Archives: Press Releases

DENVER — (September 17, 2025) Altra, an innovative leader in performance running footwear, has partnered with the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) to publish Opening the Path to Trail Running: A Toolkit for Runners, Retailers, and Communities. This resource was developed with the goal of addressing systemic barriers to trail running and making the sport more accessible to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

The toolkit, authored by running and outdoors writer Allison Torres Burtka with input from the RIDC community, explores the history of trail running and the systemic barriers that have limited representation in the sport. Further, it serves as a comprehensive starting point for runners by offering actionable guidance on training, safety, and navigating trail environments.

“Trail running has the power to connect people with nature in a way that is liberating, grounding, and joyful,” says Alicia Chin, Director of Social Impact at Altra. “We want every runner to feel that the trails are open to them and that they have equal access to these experiences. Supporting this toolkit is part of our commitment to realizing that goal.”

The toolkit also addresses retailers and community leaders seeking to better support diverse audiences. It discusses practical ways to support new parties, host more inclusive events, and create spaces that welcome underrepresented runners.

RIDC, a national nonprofit dedicated to improving inclusion, visibility, and access for BIPOC communities in running and outdoor spaces, believes that collaboration is key to driving lasting change.

“This toolkit is an example of how strategic partnerships can bring valuable resources to the running community,” explains Kiera Smalls, Executive Director at RIDC. “After seeing a distinct lack of BIPOC representation data in trail experiences, we knew it was essential to bring their stories and insights to the forefront. Together with Altra, we’re working to make the trails more inclusive and accessible for all runners.”

Opening the Path to Trail Running emphasizes that the sport is about more than just fitness, but also camaraderie and connection. For runners of all levels, from those hitting the trail for the first time to off-road aficionados, the toolkit provides actionable insights that open the door to transformative outdoor experiences and supportive like-minded communities.

The toolkit is available for download at www.runningdiversity.com/trail-running-toolkit.

About Altra

Altra was founded in the backroom of a small specialty running store in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. Since the beginning, the goal has been to create innovative and purposeful running shoes that help people run more naturally. Altra’s unique platform includes a FootShape toebox that allows the toes to relax and spread out which enhances stability and encourages natural running form. Altra Running shoes have a Zero to Low Drop, ensuring your body stays in a more natural running position. Altra’s purpose is to unleash human potential by inspiring the world to move naturally.

About RIDC

The Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) unites the running industry to improve inclusion, visibility, and access for BIPOC. Through advocacy, education, and partnerships, RIDC works to build an equitable future for the sport and business of running.

 

 

Boulder, Colo. (Sept 17, 2025) — La Sportiva, maker of the world’s finest mountain gear, today announced a two-year partnership with the USA Ski Mountaineering Association (USA Skimo). Through 2027, La Sportiva will serve as the official apparel and uniform sponsor of the U.S. National Ski Mountaineering Team and its coaches.

Athletes and staff will be outfitted in La Sportiva race suits, warm-ups, podium jackets, training apparel, casual wear, and footwear. The sponsorship builds on La Sportiva’s long history in ski mountaineering and its focus on developing gear that performs in demanding alpine environments. The brand’s ski apparel line features lightweight, breathable pieces designed to regulate body temperature during intense efforts, while offering reliable protection and warmth when conditions suddenly shift.

“La Sportiva was born in the Dolomites, where ski mountaineering is part of the culture,” said Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America. “Partnering with USA Skimo is a natural step for us, and it gives us the chance to showcase the apparel we’ve developed for this sport. From high-output race suits to technical layers like the Aequilibrium Speed Jacket and Ikarus Pants, our apparel is built for the unique demands of ski mountaineering. We’re proud to support the U.S. National Team as the sport grows and heads toward its Olympic debut.”

Ski mountaineering has been steadily gaining traction in the United States, attracting both backcountry skiers and endurance athletes. Participation continues to rise, and with the sport set to make its Olympic debut in 2026, momentum is building quickly. USA Skimo has been instrumental in this growth, creating opportunities for athletes to progress from community events to international competition.

“La Sportiva’s experience and innovation in ski mountaineering apparel make them an ideal partner,” said Sarah Cookler, Head of Sport at USA Skimo. “Their support ensures our athletes have the gear they need to perform their best on the international stage.”

For nearly a century, La Sportiva has developed products that help athletes move efficiently and confidently in the mountains. This new partnership continues that tradition, supporting both the U.S. National Team and the future of ski mountaineering in the United States.

For more information on La Sportiva’s ski apparel and hardgoods, visit www.lasportivausa.com. Learn more about the USA Ski Mountaineering Association at www.usaskimo.org.

About La Sportiva
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, along with a full line of ski mountaineering hardware and apparel. For more information on La Sportiva visit www.lasportivausa.com or follow @Lasportivana on Instagram.

 

About USA Skimo
The USA Skimo sanctions and governs competitive ski mountaineering racing in the US and promotes and fosters recreational ski mountaineering through access, resources, education and community. USA Skimo endeavors to enable United States athletes to achieve competitive excellence in the sport of ski mountaineering. USA Skimo is recognized by the ISMF as the national sport organization for the United States.

 

Media Contact:  
Sean Van Horn, Backbone Media
Phone: 970-963-4873 ext. 1806
Email: sean.vanhorn@backbone.media    

 

MELBOURNE, Australia – September 16, 2025 – Today, Crumpler, the privately owned designer, manufacturer and retailer of bags, outerwear and accessories is thrilled to announce the launch of a new product collaboration with fellow Australian, Amy Taylor, musician and lead singer of Amyl and the Sniffers. The capsule, designed in collaboration with Amy Taylor, features two fish-shaped bags made from approximately 90% recycled fabrics.

“We had been chatting to Amy for a little while about a collaboration, but we weren’t expecting her to ask for a fish!” said Zac Douglas, Crumpler bag designer. “We were all pretty excited to create, work through the design, and test to make sure the fish bag was not only functional but lived up to Amy’s vision.”

The pinnacle product, Micro Plastic Muncher (MSRP $50, plus duty fees), is a lightweight pouch, intentionally designed to be small enough to not fit a phone (also known as the “F&CK YA PHONE” bag). Weighing in at 0.12kg (4.32oz), the bag can hold smaller necessities and includes a removable rope strap for wearing across the body. The second fish bag, Abijah (MSRP $80, plus duty fees), is a larger, 1-liter crossbody for daily essentials and features two main zip opening pockets, internal organization sleeves, and an adjustable crossbody strap with gold anodized aluminum hardware.

“I’m so excited for this collaboration with Crumpler,” Taylor said. “I actually reached out to them asking if they’d want to make a bag that looks like a fish. It was so fun seeing the different samples come through from the designers because some had the strangest expressions. I thought basing it somewhat on a mullet fish was fun for obvious reasons and we named the big one “Abijah” after the guitarist in the band COFFIN who goes scuba diving. The small one was a handy one which is perfect for just your cards and cash, it’s called the “Micro Plastic Muncher” because it’s munching the micro plastic and it’s a pisstake on pollution. But also I like to call it the “f&ck ya phone” for when you just don’t want to take your phone out. I’ve been road testing both bags for about 5 months and love them both. So practical and fun. When they asked what I would have in my bag I said mascara, lipstick, a spare pair of undies in case you stay out the night, cards, and the big one fits phones too so super practical. Crumpler did a great job filling my vision and it’s very exciting to be doing my first collaboration with a brand I respect. The fish is 90% made of recycled materials.”

 

Capsule Specs

Micro Plastic Muncher

• Dimensions: 22 x 12 x 2.5cm
• Weight: 0.12 kg (4.23 oz)
• Material: 420D regenerated nylon with silver film coating (exterior), 150D RPET recycled ripstop (interior)
• MSRP: $50.00 (plus duty fees)

Abijah

• Dimensions: 34.5 x 17.5 x 3.5cm
• Weight: 0.28 kg (9.87 oz)
• Material: 420D regenerated nylon with silver film coating (exterior), 150D RPET recycled ripstop (interior)
• MSRP: $80.00 (plus duty fees)

The limited edition capsule is available now on crumpler.com.

 

 About Crumpler

One fine Saturday afternoon in Melbourne, circa 1995, three bike couriers decided that the simple and tenacious messenger bags they were making for themselves should be available for everyone. That moment birthed Crumpler, rooted in good design, simplicity, sturdy construction, and fun for all.

Crumpler is a privately owned designer, manufacturer and retailer of bags, outerwear and accessories, with a small modern factory and studio based in Melbourne’s CBD, along with a network of five retail stores around Australia. The company makes a best-selling product in Melbourne that is sold all over the world. For more information, check out the brand’s Instagram or visit www.crumpler.com.

Maggie Voisin, Teal Harle and McRae Williams are featured in Teton Gravity Research’s ski film “Pressure Drop”

OSLO (Sept. 16, 2025) — Norrøna, the Norwegian outdoor brand regarded for its sustainably built, premium outerwear, is expanding its talented roster of brand ambassadors with the addition of Maggie Voisin, McRae Williams and Teal Harle. Together, they bring Olympic experience, X Games medals and a deep passion for the mountains, further strengthening  Norrøna’s presence in North America. All three skiers will be featured in Teton Gravity Research’s upcoming film “Pressure Drop”, which will be touring through the U.S. through November 8.

“As we continue to build brand awareness in North America, we’re thrilled to welcome Maggie, McRae, and Teal to the Norrøna family,” says Jørgen Jørgensen, leader and fourth-generation owner of Norrøna. “These athletes embody the same values that define our brand: performance, authenticity and responsibility. With their presence in TGR’s Pressure Drop, audiences across North America will get to experience their talent on the big screen and see the spirit of Norrøna brought to life.”

Hailing from Whitefish, Montana, Maggie Voisin (@maggie_voisin) is one of the most decorated U.S. women in freeskiing. A three-time Olympian and X Games medalist, she claimed silver in slopestyle at X Games Aspen in 2014, becoming the youngest skier to ever medal at the event. Voisin has since built an impressive competitive career across slopestyle and big air, and she continues to be a role model for young skiers pushing into the sport.

Utah native McRae Williams (@mcrae_williams) is an X Games gold medalist and World Champion known for his smooth, powerful style on slopestyle courses around the globe. With podiums spanning the FIS World Cup and international free-ski circuits, Williams has been a fixture of the sport for over a decade. Beyond competition, he is deeply involved in mentoring the next generation of skiers and sharing his passion for skiing and mountain life.

The final addition is two-time Olympic freeskier Teal Harle (@teal_harle). Based in Pemberton, BC, Harle earned bronze in X Games Big Air in 2022 and silver in 2023, showcasing his consistency among the world’s best. Known for his creative style and technical tricks, Harle has become a standout on the international stage.

As part of its ongoing commitment to storytelling and athlete-driven projects, Norrøna is also an official partner of Pressure Drop. The feature film highlights the talent of Voisin, Williams Harle and fellow ambassador Owen Leeper, bringing their skiing forte to audiences nationwide and demonstrating Norrøna’s dedication to supporting athletes who push the boundaries of the sport.

Norrøna will be hosting events at its U.S. stores ahead of select premieres, inviting the local communities to engage with the brand and ambassadors. Registration opens soon for the events in Boulder, Colorado on October 9, New York City on November 3 and Boston, Massachusetts on November 6.

For details on the full Norrøna ambassador team, visit www.norrona.com/en-GB/about-norrona/our-ambassadors/.

For media inquiries, please contact corinne.baud@rygr.us.

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About Norrøna: In 1929, Jørgen Jørgensen, a Norwegian outdoor enthusiast, began his search for durable outdoor equipment to perform in Norway´s harsh and rugged land. Starting with simple innovations such as leather straps, canvas backpacks and cotton clothing, he set Norrøna’s direction: To search for the best in technical advancements and to create the ultimate performance products. Today, four generations later, Norrøna is still a family-owned and run company and a leader in the growing market of sustainable sportswear. www.norrona.com

Designed for the deep, this season’s award-winning apparel and equipment collection is built for demanding mountain conditions

 SALT LAKE CITY – September 16, 2025 – Black Diamond Equipment®, a global leader in climbing, skiing, and mountain sports apparel and equipment, launches its Fall/Winter 2025–26 collection with a focused lineup designed for backcountry performance, variable conditions, and dependable functionality across diverse mountain environments.

“The Fall 2025 collection reflects our commitment to building gear that functions seamlessly in demanding conditions,” says Doug Heinrich, VP of Product at Black Diamond. “Every piece was purpose-built through materials, construction, and fit to handle real-world use across a range of mountain pursuits.”

Performance Apparel Kits: Built for Backcountry Versatility

From resort laps to backcountry terrain, the Recon Stretch Kit is built for dynamic movement and all-conditions durability, while the Dawn Patrol Softshell Kit – a 2025 Backcountry Magazine Editors’ Choice – is designed for year-round touring with an emphasis on breathability, packability, and mobility.

• Recon Stretch Kit: Featuring 3-layer BD.dry™ waterproof fabric with four-way stretch and articulated patterning, this kit delivers storm-ready protection and versatile performance. RECCO® reflectors enhance safety in avalanche terrain. The Shell includes pit zips, ample storage, a helmet-compatible hood, and a removable powder skirt. The Pants and Bibs feature zippered thigh pockets, targeted ventilation, and reinforced insteps.
• Dawn Patrol Kit: This kit pairs breathable four-way stretch fabric with a DWR finish. The Jacket features harness-compatible chest pockets and drop-in stash pockets while the Pants include articulated patterning, zip vents, snow gaiters, and reinforced insteps – making it ideal for versatile, year-round touring.

Insulation Built to Beat the Cold

Black Diamond’s Fall 2025 insulation line delivers warmth and adaptability for unpredictable mountain conditions, ideal as a midlayer or standalone piece.

• Solution Series: Lightweight and weather-resistant synthetic insulation. The Solution 1.0 Hoodyuses PrimaLoft® Gold 40gsm and stretch fleece side panels for mobility, making it perfect for layering. The Solution 2.0 Hoody upgrades to 60gsm insulation and recycled face fabric. Both pack into their chest pockets.
• Deploy Down 0.5 Pullover Hoody: The lightest down hoody on the market, with 1000-fill insulation, a minimalist half-zip, and a 4D ripstop shell with an adjustable hood.
• Mission Down Parka Series: Engineered for the harshest environments. The 4000M and 6000M Parkas use 800-fill goose down and Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) ripstop shell fabrics. The 6000M doubles the LCP layers. Both include helmet-compatible hoods, oversized pockets, and belay-friendly zippers.

Equipment Engineered for the Backcountry

The well-loved and award-winning Helio Carbon ski line returns with all new constructions and two new size offerings, 102 cm and 108 cm. Featuring updated pre-preg carbon layups, responsive wood cores, and full-length ABS sidewalls, the Helio line is engineered to cover the entire spectrum of backcountry touring – from technical designs built for long, variable-condition days to lightweight setups that excel in deep snow whether on the ascent or descent.

• Helio Carbon 88 & 95: Lightweight paulownia core, early-rise tip, and progressive flex for dependable skiing on long tours.
• Helio Carbon 102 & 108: All new poplar wood core construction with early rise tip construction for strong, playful skiing and efficient touring in deep snow.

Black Diamond continues to lead glove innovation with purpose-built designs for ski touring and human-powered movement through the mountains.

• Helio Tour Glove: A modular 3-in-1 system for multi-day missions with an independently usable softshell liner, goat leather palm and innovative, stowable and insulated overmitt.
• Tour Pro Glove: Designed for big vert, fast transitions and all-day comfort, this glove pairs a goat leather shell with a DWR-treated softshell cuff, wool-blend liner, and touchscreen compatibility.

Black Diamond’s new ski pole collection delivers dependable performance across diverse terrain and use cases.

• Traverse & Traverse Pro Ski Poles: Durable aluminum construction with ergonomic grips. The Traverseuses FlickLock adjustability, while the Traverse Pro adds two-piece adjustment, utility hook, snow scraper edge, and a stashed PH3 screwdriver for field repairs.
• Expedition Series: Six models built for varied backcountry needs, all featuring extended EVA foam grips, straight-edge tops for scraping, tactile rubber beak, FlickLock adjustability, and integrated PH3 driver bits.

Built with ultra-lightweight and exceptionally durable Challenge Sailcloth UltraWeave™ fabric, the new Cirque Ultra Pack is designed for ski mountaineering and big mountain missions. Key features include a roll-top closure, dedicated avalanche gear pocket, side access for crampons or skins, radio and hydration compatibility, and multiple carry options.

Challenge Sailcloth UltraWeave™ also makes an appearance in the Speed Ultra 35 Pack, Black Diamond’s most technical alpine pack to date that balances weight with strength for unencumbered reliability on fast and light mountain missions. It takes inspiration from Black Diamond’s hallmark Solution Harness with its innovative low-profile and contoured shoulder strap design. The pack is fully strippable for customization, featuring options for ice tool, crampon, and rope attachments as well as a removable waist belt.

Also updated for Fall 2025, the Dawn Patrol Pack series (15L, 25L, 32L) continues to be one of the best-selling and most trusted backcountry ski packs of all time, renowned for its versatile carry system and all-day comfort.

Climbing Essentials Refined

Black Diamond’s 2025 climbing collection sees meaningful upgrades in precision, protection, and comfort for all-day performance.

• Viper Ice Tool: Now with a hydroformed shaft for strength-to-weight efficiency, refined pick angle, stowable pommel, and I.C.E. System compatibility with interchangeable picks and heads.
• Infinity Cord:Compact, lightweight, and easy to untie, the new Infinity Loop is a breakthrough in the evolution of cordelette engineering. Featuring a seamless, continuous-loop construction that requires no stitching or bar tacking to finish. Finished with a dynex/nylon blend sheath, offering exceptional durability and abrasion resistance.
• Solution Guide Harness: One-quiver harness with adjustable leg loops, oversized gear loops, Contour Edge shaping, ice clipper slots, fifth gear loop, and seamless Dyneema Infinity belay loop. The Women’s version features a tailored fit.
• Technician Pro Shoe: Combines a running-inspired midfoot and heel with a climbing-tuned forefoot and toe box to create a comfortable shoe meant for technical days. The Technician Pro’s Vibram® Mega Grip rubber provides enhanced grip on high-consequential terrain.

This fall’s launch also leads into Black Diamond’s Winter event series, Designed for the Deep x AIARE, a nationwide program celebrating mountain community, avalanche awareness, and partnership with guides, athletes, and avalanche organizations. Hosted at premier retailers and guide services across the West, events will feature fundraising raffles, athlete-led education, gear giveaways, and film presentations, with select locations offering on-snow demos and clinics.

Black Diamond Equipment’s 2025–26 collection will be available online and at select retailers beginning Fall 2025. For more information on the collection and product availability, visit
https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/shop/new-arrivals/

 

About Black Diamond Equipment: Black Diamond Equipment is a global leader in designing innovative outdoor-engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, skiing, and mountain sports. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Black Diamond is known for its commitment to performance, durability, and purposeful design. For more information, visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com.

For Immediate Release

FRISCO, Texas (September 16, 2025) – Wiley X, a leading provider of premium protective eyewear and gear, is proud to announce it has signed a multi-year exclusive global patent and trademark license agreement with Australian-based Buzzworks to bring the revolutionary Wraith® design to market.

Buzzworks, based in Australia, has earned global recognition for its innovation in protective systems. The agreement marks the beginning of a powerful collaboration between two veteran-founded, family-owned companies with shared values, a commitment to innovation, and a mission to protect those who protect us.

The Wraith® is a next-generation facial protection system designed to save lives in the field and on duty, reduce facial injuries, and safeguard the everyday lives of troops and first responders. While currently in the testing phase, the system represents a significant advancement in protective equipment and is poised to set a new standard in facial safety and performance.

“This partnership reflects our dedication to pushing the boundaries of protective technology,” said Dan Freeman, CEO of Wiley X. “Working alongside Buzzworks allows us to combine our decades of expertise in protective eyewear with their groundbreaking design to deliver solutions that help our military and first responders come home safe.”

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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.

CONTACT:
Thomas Stickley, Backbone Media, LLC

Thomas.stickley@backbone.media

970.847.5463

 

Guided by the theme “Better Together: Uniting the Running Industry,” the lineup will deliver action-driven sessions to strengthen business operations, consumer loyalty, and community engagement

PORTLAND, Maine (September 16, 2025) – The Running Event (TRE), North America’s premier run specialty retail conference and trade show, today announced its 2025 education program, designed to equip specialty retailers with the knowledge and tools to navigate the evolving retail landscape. The program will center around the theme “Better Together: Uniting the Running Industry,” and will be brought to life through action-driven content and dynamic learning experiences.

The Running Event will take place December 2-4 at the Henry B. Gonzàlez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Education sessions will be held during the event’s conference portion on Tuesday, December 2, as well as at the Training Camp Theater in the exhibit hall throughout Wednesday, December 3, and Thursday, December 4. This year’s program will explore critical topics, including consumer behavior, leadership, digital transformation, retail efficiencies, and community-building. TRE is also moving away from a traditional keynote session and instead offering multiple “featured sessions” throughout the event, creating space for more voices and perspectives to deliver fresh, transformational ideas that reflect the running community’s depth and diversity.

“Each year, our education program is built around the real opportunities and challenges specialty retailers face,” said Caitlin Ewing, TRE conference manager. “For 2025, we’re excited to showcase sessions that are not only timely and actionable but also grounded in collaboration and innovation. Guided by our theme ‘Better Together,’ this year’s speakers will offer insights that retailers can immediately apply to strengthen their businesses, their careers, and their communities.”

TRE education sessions are designed for all corners of the run and outdoor specialty community, from store owners and buyers to marketers, HR teams, and event directors. Content proposals were sourced from a wide range of voices across the industry to ensure meaningful, relevant, and diverse programming.

Additionally, the Training Camp Theater will feature accessible, high-impact education in an engaging, casual format within the exhibit hall. Open to all TRE badge holders, the theater will showcase a lineup of dynamic presenters ranging from athletes, journalists, brand leaders, retailers, and non-profit organizations.

2025 Education Highlights:

• Unlocking Consumer Insights for Run Specialty Retail: How to Remain Authentic and Competitive in Today’s Market: Presented by David Durkin, Karnan Associates; Beth Goldstein, Circana
• Built to Perform, Styled to Inspire: How Design and Storytelling Shape the Culture of Running: Presented by Victor Diaz, Renegade Running; Carson Caprara, Brooks; Angela Medlin, HOKA; Jason Faustino, Saucony; Kylee Barton, Altra
• Why Run Clubs Are the New Growth Channel for Retailers: A Boulderthon Case Study: Presented by Michael Clemons, Running USA; Phil Dumontet, Boulderthon, Brooksee; Bailey Ness, Cooldown; Ross Rutherford, Cheribundi; Emilio Anaya, Fleet Feet Boulder
• How Run Specialty Retailers are Integrating Hybrid and Remote Employees: Presented by Jeff Anderson & Mary Sutton, Kelley’s Pace; Harry Chandler, Charlotte Running Company; Danny Smith, Running Insight
• Let Them Race: Making Space for All: Presented by Nick Kovaleski, A Runner’s Mind; Cal Calamia, non-binary club; Sofia Camacho
• A Deep Dive Into the History of Running Shoe Technology: Presented by George Lane, Superior Foot Supports, LLC & Synergy Health Foot and Ankle, LLC

“We look forward to joining everyone in the running community at TRE this year,” said David Durkin of Karnan Associates. “From new store nuts and bolts to established store growth and best practice strategies, there’s something for everyone at TRE. The diversity of thought and programming provides a place for everyone to leave more knowledgeable and empowered than when they arrived.”

Attendees can access the full education program and more than 350 exhibitors by registering for TRE 2025, taking place December 2-4 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Click here to register while early bird rates are still in effect.

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About The Running Event

Launched in 2006, The Running Event (TRE) is North America’s premier specialty retail conference and trade show, attracting thousands of industry professionals each year who are seeking the latest in footwear, apparel, gear, and services. With numerous opportunities for peer learning, interactive conference programming, and dynamic product demonstrations and discovery, TRE has become the must-attend event for the run and outdoor specialty markets. In 2022, TRE expanded with the launch of Switchback, a dedicated space showcasing outdoor brands. Upcoming dates include Switchback at TRE

(Dec. 2-4, 2025, San Antonio, TX) and Switchback Spring (June 16-18, 2026, New Orleans, LA). For more information, visit www.therunningevent.com and www.switchbackevent.com.

Media Contact: tre@obviouslee.com

Ultralight, durable and packable to safely navigate snowy, mountainous terrain with efficiency

For Immediate Release

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (September 16, 2025) – Kahtoola, the market leader in flexible footwear traction designed to make people more capable outdoors, is excited to announce the launch of its newest innovation, the lightweight MICROspikes® Ghost. Now available on Kahtoola.com and at outdoor retailers, MICROspikes Ghost are designed to safely navigate slick, snow-covered trails quietly and efficiently for an improved outdoor experience.

Chain-free, lighter, and more packable than Kahtoola’s legendary MICROspikes® footwear traction, MICROspikes Ghost features new materials and construction designed over a multi-year testing period to create a smaller, ultralight (43% lighter) version of its predecessor.

“For years, we’ve dreamed of creating a lighter, more packable version of the original MICROspikes traction – one that provides the same reliable grip, but with significantly reduced weight and bulk,” notes Chris Bunch, Head of Research and Development for Kahtoola. “This vision set us on a multi-year journey that involved rethinking everything, from materials and construction to rigorous testing. For the past nine years, every Kahtoola team member has been instrumental in making this dream a reality.”

Built for fast packers, trail runners and thru-hikers, the high performance, durable MICROspikes Ghost offers chainless performance with minimal bulk and weight (pair size M: 6.8 oz/ 192g) to maximize valuable pack space. MICROspikes Ghost features a hard-wearing, low-profile thermoplastic polyurethane matrix with 12 aggressive spikes per foot for optimal stability, and articulating rivets that move independently to efficiently shed snow. A hybrid elastomer harness features stiffer thermoplastic rubber at the toe for secure footing and stretchy thermoplastic elastomer at the heel for a snug fit, with patented reinforced eyelets and a raised heel tab that easily slides over running and hiking shoes

“Since Kahtoola was founded nearly 26 years ago, we’ve always focused on creating lightweight, efficient solutions that enhance adventure and human potential without compromising safety or the overall experience,” said Danny Giovale, founder and owner of Kahtoola. “Every product we make is driven by our own passion for the outdoors and the desire to redefine what’s possible in backcountry travel.”

MICROspikes Ghost is available in unisex sizing XS-XL (US women’s size 5.5-11+, US men’s size 6-14) and includes a packable tote sack. MSRP $103.95.

Starting in August 2025, every pair of Kahtoola’s stretch-on traction, including MICROspikes Ghost, will be backed by a new extended 4-year warranty program as part of the brand’s commitment to build long-lasting outdoor gear for increased sustainability. Join Kahtoola’s newsletter community for the latest product news and brand stories.

 

About Kahtoola:

Established in 1999, Kahtoola crafts exceptional outdoor gear with a commitment to philanthropy, conservation, and sustainability. Kahtoola’s gaiters, hiking crampons and traction systems, including MICROspikes® footwear traction, are built to elevate human potential in the outdoors. 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 communities, outdoor recreation communities and environmental advocacy. For more information, please visit Kahtoola.com.

 

Media Contact:

Catherine Donovan

Terra PR

323-708-6953

CatherineD@terrapublicrelations.com

 

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