Archives: Press Releases

BOULDER, Colo., April 30, 2024 — La Sportiva, maker of the world’s finest mountain gear, celebrated its first retail store in the United States with a Grand Opening event in Boulder, Colorado this month. The new location opened its doors to the public on January 2, 2024. Located at 2100 Broadway, at the intersection of Spruce and Broadway Streets, the store is perfectly situated to serve local mountain enthusiasts.

The Grand Opening was a vibrant event that brought the Boulder community together under one roof. It also helped to underscore the brand’s commitment to continued expansion in the US market. The event was held April 18 through April 19 and featured an impressive lineup of activities including live music, gourmet food trucks, and an array of Italian wines and premium beverages. A video of the Grand Opening festivities can be found here.

The weekend also marked the brand’s first North America Athlete Summit, a convergence of La Sportiva’s ambassadors that represent the brand’s expansive line of products. The summit included climbing and group runs in the picturesque Flatiron mountains as well as educational sessions focused on injury prevention and nutrition.

La Sportiva Leadership and Exclusive Experiences

Several members of the Delladio family—founders and owners of La Sportiva—traveled from Italy for the event, joining leadership from both the North American and global teams. The Grand Opening kicked off on Thursday with an exclusive shopping experience for key media, followed by a more expansive VIP event on Friday evening. Notable figures from the Boulder community and the outdoor industry attended the event, mingling with the brand’s elite athlete team, which spans across climbing, mountain running, and ski mountaineering

“The La Sportiva brand was founded in the shadow of the Dolomites,” notes Lorenzo Delladio, CEO of La Sportiva. “We are at home in the mountains, and as we continue to increase our presence in the US market, it is communities like Boulder that we want to plant deeper roots in. These mountain towns share our love for the outdoors and mirror our commitment to preserving rugged landscapes for future generations.”

La Sportiva currently has 12 retail stores in Europe. Each location is situated in a town renowned for its access to world-class climbing, mountaineering, and skiing. The Italian company is continuing to grow its reach outside of Europe, and is planning to open similar retail locations in North America and other key markets in the coming years.

A Hub for the Mountain Sport Community

“This new location is more than just a store, it’s a place where we can showcase the La Sportiva brand and everything that it can be,” said Jonathan Lantz, President of La Sportiva North America. “This Grand Opening event was a chance for the entire La Sportiva team to come together and bond over the thing that unites all of us, a love of wild places. The North American arm of the company has called Boulder home since its inception, and this event gave us the opportunity to celebrate this amazing town and the people that make it such a special place.”

The Boulder store features La Sportiva’s entire line of products, from climbing and mountaineering gear to Mountain Running® shoes and ski mountaineering hardware. The brand invites the Boulder community and all who love the outdoors to stop by and visit the new location.

Contact La Sportiva PR representative Sean Van Horn at sean.vanhorn@backbone.media for more information.

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With over 90 years of heritage, La Sportiva has unrivaled experience in building the world’s finest performance mountain footwear. Creating innovation through passion, La Sportiva now offers the most versatile technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking shoes on the market as well as ski mountaineering hardware and apparel. For more information on La Sportiva visit www.lasportivausa.com or visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/LaSportiva.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRISCO, Texas (April 25, 2024) – Wiley X, a global leader and pioneer in premium protective eyewear, is excited to announce it has restructured and expanded its sales team to enhance the brand’s relationships and support across retail partners and customers.

Completed in unison with its recent brand refresh, Wiley X has expanded its sales team to add more than 100 representatives across the U.S. and has welcomed seasoned industry executive Aaron Quigley as its Senior Vice President of Sales. Quigley joins the brand with over 20 years of experience as a sales executive for companies such as Oakley, Stussy and VonZipper.

“I’ve admired Wiley X for years and the more time I spend with the wonderful people and professionals here, the more I realize how special the brand is,” Quigley said. “I’m truly humbled, excited and motivated to join such an outstanding company.”

Alongside Wiley X Co-Owners Myles and Dan Freeman, Quigley is leading the company’s efforts to enhance support for its retail partners and develop a more impactful brand presentation across sales channels. As part of this initiative, Wiley X has expanded the teams of both its Outdoor and Optical Divisions with the addition of over 100 industry professionals and agency representatives across the U.S.

“This strategic and aggressive expansion of our sales team will help us better serve our partners and customers with more regionally specific knowledge, expertise and relationships,” said Quigley.

Carl Stout, Director of Outdoor Sales for Wiley X, joined the Outdoor Division in 2023 after holding senior sales positions with Sellmark and Meprolight. During his time with the company, Stout and his team have strategically expanded the brand’s dealer network while boosting alignment with new and existing retail partners.

In the Optical Division, long-time leader of the Optical Business at Wiley X, Karen Wilkerson, partnered with Quigley to welcome Alana Clarke as the Regional Sales Manager for Optical. Clarke joined the brand with a strong track record of results during her time with Luxottica and Safilo. Clarke is now spearheading efforts to supercharge business with independent and large-scale eyecare professionals.

“We’re very confident and excited about the team of leaders, representatives and agency partners we’ve put in place,” said Quigley. “Wiley X is moving toward a bright future and our fortified sales team will ensure we continue to provide exceptional service to all of our local, regional and national partners.”

For more information, or for dealer inquiries, please contact Wiley X Customer Service at (800) 776-7842 to be put in touch with the sales representative for your area.

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About Wiley X

Veteran-founded in 1987, Wiley X has been producing the world’s most protective eyewear to various markets that rely on impact resistance for over 30 years. Myles Freeman Sr., a military veteran, started Wiley X to protect the eyes of those who protected America. The company’s military heritage helped carve a roadmap for Wiley X in the years to follow for many well-respected weekend warriors. Every adult sunglass style made by Wiley X meets ANSI Z87.1 High Velocity and High Mass Impact Safety Standards, for protection that goes far beyond the harmful rays of the sun. Several styles also meet U.S. military MIL-PRF-32432 (GL) standards for ballistic eye protection, a key reason why Wiley X has been a leading provider of vision protection equipment to the U.S. military and law enforcement for more than 30 years.

 

 

 

SEATTLE – REI Path Ahead Ventures is celebrating 16 emerging companies completing its Embark program, bringing the latest products and experiences to the outdoor industry. Embark is a three-month curriculum created in partnership with Founded Outdoors to support founders of color as they turn their early-stage ideas into viable businesses.

The Embark program is part of REI Path Ahead Ventures, the co-op’s $30 million organization and investment fund to accelerate the success of founders of color in the outdoor industry. In addition to virtual programming, founders in this year’s Embark cohort also connected in-person at REI’s recent store opening in Beaverton, Oregon, giving them the opportunity to share their innovations directly with customers.

“Path Ahead Ventures is focused on supporting founders at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey,” said Dan Kihanya, director of REI Path Ahead Ventures. “After hearing from founders that in-person connection is highly valuable, we were able to create an opportunity this year to bring the Embark cohort together with each other and with customers. Being together in-person only added to the excitement we have for the companies these founders are building and the products they are bringing to the industry.”

Path Ahead Ventures partners with Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, Asian American and Pacific Islander founders to offer a full spectrum of support as they start and scale their businesses. Founders participating in Embark receive a $10,000 equity-free grant to kickstart their businesses. In addition, founders are connected to industry and startup experts as they learn best practices and gather valuable feedback on their businesses.

“This year, our programming used more of the ‘inside-out classroom’ model. Almost every week participating founders accessed recorded lectures, questions, and activities, leaving the live sessions with more time for group discussion,” said Enhao Li, director of programming for Founded Outdoors. “We’re excited to see this year’s cohort moving at a rapid pace to build out important operational capabilities and growth strategies, allowing them to gain early traction with key partners and early customers.”

This year’s Embark cohort includes a range of companies:

Gear & Apparel

• ANDA – Ultralight, eco-friendly shelters to venture deeper into the unknown. (Daniel Gerken; Atlanta; Instagram: @andaultralight)
• Leimert Mountaineering – Performance outdoor apparel focused on Black cultural perspectives and product innovations that serve the needs of the new and diverse outdoor consumer. (Ron Meade, Jabari Marshall & Haley McGinest; Los Angeles; Instagram: @leimertmountaineering)
• Pangoo Apparel – Outdoor apparel dedicated to creating clothes that support women’s bodies in motion and centering the voices of women of color in outdoor spaces. (Sara Chen; Detroit, Michigan; Instagram: @pangooapparel)
• The Petite Outdoors – Outdoor apparel designed for women 5’4” and under. Perfect fit, comfort, and performance for your next adventure. (Robin Song; San Luis Obispo, California; @thepetiteoutdoors)
• Sojourn Trekkr – Ultralight hiking gear for the female form for increased outdoor access, representation, equity and adventure. (Jennifer Villamin; Austin, Texas; Instagram: @sojourntrekkr)
• THINK BLUE – Giving new life to expired aviation life vests by repurposing them into waterproof gear pouches for outdoors enthusiasts. (Catherine Chin and Marlene Renee Smith; Honolulu; Instagram: @daretothinkblue)
• WARPONYBMX – Native American-made soft goods for the outdoor community. (Joeseph Arnoux; Albuquerque, NM; Instagram: @warponybmx)
• ZeenYo – Protective childrenswear designed for worry-free outdoor adventures. (Natasha Medeiros; Arlington, Virginia; Instagram: Natasha Medeiros,@zeenyokids)

Digital, Community & Experiences

• Dulce Base Tipi – A tipi destination on the Jicarilla Apache Nation reservation in Dulce, New Mexico, with a great view of Archuleta Mesa, also known as the Dulce UFO Underground Base. (Heather Gomez; Dulce, New Mexico; Instagram: @dulcebasetipi)
• Hightag – Giving athletes the power to automatically capture action media of themselves that would otherwise be impossible. (Alex and Jonathan de la Fuente; Bentonville, Arkansas; Instagram: @app)
• Islandclimber – Puerto Rico’s outfitter of climbing experiences for every travel itinerary. (Carlos Salinas Linares; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Instagram: @islandclimber)
• Intrsxtn Surf – Creating a safe space for Black women and women of color to explore the outdoors through surfing. (Jessa Williams; Los Angeles; Instagram: @intrsxtn_surf)
• Ma’wa Collective – An adventure community rooted in faith, exploration, and self-discovery for Muslim American women. (Nadah Feteih; Denver; Instagram: @collective)
• Outdoorithm – An all-in-one digital platform that simplifies camping trip planning for urban families. (Sally and Justin Steele; Oakland, California; Instagram: @outdoorithm)

Consumer Goods & Packaged Food

• The Good Detour – A lifestyle brand that empowers South Asians to explore the great outdoors by providing flavorful and nourishing food on the go. (Pooja Naik and Rutwij Devashrayee; San Francisco; Instagram: @gooddetour)
• Khám Phá – Vietnamese-inspired performance snacks to fuel trail adventurers. (Huy-Liem Nguyen; Seattle; Instagram: @khamphafoods)

Applications for Embark open in the fall each year. In addition to Embark, Path Ahead Ventures provides direct equity investment and dedicated support for founders through its investment fund. Since launching in 2021, Path Ahead Ventures has built a strong community, partnering with more than 70 founders, providing nearly $700,000 in grants and investing $4 million across 23 companies. To learn more about Path Ahead Ventures, visit REI.com/path-ahead.

About Founded Outdoors

Launched in 2021, Founded Outdoors supports emerging businesses nationwide through community, programming and connections, with the goal of increasing access in the outdoor industry as well as in outdoor places. Their community includes over 400 outdoor entrepreneurs at different stages across product categories, and is supported with ongoing knowledge-sharing, peer support, resource databases, and topical workshops and events; their strategic connections are continually built between their community and industry leaders, such as state offices of outdoor recreation, economic development agencies, legacy outdoor business founders, and early-stage investors; and their structured programming is comprised of both short-term learning events as well as long-term industry initiatives. For more information on Founded Outdoors, please visit foundedoutdoors.com.

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.com, REI 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.

 

Hilleberg has two new tent models coming in the spring of 2024. In the all-season Black Label series, the Saivo 4 is the ultimate 4-person base camp expedition dome tent. And in the Yellow Label series of snow-free adventure tents, the Rogen 3 is the first 3-person dome tent in the Yellow Label group.

“The Saivo 4 is one of our largest tents, and is essentially a mountain fortress,” says Petra Hilleberg, CEO of the Hilleberg Group and president of Hilleberg the Tentmaker. “It’s also amazingly spacious.”

The Saivo 4’s poles’ length creates ample headroom and impressive overall volume, and for storage, it features one roomy standard-sized vestibule and a new, even larger vestibule with an added pole. The inner tent is square-shaped and offers plenty of space for sleeping either lengthwise or crosswise. And despite its being such a large tent with multiple pole crossing points, the continuous pole sleeve and clip system make pitching a straightforward process in any weather, no matter how bad. The Saivo 4’s structure gives it the ability to easily handle heavy snow loads and its outer tent walls go all the way to the ground for protection from sideways wind, rain and snow.

“No matter if you’re waiting out the very worst winter storm or enjoying a beautiful sunny day, the Saivo 4 is a spacious and comfortable choice for any group,” says Petra.

The current 3-person Saivo, which has long been an outstanding dome tent for expedition and base camp use, will become the Saivo 3, and receives the same new vestibule structure and configuration as the new Saivo 4.

“The Rogen 3 is our roomiest Yellow Label dome tent and is a great lightweight and airy option for the summer and shoulder seasons,” says Petra.

The original 2-person Rogen has long been a popular snow-free adventure choice for its strength, light weight, and simplicity. It becomes the Rogen 2 while the new Rogen 3 gives added versatility to the Rogen “family.” These models are quick to pitch, have two roomy vestibules, and are very lightweight: the Rogen 3’s packed weight is an impressive 2.5 kg / 5 lbs 8 oz, only 400 g more than the Rogen 2’s packed weight of 2.1 kg / 4 lbs 10 oz. The Rogen 3 is easily light enough to be used by a pair for extra space and comfort and is still more than strong enough to handle any unexpected rough weather conditions.

“Safety has always been important to us, so we build all of our tents with added strength and features so you’re always prepared for the worst conditions within your tent’s Label category performance range,” says Petra.

New guy lines on both entrances and on the head and foot ends of the Rogen models add extra stability in less than fine conditions and more ventilation options in warm weather, while large mesh panels on the inner tent doors and curved patterning on the bottom of the outer tent walls provide constant airflow.

Both the Saivo 4 and updated Saivo 3 and the Rogen 3 and updated Rogen 2 are available now.

About Hilleberg the Tentmaker

Founded in 1971, Sweden-based Hilleberg the Tentmaker is a family-owned company that manufactures lightweight tents of the highest quality for every season. The company is known for setting the standard in making tents by em- ploying the lightest, yet strongest materials, by using double wall construction, and by setting up and inspecting every tent in their own European factory to ensure the ultimate in quality and safety. The company is still very much a family affair: Bo Hilleberg is Chairman of the Board and heads up the product development team; his wife, Renate and their children Rolf and Petra comprise the company’s board, and Petra is CEO of the Hilleberg Group as well as President of both the US and Swedish operations.

Louisville, CO – March 21st, 2024 – onWater Fish, a leading mobile app for anglers across the US, and Trout Unlimited, the nation’s premier coldwater fisheries conservation organization, today announced their formal partnership. This collaboration will bring the onWater Fish app to select new Trout Unlimited members as an exclusive subscription benefit to provide them with valuable tools and resources to elevate their fishing experience and support conservation efforts. The membership program will be tested with a select group of Trout Unlimited members before being rolled out to the wider angling community. Members who participate in the testing phase will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the mobile app and a unique set of offerings housed inside for TU members, all to help shape the future of the program. Smarter Fishing with a Conservation Focus

Through this partnership Trout Unlimited members will have access to onWater Fish’s comprehensive suite of features included with an onWater+ subscription, including:

● Real-time fishing conditions: Stay informed about water flow, weather forecasts, and fish activity at their favorite spots.
● Interactive maps: Discover new fishing locations, navigate to public access points, and find hidden gems.
● Trip tracking: Log your catches, share photos, and analyze trends to improve your fishing skills.
● Conservation resources: Learn about local regulations, responsible fishing practices, and how to protect coldwater fisheries.
● Coming soon: All onWater users will have access to exclusive, conservation-based map data within the onWater Fish app, helping them identify areas where their fishing impacts conservation efforts while being able to find opportunities to give back.

A Shared Commitment to Healthy Fisheries

onWater Fish and Trout Unlimited share a deep commitment to conservation. The app promotes responsible fishing practices and will educate users about the importance of protecting aquatic habitats. This partnership further strengthens this commitment by providing Trout Unlimited members with the tools and information they need to be informed stewards of any fishery. “We are incredibly honored to have been selected by the country’s preeminent organization dedicated to protecting our watersheds and wild trout and salmon populations”, said Scott Carver, Founder and CEO of onWater. Not only are our core values of protecting our precious resources completely in sync, we share a common mission of building a more informed and engaged angling community.”

“Trout Unlimited is thrilled to test a membership marketing partnership with onWater. Our goal is to enhance the member experience by partnering with corporations that give unique offerings to anglers across the nation,” said Sherice Evans, Senior Director of Partnerships at TU. “By working together, we can ensure that our rivers and streams remain healthy and vibrant for generations to come.”

About onWater Fish
onWater Fish is a mobile app designed to empower anglers of all skill levels to find success on the water, while promoting conservation awareness and responsible fishing practices. The app provides users with real-time fishing information, interactive maps, catch tracking tools, and a platform for sharing experiences.

About Trout Unlimited
Trout Unlimited is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to conserving and restoring coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Through science-based programs, advocacy, and education, Trout Unlimited works to ensure healthy and sustainable fisheries for future generations.

WILLISTON, Vermont (April 23, 2024)—Mammut, the global leader in mountain safety and outdoor equipment, is proud to announce a collaboration with National Ski Patrol (NSP), one of the largest organizations committed to safety and rescue education for the outdoor industry. This partnership marks a significant step forward in advancing mountain safety for skiers and ski patrollers across the nation, and continues to support both Mammut and NSP’s long history of keeping people safe in the outdoors – Mammut since 1862 and NSP since 1938.

Under this new partnership, more than 30,000 members of NSP will have exclusive access to specially designed uniforms by Mammut, reflecting the highest standards of quality, durability and functionality on the mountain. These uniforms are crafted to meet the specific needs of patrollers, ensuring they can perform their duties in the most challenging conditions with confidence and ease. The uniforms debuted at this year’s Powderfall Gala in Vail, Colo. on April 14.

In addition to uniforms, the partnership includes a full spectrum of benefits for patrollers that highlights a mutual dedication to mountain safety. Members of NSP  will gain access to Mammut’s wide array of products, including their cutting-edge avalanche safety equipment. Additionally, members will benefit from Mammut’s comprehensive training tools, gear repair program, and fleet maintenance for avalanche safety equipment. This collaboration empowers patrollers, and improves the safety and well-being of patrollers and resort guests.

“This partnership with Mammut represents a pivotal moment for National Ski Patrol,” said Stephanie Cox, CEO of NSP. “By combining our rich legacy of mountain safety and education with Mammut’s cutting-edge technology and equipment, we are setting new standards for safety and performance in outdoor recreation. Our patrollers are now better equipped than ever to support the outdoor community in emergency situations. With this Mammut partnership, NSP continues to advance its commitment to safety by leveraging the newest innovation and outdoor equipment for successful rescues.”

Kris Kuster, Mammut Head of Region North America, added, “We are thrilled to partner with National Ski Patrol, an organization that shares our commitment to safety and excellence in the mountains. This partnership is a testament to both organizations’ dedication to safeguarding and enriching the experiences of winter sports enthusiasts nationwide.”

Highlighting the legacy of both organizations, NSP brings more than 85 years of expertise in ski safety and education to the partnership. Since its founding, NSP has been at the forefront of developing skiing, tobogganing and rescue techniques. Similarly, Mammut, with over 150 years of excellence in creating outdoor sports and safety equipment, has continuously pushed the boundaries of innovation in alpine safety and technology.

For additional information about Mammut, and its award-winning collection of technical apparel and gear for the mountains, visit Mammut.com, and follow them on Instagram @MammutNA.

For more information about National Ski Patrol, visit NSP.org, and follow on Instagram @NatlSkiPatrol.

About Mammut Sports Group

Established in 1862, Mammut stands as a global leader in providing high-quality products and unique experiences for mountain sports enthusiasts. With over 160 years of heritage, this Swiss-based premium brand is a hallmark of safety and innovation. Mammut’s offerings, known for their functionality, responsible performance and contemporary design, make it one of the most comprehensive suppliers in the outdoor industry. The brand’s extensive range includes hardware, footwear, and apparel, catering to a wide spectrum of activities. As of 2024, Mammut Sports Group AG operates in around 40 countries and employs approximately 800 people, continuing to forge a legacy of excellence and adventure. Learn more on Mammut’s website and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @MammutNA and @MammutNorthAmerica.

About National Ski Patrol

National Ski Patrol (NSP) is a federally-chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and membership association. As the leading authority of on-mountain safety, NSP is dedicated to serving the outdoor recreation industry by providing education and accreditation to emergency care and safety service providers. With more than 30,000 members across 630 patrols in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, NSP is one of the largest organizations committed to safety and rescue education for the outdoor industry. Members include ski, bike and other outdoor industry patrollers, as well as mountain and bike hosts, alumni, associates, and physician partners, working on behalf of local ski/snowboard areas and bike parks to enhance the overall experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Founded in 1938, NSP continues to advance its commitment to safety and its vision by leveraging the latest technology, innovation, and education. Visit NSP.org, and follow on Facebook and Instagram.

 

 

 

Cedar Hill, N.M. (April 23, 2024) – Aztec Adventures hosted the third-annual Galactic Grinder gravel cycling event Saturday, attracting off-road cyclists from around the Four Corners region for 9, 35, or 50 miles among the mesas, washes, and singletrack outside of Aztec, N.M. Toward the end of their otherworldly orbits, riders got to take in the out-of-this-world Alien Run trail system, the namesake for the event.

Hilly terrain out on the orbits meant the total elevation gain on the 50-mile course of just over 4,500’.  Some sections of the lunar landscape were sandy and challenging at times while other sections on roads were  “glazed” by traffic and then baked under the New Mexico sunshine. This made for a fast pace in those areas of the galaxy. The new location in Cedar Hill allowed everyone to spread out and warm up with some of the local trail lines on the property.

Galactic Grinder 2024 Overall Results

For full Results click here.

50-mile loop

1. Logan Lewis, age 19
2. Cobe Freeburn, age 22
3. Brent Winebarger, age 46

35-mile loop

1. Caruso Shanafelt, age 21
2. Jesse Frizzell, age 43
3. Michael Montgomery, age 40

9-mile loop

1. Cooper Wells, age 10
2. Paxton Wallace, age 15
3. William Cockrell, age 14

Galactic Grinder will be followed up with Gas Field Grinder on June 8th in Downtown Aztec and Holy Grit will be based out of Wines of the San Juan in Blanco. Aztec Adventures encourages participants of all abilities to partake in its events–which show off its ethos of Go Fast, Go Slow, Just  Go. Founder Neil Hannum has extensive experience exploring the area via bicycle and seeing what’s soon to be known as world-class cycling terrain. In 2021, Hannum joined forces with recent Fort Lewis College graduate William Farmer, his cousin Haden Cox, and the rest of Will’s extended family along with a small group of volunteers to create what are now mainstay events on the region’s cycling calendar. Often overshadowed by the famed trails and cycling community in Durango, Colo., San Juan County is a hidden paradise of mountain biking and gravel riding just waiting to be discovered.

Registration for the Gas Field Grinder is now open. Riders who register for all three upcoming gravel events receive 20 percent off of registration. To learn more about these events, please visit https://aztec-adventures.com.

About Aztec Adventures

Aztec Adventures is a bike event production company that brings cyclists together for challenging but approachable mountain bike and gravel events near Aztec and Farmington, N.M. Overshadowed by locales such as Moab and Durango, Northern New Mexico is looking toward outdoor recreation as a future economic diversifier, and events like Roost the Ridges, Galactic Grinder, HOLY GRIT with more to come, are already blazing trails for cyclists to enjoy for generations to come.

Downloadable Images:

• Galactic Grinder 2024 photos (Photo Credit: Aztec Adventures)

SEATTLE (April 23, 2024) — Outdoor Research, the Seattle-based maker of market-leading outdoor apparel and gear, this week released a limited-edition version of their best-selling CarryOut Duffel. The OR x EVAC CarryOut Duffel 65L is a collaboration with professional freeride skier Sean Pettit and his creative project, External Vacancy (EVAC), a multidisciplinary initiative focused on expanding the ways to interact with the environment to develop design, artwork and experiences.

“Outdoor Research has been supporting this project with gear to help myself and the other artists work outside in the elements ​​on a quest to build a fort-like space on the top of a high mountain peak in the mountains of British Columbia. Our build was dictated by the environment, and the environment was only rocks. So a dry stack method was used to create our space that was to seamlessly blend with its surroundings,” Pettit said. “Once the project was completed and buried in snow for the winter, we tasked everyone involved in the making of this space with creating something based on their experience. An object, a sound, or visuals that could be translated and shared. I worked with the OR team to create this new duffel with different graphic elements from EVAC.”

“Sean’s style and creativity have been apparent since he emerged on the freeskiing scene in the early 2000s,” said Dan Mayers, Brand Communication Manager at OR. “When he approached us with this concept, we knew that his passion for the outdoors and the desire to evolve his own brand beyond the boundaries of the snow space would spotlight and elevate our classic CarryOut Duffel series and get new eyes on what we’re doing here at OR.”

Constructed from durable PU-coated 420D Ripstop Nylon, the versatile CarryOut Duffel is designed to withstand long travel days and outdoor exploration. The limited-edition OR x EVAC CarryOut Duffel will feature a new graphic design created by Pettit. Boasting a feature-forward design, this duffel offers a range of functionalities tailored to meet many needs. Its highly water and abrasion-resistant fabric ensures gear remains protected. With an exterior convenience pocket for easy access to essentials and a dirty clean pocket for organized storage, staying prepared has never been easier. Equipped with a comfortable carry handle and removable padded shoulder straps (not pictured), carrying a load becomes effortless. Internal zip pockets and compression straps further enhance organization and security, ensuring everything stays in place during the journey.

Available for a limited time, the OR x EVAC CarryOut Duffel 65L can be purchased via the Outdoor Research website.

About Outdoor Research

Since 1981, Outdoor Research has created trusted apparel, accessories, and equipment for you to thrive outside. Our award-winning outdoor gear is meticulously researched and tested for outdoor enthusiasts and military users around the globe. Grounded in our values of curiosity, passion, innovation, collaboration, and community, we strive to create space for all in the outdoors. We celebrate wins outside at every level together with our ambassadors, non-profit partners, and employees. For more information, visit www.outdoorresearch.com.

 

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North Vancouver, CANADA – April 22, 2024 – Arc’teryx Equipment, the global design company specializing in technical high-performance apparel and equipment, is pleased to announce ambitious new science-based climate targets – including the brand’s first ever Net Zero goal – as it takes another step in its ongoing commitment to sustainability.

These new science-based targets signal an overhaul of the brand’s original intensity-based targets, set in 2020. The new commitments are based on absolute emissions – meaning the goal reduction remains constant, regardless of the business’ significant growth trajectory. While these new targets signify a steep mountain to climb, Arc’teryx has identified climate as its most urgent environmental priority, and embraces this opportunity to innovate and lead through example.

Arc’teryx’s new science-based climate commitments include:

• Reach Net Zero by 2050 or sooner.
• Reduce total scope 1 and 2 emissions (aka operational emissions) by 90% from a 2022 base year.
• Reduce scope 3 emissions (aka value chain emissions) by 42% from a 2022 base year.

These targets are aligned with the Paris Agreement commitment to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius, and make Arc’teryx among the most ambitious organizations in the industry when it comes to emissions reduction.

“At Arc’teryx, we are making a clear commitment to reduce our impact on the planet,” said Penelope Comete, Climate Director at Arc’teryx. “Our greatest joys are found in snow-capped mountain peaks and green valleys, and we know that it’s our responsibility and privilege to nurture these landscapes and environments that inspire us. That’s why we have reset our climate targets: shifting from relative to absolute targets. Our updated targets are aligned with the Paris Agreement, limiting climate change to 1.5 degrees, and represent a bold step toward a better future for the outdoor industry and the planet. This will be a tough challenge, but we’re excited to get started.”

Reaching these new targets requires sustainability to be embedded across every area of the business. Key initiatives to reduce emissions include:

• Transitioning to 100% preferred fibres.
• Continuing to focus on product durability and longevity through design.
• Expanding our ReGEAR recommerce program and doubling down on our commitment to circularity.
• Educating and supporting our guests on product care and repair, helping them to keep their gear in play for longer.
• Reducing the impact of our product packaging, including eliminating virgin plastic and paper packaging by the end of 2025, and reducing the total volume of single-use packaging by 30% from a 2022 baseline by the end of 2025.
• Conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) on a representative product from each strategic product category by the end of 2025.

More information around Arc’teryx’s commitment to sustainability can be found at arcteryx.com/us/en/explore/sustainability.

Assets and imagery can be found here.

About Arc’teryx

Arc’teryx is a Canadian company based in the Coast Mountains. Our design process is connected to the real world, focused on delivering durable, unrivaled performance. Our products are distributed through more than 2,400 retail locations worldwide. We are problem solvers, always evolving and searching for a better way to deliver resolved, minimalist designs. Good design that matters makes lives better.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (April 22, 2024) – In honor of Earth Day 2024, Kahtoola is donating 5% of its online sales through April 24, 2024 to The Conservation Alliance to assist in their efforts to protect North America’s outdoor spaces and wild places. Kahtoola’s donation will go directly towards efforts to protect public lands through the designation of new national monuments.

In addition to The Conservation Alliance commitment, Kahtoola made its first contribution to 1% for the Planet’s Planet Impact Fund to support nature-based solutions for our planet’s future. The donation is a result of Kahtoola’s 2023 campaign pledge to donate 2% of sales from its Forest Green MICROspikes® traction.

“On Earth Day and every day, we celebrate and honor the incredible planet we live on and all the beauty and adventure it brings to our lives,” said Danny Giovale, owner and founder of Kahtoola. “As Kahtoola grows, so does our ability to contribute to environmental conservation, and we are proud to work collaboratively towards a more sustainable future for everyone.”

To learn more about The Conservation Alliance’s efforts to advocate for permanent protection of national monuments and to watch the “Mobilizing for Monuments Road Trip” film please visit mobilizingformonuments.com.

About Kahtoola: Established in 1999, Kahtoola crafts exceptional outdoor gear with a commitment to philanthropy, conservation, and sustainability. Kahtoola’s gaiters, hiking crampons, and flexible footwear traction systems, including MICROspikes®, EXOspikes™ and NANOspikes®, are built to improve safety and performance. Every product is thoughtfully designed and vigorously tested at the brand’s Flagstaff, Ariz. headquarters high on the Colorado Plateau. Owned and operated by founder Danny Giovale, Kahtoola proudly grants 1% of annual sales through the Kahtoola Philanthropy Program to organizations that support indigenous cultures, outdoor community and environmental responsibility. For more information, please visit Kahtoola.com.