Archives: Press Releases

Industry veterans, Sunny Stroeer and Paul Gagner, to co-lead new era of Outdoor Retailer, along with community stakeholders

MINNEAPOLIS [October 2, 2025) – Outdoor Retailer, the premier B2B gathering for the $1.2 trillion North American outdoor industry, will make its new home in Minneapolis, debuting August 19–21, 2026, with a renewed focus on collaboration, learning, and shared experiences. Chosen for its world-class trails, waterways, and thriving outdoor business community, Minneapolis is the ideal stage for the future of Outdoor Retailer.

At the heart of this evolution is the new Leadership Village, co-led by renowned athlete and Summit Scholarship Founder, Sunny Stroeer, and industry veteran Paul Gagner. Together with Lindsay Hubley, senior vice president of Emerald’s Sports and Outdoor Division (parent company of Outdoor Retailer), they will guide an inspired team of brand leaders, designers, sustainability experts, athletes, and emerging voices to shape the next chapter of the show.

“Outdoor Retailer must be a discovery engine, a strategic gathering place, and a convener for all corners of the outdoor community,” said Stroeer and Gagner. “The new Leadership Village will bring this to life, creating a space to share knowledge, tackle challenges, and spark innovation.”

In addition to Stroeer and Gagner, the Leadership Village includes leading outdoor voices, including:

• Dana Caraway, founder and principal of Caraway & Co, an independent sales agency;
• Sasha DiGiulian, champion climber and global outdoor adventure advocate;
• Peter Sachs, outdoor industry veteran and former GM of LOWA Boots;
• Mike Massey, founder of Locally, a leading commerce platform bridging shoppers and nearby retailers; and
• Additional voices to be announced by October 30th

Outdoor Retailer’s move to Minnesota has strong local support amidst a healthy outdoor ecosystem. In 2023, outdoor recreation contributed $13.5 billion to the state’s economy, accounting for 2.8 percent of its GDP.

“Moving Outdoor Retailer to Minnesota creates a fresh stage for collaboration, creativity, and the outdoor community to thrive together,” said Randolph Briley, director of Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership. “This step underscores the strength of our outdoor economy, driving billions in impact, supporting tens of thousands of jobs, and inspiring people to get outside.

Hosting Outdoor Retailer showcases our world-class trails, waterways, and business community, while creating a powerful platform for collaboration, innovation, and growth across the industry.”

Building on this momentum, Outdoor Retailer is reimagining its show experience with new investments that better serve the outdoor community. Key initiatives include:

• Launch of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Scholarship supporting specialty retailers
• Complimentary exhibit space for leading Minnesota-based and mission-driven non-profits
• Industry Day conference on timely topics such as AI, sustainability, and supply chain
• Revival of the Outdoor Industry Innovation Awards

“Over the past few months, we’ve engaged in thoughtful conversations across the outdoor community,” continued Hubley. “Those insights are shaping every facet of this event. We’ve reinvented the show to reflect the dramatic changes the industry has endured, while creating a platform that amplifies innovation, collaboration, and growth. Together, these elements position Outdoor Retailer in Minneapolis as the central stage for connection, innovation, and growth in the outdoor industry.”

The reimagined three-day show will highlight:

• Ascent – innovation district for emerging brands
• Camp Forward – startup pitches and futurist keynotes
• Campfire – storytelling and video content
• Outdoor Lab – forward-thinking product design
• Industry Day – full-day conference with actionable insights on AI, e-commerce, sustainability, and supply chain strategy

“Independent retailers are the frontline of the outdoor industry, connecting communities with the products and experiences that get people outside,” said Lloyd Vogel, CEO of Garage Grown Gear, in St. Paul, and executive director of the Minnesota State Outdoor Business Alliance (MNSOBA). “Having Outdoor Retailer in Minneapolis provides a vital platform for retailers and brands to collaborate, share ideas, and shape the future of outdoor recreation. As a St. Paul-based company, Garage Grown Gear is proud to be part of this conversation.”

About Outdoor Retailer

Outdoor Retailer, the leading U.S. business events for the outdoor and winter sports industry, brings together retailers, manufacturers, designers, distributors, industry advocates, journalists, and more to conduct the business of outdoor recreation through commerce, unique product experiences, dedicated media events, content, and web-based business solutions. Outdoor Retailer provides critical platforms for face-to-face commerce, product launches, networking, and focused industry education to enhance business and support the outdoor recreation economy. Visit outdoorretailer.com for more information.

 

Media Contact: Chris Goddard, CGPR, chris@cgprpublicrelations.com 781 640 8387

Visitors explore the rocky shoreline below Split Rock Lighthouse State Park on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior, a region known for its rugged beauty and iconic views.

 

 

The first leggings to deliver true seamless compression construction with over 75% ZQ-Merino wool in a performance blend

Bend, OR – October 1, 2025 – BRANWYN, the brand known for redefining performance, comfort, and sustainability, proudly announces the expansion of its Seamless Merino collection with the launch of the Essential Compressive Leggings, now in two inseam lengths: 28-inch and the all-new 25-inch.

Building on the success of BRANWYN’s Seamless Merino Racerback Sports Bra, the Compressive Leggings bring a fresh, versatile foundation to women’s activewear. Designed for a second-skin fit, these leggings combine the natural comfort and sustainability of Merino wool with performance-driven innovation.  Seamless construction and targeted compression move and sculpt with the body, whether as a baselayer for the mountain, a winter running tight, or navigating an everyday routine. BRANWYN’s Seamless Merino construction provides body-mapped shaping and contouring, while the proprietary POWRspun™ Merino blend delivers exceptional durability, breathability, and flexibility.

Key Features:

• POWRspun™ knit blend of 76% extra fine Merino, 14% nylon, and 10% elastane
• Superfine 17.5 Micron ZQ, OEKO-TEX 100, and RWS-certified Merino wool for next-to-skin softness
• Heavy-weight 4-way knit fabric moves with you
• Naturally odor-resistant for all-day freshness
• Merino wool is third-party certified PFAS, BPA, and forever chemical-free

“Our community loved the seamless innovation of our GLDNspun™ bras and underwear, so bringing that same technology to leggings was a natural evolution,” said Deanne Buck, CEO of BRANWYN. “Our  POWRspun™ Compressive Leggings deliver even more targeted compression than our bras and underwear and are engineered for durability that stands up to the most intense workouts. The addition of the 25-inch inseam gives women more choice in finding their perfect fit without compromising on comfort, performance, or what’s best for their health and our planet. Our Compressive Leggings are a prime example of how we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in natural fiber performance fabrics.”

To better understand this innovation, Şeyma Çiğdem Uygun, Textile Engineer and BRANWYN’s Production & Sustainability Coordinator, shares a short Q&A:

Q: What makes the Essential Compressive Leggings technically different from other Merino wool performance wear on the market?
Uygun: Simply put, no one has ever achieved this level of seamless compression and performance with such a high percentage of ZQ-Merino wool. Most Merino activewear seamless blends lean heavily on synthetics to create structure and durability. We flipped that model. By using 76% superfine ZQ-certified Merino, paired with our proprietary POWRspun™ seamless knit technology, we’ve created leggings that deliver true compression, shape retention, and performance without sacrificing the natural softness and breathability Merino is known for. The result is one-of-a-kind: supportive, sustainable, and unlike anything else on the market.

Q: How did BRANWYN achieve compression without sacrificing breathability or freedom of movement?
Uygun: That balance is where the innovation lies. Traditionally, compression means tighter fabrics that trap heat and restrict movement. Our Merino-rich blend works differently. Our proprietary construction naturally creates supportive channels that hug the body while maintaining airflow and flexibility. Merino regulates temperature and resists odor, while nylon and elastane provide just enough reinforcement to enhance durability and recovery. What makes these leggings unique is that the compression doesn’t come at the expense of comfort. They move fluidly with you, and they breathe.

Q: What role did BRANWYN’s seamless knitting technology play in the design and feel of the Compressive Leggings?
Uygun: Seamless knitting was the key that unlocked this design. With traditional cut-and-sew methods, it’s nearly impossible to maintain such a high Merino content while still achieving compression. The seamless knitting construction utilizes specialized machinery to eliminate seams, resulting in a three-dimensional feel. The fibers are knit into tubes that become our bras, underwear, and now our compressive leggings; so, really, the fabric and the garment are created simultaneously. Our GLDNspun knit set the standard for seamless comfort in bras and underwear. But when it came to outdoor and activewear, we knew GLDNspun alone couldn’t deliver the level of support and compression needed.

That’s why we created POWRspun—a proprietary, brand-new knit engineered for higher performance. We set ourselves a tough goal: maintain 76% Merino while achieving the durability, structure, and compressive power activewear demands—all without forever chemicals.

We knew this would be challenging, and it took many rounds of samples to develop a knit that delivered the support and compression needed, thanks to the magic of a high percentage of Merino. Once we arrived, we knew we had something truly special.

The Compressive Leggings are available in sizes XS–XXL, with 28-inch (MSRP $158) and 25-inch (MSRP $148) inseam options. Available now at branwyn.com. For media inquiries, please contact Stacy Kline at stacy@darbycommunications.com.

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About BRANWYN

BRANWYN, based in Bend, Oregon, produces the world’s first ethically sourced, naturally sustainable Performance Innerwear designed by and for active women. By combining ZQ Merino and seamless knitting technology, BRANWYN revolutionizes women’s next-to-skin apparel, prioritizing comfort, temperature regulation, anti-microbial properties, breathability, and overall health. Our ethos, rooted in “Find A Way,” was inspired by the radical idea that women could create better underwear for themselves that meet our unique needs. Additionally, we collaborate with organizations fostering a sense of self in girls and women by breaking limiting beliefs through outdoor activities, sports, sweat, and movement. Committed to personal and global health, we use natural, non-toxic fibers and sustainable materials, and prioritize ethical farming and work practices.

 

 

 

All proceeds go to support local avalanche centers and the important work they do keeping skiers and riders safe.

Salt Lake City, UT — [September 30, 2025] — Black Diamond Equipment is proud to announce the launch of its Designed for the Deep pre-season ski events this fall and winter, in collaboration with the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), top independent backcountry ski retailers, regional guide services and local avalanche safety centers across Colorado, Washington, and California.

The Designed for the Deep series combines educational opportunities and communal excitement for an immersive kick-off to the 2025/26 ski season. Attendees at each stop can connect with Black Diamond athletes, AIARE instructors, and local avalanche experts for an evening of backcountry tips, avalanche awareness refreshers, raffles, sweepstakes, and Designed for the Deep short film premiers.

“Designed for the Deep isn’t just a campaign plastered in your social feed showing someone neck deep in powder,” says Adam Peters, Sports Marketing Director. “We’re also interested in how this resonates with our partners, like AIARE and the regional forecasters, our specialty retailers, and the backcountry community. Our goal is to unite all these resources at one event in key locations, for the sake of providing everyone from newbie to hardened skier with information, stoke and hopefully a little gear to kick off their season safely.”

Skiers and riders will learn from the insights, stories, and excitement of the most respected names in ski mountaineering. They will also glean insights on gear and backcountry safety strategies from AIARE instructors and local avalanche safety center staff.

All raffle and sweepstakes proceeds will directly support avalanche centers in each region, including the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC), and Sierra Avalanche Center (SAC).

Event Schedule:

• October 2 – Mountain Chalet (Colorado Springs, CO)
  Featuring BD Ambassador Mike Hattrup | Proceeds benefit AIARE & Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC)
• October 9 – Bent Gate (Golden, CO)
  Featuring BD Ambassador Bjorn Leines | Proceeds benefit AIARE & CAIC
• October 15 – Pro Guide Service (North Bend, WA)
  Featuring BD Athletes Dorian Densmore & Mya Akins | Proceeds benefit AIARE & Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC)
• October 23 – Backcountry Essentials (Bellingham, WA)
  Featuring BD Athlete Adrian Ballinger | Proceeds benefit AIARE & NWAC
• November 19 – Alpenglow Sports (Truckee/Tahoe, CA)
  Featuring BD Athlete Angela Hawse | Proceeds benefit AIARE & Sierra Avalanche Center (SAC)

About Black Diamond Equipment

Black Diamond Equipment is a global leader in designing innovative outdoor-engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, skiing, and a wide range of year-round outdoor activities. Headquartered in Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Black Diamond is synonymous with performance, innovation, and durability in the outdoor community. For more information, visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com.

San Clemente, Calif. – September 30, 2025 – Today, Nomadix, a social purpose corporation and makers of The Only Towel You Need®, made from post-consumer recycled plastics, announced its partnering with 5 Gyres Institute, a leader in the global movement against plastic pollution on a shared mission to reduce plastic pollution and protect the planet’s oceans.

By pairing Nomadix’s commitment to sustainable products made from post-consumer recycled materials with 5 Gyres’ leadership in science, education, and advocacy, the partnership aims to raise awareness, inspire conscious consumerism, and fund actionable solutions. Together, they intend to demonstrate how collaboration between purpose-driven brands and nonprofits can amplify impact and create a future with less waste.

“Nomadix is deeply grateful to join forces with fellow 1% for the Planet member, 5 Gyres, in a shared mission to protect our oceans and reduce plastic pollution,” said Mia Helminiak, director of community engagement at Nomadix. “Through this partnership, we celebrate the power of collaboration and thank every supporter helping to drive real, lasting change for our planet.”

To commemorate the partnership, Nomadix is launching a limited-edition product capsule with 5 Gyres. Inspired by ocean conservation, the artist-designed collection is sustainably made by repurposing post-consumer recycled materials. For each product sold, Nomadix will donate five dollars to 5 Gyres in support of their ongoing research and advocacy. The collection features custom art from Planet People Studio, which includes Jeff LoPilato, a sustainable brand designer, and Dominic McLeod, graphic designer and illustrator.

Starting October 2, 2025, the capsule will be available on nomadix.co and includes the following five Nomadix products:

• Original Towel: Coastal Gathering, MSRP: $39.95
• Original Towel: Fern Over Waves, MSRP: $39.95
• Festival Blanket: Kelp Swirl, MSRP: $69.95
• Bandana Towel: Kelp Swirl, MSRP: $24.95
• Pocket Tote: Coastal Gathering, MSRP: $19.95

“This collaboration between 5 Gyres and Nomadix is a wonderful representation of artistic expression to highlight science-based solutions,” said 5 Gyres Director of Development, Sara Mais. “The special link between art and science is something that 5 Gyres celebrates and fosters in our staff, ambassadors, and our cause partners. Art tells a story and creatively connects the viewer to the message the artist is trying to convey, in this case: More Ocean, Less Plastic. We appreciate Nomadix’s attention to the plastic pollution issue by creating a beautiful collection of sustainable products and we look forward to sharing them with the world!”

For more information about this partnership, visit nomadix.co.

ABOUT NOMADIX

California-based Nomadix launched in 2015 with The Only Towel You Need® – a multi-purpose towel that performs for any activity, including travel, yoga, boating, and at the beach. Nomadix understands that the environmental footprint of the products people buy will have an impact on the planet that lasts longer than we will. A commitment to discovering durable, multi-purpose, responsibly manufactured solutions that will leave the planet better than we found it is part of its ethos – Own less. Do more. Nomadix is a member of 1% for the Planet and is Climate Neutral Certified. Today, Nomadix is carried in major retailers in the United States and is distributed in 31 countries around the world. Visit www.nomadix.co for more information.

ABOUT 5 GYRES

The 5 Gyres Institute (5 Gyres) is a leader in the global movement against plastic pollution with 15 years of expertise in scientific research, engagement, and education. With the original goal of answering a few key scientific questions about ocean plastics, co-founders Marcus Eriksen and Anna Cummins led 19 research expeditions in all five subtropical gyres, as well as many of the world’s lakes and rivers. 5 Gyres continues to lead with scientific research to drive upstream solutions through education, advocacy, and community building. Learn more at 5gyres.org and @5gyres. For press inquiries, contact: Hannah Tizedes, hannah@5gyres.org, 734-308-3279.

AMHERST, Mass. [Sept 30, 2025]— OrthoLite®, a global leader in innovative footwear comfort solutions, announces a new strategic partnership with Bureau Veritas Hong Kong Limited (“Bureau Veritas”), a world-renowned leader in testing, inspection, certification, and auditing services. This collaboration highlights OrthoLite’s commitment to establishing standardized testing practices across all global operations, ensuring consistency while staying a step ahead of upcoming regulatory requirements in material traceability, safety, and compliance.

 

Under this partnership, Bureau Veritas will provide OrthoLite with comprehensive services including product testing, inspections, social audits, factory audits, security audits, and environmental audits in production facilities worldwide. These rigorous evaluations ensure OrthoLite’s products and manufacturing processes conform with stringent quality assurance protocols and supplier compliance measures.

Bureau Veritas’ audits will assess various aspects such as environmental management systems, workplace conditions, factory security, and product conformity to industry and legal standards. Through ongoing inspections and testing performed at Bureau Veritas’ accredited facilities and client-designated sites, OrthoLite’s leadership in responsible manufacturing will be further solidified.

“Collaboration with Bureau Veritas supports OrthoLite’s goal of delivering sustainable, high-quality footwear solutions responsibly,” said Richard Bevan, COO of OrthoLite. “This partnership strengthens our ability to uphold transparency and accountability across our supply chain, ensuring superior product performance and ethical manufacturing practices.”

The multi-year agreement includes provisions for confidentiality, ownership of intellectual property, and adherence to stringent audit protocols, reflecting the mutual dedication to professionalism and data integrity. Furthermore, Bureau Veritas will work closely with OrthoLite’s vendors to identify and address any quality or compliance issues proactively.

As consumer demand for sustainable and ethically produced products grows, OrthoLite’s investment in third-party verification demonstrates a strategic approach to maintaining industry leadership and supporting brand partners worldwide.

About OrthoLite®
OrthoLite is the world’s leading supplier of open-cell foam technology found in more than 550 footwear brands across all categories of footwear and is the first name in comfort and performance foams. OrthoLite also is the innovator and creator of Cirql®, the sustainable materials solutions provider that provides footwear brands and their factory partners with lower impact, circular options in materials. OrthoLite has a stalwart commitment to an ongoing journey toward producing excellence with less-impactful manufacturing practices. The company also has a long-standing history of meaningful partnerships and sponsorships that demonstrate a dedicated commitment to supporting its customers, consumers, brand partners and the footwear industry. OrthoLite is the Official Insole sponsor of the New York Yankees, supporter of Textile Exchange, and is a founding supporter of the Two Ten Foundation. Stay up to date with company news by visiting OrthoLite.com and following OrthoLite on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. To learn more about the benefits of OrthoLite, visit www.ortholite.com.

About Bureau Veritas
Bureau Veritas is a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification services, dedicated to ensuring quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and social responsibility. Founded in 1828, the company operates in over 140 countries, helping clients achieve compliance and advance sustainable progress. Learn more at www.bureauveritas.com.

The R-Evolution, Rebel boots are crafted with deep experience in mountain footwear, input from backcountry hunters and guides.

BOULDER, Colo. (Sept. 30, 2025) — SCARPA, manufacturer of high-performance mountain footwear, unveils a new collection of lightweight mountain boots this fall built for backcountry hunters and other rugged-country users like trail and forestry workers who need light, reliable, supportive footwear for field use.

The boots are a culmination of SCARPA’s nearly century of experience in crafting category leading mountain footwear, combined with specific input from the backcountry hunting community, making this category a natural extension for the brand. The new program also builds on a line of footwear created in collaboration with the hunting brand Kuiu in past years.

New for Fall 2025, the R-Evolution 8 HD is a light and agile backcountry field boot that balances flexibility and nimbleness with protection and support. Developed in collaboration with expert hunters and guides, the R-Evolution 8 HD is one of the lightest boots on the market  in its category, built to support long days and extensive miles in the backcountry.

Its upper is synthetic PU leather paired with lightweight, abrasion-resistant Microtech fabric and backed with an HDry membrane, providing durability in a 685-gram package and keeping weather at bay in the field. A full-perimeter rubber rand provides 360-degree protection on the 8-inch-height upper. Vibram’s Total Traction/Mont sole completes the R-Evolution 8’s premium materials. The R-Evolution 8 HD retails for $299.

In Spring 2026, SCARPA will build on this program with three additional backcountry hunt and field boots, the Rebel 8 HD, the Rebel 10 HD and the Mont Blanc GTX.

The Rebel 10 and 8 HD offer even more supportive alternatives to the R-Evolution 8 — the ultimate footwear for long days tackling off-trail mountainous terrain. They pair lightweight materials with rugged supportive construction, resulting in boots among the very lightest on the market that provide the requisite support, protection and traction needed to move through rugged terrain.

Building on a collection of footwear SCARPA originally designed in collaboration with hunting retailer Kuiu, which quickly gained a cult following amongst backcountry hunters, the Rebel boots are light and agile, thanks to their synthetic PU leather and PU Tek uppers, which are supportive, breathable and dry quickly. Paired with an HDry waterproof membrane and a full-perimeter rubber and PU rand, the Rebel boots provide 360-degree protection.

The Rebel 10 is a 10-inch tall boot with Primaloft Gold Eco insulation. The Rebel 8 is its uninsulated 8-inch tall sibling. Both boots feature an ankle flex zone, a dual-density durable polyurethane midsole, and Vibram’s Total Traction/Mont sole. For precision, support and secure footing in uneven mountainous terrain, these lightweight boots are the leaders in their class at 785 and 730 grams respectively (size 42).

SCARPA is also introducing a field-oriented sibling in Spring 2026 as part of its well-known Mont Blanc family, the new Mont Blanc GTX, which offers exceptional stability on uneven terrain and robust protection against rocks and debris.

Built with a combination of premium Italian 3mm Perwanger Suede leather and synthetic S-Tech Fabric, the Mont Blanc GTX features a supportive 9–inch tall cuff, a thermomolded ankle collar, a full-perimeter rubber rand and an, integrated GORE-TEX waterproof membrane. A double tongue has a removable insert allowing for easy volume adjustment. The midsole is an ultra-durable, cushioned construction built with a combination of polyurethane and TPU, paired with a Vibra​m Essential AC/Mont sole. Recessed high-tenacity stitching pairs with these premium materials for long-term durability.

 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.

Media Contact

Verde Brand Communications

scarpa@verdepr.com

(970) 235-0268

 

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