PolyCore™ launches Ghost Nylon: A Fabric with a Purpose

The oceans are vast. The beautiful, strange, and plentiful marine life calls this their home. When one is asked to describe their visualization of the seas, they may close their eyes and imagine a pod of dolphins racing through the depths or a blue whale calf tagging along with its mother. For generations these images were wholeheartedly accurate as the inhabitants of the seas were largely left to themselves (maybe for the occasional fisherman). Today, however, human impact is more apparent than ever in our oceans with the acceleration of the waste increasing by the year. Said waste is slowly suffocating marine life and must be combated for the good of our planet and all creatures that call it home. 

“It is estimated that 6.4 million tons of fishing gear are lost in the oceans annually” (MacFayden et al. 2009). This gear (specifically fishing nets) is infamously referred to as “ghost nets”. Although this number makes up less than ten percent of human-made pollutants in our oceans, the effects of free-floating fishing gear is more directly apparent in marine life. Threats posed by fishing nets include loss of freedom of movement, lacerations, and permanent entanglement drastically decreasing the overall health of our oceans. Over 600 known species are affected by man-made marine waste (Thompson, et al. 2012). These numbers will surely increase as synthetic fishing nets become cheaper to fishermen and more durable as they will inevitably wander through the waters entangling wildlife indiscriminately for years. The encroachment of ghost nets into marine habitats has not been met without resistance, though.  

An initiative has been undertaken by many brave souls across the globe. Volunteers have retrieved ghost nets from the waters and disposed of them. Others, specifically GhostNets® Australia, have promoted the retrieval of ghost nets and the creation of GhostNets® Art. This program has repurposed nets into useful domestic items and expressions of art that have been created to spread awareness of the problem. A similar task has recently been undertaken by PolyCore™.  

Here at PolyCore™, we value those who make the long-term health of our planet a priority. To aid in the cleanup of pollutants in our oceans, we have created a sustainable fabric from retrieved ghost nets appropriately named Ghost Nylon. This sustainable 350D Nylon, coupled with the coating of our environmentally friendly water-based polyurethane, provides a fabric created from pollutants and repurposed for the sake of solution for this problem. We are proud of this product and hope that others join in on the efforts to give the oceans back to the marine life it once belonged.  

360 Adventure Collective Hosts Successful On Snow Demo Events for Retailers

360 Adventure Collective, the trusted member association that has brought focused, regional events for sales reps and retailers for over 40 years, kicked off 2020 with two successful On Snow Demo events held at Pico Mountain Ski Resort in Vermont and Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire.

These premier season kickoff events held on January 22-23 and February 11-12, respectively, offered retailers the opportunity to demo 2021 equipment on snow for the first time and complete preseason ordering before the hardgoods deadline. This is the second year 360 Adventure Collective hosted On Snow Demo events, and the organizational cadence of “See it, Try it, Buy it” continues to work well for both members and retailers. This year’s events saw a 16% increase in participation over last year, with several hundred of New England’s best specialty ski/snowboard and outdoor shops taking part.

“360 Adventure Collective is proud to provide a support system to build strong relationships between retailers and vendors through these cost-effective events in intimate, localized settings,” says Stacey Gellert, incoming executive director of 360 Adventure Collective. “Hosting Demos at two venues contributed to higher attendance by allowing for staff scheduling flexibility and a secondary option in case of poor weather conditions. Between the exclusive on snow access to new equipment and the camaraderie of our après events, we were able to deliver unforgettable experiences for our partners.”

While the On Snow Demo events are done for the year, 360 Adventure Collective has a strong lineup of events for East Coast sales reps and retailers. For a full schedule of events, visit their online calendar.

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

 

About 360 Adventure Collective

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

Klymit expands tent line with the addition of the Cross Canyon series

Klymit, a comfort innovator in advanced outdoor technology, expands its tent line with the addition of the Cross Canyon tent series. The Cross Canyon 2, Cross Canyon 3, and Cross Canyon 4 are a two-person, three-person, and four-person tent respectively. 

The Cross Canyon tent series is designed to deliver comfortable interior living space with exceptional storage options at a great value. The series features quality materials and premium aluminum poles. Two entry doors and dual overhead ventilation keep the tent cool and condensation free. The series features a single pole chain structure and is easy to setup and take down. All of the Cross Canyon tents feature Klymit’s signature tent storage sack that unrolls to double as a floor mat in front of your tent door. 

The Cross Canyon 2, Cross Canyon 3, and Cross Canyon 4 are all fast fly capable with the purchase of a Cross Canyon Footprint. 

At Klymit, we’re passionate about spending time outdoors with the people you care about,” says Klymit President, Cory Tholl. “The Cross Canyon tents are perfect for families that want a spacious, easy-to-use tent at an exceptional value.”

The Cross Canyon tent series is designed for three-season comfort and all three tents are available now on Klymit.com.  

Klymit Cross Canyon 2

MSRP: $199.95

Capacity: 2-person 

Packed weight: 6 lbs

Pack size: 20.5 x 6.5 in 

Floor dimensions: 88 x 53.5 in 

Peak height: 46 in

Pole construction: Aluminum 

Warranty: 2 years 

Klymit Cross Canyon 3 

MSRP: $229.95

Capacity: 3-person 

Packed weight: 7.6 lbs

Pack size: 20.5 x 7 in 

Floor dimensions: 86 x 75 in 

Peak height: 52 in

Pole construction: Aluminum 

Warranty: 2 years 

Klymit Cross Canyon 4

MSRP: $249.95

Capacity: 4-person 

Packed weight: 10.7 lbs

Pack size: 20.5 x 9.5 in 

Floor dimensions: 100 x 86 in 

Peak height: 65 in

Pole construction: Aluminum 

Warranty: 2 years 

Old Town® Launches New Sportsman Line of Fully Featured Fishing Crafts

Meet the Old Town Sportsman Line – seven boats, three ways to travel, one passion. Old Town leverages 122-years of boat building innovation with something for every active water-lover.

“The new Old Town Sportsman Line was born from extensive consumer research,” says Ryan Lilly, Brand & Product Manager of Johnson Outdoors Watercraft (Old Town). “Understanding what motivates fresh and saltwater anglers drove us to innovate a lineup of truly amazing products.”

“Old Town’s new line-up of fishing crafts provides seven different models for sportsmen and women of all abilities and interests. Whether you’re a weekend warrior who loves the access of a small watercraft, an avid angler who demands hands-free fishing, or someone who just wants to take advantage of nearby water access, the Old Town Sportsman Line has a model that suits your pursuits,” Lilly continues.

The flagship model in the Old Town Sportsman Line is the exciting, all-new AutopilotTM, a state of the art fishing kayak that delivers the ultimate hands-free fishing experience. Available in two sizes, the Old Town Sportsman AutopilotTM 136 & 120 use fully integrated Minn Kota 45 lb thrust saltwater-safe motors with GPS Spot-Lock virtual anchoring to put the craft exactly where you want it. Controlled with the touch of your thumb using the iPilot remote, your hands remain free to catch fish. In varying tide, current, or wind conditions the Old Town Sportsman AutopilotTM 136 & 120 will change the way you fish from a kayak. 

Also new to the line-up, the Old Town Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota delivers a plug-and-play, easy-to-use motorized kayak experience. This 10 ft 6 in hull, based off of the popular Old Town Topwater 106, features a seamlessly integrated Minn Kota electric motor console. Simple and intuitive, the Old Town Sportsman 106 Powered by Minn Kota features an all-new throttle style thrust control for simple forward and reverse maneuvering and speed control. Additionally, the foot brace rudder steering ensures an intuitive hands-free fishing experience. The shorter hull and lower weight make this kayak a breeze to car top and transport.

Built on a legacy of quality and innovation, the Old Town Sportsman line is manufactured in Maine. All models from the Sportsman line boast a lifetime hull warranty and share an impressive array of features. EVA foam floor pads and upgraded breathable seats provide all-day comfort and support whether you’re sitting or standing. At least one forward-facing rod holder and a branded tackle box makes changing your lure or landing a fish a breeze. Full-length accessory tracks paired with intuitive storage options allow for full customization and accommodation of your favorite accessories.

To learn more about the new Old Town Sportsman AutopilotTM, 106 Powered by Minn Kota, the fun and zippy Salty PDL 120, Discovery Solo 119, or any of the Old Town Sportsman line visit oldtowncanoe.com or demo one at an Old Town dealer near you.

About Old Town:

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that inspires more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft Recreation, Fishing, Diving and Camping.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS WATERCRAFT RECREATION includes Old Town canoes and kayaks, Ocean Kayak, and Carlisle paddles. Old Town canoes and kayaks have created genuine watercraft with innovative designs for over 120 years.

Earth Day’s Great Global Cleanup Open for Cleanup Registrations. Thousands of Cleanups Activating Four Million Volunteers To Take Place in U.S. Cities and States

Earth Day’s Great Global CleanupTM Open for Cleanup Registrations

Thousands of Cleanups Activating Four Million Volunteers To Take Place in U.S. Cities and States

Washington D.C. (March 4, 2020) – The Great Global Cleanup, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, is the most ambitious volunteer event in history. The Cleanup’s goal is to remove a billion pieces of trash from our parks, beaches, cities, waterways, and wherever waste is found.

Organizers across the U.S. and the world are being urged to join this movement, with prominent visibility of their events and organizations on The Great Global Cleanup map. Cleanup event organizers registrations are now open here.

“Participation in the Great Global Cleanup reflects the expanding network of the cleanup movement. Together we’re tapping on the enthusiasm to make communities clean and address out-of-control waste. It’s inspiring to see people of all ages, backgrounds, and locations demonstrating their commitment to a waste-free future,” said Earth Day Network president Kathleen Rogers.

Improved health and positive growth can be achieved once people gain the expectation that their community will be clean. Communities large and small, rural and urban, global and domestic, are all taking the reins and setting that expectation by cleaning places they live, work and play this Earth Day.

Cleanups begin later this month and will continue through early May. If you don’t see a cleanup near you, learn how to organize a cleanup of your own here

The Great Global Cleanup is made possible thanks to a vast network of partners including Let’s Do It World, World Cleanup Day, National Cleanup Day, Keep America Beautiful and many others.

About Earth Day Network

Earth Day Network’s mission is to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental movement worldwide. Growing out of the first Earth Day (1970), Earth Day Network works with more than 100,000 partners in 190 countries to build environmental democracy. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. Learn more at earthday.org

About National CleanUp Day

National CleanUp Day is a call to action. National CleanUp Day is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, dedicated to keeping our nation’s urban, rural, and outdoor public spaces free of litter and trash. Learn more at nationalcleanupday.org

Setton Farms Pistachios Now Considered a “Complete Protein” For Those Over the Age of Five

Terra Bella, CA (March 3, 2020)- Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., the nation’s second largest pistachio grower and processor based in California’s Central Valley, is thrilled to announce that U.S grown roasted pistachios meet the generally accepted definition of a “complete protein.” This means pistachios now join the ranks of a select few plant proteins such as quinoa, chickpeas, and soybeans, offering a plant-based alternative to animal proteins. 

 

According to the Food and Drug Administration, protein is made up of 20 different amino acids. The FDA explains that 9 out of the 20 amino acids are considered “essential,” meaning they cannot be made by the body and must be obtained through food. The FDA defines a complete protein as a food that contains “all of the essential amino acids in adequate amounts.” Most complete proteins come from meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. [1] Roasted pistachios are now considered a complete protein source for those who are over 5 years of age.

 

“It feels great to be able to offer consumers a complete protein that will meet a variety of dietary needs,” said Setton Farms COO Mia Cohen. “This new analysis gives our customers another great reason to enjoy the nutritional benefits of our pistachios.”

 

A Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) for pistachios, presented at the Federation of European Nutrition Societies (FENS) Conference in Dublin, Ireland on October 17, 2019 reported representation of adequate levels of all nine essential amino acids in roasted pistachios.[2]  Boasting a PDCAAS of 81 percent and 80 percent of casein, roasted pistachios meet the USDA definition as an alternate source of protein for school meals. [3]

Setton Farms Pistachios are sold in stores nationwide, including Kroger, Meijer, Wegmans, Jewel, Lunds & Byerlys, Woodmans, Shoprite, Winco, Bed Bath & Beyond, Albertson/Shaws, At Home, Hudson News, and online at Amazon.com.

Grown in California’s Central Valley, Setton Farms’ pistachios are vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten Free, accredited by the American Heart Association and Kosher. All of Setton Farms’ pistachios are grown, processed, and packaged using renewable energy and eco-friendly practices.

The Setton family is dedicated to providing healthy and delicious pistachio snack options that consumers of all ages love. In addition to their full line of roasted pistachio items, Setton Farms produces Seasoned Pistachio Kernels, Pistachio Chewy Bites, Dark Chocolate Covered Pistachios, Premium Nut Blends, and other nutritious, pistachio-based snacks. 

For more information on Setton Farms, visit www.settonfarms.com or follow on social media at: Instagram @setton_farms, Facebook @settonfarmspistachiochewybites and Twitter @settonfarms

About Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc.

Since 1986, the Setton family has taken a hands-on approach to growing and processing America’s Best Tasting Pistachios in the Central Valley of California. As the second largest pistachio processor in the United States, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc. provides pistachios to more than 60 foreign markets. Using proprietary techniques, the Setton Farms brand offers the highest quality pistachios with a fresh-from-the-orchard taste.

 

[1] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/interactivenutritionfactslabel/factsheets/Protein.pdf

 

[2] https://www.morressier.com/article/p33705–digestible-indispensable-amino-acid-score-diaas-better-estimates-protein-value-pistachios-digestibility-corrected-amino-acid-score-pdcaas/5d5e5188bedcf39b766368c3

 

[3]  https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2011-title7-vol4/xml/CFR-2011-title7-vol4-part210-appA.xml

Fireside Outdoor Launches the Trailblazer, World’s Lightest, Most Portable Full-size Firepit

Fireside Outdoor, the family-owned brand dedicated to making outdoor fires safer and more accessible, is pleased to introduce the Trailblazer, the lightest full-size firepit ever made. At just 3 pounds and 14 inches long, the Trailblazer is packable and portable, with the strength to hold up to 35 pounds of wood and the capacity to burn a large fire or cook a complete meal.

 “The Trailblazer allows anyone to have a leave no trace campfire even into the farthest reaches of the backcountry,” said Mark Wolf, founder and president at Fireside Outdoor. “The current rate of human-caused wildfires, scorched earth fire-rings, and trashed campsites simply isn’t sustainable, and the Trailblazer is an adept solution.”

The Trailblazer folds up into a 14-inch-by-4 inch sleeve, roughly the size of a large water bottle. Designed with aerospace-inspired aluminum alloy that cools in under 90 seconds, open-airflow design that burns hotter than grounded fires, and grill grate to cook up dinner (and s’mores) for four people, the Trailblazer is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, packrafting, overlanding, vanlife, camping or any adventure where space and weight are at a premium. Lastly, the Trailblazer was designed to meet all federal fire regulations for worry-free warmth and cooking anywhere the trail may lead.

The Trailblazer is now live on Kickstarter but is ready and available to ship to customers immediately.

###

About Fireside Outdoor 

Founded in 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona, Fireside Outdoor was created with a simple purpose in mind: Engineer products that make managing an outdoor fire easier and safer. With the help of innovative materials and a team of skillful engineers, we are creating common sense solutions to long lasting problems. From wildfire prevention, to reducing the impact our fires have on the environment. For more information, visit www.firesideoutdoor.com

Astral Names New Rep for Mid-Atlantic

Astral, manufacturer of award-winning PFDs and footwear, is excited to announce the addition of Tad Fox of DIY Outdoor to its sales team. Fox will represent the brand across the Mid-Atlantic region, covering New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington, DC.

 

A seasoned rep with outdoor footwear experience, Fox brings a well-honed skillset and invaluable connections to the table. Based out of Hackettstown, New Jersey, Fox has represented footwear brands such as Hoka, Asolo, and Forsake. Fox has worked with Astral in the Mid-Atlantic previously, and now the brand joins his current portfolio, which consists of Farm to Feet, Korkers, Asolo boots, Toad & Co, Polar Max, and Sealskinz.

 

“We’re excited to work with Tad again moving forward,” says Bryan Owen, Sales Manager for Astral. “His experience and passion for the outdoors will surely be a huge benefit to Astral and our customers in the Mid-Atlantic.”

 

For more information on Astral please visit www.astraldesigns.com or contact Dan Arnett at dan@darbycommunications.com. Tad Fox can be reached at diyoutdoor@gmail.com or 973-722-4491.

 

About Astral

Established in 2002, Astral has grown to specialize in high performance footwear alongside its industry-leading safety gear for paddlers. Independently owned and operated with a sincere commitment to making products of the highest performance and style for use in Nature. Astral is based in the year-round outdoor wonderland of Asheville, NC and has satellite offices in Bend, Oregon and Saigon, Vietnam. #NatureFirst

CASE STUDY: How Nikwax Created a Sustainable Trade Show Booth to Lessen its Climate Impact While Simultaneously Saving Money and Labor

For over 40 years, Nikwax has made sustainability and performance a priority. Throughout this ongoing journey, the international brand has hit many significant milestones, including never using PFCs, making safe and effective washes and waterproofings to extend the life of outdoor gear, carbon balancing all of its operations, and in 2020, bottles made from 100% recycled plastic.

In 2019, to support the 100% recycled plastic bottle launch, the Nikwax NA team made the decision to produce a completely recyclable booth made from sustainable products. The entire booth was produced from renewable forest resources and recycled materials. The material used is completely recyclable and produces no chlorofluorocarbons and emits no VOCs during manufacturing. It is Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) certified and promotes closed loop recycling. It’s baler friendly, renewable and reusable, lessens dependence on petroleum-based resins and decreases landfill waste. The booth was shipped in a recyclable crate, and booth carpet was eliminated.

This exercise, while intended to be a one-time occurrence, made the team deeply consider their impact at trade shows. For the Winter 2020 OR Show, they produced a similar booth, incorporating lessons learned. They continued with the same material but found a local Denver manufacturer. This meant no shipping; money was saved and carbon impact was reduced. They were also able to cut out plastic and foam packaging and padding. The only packaging was two cardboard boxes (recyclable).

What was learned? It’s a balance. While the company is treating the booth as single-use, they believe choosing recycled and recyclable, sustainable products lessens the impact vs. manufacturing a booth that is used for years and updated each year, without the use of sustainable materials. What happens to that booth in the end?

With the 100% recyclable booth, Nikwax saved money on shipping, storage, and set-up. The new booth had less impact on the staff who could set it up and tear it down quickly and easily. Unsustainable products were eliminated and a booth that creates excitement and interest from all who pass by was created.

There’s no perfect answer to the trade show booth. But, with thoughtfulness and creativity, an impactful booth that shares the brand’s message of sustainability through example can be showcased.

About Nikwax
Nikwax was founded in 1977 by Nick Brown, an avid hiker and traveler, who designed his own waterproofing wax to keep his leather hiking boots dry. Today, Nikwax is the trusted global leader in environmentally safe aftercare solutions. Nikwax products extend the performance life of technical clothing, footwear and equipment. Nikwax’s 40+ year commitment to clean chemistry means not using PFCs or aerosols, and not testing on animals. The carbon balanced company’s product line is water-based and biodegradable. All product bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic that can also be recycled. Nikwax North America is a subsidiary of Nikwax Ltd, a UK company. For media inquiries and more information, please contact Kate Ketschek at Revolution House Media, kate@revolutionhousemedia.com.

REI launches multiday active vacations in Shenandoah National Park and first international backpacking trip in Patagonia; Travel leader also introduces Norway and Slovenia adventures, expands cycling and Grand Canyon collections

REI Co-op’s adventure travel company has introduced its first active trips in Shenandoah National Park, along with new trips in Norway and Slovenia. The global leader in small group active travel also announced its first international backpacking trip in Patagonia and continued expansion of its Grand Canyon and cycling collections.

“We intentionally design every active adventure to connect with local communities in a meaningful way that only REI can offer,” said Mark Seidl, REI divisional vice president of Experiences. “By doing so, we want our guests to gain a broader perspective of the world and be transformed through the experience.”

National park expansion: Shenandoah and Grand Canyon
Created in 1925, Shenandoah National Park was one of the first national parks in the eastern United States. Three REI itineraries are now available – a multisport Shenandoah National Park Adventure, Shenandoah Lodge-to-Lodge Hiking and Shenandoah National Park Weekend Cycling. All trips are four days in length with departures during spring blossoms through fall’s vibrant colors. Next month, REI will add a four-day Shenandoah backpacking trip to the collection.

On REI’s multisport trip, guests hike to Shenandoah’s highest point and through deep caverns with streams and anthodite formations, zipline through the treetops, and float down the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Star-filled evenings at camp are complete with hearty meals to refuel guests. The company’s lodge-to-lodge itinerary hikes a section of the Appalachian Trail from the doorsteps of iconic lodges that boast unique histories. The company’s cycling weekend stays at charming inns and lodges, providing a welcome reward from vigorous daily rides of 40 to 60 miles along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Adding to REI’s postcard-perfect national parks adventures is its expansion in the Grand Canyon. The company recently added six itineraries for a total of 14 adventures Grand Canyon National Park that range from three to eight days of hiking, backpacking and cycling. With so many options, adventurers can confidently select a trip based on his/her available time, interests and ability.  

Backpacking Patagonia – where nature reigns supreme
Building on REI’s widely popular North America backpacking trips, the company is introducing its first international itinerary to explore the undiscovered heart of Patagonia’s remote and rugged beauty. On Backpacking Patagonia – Fitz Roy and Los Glaciares National Park, the eight-day adventure starts in the small outpost of El Chalten known as the region’s trekking capital. Guests hike through meadows and lenga forests, across moraines and glaciers, and up to breathtaking vistas. A trip highlight is a trek past iceberg-laden bays and over high passes to reach the unparalleled views of the second-largest non-polar ice mass in the world.

The co-op now offers seven itineraries in Patagonia ranging in length from seven to 13 days for hiking, cycling, kayaking and volunteer trail maintenance to protect the famous “W” trail.

New Europe trips: Norway and Slovenia
Known as the “land of the midnight sun” because one-third of the country is in the Arctic Circle, REI is expanding its classic Norway offering with the launch of two more itineraries – Norway Lofoten Islands Hiking and Norway Fjords Cycling. The nine-day archipelago hiking trip offers unparalleled beauty as guests hike up glacier-carved mountains to the reward of epic views, kayak “little Hawaii,” and experience life in remote fishing communities. Highlights also include a cruise through one of the country’s steepest and narrowest fjords in search of Europe’s largest eagle, a visit to the outermost and wildest islands of Værøy, and plenty of opportunities for traditional cold-water swims.

On REI’s Slovenia Hiking – The Alps to the Adriatic trip guests venture into the quiet solitude of the Julian Alps and more. The rugged Julian Alps are just as awe-inspiring as their Swiss and French cousins, with a big difference: far fewer hikers. Over eight days, marvel at high limestone peaks and dense spruce forests; raft the Soča River and swim in its pools and waterfalls; take a private tour of the subterranean chambers of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Škocjan Caves; and discover the region’s wine, olive oil and local cuisine with visits to a prosciutto producer and local beekeeper farm. For such a small country, its beekeepers produce up to 2,500 tons of honey a year.

Continued cycling expansion
Last year REI doubled its cycling itineraries to more than 40 fully guided tours around the world, and nearly all offer an e-bike option at no additional charge. In North America, the company had 100 percent growth in participants. As part of its continued expansion to meet consumer interests, the travel leader is introducing two more Eastern US options rich in history to complement its Shenandoah cycling tour.

On its GAP Trail and C&O Canal Gravel Riding trip, guests cycle and camp for six nights along two iconic trails that comprise the longest off-road, easily bikeable trail system in the nation. Highlights of the car-free route include visiting Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater house, experiencing the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in historic Harper’s Ferry, W. Va., and learning the important history of Civil War and Revolutionary War sites.                      

REI’s Richmond to Colonial Williamsburg Weekend Cycling tour offers guests four days of laid-back cycling on quiet country roads to some of the nation’s most charming towns and important cultural sites. Riders visit the Yorktown Battlefield, Colonial Williamsburg and Chippokes Plantation; explore the first successful English settlement in North America founded in 1607; and camp nightly in Virginia’s historic triangle.

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 more than 18 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 162 stores in 39 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.comREI Outlet or the free REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. You can take the trip of a lifetime with REI Adventures, a global leader in active adventure travel that runs more than 300 custom-designed itineraries worldwide. The REI Outdoor School is run by professionally trained, expert-instructors who teach beginner-to advanced-level courses about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.