Rossignol and Panorama Mountain Resort partner on new trail running event

PARK CITY, Utah (June 3, 2025) — Following the recent introduction of its new collection of technical trail run footwear and apparel for spring-summer 2025, Rossignol is expanding its partnership with Panorama Mountain Resort as the title sponsor of their inaugural new trail running event, The WILDness presented by Rossignol.

Situated amongst the majestic Purcell Mountains in British Columbia, Canada, Panorama Mountain Resort will host The WILDness presented by Rossignol from June 27-29, 2025. The one-to-two-day race invites runners of all levels to push their limits and embrace the untamed beauty of BC’s alpine wilderness. The event also presents the opportunity for racers and spectators alike to get their first look and feel for Rossignol’s acclaimed new trail running offer.

“We’re very excited to expand our partnership with the team at Panorama to launch its inaugural trail running event,” said Nick Castagnoli, Sr Brand Director, Rossignol. “We each share a long-term vision to support and inspire the trail running community. Following our successful launch into the trail-running segment this spring, the timing is perfect. We invite everyone to come out and join us to support, race or spectate. It should be a great weekend.”

Available for all comers throughout the weekend-long event, Rossignol will offer both their “race-ready” Vezor and “training day versatile” Venosk models for men and women to try-on and/or test out on the trails. Every tester will be rewarded with some Rossignol goodies and can enter to win a new pair of their own Rossignol trail run shoes.

A global leader in mountain sports since 1907, the brand’s first foray into the highly competitive trail run segment has been notable as outlets including Believe in the Run and RUN have each offered early and strong assessments including “…a phenomenal debut shoe. Heck, it’s a great shoe, regardless!” and “…a tight, impressive trail shoe and an impressive debut effort.” To learn more about Rossignol’s new trail run shoes, please visit Rossignol.com.

To learn more, pre-register for The WILDness presented by Rossignol, or book lodging in advance please visit Panorama Mountain Resort,

About Group Rossignol

Headed by CEO Vincent Wauters, Group Rossignol designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of winter sports and outdoor equipment. The Group’s strong portfolio of brands including Rossignol; Dynastar; Lange; LOOK; Kerma; Risport; and Dale of Norway, provide a continuous, year-round experience accompanying consumers in every moment of sporting effort and leisure, from elite-level athletes to amateurs, from the mountains to the city.

 

– X X X –

Wiley X to Exhibit at Connect by Grassroots Discovery Marketplace in Reno, Nevada

Frisco, TX – [June 3, 2025] — Wiley X, a leader in premium protective eyewear, is proud to announce its participation in the upcoming Connect by Grassroots Discovery Marketplace, taking place on June 8, 2025, at the Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada.

This premier event brings together innovative and emerging brands with top retailers from across the country, offering a dynamic platform to showcase new products and cutting-edge solutions. Wiley X will be on-site to highlight its latest advancements in performance eyewear, including styles featuring the brand’s signature CAPTIVATE™ lens technology and military-grade protection.

Wiley X looks forward to connecting with retail partners, building new relationships, and exploring future opportunities for collaboration. Attendees are invited to visit the Wiley X booth and experience firsthand how the brand continues to lead in performance, protection, and style.

For more information about Wiley X and its product offerings, visit www.wileyx.com.

RecPak Partners with American Alpine Club to Fuel High-Altitude Adventures

June 3, 2025 – RecPak, the maker of ultralight complete meal replacements designed for outdoor professionals and adventurers, today announced a strategic partnership with the American Alpine Club (AAC), the nation’s premier climbing organization. This collaboration will provide AAC members with access to RecPak’s revolutionary 700-calorie instant meals, specifically engineered for high-altitude performance where every ounce matters.

The partnership underscores both organizations’ commitment to supporting climbers who push the boundaries of human potential in extreme environments. RecPak’s nutritionally complete powder meals, developed with top endurance sports nutritionists, deliver balanced macro and micronutrients in a lightweight, durable pouch that fits in a pocket—eliminating the need for cooking equipment or extended meal preparation time.

“This partnership reflects our shared understanding that proper nutrition is as critical as any piece of technical gear,” added Ziegler. “Whether you’re establishing a new route on Denali or responding to an alpine rescue, your body is your most important tool. RecPak ensures that tool is properly fueled.”

The collaboration comes at a time when alpine climbing continues to grow in popularity, with climbers seeking lighter, more efficient gear solutions. Traditional freeze-dried meals require cooking equipment, fuel, and time—luxuries often unavailable during technical climbs or multi-day ascents. RecPak’s just-add-water formula provides complete nutrition in seconds, allowing climbers to fuel efficiently without compromising their mission.

AAC members will receive exclusive access to RecPak products through special member pricing. The partnership also supports RecPak’s broader mission of giving back to the outdoor community, building on the company’s existing commitments as a member of 1% For The Planet and their ongoing support for conservation efforts and veteran outdoor organizations.

“The American Alpine Club represents the gold standard of alpine excellence, and their members operate in some of the most unforgiving environments on Earth,” said Deed Ziegler, RecPak’s founder. “When you’re at altitude carrying everything you need on your back, the difference between success and failure often comes down to the gear you choose. We’re honored to support AAC members with nutrition that matches their commitment to performance.”

Since launching in October 2022 following a successful Kickstarter campaign, RecPak has gained a devoted following among serious outdoor athletes, from ultrarunners to search-and-rescue professionals. The company’s products have been trusted in environments ranging from the Himalaya to remote wilderness areas worldwide.

RecPak is available in three flavors—Chocolate, Vanilla Chai, and Coffee (caffeinated)—and is sold through the company’s website, Amazon, and select outdoor retailers nationwide. Each pouch provides 700 calories of complete nutrition with 43 grams of protein, designed for optimal digestibility and performance during strenuous activity.

About RecPak RecPak creates the world’s most convenient complete meals for outdoor adventurers and professionals. Born from the demanding environments of remote expeditions, RecPak combines the nutrition of a meal with the convenience of a snack, allowing users to save space, weight, and time in challenging conditions. The company is veteran-owned, a member of 1% For The Planet, and committed to supporting conservation efforts and outdoor access for all. Learn more at www.recpak.co.

About the American Alpine Club Founded in 1902, the American Alpine Club is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to create a united community of competent climbers and healthy climbing landscapes. The AAC supports climbers through education, advocacy, and stewardship, while preserving climbing areas and advancing the sport through grants, research, and community programs. Learn more at americanalpineclub.org.

 

Outdoor Alliance announces new members in second year of Grasstops Collective program

Washington, D.C. (June 2, 2025) — Today, Outdoor Alliance, a coalition of outdoor recreation groups working together to protect public lands, announced 20 new members of its Grasstops Collective, a program entering its second year. Grasstops Collective is a leadership and advocacy development program that trains grasstops advocates to build relationships with policymakers and advocate for conservation priorities.

Grasstops leaders, distinguished from grassroots supporters, are unique for their meaningful leadership voice in their communities, whether they are in business, nonprofit, or local government.

“These people are the unofficial mayors — the ones who know everyone at the crag,

trailhead, or river put-in,” said Taylor Rogers, who is coordinating the Grasstops Collective program for Outdoor Alliance for its second year. “As such, they’re not only widely respected people in their respective communities, they’re also immersed in the public lands issues in their own backyards. That makes them very effective voices for conservation.”

Outdoor Alliance’s Grasstops Collective trains and educates grasstops leaders on outdoor policy and advocacy. Grasstops leaders form relationships with their elected officials and bring their local knowledge and stories to move the needle on conservation, recreation, and climate policy.

The 2024 Grasstops Collective cohort — the first year of the program — advocated with lawmakers across the country to help get the EXPLORE Act, a landmark recreation package, across the finish line at the end of last year.

Graduates from the program have continued to advocate for full funding and staffing for land management agencies, and for protections for public lands and waters.

This year’s cohort of 20 grasstops advocates come from across the country, with a variety of backgrounds, outdoor recreation pursuits, and leadership roles. They include professional athletes, executive directors of local outdoor recreation nonprofits, industry leaders, and storytellers.

Jazzari Taylor, the Chair of the Parks Now Coalition and Policy Advocate at Latino Outdoors, said: “I’m excited to be part of the Grasstops Collective to strengthen my advocacy skills, connect with other leaders, and shape the future of outdoor access through conservation policy. I look forward to bringing these tools back to my community and network to welcome others into this space and drive lasting policy change.”

Cody Perry, the co-founder of Rig to Flip and a member of the 2025 cohort, said: “My intention will be to leverage the collective power with other outdoor leaders, as we aim to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes for communities across the country we all care deeply about. I am motivated by the opportunity to emphasize the significance of the landscapes I call home, and ensure a voice for sustainable land use practices will be heard by elected leaders, and local communities alike.”

Christa Nenaber, a member of the 2025 cohort who has worked for Patagonia for more than 14 years, said: “I am honored and excited to have an opportunity to learn and partner with others who care about the environment, democracy and supporting their communities.

Learn more about the 2025 Grasstops Collective cohort here and about our 2024 cohort and their accomplishments throughout the first year here.

To learn more, please visit www.outdooralliance.org.

About Outdoor Alliance 

Outdoor Alliance is a nonprofit coalition of organizations that includes American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, The Mountaineers, American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, Colorado Mountain Club, and Surfrider Foundation. For more than ten years, Outdoor Alliance has united the human-powered outdoor recreation community to achieve lasting conservation victories. Our work has helped to permanently protect 40 million acres of public land, secure $5.1 billion in funding for the outdoors, and convert more than 100,000 outdoor enthusiasts into outdoor advocates. For more information, visit www.outdooralliance.org

##

 

The Rock Fight Podcast to Record Live at Switchback Spring

San Diego, CA – June 2, 2025 – The Rock Fight Podcast, the outdoor industry’s favorite source for unfiltered commentary and irreverent insights on the latest news and trends, is going live at Switchback Spring. The live podcast recording will take place on Tuesday, June 17, at 5 p.m. CT in the Trailheads Theater, and is open to all Switchback attendees.

Hosted by Colin True, with co-hosts Eoin Comerford, Shawnté Salabert, and Producer Dave, the live show will feature special guests including Troy Sicotte, President of Mountain Hardware; Kent Ebersol, President of Outdoor Industry Association (OIA); Switchback show director Christina Henderson, and Jason Thienel, owner of Nashville’s independent outdoor retailer Cumberland Transit. Recorded on-site at the first-ever standalone Switchback Spring in Nashville, TN, this episode will deliver debate, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes insights into everything happening at the show, from emerging trends to bold brand moves.

“For some time, the outdoor industry has been missing a central gathering that truly brings us all together,” said True. “Switchback Spring feels like the start of something big. We’re excited that The Rock Fight can be part of this inaugural event and help capture the energy and excitement of this new chapter.”

“What better way to celebrate the outdoor industry gathering together at Switchback than to have a live, in-person recording of The Rock Fight,” said Henderson. “The podcast has become one of the industry’s go-to news sources, and their live recording will definitely be a popular and entertaining event.”

The Rock Fight has built a loyal audience by doing what few in the outdoor world dare: saying the quiet parts out loud. This live session promises to deliver that same honesty and humor, right from the heart of the industry’s newest can’t-miss event.

DAY: Tuesday, June 17, 2025

TIME: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. CT

WHERE: Trailheads Theater at Switchback Spring

For those unable to attend in person, the full episode will be released on The Rock Fight podcast feed on Monday, June 23, and will be available on all major podcast platforms.

To learn more about The Rock Fight, visit rockfight.co. For media inquiries, please contact stacy@darbycommunications.com.

###

About The Rock Fight
Hosted by outdoor industry veteran Colin True, The Rock Fight is more than just another outdoor or adventure podcast; it’s a full-on rebellion for those inside and outside the outdoor industry. Catering to outdoorsy listeners tired of the same worn-out paths, The Rock Fight offers honest discussions that mirror candid banter after a long hike, by the river, or over a beer. Our podcast dissects the latest outdoor industry and adventure headlines and tackles topics often avoided by other media, from pop culture and gear to unconventional debates. Join us as we challenge the conventional and bring fresh perspectives to the outdoor media landscape. Missing The Rock Fight is missing the evolution of outdoor media. Tune into the podcast at Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Around the Crown 10K, Together with Truist, Announces Multi-Year Partnership with OrthoCarolina

Charlotte, NC — June 2, 2025 — Around the Crown 10K Together with Truist (ATC10K), Charlotte’s premier 10K road running race and North Carolina’s largest road race, announces its pivotal multi-year partnership with OrthoCarolina, one of the nation’s leading independent academic orthopedics practices serving the Southeast since 1922. OrthoCarolina will serve as a leading sponsor for ATC10K and the Crown Collective and will power the pre-race expo hosted at Truist Field, home of the Charlotte Knights.

OrthoCarolina is a purpose-driven orthopedic practice providing compassionate and comprehensive musculoskeletal care to patients. The widely respected practice pushes forward independent academic research and training programs and serves its community to advance wellbeing and improve the lives it serves. As a partnering sponsor of ATC10K, OrthoCarolina supports ATC10K athletes by increasing access to injury prevention, strengthening resources, and providing cutting-edge care for the community. These initiatives support the event’s overarching mission of making the race inclusive and accessible for as many people as possible.

“The running community celebrates so many different types of movements and expressions,” says ATC10K founder Brian Mister. “With each step, athletes consistently push forward, not only reaching their personal bests, but more importantly, finding community. Around the Crown 10K was created partly to celebrate and support every athlete on that journey. That’s why we’re so excited for this partnership with OrthoCarolina.”.

The OrthoCarlolina partnership creates increased opportunities for ATC10K. As the race expands, the race expo location needed to grow. This year, ATC10K will host the Expo, powered by OrthoCarolina, at Truist Field. OrthoCarolina will also lend its expertise to an expanded and reimagined finish line on race day to help with common medical needs, including cooling resources. Benefits of the partnership for race participants will also include live training webinars and elevated training plans offered through ATC10K’s website and Crown Collective’s social channels.

“At OrthoCarolina, our passion is rooted in improving lives through patient-centered care, community engagement, and accessible expertise. Partnering with The Crown Collective and ATC10K is a meaningful step forward in supporting Charlotte’s running community,” states Emma Gagnon, Marketing Specialist at OrthoCarolina. “This partnership empowers us in the running community, supporting athletes at every level and promoting long-term health. We’re proud to work with an organization that shares our commitment to the community, and we look forward to making a difference together.”

For more information on Around the Crown 10K and its programs, visit aroundthecrown10k.com or follow on social media @aroundthecrown10k. For media inquiries, contact Tim Nooney at tim@darbycommunications.com

For more information on OrthoCarolina, please visit www.orthocarolina.com.

About Around the Crown 10K Together with Truist

Around the Crown 10K was founded in 2019 by Brian and Chelsea Mister to promote the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other to move Charlotte forward. The purpose is to show that running can make you healthier, happier, and more confident with no regard to age, cultural differences, gender, pace, or experience. With a year-long line-up of events, it becomes part race, part run, part community event, part celebration, and a tribute to Charlotte. Around the Crown 10K was made for everyone. To learn more, visit aroundthecrown10k.com or connect on social media @aroundthecrown10k.

About OrthoCarolina- Since 1922, OrthoCarolina has been a distinguished and reputable physician-owned and physician-led orthopedic practice that prioritizes delivering exceptional patient-centered care, advancing ground-breaking research, and expanding access to innovative solutions. As industry leaders in our respective specialties, we consistently push the boundaries of medical advancements and actively contribute to the training of new specialists. Our mission is to enhance accessibility to unparalleled orthopedic care while simultaneously reducing costs for our valued patients.

At OrthoCarolina, we specialize in foot & ankle, hip & knee, hand, spine, physical medicine, pediatric orthopedics, shoulder & elbow, and sports medicine, catering to athletes of all calibers, ranging from student-athletes to weekend warriors to Olympians. With an extensive network of over 30 locations and eight Orthopedic Urgent Care Centers (OUCs) across the Carolinas, we ensure our patients receive comprehensive and convenient orthopedic access across the care continuum. To learn more about OrthoCarolina, visit orthocarolina.com

 

 

HydraPak® Scales Re_Pak Program with Nationwide Expansion in 2025

June 2, 2025 – Oakland, CA – HydraPak®, the global leader of high-performance hydration solutions, is expanding its Re_Pak program following a successful pilot year in 2024. Originally introduced as a small-scale effort to reduce waste in the hydration space, HydraPak is now scaling up its national footprint, with 300 Re_Pak collection boxes set to roll out to over 100 retail and event locations. The 2025 program aims to collect four times as many bottles as it did during its inaugural year.

Re_Pak is an innovative recycling initiative that gives used sport bottles a second life by transforming them into durable composite construction materials through a partnership with a CHaRM (Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials) facility in Boulder, Colorado. During its pilot year, the program collected approximately 900 bottles, diverting 170 pounds of plastic from landfills. The results demonstrated that outdoor consumers are eager to participate in more circular systems, especially when offered easy access and a clear impact. Already, the 2025 rollout has secured twice the number of participating locations compared to last year.

“Last year, Re_Pak was an invitation. This year it’s a movement gaining momentum,” said HydraPak President and CEO Matt Lyon. “We’ve seen firsthand that when you give outdoor enthusiasts a simple way to make a difference, they’ll show up. Re_Pak reflects our continued commitment to innovation, not just in product design, but in how we care for the planet and support the communities who explore it.”

The program accepts squeezable LDPE and PP bottles from any brand, including CamelBak, Polar Bottle, Specialized, UltraAspire, Nathan, Amphipod, Gatorade, Powerade, and more. Consumers are encouraged to clean out their gear bins and drop off eligible bottles at participating retailers and select outdoor events including:

Re_Pak is one piece of HydraPak’s broader sustainability ecosystem. The brand also hosts Gear Rehab, a hydration gear cleaning and repair service offered at select outdoor events, and the Sustainable Racing Program, an initiative aimed at reducing single-use cup waste at road and trail races. Together, these efforts reflect HydraPak’s commitment to life cycle thinking, gear longevity, and environmental responsibility across the outdoor and endurance community.

Retailers and event organizers interested in participating in the Re_Pak program can learn more and sign up at www.hydrapak.com/pages/repak-by-hydrapak. To learn more about HydraPak’s commitment to sustainability and its eco-conscious initiatives, please visit www.hydrapak.com/pages/sustainability or contact Abby Harris at abby@darbycommunications.com.

ABOUT HYDRAPAK

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

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Industry Leaders Share How Tariffs Hurt the Outdoor Recreation Economy 

Members of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) joined other industry leaders for a U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship hearing on the outdoor recreation economy 

Boulder, CO (MAY 30, 2025) — Today, leaders in the outdoor industry testified during a field hearing held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, “Beyond the Trailhead: Supporting Outdoor Recreation in an Uncertain Economy”, sharing their perspectives on how tariffs are hurting the outdoor recreation economy.  

Travis Campbell, CEO of Outdoor Industry Member (OIA) member Eagle Creek, joined Mike Mojica, Founder of Outdoor Element, and Trent Bush, Founder and Co-CEO of ARTILECT Studio, to discuss the impact of tariffs on the outdoor recreation economy and how their business are navigating the ongoing uncertainty around trade.   

“We are the kind of small business America should be proud of: We pay our taxes. We comply fully with our duties and regulations. We strive to be a responsible employer, a committed partner to our customers, and a steward of the planet,” said Travis Campbell during the hearing. “Yet, in the wake of newly announced tariffs, it feels as though our country is systematically working against businesses like ours –raising our costs dramatically while fueling consumer anxiety that suppresses demand.”  

“Small businesses like mine cannot fix this alone. We need long-term, stable trade policies that recognize the realities of modern supply chains – not punitive tariffs and uncertainty,” Campell continued. “The outdoor industry stands ready to work with you. Our company is prepared to be part of the solution, but we need a clear plan. Because what we’re doing now isn’t working.”  

In a recent survey, 84% of OIA members surveyed said they will be impacted by tariffs, resulting in millions of dollars in financial losses and affecting hundreds of outdoor products. The outdoor recreation industry fuels $1.2 trillion in consumer spending and supports over 5 million jobs. Outdoor recreation is a critical force in the U.S. economy, and OIA remains committed to working with the administration and policymakers to champion a balanced trade agenda that supports industry growth and success.  

You can read Travis Campbell’s full testimony here, and watch the full hearing here.    

 

About Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.