Archives: Press Releases

(December 10, 2024) — The Outdoor Diversity Alliance is happy to announce our first Catalyst Member, KEEN – a 21-year-old family-owned and values-led shoemaker with purpose. As a Catalyst member, KEEN is committing $25,000 to ODA in 2025. With their support along with our other members, we will be able to move forward in our efforts to further engage the outdoor industry and underrepresented communities in collaborative diversity, equity, and inclusion work.

The Outdoor Diversity Alliance (ODA), which launched late last year, sits in a unique position to carry on the work of diversity within outdoor brands, organizations, and foundations. ODA is a group of outdoor industry businesses and organizations working together to build the outdoor industry of the future. We hope to catalyze the outdoor industry by addressing systemic issues related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through collective action and centering historically underrepresented communities across gender, race & ethnicity, physical ability, and sexual orientation.

This work can only be done with financial backing, and with the recent political pushback on diversity, equity, and inclusion, we’re afraid that funding will be increasingly difficult to come by. We welcome other industry companies to join ODA as a Catalyst member. As a Catalyst member, your $25,000 tax deductible yearly membership dues will help continue funding for community advisors, co-directors and a part-time program manager.

We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines and expect the work of diversity to remain relevant on its own. We must work diligently to ensure that it does.

 

DENVER, Colo. – December 10, 2024 – Following the overwhelming success of last year’s event, the Outside Festival with presenting sponsors Capital One and REI Co-op will return to downtown Denver’s Civic Center Park, May 31-June 1, 2025. Bigger and better, this year’s event will feature a top shelf music lineup, films, speakers, outdoor sports, and much more. Tickets officially go on sale starting this Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. Mountain Standard Time.

Khruangbin, Lord Huron, Sylvan Esso, Trampled by Turtles, Neal Francis, Waxahatchee, Husbands, Hazlett, and other artists to be announced will perform on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1. In addition to live music, the Outside Festival has two full days of events with adventure film screenings, athlete panels and signings, climbing experiences, yoga classes, workshops, gear demos, a kids’ zone, exciting food options, and a variety of immersive brand engagements. The Outside Summit, a precursor to the Festival and the outdoor industry’s premier networking event attended by over 500 influential leaders, will return on Thursday, May 29, with a full day of programming on Friday, May 30, plus exclusive gatherings and Festival access over the weekend.

“We’re beyond excited to bring the Outside Festival and Summit back to Denver in 2025,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. “Last year’s festival was a resounding success and we’re thrilled to once again spotlight Denver’s vibrant community and culture as one of the nation’s best cities to work, play, live, and visit.”

Last year’s inaugural Outside Festival attracted over 18,000 people and generated an estimated $16 million for Denver’s local economy. With a larger footprint in 2025, organizers this year are expecting more than 25,000 attendees. In addition to Civic Center Park, the event will expand to include Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park, as well as spaces inside the Denver Art Museum and the newly renovated Denver Public Library.

“Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy accounts for $66 billion annually, and is a core part of what makes our city and state so successful and vibrant,” said Conor Hall, Director of the Outdoor Industry for the State of Colorado. “Bringing this event back to Colorado cements our place as a leader in this industry, and we’re thrilled to see everyone this spring.”

The event is managed by Boulder-based Outside Interactive Inc. with support from The State of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and Visit Denver, and executive production by Groundswell Experiential, an industry-leading event and festival agency, and Superfly.

“Outside’s mission has always been to encourage more people to get outdoors, discover, learn, and engage fully with all that nature provides,” said Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside Interactive Inc. “The Outside Festival and Summit will continue to embody that same ethos, offering a space where people can engage and deepen their appreciation for the outdoors alongside others who share the same passion. We hope you’ll join us in 2025 for a weekend of adventure, growth, and community.”

Outside Festival presenting sponsor Capital One is running an exclusive Capital One cardholder presale, giving eligible cardholders –including REI Co-op^® MasterCard^® customers– 48-hour early access to tickets beginning Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. MST, and ending at 10 a.m. MST on Friday, Dec. 13.

Capital One and REI Co-op MasterCard^® cardholders will enjoy benefits leading up to and during the festival, such as early-bird pricing throughout the entire Outside Festival ticket sales window, 15% merchandise and concessions discounts, express entry lines, and exclusive access to the Capital One cardholder lounge on-site during the festival for a premium experience. Festival attendees will also have access to the REI Village, featuring emerging brands, product demos, and more!

Immediately following the Capital One cardholder presale, all tickets will be released to the general public at 10 a.m. MST on Friday, Dec. 13, starting at $99 for the full weekend. VIP packages will start at $150 for a single day and $275 for the full weekend, with access to a premium VIP viewing area, exclusive food vendors, private bar access, expedited entry, and more. Outside+ members have access to early-bird pricing throughout the entire sales window on single-day general admission tickets and all VIP ticket types, plus members have the opportunity to purchase GA+ tier tickets at general admission pricing. Two-day GA+ tickets start at $175 and include perks like express entry, private bathrooms, additional food and beverage options, and access to the Outside+ Lounge. Children ages 12 and under enter free. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit theoutsidefestival.com.

Sponsors for the Outside Festival include Capital One, REI Co-op, the State of Colorado, Visit Denver, UCHealth, and the Denver Art Museum.

For more information, please visit theoutsidefestival.com

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Media Contact:

Rachel Weiss rachel.weiss@backbone.media

2024 Festival: ICYMI

Photo and Video Assets (Credit Outside)

About the Outside Festival and Summit

The second annual Outside Festival and Summit will take place in downtown Denver from May 29-June 1, 2025. The Outside Festival presented by Capital One and REI, May 31-June 1, is a celebration of everything outdoors, featuring music, films, speakers, gear, and more. The event is driven by a partnership between Outside Interactive Inc., The State of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Office, and Visit Denver—all with a shared vision to make the outdoors more accessible and more inclusive. The Outside Summit, May 29-30, is the outdoor industry’s premier networking conference. For more information, including tickets, please visit theoutsidefestival.com.

About Outside Interactive Inc.

Outside Interactive, Inc. is the premier destination for outdoor inspiration, activation, and celebration. Each year, Outside reaches over 300 million unique users and has over 100 million registered users across its network of 25 media, service, and utility brands, including Outside Magazine, Velo, Yoga Journal, Pinkbike, GaiaGPS, Trailforks, MapMyFitness, athleteReg, and more. Outside’s mission is to get everyone outdoors, experiencing healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives by creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside’s membership offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, videos, gear reviews, mapping apps, online courses, discounted event access, magazines, and more. Learn more at www.OutsideOnline.com.

About Capital One

At Capital One we’re on a mission for our customers – bringing them best-in-class products, rewards, service, and experiences. Capital One is a diversified bank that offers products and services to individuals, small businesses and commercial clients. We use technology, innovation, and interaction to provide consumers with products and services to meet their needs. Through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment, we provide our rewards cardholders with access to unforgettable experiences in the areas they’re passionate about, including dining, music, and sports and the arts. Learn more at capitalone.com/dining and capitalone.com/entertainment.

About REI

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 24 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. In addition to the co-op’s many stores across the country, outdoor enthusiasts 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.

 

Boston, MA – December 10, 2024 – Jura Alpine Gear LLC, a Boston-based outdoor gear brand, proudly announces the launch of its first two products: the Over The Calf Grip Ski Sock and the Jura Logo Merino Wool Touring Beanie. Crafted with premium materials and designed for performance, these debut offerings mark a significant milestone in Jura’s mission to connect outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality, sustainable gear.

The Over The Calf Grip Ski Socks, made in New Zealand from Merino wool, are engineered for comfort and durability, with innovative anti-slip grip technology that provides stability and support on the slopes. Perfect for skiers and snowboarders, these socks offer natural warmth, moisture-wicking properties, and targeted cushioning to enhance every adventure.

The Jura Logo Merino Wool Touring Beanie, made from 100% mulesing-free Extrafine Merino Wool with fleece lining and wind protection, combines style, warmth, and functionality for ski touring and outdoor exploration. Featuring a sleek green and black design and the iconic Jura logo, this beanie is built to perform in harsh winter conditions.

“At Jura, we’re inspired by the resilient New England spirit and a commitment to crafting gear that stands up to every adventure,” said Founder Luke Beaulieu. “Our socks and beanie represent our dedication to creating gear that meets the demands of all backcountry adventurers while supporting a sustainable future.”

In alignment with its values, Jura Alpine Gear donates $1 from every product sold to Inclusive Ski Touring, a New England-based initiative dedicated to making ski touring and split-boarding accessible to everyone.

The launch of these products reflects Jura’s vision to foster a stronger connection between outdoor enthusiasts and the mountains they explore. As the company grows, it plans to expand its product line while remaining rooted in its mission of quality and sustainability.

For more information, visit www.juragear.com or follow us on Instagram at @juraalpinegear.

About Jura Alpine Gear

Jura Alpine Gear is a Boston-based brand dedicated to creating high-performance, sustainable gear for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. Inspired by the resilient spirit of New England’s backcountry skiing culture, Jura’s products are designed with durability, comfort, and adventure in mind.

Contact Information:

Jura Alpine Gear LLC
110 Beverly St, Apt 730
Boston, MA 02114
Email: lukebeaulieu@juragear.com
Website: www.juragear.com

 

[Seattle, WA, Dec. 10, 2024] — At the ISPO Munich tradeshow Dec 3-5, Nikwax’s PFAS-free industrial solutions were highlighted with Outdoor Research, Mammut, and BLACKYAK all winning the prestigious ISPO Design Award for products incorporating Nikwax’s high-performing technologies.

Outdoor Research’s Foray and Aspire 3L jackets, the industry’s first technical outdoor apparel to be certified carbon-neutral, prioritize recycled materials and PFAS-free, high-performing waterproofing with Nikwax’s Direct.Dry factory-applied DWR.

“Nikwax Direct.Dry enabled us to offer our customers a genuine alternative to conventional DWR treatments, providing them with a high-performing solution that aligns with the growing demand for environmentally responsible products,” said Alex Lauver, Senior Director of Materials Innovations and Sustainability.

Nikwax’s Direct.Dry achieves 95-100, the highest rating possible on the AATCC22 Spray Rating Test. Direct.Dry provides a factory applied industrial DWR solution that withstands the demands of outdoor consumers while eliminating persistent PFAS. And with a high wash durability, Direct.Dry’s rating stays at 100 after five washes, 80 after 20 washes, and will return to 100 after being treated with Nikwax technical washes and waterproofers.

Mammut’s Eiger Nordwand Pro Down IN Hooded Parka, and BLACKYAK’s Watusi Hooded Expedition Down Jacket and Watusi G2 Expedition Suit also won ISPO awards. The items feature Nikwax Hydrophobic Down (NHD), the high-performing, industry-leading PFAS-free waterproof down fill.

“We have been perfecting PFAS-free waterproofing solutions for over four decades,” said Brian Davidson, CEO of Nikwax. “We are very pleased to be able to apply that expertise to industrial solutions to help our partners make the transition away from PFAS in their manufacturing process.”

For 47 years, Nikwax has offered both brands and consumers a full range of aftercare solutions that are easy to use, PFAS-free, and durable. Now, Nikwax is offering factory applied solutions that are complimented by well-known consumer cleaning and waterproofing products that help extend the life and performance of outdoor gear. Brands interested in exploring how they too can utilize Nikwax industrial solutions to comply with regulations can contact Brian Davidson at Brian.Davidson@nikwax.com.

About Nikwax

Founded in 1977, Nikwax is the trusted global leader in environmentally safe cleaning and waterproofing solutions that extend the performance life of outdoor clothing, footwear, and equipment. The brand also supplies top-performing PFAS-free DWR and hydrophobic down applications for outdoor brands. Nikwax’s 47-year commitment to clean chemistry means never using PFAS or aerosols, and not testing on animals. Its product line is water-based and non-persistent, and all product bottles and lids are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic that can also be recycled. Nikwax has carbon balanced all 47 years of its operations and became an employee-owned trust in 2022. For media inquiries and more information, please contact Kate Ketschek at Revolution House Media, kate@revolutionhousemedia.com.

 

 

Award-winning American Outdoor Equipment Brand Big Agnes has teamed up with UK creative outdoor marketing specialists All Conditions Media to help with its expansion into Europe.

Born, raised, and repeatedly tested in Colorado, Big Agnes has maintained its rich outdoor heritage while gaining a strong cult following on the other side of the Atlantic, with technical brand icons like its Copper Spur HV UL tent range helping it live up to its “Mother of Comfort” tagline.

The partnership adds yet another global outdoor brand to All Conditions Media’s growing client list, which currently includes Arc’teryx, YETI, Peak Performance, Danner, Finisterre, GORE-TEX Brand, Fjällräven, H&M Move, and Vibram.

The agency will be responsible for media communications, authentic growth within the social and outdoor communities, and advising Big Agnes as it navigates its new territory with best-selling products and new innovations.

“ACM brings huge experience and insights within the UK and EU outdoor industry,” says Mark Flanagan, International Director at Big Agnes. “Our 2025 range will be hitting stores very soon, and features HYPERBEAD™, our new waterproof technology created after years of development with our exclusive fabric manufacturer. Partnering with the ACM team will help us better inform our retailers and consumers on our innovative products.”

The news comes alongside the announcement of Big Agnes’s hiring of Matt Jordan – the brand’s new UK and Ireland sales agent.

“As a long-time fan, I’m excited to help build and grow awareness for Big Agnes in the UK,” he says. “It has a unique and inimitable mix of authentic outdoor credentials and modern innovation in its DNA. With ACM on board, I know we’ll be bringing the brand into this new territory without leaving behind any of its deep-rooted Colorado heritage.”

About Big Agnes: Named for a peak in the nearby Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, Big Agnes®, Inc. is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and was founded there in 2001. The company produces award-winning sleeping bags, pads, tents, packs, insulated apparel, camp furniture and backpacks. For more information, visit www.bigagnes.com or call 1-877-554-8975.

For more information, contact:

Brandon Martinez

brandon.martinez@backbone.media