Archives: Press Releases

LOS ANGELES (March 7, 2024) – The Front Runner Dometic Slimline II rack kits remain one of the toughest and most durable racks available and have been meticulously crafted to complement the rugged design and adventurous spirit of the Rivian R1T and R1S. Engineered with the same commitment to quality and durability that Front Runner is renowned for, these roof racks are modular,
lightweight, strong, and multi-functional.

Featuring compatibility with over 55 Front Runner Dometic rack accessories, the rack kits offer unparalleled customization for all types of Rivian adventures. Whether it’s heavy storage boxes, bicycles, kayaks, surfboards, or bulky luggage, the best-selling Slimline II rack can easily handle it all.

Key features of the Rivian-specific roof rack kits include high-density aluminum construction for maximum strength and durability, versatile design providing flexibility for various load-carrying capabilities, and easy installation.

The launch of the all-electric mid-size luxury pick-up Rivian R1T in 2021, followed by the seven-seater R1S a year later, marked a significant milestone in the automotive industry. Now, with the availability of the Slimline II Roof Rack Kit for both Rivian models, we anticipate an even greater impact from one of America’s favorite electric vehicles, particularly in the kit-carrying category.

Rivian has quickly established itself as a top contender in the US electric SUV and pick-up market. When paired with the functionality and capabilities of Front Runner Dometic’s popular Slimline II Roof Rack, Rivian owners can hit the road fully equipped for their adventures.

The Front Runner Dometic Roof Rack Kits for Rivian vehicles are now available for purchase at the following prices:
● Rivian R1T Slimline II Roof Rack Kit: $ 1,372.00
● Rivian R1T Slimline II Load Bed Roof Rack Kit: $1,598.00
● Rivian R1S Slimline II Roof Rack Kit: $1,879.00

For more information about the Slimline II Roof Racks for Rivian vehicles, please visit www.frontrunneroutfitters.com

ABOUT DOMETIC
Dometic is a global market leader in the mobile living industry. Millions of people around the world use Dometic products in outdoor, residential, and professional applications. Our motivation is to create smart, sustainable, and reliable products with outstanding design for an outdoor and mobile lifestyle in the areas of Food & Beverage, Climate, Power & Control, and Other Applications. Dometic employs approximately 9,000 people worldwide, had net sales of SEK 21.5 billion (USD 2.5 billion) in 2021 and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.

ABOUT FRONT RUNNER
Front Runner is a South African manufacturer of camping and vehicle equipment based in Johannesburg. Founded in 1999, the company’s product range includes roof racks, drawer systems, tents, awnings, water tanks, other transport and storage solutions and a variety of camping accessories. It all started with a handful of friends from South Africa, who were equipped with know-how in technology, design,
production and a penchant for off-road trips. After suffering from the fact that the existing equipment could not withstand their travels around the world, they developed new patented equipment and made it stronger and smarter. Today, Front Runner products enjoy a well-deserved reputation for quality, design and durability.

On May 20, 2021, Front Runner was acquired by Dometic.

REI Co-op announced the launch of its new spring line of gear and apparel. Highlights include the Active Pursuits collection, the brand’s first nongendered apparel assortment for adults. Additionally, REI Co-op shared plans for its in-house brand to move beyond a gender-specific designation where it makes sense. As part of this initiative, the co-op’s best-selling Magma down and Zephyr synthetic backpacking sleeping bag models have been redesigned to be more inclusive and cater to a wider range of body shapes. These new sleeping bags are now available in nine different sizes on REI.com.“We believe that everyone has a right to feel comfortable while enjoying the outdoors,” says Isabelle Portilla, vice president of REI Co-op brands. “To achieve this, we adopted a cooperative design approach that is not limited by traditional design rules. We collaborate with members, brand inclusion partners, consultants, and employees to gather insights and build gear together. The outcome provides our customers with more inclusive options to choose from.”

The Active Pursuits collection provides interchangeable colors that cater to relaxed or fitted preferences. To help customers pick the right size, a new size chart focuses on fitting the human body, regardless of gender, and includes measurements for shoulders, waist, chest, and arms. All clothing items in the collection are available in sizes XXS-XXXL.

“REI’s collection goes beyond simply marketing the collection as ‘nongendered,’” says Ashlie Grilz, founder of AG Group, an organization that helps brands grow with intention around product inclusivity. “REI’s team took an inclusive approach from the earliest stages of the design process and incorporated input from a diverse range of people with different bodies, identities, and perspectives. The result is a collection catering to customers who identify beyond the gender binary, as well as those who prefer to shop for non-gendered products.”

Sleeping Bag fit and sizing
REI conducted a study with an external fit expert organization to revamp its sleeping bag fit process. Over 150,000 body scans helped the co-op revamp its top-of-the-line, trail-tested and award-winning backpacking bags—down Magma and synthetic Zephyr. The sleeping bags are now available in nine different sizes to accommodate a wider range of body shapes and types of sleepers, including: short narrow, short, short wide, medium narrow, medium, medium wide, long narrow, long, and long wide.

Based on research, REI will introduce other semi-fitted and relaxed sleeping bag styles in the future. Both the Magma and Zephyr sleeping bags are available on REI.com and in REI stores, but not all sizes are available in every REI store.

Other highlights for the season include colorful, technical product additions for running, camping, hiking, and cycling. REI Co-op’s spring 2024 collection is available in REI stores and on REI.com now.

Running
The REI Co-op Swiftland trail running collection is the co-op’s best-selling brand for running comfortably for many miles. Additions include new colors to the apparel line as well as lightweight wind and water-resistant nongendered running Anorak, a new handheld water bottle, a new waist pack, and new MT BlueSky Running Shoes for men and women. These REI shoes, available to members only, are good for running in all terrain conditions from dusty gravel to muddy singletrack and are made with a sturdy Vibram® Megagrip Litebase Outsole, and more sustainable materials including 100% carbon-captured Lanzatech™ yarn, and no dye, which uses less water through the development process.

Camping
This season the co-op brings a few new additions to its camp line. REI’s new Campwell collection is geared toward first-time campers with its durable collection of classic camping gear including the Campwell 4 Tent, a cabin-like tent, a folding cot, a sleeping pad, a camp pillow, and camp wrap. Additionally, REI Co-op’s Trailgate collection is known for its car-camping solutions, designed for convenience, flexibility and incorporating vehicles into the campsite. New additions include a durable, all-season Base Camp 4 tent and Base Camp 6 tent, and a new Base Camp Vehicle Connector to help integrate the car into camp when desired to create a spacious hangout zone or place to organize gear before the next adventure.

Hiking
The new Flash TT Hiking Boots were designed using feedback from members and store staff, with thru-hikers who prefer to hike in trail-running shoes in mind. These shoes are lightweight, durable, and feature a trail-run midsole that features 10% Bloom™ Algae TerraLoft™, slight rocker style, spring underfoot, and Vibram® Megagrip Litebase outsoles to shed water and mud. Additionally, these shoes boast a lighter footprint on the planet as they use recycled content throughout.

REI Co-op collaborated with members to update its popular Trail packs collection to provide more sizing options for more body shapes and sizes, as well as better design elements with straps and hardware, to make it easier to fit and use. The collection is available in 40-, 25-, 5- and 2-liter options.

Outerwear
For rain and wind protection, new nonfluorinated DWR options include the REI Co-op Rainier jacket and pants that are lightweight and available for the entire family, and REI Co-op’s new Flash Stretch outerwear. Additionally, the new REI Co-op Flash Hyperstretch fleece jacket is ideal to add as a layer of warmth under a protective shell or can be worn on its own.

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.

BOULDER, Colo. (March 6, 2024) – Matador Travel Equipment, the award-winning producer of high-performance travel equipment, is pleased to announce the launch of its newest product, the Blackout Sleep Mask + Earplugs. This innovative accessory is built to redefine how travelers rest and recharge on the go.

Designed with the modern traveler in mind, the Blackout Sleep Mask + Earplugs is the ultimate solution for achieving restful sleep anytime, anywhere. This compact eye mask boasts a light-blocking design and conveniently compacts into its own built-in storage pocket, making it effortlessly portable. Additionally, it features a built-in pocket to house the included Mack’s® earplugs, ensuring users have everything they need for uninterrupted sleep.

“Our team felt that a solid sleep mask and earplugs combination is essential for comfortable travel,” said Chris Clearman, founder and CEO of Matador. “We set out to build the most effective, high-quality sleep mask, that is also packable, and we can’t wait to share it.”

Key features of the Blackout Sleep Mask + Earplugs include an adjustable hook and loop closure for a customizable fit, a breathable bamboo liner for long-lasting comfort, high-quality outdoor-inspired materials and construction for durability in various travel and outdoor settings, packability into its built-in storage pocket for cleanliness and easy attachment to belongings, and a built-in earplugs pocket for convenient storage and access to Mack’s brand-name, ultra-comfortable earplugs.

Matador’s Blackout Sleep Mask + Earplugs (MSRP: $24.99) is available now at select retailers and online at https://www.matadorequipment.com/products/blackout-sleep-mask-earplugs.

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About Matador Travel Equipment

Matador designs high-performance travel equipment designed for objective-based travel. The team’s strengths in design, material technology, and construction give them an edge in developing innovative products that bring outdoor expertise to the pursuit of travel. For more information about Matador, visit www.MatadorUp.com.

 

 

 

 

Boulder, CO – March 6, 2024 – DPS is so confident their skis provide a legacy, they now come with a legally binding will and testament so you can pass them onto your heirs. The “Live For It – The DPS Will and Testament” campaign created by TDA Boulder positions DPS skis as not just a piece of sporting equipment, but a bequest to be passed down to the next generation.

See videos here:

Legacy

Heirloom

About the “Will and Testament” Campaign

The “Will and Testament” campaign signifies a strategic shift for DPS, highlighting the exceptional engineering, craftsmanship, and aerospace-grade carbon fiber that make DPS skis built to last. The message is clear: these skis are not just an investment for a season but an heirloom to be cherished for generations. Designed for skiers of all levels, the campaign aims to resonate with skiing enthusiasts globally. While positioned at the high end of the market, DPS’s commitment to quality makes their skis an asset for skiers at any skill level. The key message of the campaign is that DPS skis are built to last, potentially outlasting their owners. The theme revolves around the idea that these skis are not just a possession but an integral part of one’s skiing journey.

The campaign utilizes digital platforms, video content, and experiential marketing, with a unique element being the creation of a DPS Will and Testament website, allowing customers to create their legally binding wills online. Each pair of skis will come with a QR code linking to the website, where customers can fill out and download their personalized, legally binding will. The primary markets for the campaign include ski regions across the United States such as Utah, Colorado, California, Vermont, and others.

Quotes

“We are thrilled to unveil this groundbreaking campaign for DPS Skis. ‘Live For It – The DPS Will and Testament’ not only showcases the exceptional quality of DPS skis but also positions them as a lasting legacy. We believe this campaign will redefine the way people perceive their ski equipment,” said Zach Clayton, Global Marketing Manager, DPS Skis.

“If more equipment lasted as long as DPS Skis, people in mountain towns would be leaving more gear to friends and family,” stated Jonathan Schoenberg, Executive Creative Director / Partner, TDA Boulder. “This is a way to communicate durability, but my own Will does have recipients of my cherished equipment and I love the idea that DPS enthusiasts will do the same.”

About DPS Skis – The World’s Most Advanced Skis

DPS Skis is a leading innovator in the skiing industry, renowned for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology. With a focus on performance and durability, DPS Skis continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of skiing.

In 2005, DPS was founded by partners Stephan Drake, a forward-thinking ski visionary, and veteran ski engineer Peter Turner. Both were inspired by the idea of fusing Design + Roots + Engineering to make perfect skis worthy of those who live and breathe the sport.

DPS is responsible for the world’s first and only pure pre-pregnated carbon fiber sandwich ski, the first 120mm-waisted powder pintail, the first rockered ski with sidecut, the Spoon – a convex three-dimensional shoveled ski with radical edge bevel, and PHANTOM, a paradigm-shifting permanent, one-time application base treatment that provides increased glide across all snow conditions for skis and snowboards.

DPS’ global headquarters is located at the base of the Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Within its adjoining state-of-the-art ski factory, space age carbon technology is fused with groundbreaking shapes to create the world’s most advanced skis. Its products are sold on five continents, and it is the trusted brand of choice for serious skiers worldwide.

About TDA Boulder

TDA Boulder is an independent creative agency renowned for its strategic approach and passion for challenging conventions. With a legacy of igniting fiery innovation, the agency partners with leading brands to drive transformative communication strategies and continues to redefine the boundaries of advertising and communication in the digital age. Our clients include: FirstBank; Daiya; DPS Skis; Rebel Ice Cream; Champion Pet Food and Keeper’s Heart Whiskey. Located in Boulder, CO, TDA Boulder continues to inspire meaningful dialogues and shape groundbreaking campaigns. For more information, visit https://tdaboulder.com/

 

Louisville, Colo., March 5, 2024 — TrainingPeaks, the industry-leading training app for endurance coaches and athletes, today announced an exclusive partnership with the German Triathlon Union (DTU).

TrainingPeaks is now the official training and coaching software for the national governing body, which is solely responsible and recognized by the German Olympic Sports Confederation for triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and other related multisport.

“We are very happy to have found a reliable partner in TrainingPeaks who offers us a comprehensive tool for planning and training analysis in triathlon,” said German National Head Coach Thomas Moeller. “This will help support our member coaches in their daily work and assist our athletes to continue to perform at the world-elite level.”

A member of the World Triathlon Association and the European Triathlon Union, DTU is the world’s second largest triathlon association with nearly 58,500 members and around 26,000 starting pass holders.

“Germany has a rich history in the sport of triathlon, and we are honored that the German Triathlon Union has put its trust in TrainingPeaks as its preferred software solution for its high-performance team and licensed coaches,” said Dirk Friel, TrainingPeaks co-founder and Chief Evangelist. “More than 30 National Governing Bodies around the world recommend TrainingPeaks as the best endurance training and coaching service for their members, and we’re thrilled to add the second largest triathlon association to that growing roster.”

Coaches and athletes at all NGB partners utilize TrainingPeaks’ cutting-edge endurance training solutions to plan, track and analyze their training. German Triathlon Union coaches who are certified through the organization are eligible for a 20% discount on Unlimited Coach Edition, while all DTU athletes can receive 20% off an annual subscription to TrainingPeaks Premium.

About TrainingPeaks
TrainingPeaks creates endurance training apps and solutions that help athletes and coaches reach their goals. Featuring the world’s largest endurance training marketplace, athletes can find personalized training plans, accredited coaches and easy-to-use apps and integrations to track their progress and reach their goals. TrainingPeaks is trusted by runners, cyclists, and triathletes around the world including Tour de France teams, IRONMAN® World Champions and Olympians. Learn more at trainingpeaks.com.

 

 

 

PORTLAND, Ore. (March 5, 2024) – Gerber Gear, a leading outdoor brand dedicated to crafting problem-solving tools, proudly commemorates 85 legendary years of exceptional American-made craftsmanship and innovation in Portland, Oregon.

As a local advertising agency founder and owner, Joe Gerber wanted to design a carving knife he could gift to his clients. This one-off gift became a highly sought-after knife and from those humble beginnings, Gerber Gear was founded in 1939. What began as a business to produce culinary knives quickly evolved into an innovative manufacturing journey that would go on to revolutionize the American knife market.

From kitchen knives to combat tools for World War II, Gerber swiftly established itself as a global icon, crafting equipment embraced by hunters, soldiers, tradesmen, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Gerber also played a pivotal role in starting the Everyday Carry movement we see today, with the introduction of folding knives in the 1960’s.

“Gerber’s 85th anniversary marks a time of celebration and reflection on the remarkable legacy of Pete, Joe, and Ham Gerber’s innovative ideas and their impact on the industry as a whole,” said Keith Carrato, VP/GM of Gerber Gear. “Our heritage runs deep and is rooted in a steadfast dedication to quality, innovation, and meeting consumer needs. We are proud to empower the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and problem-solvers.”

Each month throughout 2024, Gerber will tell a series of unique stories celebrating its history, culminating in a limited-edition product release in November.

To learn more about Gerber’s history and be kept up-to-date on the 85th Anniversary happenings, please visit https://www.gerbergear.com/en-us/meet-gerber/85th-anniversary.

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About Gerber:

Gerber is a global outdoor brand founded in 1939 that builds knives, multi-tools, and problem-solving gear for wherever the pursuit may lead you. For 85 legendary years, Gerber products have been used by mountain climbers, trail hikers, backpackers, kayakers, and more. Gerber products are at home on a hunt in the middle of nowhere, and patio campsites right outside the home. All Gerber products are backed by the Gerber Guarantee, a limited lifetime warranty. For more information, please visit www.gerbergear.com or follow on social media on Instagram and Facebook.

 

 

 

Austin, Texas (March 5, 2024) – ROKA, the renowned performance design brand that creates and manufactures eyewear and technical apparel for lifestyle and competitive athletes, is thrilled to expand their current partnership with IRONMAN World Champion Lucy Charles-Barclay on a multi-year agreement to include both performance eyewear and swimwear.

“I proudly wear ROKA swimwear during training and competition because of the quality and proven performance design,” says Charles-Barclay. “I now have the added opportunity to continue pushing my limits on and off the course with ROKA’s top tier performance eyewear. This major eyewear upgrade means a lot to me personally due to my relationship with the ROKA team, but also professionally as I strive to lead the pack in 2024 and beyond.”

Charles-Barclay is the reigning IRONMAN World Champion and one of the most dominant triathletes in the world. Originally a competitive swimmer, Charles-Barclay turned pro in triathlon in 2016 and immediately rose to the top of the sport.  A fan favorite with numerous accolades, Charles-Barclay is known for her aggressive racing style and always leading from the front.  Although Charles-Barclay was previously an IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion, the coveted full distance title had eluded her for years with several 2^nd place finishes. However, last year Charles-Barclay took command in her ROKA Viper Swimskin and R1 goggles and delivered a wire-to-wire win en route to securing her first ever IRONMAN World Championship in a new course record time.  This year she looks to take on new challenges with the Professional Triathlon Organization’s T100 Triathlon World Tour.

“ROKA is incredibly excited to extend our partnership with Lucy and to have her wearing our performance eyewear for the coming years,” said Rob Canales, CEO and Co-Founder of ROKA. “Lucy is a once-in-a-generation triathlete who can lead a race from start to finish, even at the world championship level.  She’s been a fantastic brand ambassador over the years, and we are thrilled to extend that partnership.  In addition to the swim category, we can’t wait to collaborate with her on eyewear and see what we can develop together to drive further innovation in that space.”

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About ROKA

ROKA is on a mission to unlock human potential. Founded in 2013 in Austin, Texas, ROKA’s award-winning performance eyewear, wetsuits, and other performance gear have led athletes to dozens of world titles, including three Olympic gold medals, more than 30 World Championship titles, multiple Tour de France stage and overall team wins, and hundreds of other podium finishes. ROKA works with the world’s leading scientists, athletes and organizations to push the boundaries of performance design, bringing those innovations to all who move. ROKA products are available worldwide at roka.com and through select retailers. Follow ROKA on Instagram and Facebook.

 

 

[Red Wing, MN, March 5, 2024] – Vasque Footwear, with nearly 60 years of experience delivering functional, durable footwear to millions of outdoor enthusiasts, is excited to announce the availability of the highly anticipated 2024 St. Elias Hiking Boot. Designed to meet the demands of both seasoned adventurers and novice hikers, the St. Elias combines decades of expertise with modern technologies to deliver unparalleled comfort, traction, and support on the trails.

For over ten years, the St. Elias has been a trusted companion for hiking, backpacking, and outdoor living.  Built on Vasque’s rich legacy in backpacking, dating back to 1964, this performance boot is a testament to durability and reliability in the wilderness. Since its inception, the St. Elias has been engineered to enhance the outdoor experiences of veteran trailblazers and newcomers alike. 

President of Vasque, Bryce Wernsman, reflects on the legacy of the St. Elias, “The St. Elias has been a trusted companion for outdoor enthusiasts for over a decade, and with our all-new 2024 version, we’re proud to deliver consumers an increase in comfort, performance, and durability while reducing weight and break-in time. This new iteration embodies the perfect balance of our rich heritage and cutting-edge technology, that both legacy and new consumers are sure to love.”

The St. Elias sets a new standard for comfort from the moment you lace them up. Constructed with premium full-grain leather, these boots offer easier break-in while providing exceptional foot comfort on both short jaunts and long excursions. The midsole and outsole systems are designed to offer athletic flexibility and cushioning, ensuring a comfortable ride on any terrain.

Updates to the 2024 St. Elias:

• Materials and Sustainability / The 2024 St. Elias boot utilizes premium and sustainable materials, including 1.8-2.0mm full-grain or nubuck leather, along with bio-based collar and tongue foams, recycled content laces, and recycled content toe box + heel counter. In contrast, the previous version primarily featured a 2.2mm waterproof full-grain leather/Nappa leather collar, without emphasizing sustainability.
• Midsole Composition / The 2024 St. Elias boot features a dual-density high-energy return EVA midsole with 20% sugarcane and a 20% recycled content insole board, providing enhanced energy return and stability. The previous version had A.T.C. midsoles with EVA cushioning pods, which offered athletic flexibility and comfort but without the same focus on sustainability and energy return.
• Outsole Design / The outsole of the 2024 St. Elias boot boasts a Vibram® Megagrip compound within a Vasque-exclusive multi-directional + lug system, ensuring optimal grip and traction on the trail. In contrast, the previous version featured Vibram XSTrek rubber compound outsoles.
• Comfort Technology / The 2024 St. Elias boot includes a 20% bio-content polyurethane footbed for added comfort, highlighting a specific comfort feature that was absent in the previous version. Additionally, the 2024 St. Elias delivers noticeably more comfort from the moment you put them on due to improvements in comfort technology and fit.

These differences highlight the evolution of the St. Elias boot towards sustainability, enhanced comfort, and improved traction while maintaining the brand’s commitment to quality and performance in outdoor footwear.

Director of Product Creation, Amy Peck, adds, “The updated St. Elias represents a significant evolution in both performance and sustainability. We’ve meticulously crafted this new iteration to deliver unmatched comfort, traction, and support, while also prioritizing the use of premium and sustainable materials. While we’ve implemented innovative changes to enhance the boot’s performance and sustainability, we’ve also strategically preserved key elements from the previous design. The durable full-grain leather upper, premium hardware, and substantial outsole, which pay homage to Vasque’s rich heritage, remain unchanged. This strategic continuity ensures that the St. Elias maintains its legendary durability and reliability while incorporating modern innovations for today’s outdoor enthusiasts.” 

Rooted in Vasque’s rich heritage dating back to 1964, the St. Elias embodies the essence of Vasque’s world-class hiking and backpacking boots. With a full-grain leather upper, premium hardware, and substantial outsole, the St. Elias pays homage to the brand’s legacy while incorporating modern innovations for today’s outdoor enthusiasts. The 2024 St. Elias hiking boot from Vasque is set to redefine outdoor footwear, offering unmatched comfort, traction, and support for your next adventure. It will be available at retailers and Vasque.com in April 2024. 

For more information, visit Vasque.com or your nearest authorized retailer.

About Vasque: 

Vasque Footwear has delivered functional, durable footwear to millions of outdoor enthusiasts since 1964. We believe that you don’t have to go far to change your perspective. By simply stepping outside we can change how we feel on the inside. When we disconnect, we reconnect. Vasque Footwear – Trail Footwear Since 1964. Visit us at Vasque.com

 

Palm Springs, Calif. (March 4, 2024) – Ultrarunner and Naval Officer Paul Johnson is on day four of his world record attempt at running across the United States from Los Angeles to New York, a feat that’s only been completed by less than 400 people. Paul is attempting to finish the route in 40 days (2 days faster than the current world record), which requires an average of 75 miles per day.

Along the way, Paul is seeking to raise $1,000,000 for Team Red White and Blue, an organization whose mission is to guide veterans through the military to civilian journey with real-life and virtual opportunities focused on building a healthier lifestyle. A strong focus on mental and physical health is critical to ensuring veterans’ best days are ahead. A Naval Officer who discovered running, Paul has used exercise to aid in his mental health struggles.

Paul is currently 200-miles into the 3,000-mile journey, running in the desert east of Palm Springs as of Monday morning. In the coming days, he will enter Arizona, passing by Flagstaff and north of Santa Fe, N.M. before heading toward the plains of Oklahoma and Kansas. So far he has raised more than $50,000 for Team RWB.

Paul is supported by the Colorado-based Tailwind Nutrition, a sports nutrition company who makes products for everyday athletes. He is using Tailwind’s Endurance Fuel, an electrolyte powder that also contains carbohydrates (calories) in order to fuel feats of endurance like running across the USA.

Interested in writing about Paul Johnson’s run? Contact Ryan Simonovch at ryan@verdepr.com. Follow Paul’s run online or on Instagram.

BOULDER, Colo. (March 4, 2024) – Following many years of product category research and direct engagement with the telemark-skiing community, SCARPA will introduce in fall 2024 a completely new version of the TX Pro — the most innovative, lightweight and efficient telemark boot ever created. With a legacy of introducing the world’s first “plastic” telemark boots — the Terminator in 1992, the T2 in 1994, and, later, the groundbreaking TX Pro in 2008 — SCARPA has consistently been at the forefront of telemark skiing.

As that tongue-in-cheek bumper sticker that has proliferated at backcountry-skiing trailheads states, “No one cares that you tele.” But with the new TX Pro, SCARPA shows that — in fact — someone does care after all.

Testament to SCARPA’s commitment to the telemark community, the development of the new TX Pro involved extensive collaboration with telemark skiers, athletes and binding manufacturers.

“Telemark is all about style and flow — it’s just got a very different vibe about it. And that’s the case with the telemark community as well. It’s quirky but it’s very soulful. People are heavily invested in the different kinds of gear they use and want to share their knowledge around that,” said Kim Miller, CEO of SCARPA North America. “We’ve always been connected to the community from the start, which is why I think we got the response we did when we asked for feedback.”

The new TX Pro is very lightweight — a 12 percent weight reduction compared to the previous TX Pro. It also features friction-free walking in touring mode, with a huge increase in range of motion compared to its predecessor, matching the weight and function of modern AT boots like SCARPA’s Maestrale and Gea family. SCARPA also reduced the volume of the boot to improve fit and performance. Moreover, the TX Pro is compatible with all modern telemark bindings on the market, including NTN and Tele Tech bindings, making these versatile boots equally at home at the resort and in the backcountry.

“A prototype works for the people who developed the prototype, not for the whole range of skiers who will ski it. And that’s especially true with the diversity in telemark,” said Massimo Pellizzer, ski category manager for SCARPA. “So we created a test and feedback team for this project that included the best telemark skiers we could find, along with four different binding manufacturers. And each of those manufacturers brought in some of their athletes for input. We also had focus groups in North America and Europe. Our motto has been, follow the sport and the right design will come through.”

In the new TX Pro, SCARPA employs a triple-injection technology that it developed specifically for a telemark boot. The use of materials of different densities in the shell, bellows and toe — combined with a Torsion Bridge Frame that places stiffer material in a frame that wraps from heel to toe and across the forefoot — makes it possible to create a boot that is lightweight and flexes easily, yet at the same time provides superior torsional support. The liner boot also perfectly mirrors the shell in the bellows area for an extremely smooth, comfortable feel when flexing. SCARPA’s Cabrio-Overlap closure provides a gradual progressive flex, allowing volume adjustability, impulse transmission as well as ease of getting in and out of the boot.

Other key features in the new TX Pro include:

• Made with Pebax RNEW, a material derived from the castor bean plant, which reduces fossil fuel use and emissions in the process of moving from raw to usable material. In addition, castor beans can be grown on arid land where other agriculture typically isn’t possible, so it doesn’t compete with food production and also offers an economic activity in places where other agriculture doesn’t take place.
• A new tongue design features an easily replaceable edge protector where ski edges commonly abrade the insides of telemark boots.
• A friction-free Speed Walk mechanism has 62 degrees range of motion and forward lean of 14 degrees with +/- 2 degrees of adjustability.
• The Vibram® EVO LT outsole uses Durastep rubber and Traction Lug Technology, increasing traction on snow up to 25 percent.
• An Intuition liner made specifically for a telemark boot has a flex zone in the toe, a supportive tongue, and is made with recycled materials.
• A thermoformed Ortholite footbed is made with two densities of recycled material.
• Closure is 3 Buckles + Booster® Active Power Straps with integrated RECCO reflectors for searchability.
• 102mm forefoot width.
• 1545 grams per boot (size 27) compared to 1750 grams in the previous TX Pro.
• Men’s and women’s versions.

The new SCARPA TX Pro retails for $849 and will be available in September 2024.

About SCARPA and SCARPA North America

Founded in 1938, SCARPA builds performance footwear for climbing, hiking, skiing, mountaineering, trail running and other outdoor pursuits from its headquarters in Asolo, Italy. SCARPA has been owned and operated by the Parisotto family since 1956. In 2005, SCARPA opened its North American headquarters in Boulder, Colo., staffed and directed by veterans of the North American outdoor industry, to oversee sales, marketing and distribution in the U.S., Canada and South America. For more information about SCARPA footwear, visit www.scarpa.com.

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