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

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 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.com, REI 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.

 

 

The 1Climb Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by professional rock climber Kevin Jorgeson, is partnering with one of the largest operators of indoor climbing facilities in the U.S., El Cap, to bring climbing to kids across the country. Marking the beginning of the new partnership, El Cap and 1Climb opened a rock wall at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver on December 17.

 

The new wall, donated by El Cap, brings climbing and climbing related programs to 10,000 kids in the Denver area. The donation supports the clubs goals of helping kids achieve better academic success, healthy lifestyles and civic engagement through climbing. It also brings climbing to a community that might not otherwise have the opportunity. In addition to the Denver wall, El Cap and 1Climb have plans to open walls in Portland and San Francisco in 2020. Which is just the beginning, the two brands will continue to partner on walls around the country into the future.

 

El Cap, who owns Planet Granite, Earth Treks and Movement, is the largest nationwide network of indoor climbing gyms. Continuing to grow its network, El Cap not only donated the wall to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, but they committed to ongoing programming and instruction with their expert staff. The partnership ensures a positive experience for the kids and the walls continued success.

 

“This partnership allows us all to share our love of climbing with Boys & Girls Clubs and ensure aspiring climbers walk away feeling a bit more proud and inspired,” explains Robert Cohen, CEO of El Cap. “Our hope is that eventually they decide to join the kind-hearted and encouraging community that exists in climbing today.” 

 

1Climb was founded in 2017 by Kevin Jorgeson and Dan Chancellor, the founder and owner of SoiLL Climbing Holds. The foundation started with the goal of introducing 100,000 kids to climbing. Today, 1Climb has opened five walls, including the Denver wall, and has introduced more than 18,400 kids to climbing. 

 

For more information about 1Climb, or to donate to the organization, visit www.1climb.org.

 

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver and their climbing program, visit www.bgcmd.com.

 

About 1Climb

The 1Climb Foundation was founded in 2017 with the mission of introducing 100,000 kids to climbing. 1Climb funds the installation of climbing walls in Boys and Girls Clubs across the United States, and creates partnerships between the clubs and the local climbing community. For more information about 1Climb, visit www.1climb.org.

Save the Boundary Waters to Host Series of Screenings of New Mini- Documentary, “In Deep Water,” on Threat to the Wilderness from Risky Mining

Screenings will be followed by a panel discussion and question and answer period

ELY, MN–Today the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters announced a series of screenings on the threat to the wilderness from sulfide-ore copper mining, most significantly from Chilean mining conglomerate Antofagasta’s Twin Metals project. Each screening will include a presentation of the mini-documentary, “In Deep Water,” panel discussion, and question and answer period. 

A Star Tribune/MPR poll released yesterday showed that by nearly 3 to 1 Minnesotans do not want mining near the Boundary Waters Wilderness. This tracks with other polling that has consistently shown over the years that Minnesotans oppose threats to America’s most visited Wilderness. Significantly, opposition did not change greatly across regions of the state. 

The screenings and conversations will help inform the public on the threat sulfide-ore copper mining poses to the Boundary Waters Wilderness.

Schedule of screenings (all shows at 6PM)

Feb 27–Duluth
Zeitgeist Theater
222 East Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802

March 4–Minneapolis
Parkway Theatre
4818 Chicago Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55417

March 6–Ely
Vermillion Community College Theater 
1900 E. Camp St.
Ely, MN 55731

March 9-Grand Marais
Arrowhead Center for the Arts
51 W 5th St
Grand Marais, MN 55604

March 15–Madison, WI
Canoecopia
1919 Alliant Energy Way, 
Madison, WI 53713

March 16–Milwaukee, WI
Indeed Brewing
530 S 2nd St,
Milwaukee, WI 53204

March 17–Chicago, IL 
Revolution Brewing
2323 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

For more information on the film and screening schedule please see: https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/film-screenings

 

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360 Adventure Collective (360 AC), the trusted member association that has hosted regional, focused events for sales reps and retailers for over 40 years, welcomes a new Executive Director, Stacey Gellert. The Board of Directors unanimously approved the appointment following a search process that started last September. Effective April 1, Gellert will move into the role following the retirement of former director Debbie Motz, who served 30 years with the non-profit.

“I’ve known and worked with Stacey for most of the 17 years she’s been with EORA and 360 AC,” notes Phil Flamand, 360 Adventure Collective’s Board President. “She has proven to be dedicated, diligent and a tremendous asset. Her experience will be critical in leading 360 AC in the right direction during the ever-shifting future of trade shows and the challenging times we are living in.”

Gellert is an outdoor industry veteran with more than 17 years of experience in trade show management. Most recently, she has overseen 360 Adventure Collective’s Mid-Atlantic and New England regions. During her tenure, Gellert has helped the organization grow to over 675 members with 14 annual shows servicing 2,900+ retailers. She is a long-time resident of Asheville, NC, a hotbed of outdoor activities.

 

“I am thrilled to continue my partnership with 360 Adventure Collective,” notes Gellert. “My vision for the organization includes attracting younger demographics, improving show efficiency by implementing more technology, and expanding our retailer base to include a greater variety of channels.”

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/.

Rumpl, the Portland-based category leader in technical blankets, has collaborated with Portland’s renowned graphic designer Aaron Draplin to develop a limited, one-of-a-kind blanket collection that will launch in Portland on February 27, 2020. The event will offer participants an opportunity to meet Draplin and shop the collection before it becomes more widely available in March. Due to Draplin’s following and Rumpl’s growing popularity, the launch event quickly sold out, with attendees flying in from across the country for a chance to meet the artist in person. 

“We’ve been fans of Draplin and his work at Rumpl for years. It’s really exciting to have the opportunity to collaborate with an artist of his caliber and to see his creative vision come to life in this way,” says Rumpl Founder and CEO Wylie Robinson. “The event will be a blast. With a full guest list and growing waitlist, we are thrilled to see such high energy and excitement for this collection.” 

Since its founding in 2013, Rumpl has established itself as the leading innovator in the technical blanket category, creating versatile blankets with premium technical materials, post-consumer recycled goods and fresh, colorful designs. Rumpl has a a mission to introduce the world to better blankets and is dedicated to expanding the category to produce blankets made for everywhere. The new collection with Aaron Draplin falls within Rumpl’s growing Artist Series, which includes unique designs developed closely with select artists. 

Aaron Draplin is a Portland-based designer and the founder of Draplin Design Co. (DDC), where he works on diverse design projects and collaborations with the mission of doing good work for good people. In addition to Rumpl, DDC has worked with brands such as Nike, Burton Snowboards and Field Notes.  

“My favorite projects are the things that you feel just shouldn’t exist. An adventure blanket? I don’t go into the woods. I don’t hike. I don’t even go outside,” says Aaron Draplin. “Rumpl handed me the keys and we made something for The Great Indoors! Netflix and below! And yet, could hold up in the back of my van that one time I go camping each year? These do the job. Come see them up close, friends!” 

The Rumpl x Draplin event will take place Thursday, February 27 at the Swift Agency in Portland, Oregon. For additional event details, please visit: https://bit.ly/2SNYnIm   

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

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

Overwhelming Majority of Minnesotans Oppose Mining Near the Boundary Waters

By nearly 3 to 1 Minnesotans do not want mining near the Wilderness

ELY, MN–Today the Star Tribune/MPR released a poll showing that by 60% to 22% Minnesotans do not want mining near the Boundary Waters. This tracks with other polling that has consistently shown over the years that Minnesotans oppose threats to America’s most visited Wilderness. Significantly, opposition did not change greatly across regions of the state. 

“The Boundary Waters is our state’s crown jewel, a special place to Minnesotans of all ages and backgrounds, and a natural wonder that we want protected now and for our kids, grandkids, and those coming after,” said Becky Rom, National Chair of the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters.

“Those of us who live in the Boundary Waters region acutely recognize that a sulfide-ore copper mining district near the Boundary Waters would be devastating to the Wilderness and the wild characteristics that make it so special – clean water and air, abundant wildlife, healthy fishery, quietude, and dark skies. Our communities have built our way of life around the Wilderness. This poll makes clear that the majority of Minnesotans stand with us in protecting our nation’s greatest canoe country wilderness.” 

Consistent with independent academic research that shows that protecting the Wilderness from sulfide-ore copper mining is far better long-term for the local economy, voters said – by a 66% to 19% margin – that the environment was more important than jobs when it came to mining near the Boundary Waters. Notably, in Northern Minnesota where the mine would be located respondents agreed, saying environmental protection was more important than jobs by a 60% to 23% margin. 

In 2016 the US Forest Service (USFS) concluded that proposed copper mining near the Wilderness from Antofagasta’s Twin Metals project posed an “unacceptable risk of irreparable harm” to the Boundary Waters and the federal leases for the project were terminated. 

After Antofagasta’s owner bought a Washington DC mansion and rented it to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, the Trump Administration revived the leases and short-circuited the federal environmental review of a 20-year mining ban in the watershed of the Boundary Waters. Since then, Antofagasta’s changes to the project have greatly increased the risk this proposed mine poses to the Boundary Waters. 

The Trump Administration has continued to fast track the project, killing a bipartisan budget provision compelling it to complete the cancelled mining ban study. It most recently blew off a congressionally ordered report to the Canadian government on potential impacts to Canadian waters by issuing a mere 8 paragraph document that was described as “a grade school-level book report.”

There is currently a bill in Congress to protect the Boundary Waters by banning sulfide-ore copper mining in the headwaters. 

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New Ultra-lightweight Seat the Perfect Accessory for Fulfilling Seating Needs Small and Large

Hillsound Equipment, the leading producer of winter traction equipment and gaiters for outdoor enthusiasts, is excited to introduce their award-winning BTR stool to the market. The BTR stool, which stands for “Better Than a Rock ” is available for purchase in select retailers and will be online starting March 1, 2020.

 

The BTR Stool is the ultimate lightweight seat for outdoor adventures and everyday life. The stool is the perfect accessory for backpacking, sightseeing and fishing adventures, or for just hanging out with friends around a campfire.

 

“We have received incredible feedback and reaction to the stool and are thrilled to be releasing it to the public this month.” Commented YooRa Kang, Hillsound Marketing Manager, “It’s truly going to be a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts and the outdoor community as a whole.”

 

The BTR stool is available in two sizes, 14” and 17”, with the 14” version weighing an incredibly light 12.2 ounces and the 17” version coming in at 14 ounces. The seat is made from 100% nylon mesh and can be removed, while the poles are comprised of aluminum alloy. The BTR stool also features PhantomLock™ Technology that secures the legs of the stool when they are dispersed while also allowing the legs to retract when returned to a neutral position without the use of buttons or levers.

 

To purchase the BTR stool and for more information on other Hillsound products, news, athlete ambassadors and happenings visit www.hillsound.com, or connect with the brand on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

 

About Hillsound Equipment, Inc.

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Hillsound offers a range of highly-engineered traction devices for a variety of categories, from winter hiking to ice fishing. Hillsound also specializes in the design and manufacturing of durable and comfortable gaiters.