all things backpacking nutrition this week.

To kick off Backpacking Nutrition Week, the company also announces its recently launched loyalty program called Trail Crew Rewards. To participate, customers need to set up an account on the Backpacker’s Pantry website, which will automatically reward them with 250 points. Customers can then earn extra points with every purchase, every $1 spent rewards customers with 5 points. Points can also be earned by completing special actions, such as following the brand on social media, referring a friend, points for your birthday, and leaving online reviews. With every 500 points earned, customers can spend their points on a variety of rewards, such as money-off vouchers, and more!

Check out some of Backpacker’s Pantry’s articles on backpacking nutrition, which include tips, advice from experts, and more on their blog here: https://backpackerspantry.com/blogs/news/tagged/backpacking-nutrition

For more information about Backpacker’s Pantry, please visit backpackerspantry.com.

About Backpacker’s Pantry

Backpacker’s Pantry is a Boulder-based, family-owned producer of gourmet adventure meals made with healthy and sustainable ingredients. Since 1951, the company has been delivering high-quality freeze-dried meals with an emphasis on taste. To give back to the community we love, the places we adventure and the planet we must protect, Backpacker’s Pantry donates 1% of every sale, every day to nonprofits around the world through 1% For the Planet and is 100% solar-powered. Today, Backpacker’s Pantry is sold in over 2,000 stores in North America. For more information and a complete list of products, visit https://backpackerspantry.com.

About American Outdoor Products

American Outdoor Products (AOP) is a food manufacturer located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, CO.  Established in 1951, American Outdoor Products remains an independent, privately held, family-owned, and operated company distributing products throughout the world. Inspired by a passion for unique cuisine and exciting adventures, the company produces Backpacker’s Pantry, adventure food for the outdoors; Astronaut Foods, out-of-this-world novelty treats; Chef Soraya grab-and-go plant-based meals; and Colorado Spice, all-natural and organic artisan spice blends. To learn more, visit: https://backpackerspantry.com

Norco Introduces A NEW LOOK Race Division

May 1, 2024 – PORT COQUITLAM, BC. – After Norco announced the addition of Greg Minnaar as Team Captain, all eyes are on the Canadian brand going into the 2024 UCI Downhill World Cup season. Of course they’re going to go big this season.

Today, the brand is unveiling the new Norco Race Division, aimed at building a long-term, high-impact presence in the Downhill scene. They’re also giving fans an unfiltered peek behind the scenes in a docuseries that will run for the entire race season.

“As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, it felt right to elevate the brand by introducing a new-look for the team”, said Gwen van Lingen, Head of Brand at Norco. “The Norco Race Division is made-up of world-class riders, mechanics and support staff, all of whom will be featured in a raw and emotional docuseries running throughout the season, while the bold team look takes inspiration from our heritage and modern street culture”.

You may have seen the team roll into Fort William, where they will don their new kit and bikes, while the iconic team truck will take its place in the pits. The overall aesthetic is reminiscent of motocross, BMX and jet ski racing during the 80s and 90s.

The kit design is a curated mix’n’match of simple graphics and colour to create bold shapes. The truck celebrates the mindset of the dirt bike pioneers who packed up the car or the box van and went racing for kicks, bringing unrivalled attitude and flamboyance.

Norco worked on the new team visuals with renowned design pairing Nick Larsen and Paul Bliss out of London, well known within the bike world for their work with Cannondale, Fox, Charge Bikes and more. The pair looked back through 60 years of Norco heritage, taking inspiration from past logos, retro colors, iconic bike designs and decades of innovation, to create a look and feel that is unique in the world of mountain bikes.

“I have known Greg since the 90’s and was intrigued by his move to Norco,” said Larsen. “I suggested to him that it could be fun to do something really disruptive with his new team’s kit, and it turned out that both he and Norco really wanted to push the boat on the new DH team.”

On the design, Bliss added, “We took Norco’s origin story in British Columbia, the brand’s passion for racing BMX in the region during its formative years, mixed it with influences from streetwear, freestyle mountain biking, and the symbolism of the rock.”

More kits and bike graphics will be revealed as the season progresses so get ready for a wild ride.

To capture the excitement of the Norco Race Division this season, the brand will be launching an exclusive docuseries entitled “Just Getting Started with new episodes dropping days after each race. The series will provide an all access, no-holds-barred look into what it means to be a part of a World Cup team, with behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive access to Minnaar, his teammates, and the wider support network.

Check out the trailer HERE and find a complete asset package HERE.  Keep an eye on Norco.com for more team updates and episode releases.

For more, please reach out to brandon.martinez@backbone.media or AshleyR@Norco.com.

About Norco Bicycles

Norco is a global leader in high-performance mountain bikes, known for its commitment to innovation, quality craftsmanship, and the pursuit of trail-blazing excellence. Founded as Northern Cycle Industries in 1964, operating out of a chicken coop, the brand has evolved over the years, but hard work, passion, and commitment to innovation have always been at the forefront. The mountains and trails of British Columbia are hard-wired into the DNA at Norco, and they will always be the ultimate inspiration for the character and performance of every Norco bike. Norco.com