Archives: Press Releases

(October 24, 2024) – Twelve leading outdoor brands, spanning categories such as backpacks, apparel, and footwear, have united to support The Conservation Alliance (TCA) through the #WeKeepItWild campaign. From October 24-30, 5% of all online sales from participating brands will be donated to TCA to help protect North America’s wild places. The participating brands include Backpacker’s Pantry, La Sportiva, Oboz Footwear, Gregory Packs, Nomadix, Shar Snacks, Gu Energy Labs, Adventure KEEN, BOCO Gear, Royal Robbins, Superfeet and Astronaut Foods.

During the campaign, consumers can purchase from their favorite outdoor brands while contributing to TCA’s mission of funding and advocating for the protection of wild spaces across the continent. Since 1989, TCA has helped protect 124 million acres of land. Just in the last four years, they’ve played a key role in protecting key landscapes like Alaska’s Tongass Forest, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota, and National Monuments across the U.S.

“The #WeKeepItWild campaign unites brands with a shared passion for preserving the outdoors,” said Paul Hendricks, Executive Director of TCA. “Thanks to the support of our members, we can fund grassroots organizations that are actively protecting public lands and waters. We’re deeply thankful to the brands participating in this year’s campaign and encourage shoppers to support them, knowing their purchases will help protect the wild places we all cherish.”

Participating brands are committed to giving back to the outdoor community and supporting the preservation of the wild places we enjoy. The funds raised through this campaign will directly support efforts to protect public lands and waters across North America.

Join the #WeKeepItWild campaign by shopping with these brands from October 24-30, 2024. For more information about The Conservation Alliance, visit conservationalliance.com.

About The Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership – companies from a range of industries – from the outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – take bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $33.1 million in grants and helped protect over 124 million acres and 4,964 river miles, remove or halt 41 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas & designate five marine reserves. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit conservationalliance.com.

Media Contact:
Becca Katz

360-441-5620

becca@verdepr.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PARK CITY, Utah (Oct. 24, 2024) – Rossignol, an industry leader in winter sports equipment for 117 years, has solved one of the most common barriers to the sport of skiing with the introduction of its all-new Vizion ski boot family. Boasting three unique patent-pending innovations, Vizion is the world’s first high-performance, four-buckle ski boot to offer truly hands-free, slipper-like entry and exit.

Since the inception of the plastic ski boot, ease of entry and exit and legitimate alpine performance have never coexisted. Rear-entry boots lack performance and precision, while traditional overlap boots are often challenging to slide into when sized correctly.

The introduction of Vizion has officially eliminated the need to compromise with unanimous positive feedback and “Best in Test” accolades coming from the team at America’s Best Bootfitters. Noteworthy tester comments included, “…the best I have seen for matching ease of entry with legitimate performance,” “something that the market truly needs,” and “Boot of the Year,” highlighting that an all-too-common problem for skiers has finally been solved.

The Vizion boots also secured the top accolades in both SKI Magazine and Outside Magazine.

Offered in multiple flexes and lasts for both men and women, Vizion offers broad market appeal no matter skill level or foot shape. Its ultra-intuitive design is brought to life through Rossignol’s revolutionary Step In Technology.

Composed of three patent-pending innovations, Rossignol’s Step In Technology addresses the problem of pairing ease of use and performance with an innovative design that allows the upper cuff to retract backward on the lower shell, making it extremely easy to get a foot into or out of the boot. Once the foot is in the boot, an integrated mechanism ensures the cuff locks into ski mode at the same time the buckles are closed, ensuring error-free use paired with real alpine power and precision.

Mark Elling, Test Director for America’s Best Bootfitters added, “As far as I can tell, this is a home run. I’m ready to start selling them ASAP. I’ve already got a waiting list.” 

Rossignol’s Step In Technology will feature prominently in its ski boot line looking to future seasons.

Learn more about Vizion here and check out the entire winter collection at Rossignol.com

About Group Rossignol

Headed by CEO Vincent Wauters, Group Rossignol designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of winter sports and outdoor equipment. The Group’s brands provide a continuous, year-round experience accompanying consumers in every moment of sporting effort and leisure, from elite-level athletes to amateurs, from the mountains to the city. The Group’s global headquarters is located in the French Alps near Grenoble with five different industrial sites (Sallanches, Nevers, Saint Etienne de Saint Geoirs, Artès, Montebelluna) across western Europe and a U.S. headquarters in Park City, Utah. The Group houses a strong portfolio of complementary brands: Rossignol – the iconic brand for winter sports, and ready-to-wear fashion and apparel; Dynastar – the specialist ski brand; Lange – the iconic ski boot brand; Look – the long-standing premium manufacturer of ski bindings; Risport – the reference for ice-skating; Kerma – specialized in ski poles and technical equipment; and Dale of Norway – an iconic Norwegian brand known for its high-quality wool-based knitwear. Each has built their own unique identity and draws their inspiration from the mountains. Rossignol is majority owned by Nordic Private Equity fund Altor since 2013.

GROUP ROSSIGNOL: 1413 Center Drive – PO Box 981060 – Park City, UT 84098 – T. 435-252-3300 – F. 435-252-3301

 

STAMFORD, Conn. –  (October 24, 2024) – LOWA Boots, the global footwear brand known for over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, will debut an expanded trail running line at The Running Event in Austin, November 19-21, 2025. Focusing on two new key styles, the MADRIX is a trail runner engineered for race day performance over medium to long distances, while the AMPLUX 2 is an all-around runner for varying distances and everyday use. On display at booth 1817, both will be available at lowaboots.com and at select retailers beginning March 2025.

“We expanded our Trail Running line because we are seeing a growing demand for footwear in this category that specifically delivers both performance and versatility,” said Peter Sachs, general manager of LOWA. “With trail running becoming more popular among a more diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts, from weekend adventurers to serious athletes, our shoes address varying needs and running styles. The MADRIX and AMPLUX 2 provide unmatched comfort, traction, durability and all-around performance, ensuring runners of all levels can tackle any terrain with confidence.”

The MADRIX is designed to give elite mountain runners that extra edge on technical trails. Standout technology includes the ultralightweight LOWA® DYNATPE midsole for the ideal balance of cushioning and rebound, a carbon-reinforced split shank to return energy with every step, and a full-length VIBRAM^® PULSE Megagrip outsole with 4mm deep lugs for superior traction on varying terrain.

The AMPLUX all-rounder concept returns as the new AMPLUX 2 model that balances comfort and trail feel for mid-distance and daily training runs. It features highly durable yet breathable 5-D printed REPTEX® Sport uppers, a new DYNEVA® midsole designed for cushioning and rebound at speed and a full-length LOWA® TRAC® AGILITY outsole with 4.5 mm deep lugs.

LOWA continues to demonstrate its commitment to the trail running community through active sponsorships and support of key events across the country. This month, LOWA is a key sponsor at the upcoming Uwharrie 100 Ultra, in North Carolina, and will give winners of these races their choice of the brand’s trail running shoes. Earlier this year, the brand sponsored the Pilot Mountain to Hanging Run Ultra and the Hellbender 100 in North Carolina, where the brand’s trail running ambassador, Cyndi Wyatt, led product demos. Additionally, LOWA extended its sponsorship to two popular summer races in Utah, the Wasatch Trail Running Series at Snowbird and Brighton, furthering its presence in the trail running scene.

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About LOWA Boots
With over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, LOWA Boots is a globally respected footwear brand located in Jetzendorf, in Upper Bavaria. Since 1923, LOWA has created premium outdoor boots and shoes featuring beautiful silhouettes, best-in-class quality, and proprietary technology. Its designers adeptly navigate the outdoor performance, lifestyle, and tactical categories, always nurturing brand integrity. LOWA is one of the only footwear brands to receive ISO 9001 status for the highest quality construction and process standards. LOWA certified tactical boots are also made to comply with the European Union’s PPE standards. For more information, visit www.lowaboots.com.

Media Contact:

Charlotte Daher de Garcia, CGPR

charlotte@cgprpublicrelations.com  

781-710-7284

AMHERST, Mass. (October 23, 2024) – OrthoLite®, the global leader of branded, high-performance, comfort footwear solutions, announces the hire of Raj Santhana as the new Vice President of Operational Excellence. As part of OrthoLite’s global operations management team, Santhana will be responsible for OrthoLite manufacturing excellence and innovation as well as automation and digital transformation. He will work closely with the company’s industry-leading Global Foam Innovation Team in a new satellite office located in Singapore to further OrthoLite’s global commitment to innovate and manufacture the world’s best and most proven footwear foams.

With more than two decades of experience in footwear and manufacturing, Santhana most recently worked at Bata as the Global Head of Quality in Singapore. Prior to that, Santhana spent seven years at Adidas where he served in director roles overseeing quality footwear and manufacturing excellence in footwear.

“In addition to his vast expertise in the footwear industry, Raj holds two engineering degrees and he will be critical to driving operational excellence programs for our global team of 3,200 people at OrthoLite’s owned manufacturing facilities around the world,” said Richard Bevan, COO of OrthoLite.

Additional personnel moves include the promotion of Shaw Kiat Phua to Vice President of Global Foaming, leading OrthoLite’s Global Foam Innovation Team. SK’s team is committed to advancing OrthoLite’s market leadership as the first and most trusted name in comfort, performance and less impactful footwear foams. In his new role, SK leads the strategic direction for OrthoLite PU material development with a focus on sustainable innovations in footwear and will continue to report to Bevan, COO at OrthoLite. SK is also based in Singapore and regularly travels to OrthoLite’s manufacturing facilities in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Europe, India, and Brazil.

Since 1997, OrthoLite continues to drive innovation and continual improvement to build excellence in foam footwear products and materials consistently, at scale and with on-time delivery to more than 550 footwear brand partners.

OrthoLite has built a rock-solid reputation for innovation, reliability, capacity and is known for its collaborative approach in development with the world’s best footwear brands to create custom insole formulations that deliver unrivaled comfort and performance. OrthoLite insoles are the key interface between how a shoe is designed to perform and the discerning consumer, and its products can be found in more than 600 million pairs of footwear a year.

About OrthoLite®
OrthoLite is the world’s leading supplier of open-cell foam technology, and the innovator and creator of Cirql™, the sustainable materials solutions provider that provides footwear brands and their factory partners with the most sustainable, circular choice in materials. OrthoLite is found in more than 550 footwear brands across all categories of footwear and is the first name in comfort and performance foams with 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 The Conservation Alliance, The European Outdoor Conservation Association, 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, Twitter and LinkedIn. To learn more about the benefits of OrthoLite, visit www.ortholite.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Verde Brand Communications
Julie Evans
julie@verdepr.com

 

Greenville, S.C., (October 23, 2024) – Gran Fondo Hincapie’s 13th annual Greenville cycling event took place this past Saturday, welcoming over 2,000 riders for a weekend of riding and fundraising.  The event raised close to $700,000 and continued efforts to raise one million dollars for the Polk County Community Foundation.

Participants were aged six to 85, residing from 42 states and 13 countries, including Denmark, Switzerland, Brazil, Colombia, Czech Republic, England, Canada, Mexico, and Spain, to name a few. Leading into and during the event weekend, the Hincapie team rallied the global community with the ultimate goal of raising over one million dollars for a local community heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. Their efforts aren’t done yet.

“This year’s Gran Fondo Hincapie was a last-minute shift in focus, but it quickly became a full-scale fundraising effort,” said Rich Hincapie, President of Hincapie Events. “Once we decided to pivot, George, myself, and the whole family started reaching out to our networks. We worked tirelessly in the lead-up to the event weekend—calling, texting, emailing individuals and groups, calling in favors, and rallying support from the global community—not just cyclists, but anyone who believed in the cause. It was incredible to see so many people come together for the fundraising events, which spanned four days. Raising the amount we have so far is my proudest accomplishment in cycling.”

As with all of Hincapie’s Gran Fondos, and more than ever with this Greenville event, the weekend was much more than just a big ride. Leading into the event weekend, a global press release was distributed and picked up by all major bike media, which helped rally the cycling community. Over the four-day event weekend, all programming aspects of the weekend were tailored to maximize fundraising, including special dinners, live auctions, and targeted events. Celebrity riders showed up in full force in support including Sir Mark Cavendish, Sir Bradley Wiggins, Jan Ullrich, Jolanda Neff, Bobby Julich, Christian Vande Velde, and Victor Hugo Pena as well as celebrities from the NFL and motocross racing world.

A Thursday night fundraiser with Michelin star chef Matt Accarrino had over 100 people in attendance and a Celebrity Chef Dinner on Friday night, featuring five chefs, was sponsored by 21 beverage companies and welcomed over 400 people. On race day, a big effort was placed on the signage around the expo, which had a QR code for people to make donations. A fundraiser clicker was broadcast during the Festival and Expo all day, and the rest stop on course was accepting cash donations.

On Saturday night, during the After Party, a live speed painting was done of Mark Cavendish, the Tour de France stage win record-holder, by artist Jared Emerson, which was signed by Cavendish, and raised $92,500. During the event, an auction was facilitated by a close friend of the Hincapie brothers, Anthony Sullivan, founder and CEO of Sullivan Productions, Inc., the face of OxiClean. Many prized possessions and generous donations were auctioned off, with all proceeds going to the fundraiser.

The weekend culminated with a high-end fundraising gala in downtown Greenville, hosted by the Les Domestiques, a Canadian philanthropic club whose motto is “cyclists that serve.” This event alone raised over $240,000 and George Hincapie’s most prized possession was auctioned off as a finale to the incredible weekend of giving.

“The bike I rode to second place in the 2006 Tour de France Prologue in Strasbourg—missing the win by just one-one hundredth of a second—will always be one of my most prized possessions,” said Hincapie. “Auctioning it off for $45,000 was a reminder of how hard work and pushing just a little harder has always been key to reaching my goals. It’s an important reminder for many aspects of life: if we can push harder, we can achieve anything—even to reach our goal of raising a million dollars. Throughout my entire cycling career, helping raise this much money for our local community has become my greatest achievement.”

The Hincapie team still has their eye on their ultimate goal of raising one million dollars to help residents of Polk County. Donations may be made through this link. 

To learn more about Gran Fondo Hincapie please visit https://hincapie.com/ or follow along on social media on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

 

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October 22, 2024 – Today, 53 outdoor recreation businesses call on the Biden Administration to designate Sáttítla in Northern California as a national monument. From the outdoor industry to brewers, banks, and sportsmen, these businesses represent industries that rely heavily on the protection of the outdoors for their bottom line.

Safeguarding Sáttítla National Monument in the Medicine Lake Highlands region would preserve high value public lands, critical fresh water resources, and will further bolster California’s vibrant outdoor recreation economy. The well-being of the Highlands ecosystem and aquifers is essential to California’s climate stability, water supply, and its tourist economy.

“Outdoor businesses are taking a stand to protect this critical landscape. Designating Sáttítla as a national monument would not only honor the Pit River Tribe, but it would show the Biden Administration’s commitment to California’s growing outdoor recreation economy. The Conservation Alliance and its member companies are in full support of Sáttítla National Monument.” Bridgette Windell, Public Lands Advocacy, The Conservation Alliance

Outdoor recreation is a significant contributor to California’s economy, adding nearly $74 billion to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and supporting over 567,000 jobs state-wide. The Medicine Lake Recreation Area currently receives over 40,000 visitors per year who come from urban centers and all over the world to enjoy more than 100 miles of trails, fishing, swimming, camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and the outstanding vistas of this mysterious landscape.

The Medicine Lake Highlands have long been a target for energy development. These areas are too sacred and precious to the Pit River Tribe and surrounding communities to risk degradation from commercial-scale development. The Conservation Alliance and its business members are proud to join a growing chorus of hundreds of local businesses, congressional champions, and community leaders in calling for the designation of Sáttítla National Monument.

“As a resident and local business owner who has enjoyed this area with friends and family, I encourage President Biden to declare Sáttítla as a National Monument. This area needs permanent protection for its rich natural and cultural history, fresh water aquifer that fuels Californian’s water supply, and its exceptional recreational activities.” Belinda Sanda, Owner, Belinda Sanda Sales

“We at Peak Design are proud to use our voice in support of designating Sattila as a national monument. We believe that adventurers can only find their true peak when natural spaces, like Sáttítla, are preserved for future generations. That’s why our company is calling on the Biden Administration to take immediate action to safeguard these lands and waters. By protecting Sattila, we can ensure that the wild, beautiful landscapes that inspire adventure will remain intact for all to enjoy.” Annie Nyborg, Head of Environmental and Social Impact, Peak Design

“GU believes that everyone should have access to natural places. As fellow Californians, we are proud to join the Pit River Tribe, community leaders, and dozens of businesses in calling for the designation of Sáttítla National Monument. Permanently protecting Sáttítla will ensure that Californians continue to have access to outdoor spaces where we can run, hike, and move, for generations to come.” Celia Camargo, Director of Community & Purpose, GU Energy

About The Conservation Alliance
The Conservation Alliance is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership – companies from a range of industries – from the outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – take bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $33.1 million in grants and helped protect over 124 million acres and 4,964 river miles, remove or halt 41 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas & designate five marine reserves. For complete information about TCA, visit www.conservationalliance.com.

Media contact:

The Conservation Alliance

Lilly Zoller

lilly@conservationalliance.com

(248) 302-1553

 

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SEATTLE – Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op today announced its lineup of 2025 store openings as part of the company’s efforts to support the active lifestyles of its membership and outdoor communities. Stores will open in six communities next spring and summer, including the California cities of Carlsbad, Chico and Elk Grove as well as in Amherst, New York; Durango, Colorado; and Lynnwood, Washington. The company also shared its intent to open in Prosper, Texas in 2026, which joins a previously announced St. George, Utah store. Additional stores for 2026 will be announced as leases are finalized.

“Our store employees are the heart of the co-op, and they welcome everyone to experience our product expertise, resources and inspiration in support of an active lifestyle,” said Mary-Farrell Tarbox, REI vice president of Stores. “Cities that will have new stores represent communities that serve as a gateway to some of the country’s most incredible natural places and where our members currently live or destinations where they love to play outside.”

Each new REI store will offer a wide assortment of apparel and gear for camping, hiking, cycling, run and fitness, climbing, and more. In addition, every store will feature a full-service bike shop staffed by certified mechanics to tune and repair mountain, road, hybrid or e-bikes. Stores in Amherst, Durango, and Lynnwood will also operate seasonal ski and snowboard shops with technicians to service downhill skis, cross-country skis, backcountry skis, snowboards, or splitboards. REI in St. George will offer Nordic ski hand tuning and snowboard mounting. REI members receive a 20% discount on bike and snow shop services (exclusions apply). Members also get a free tube with the purchase of flat tire repair (Co-op Cycles brand tubes only; tube must be installed at time of purchase) and free machine wax on skis or boards.

2025 spring openings

• Amherst, New York: A 25,300 square-foot store at The Boulevard located at 1701 Niagara Falls Blvd., Suite 500. With six REI stores already in New York, Amherst will serve the greater Buffalo area. Earlier this year, REI opened stores in Albany and Ithaca.
• Carlsbad, California: A relocation of REI’s Encinitas store, which opened in 2004. The Carlsbad store will be a larger space at 28,000 square-feet in La Costa Town Square at 3415 Via Montebello. REI presently has 11 stores in Southern California. All interested REI Encinitas employees will move to the Carlsbad location.
• Chico, California: A 25,002 square-foot store at Chico Crossroads located at 2101 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. REI currently has 10 stores in Northern California.
• Lynnwood, Washington: A relocation of the co-op’s Alderwood store, which opened in 2004, to a larger site about a mile away. The store will be 39,480 square-feet and located at Alderwood Parkway Plaza Shopping Center at 19500 Alderwood Mall Parkway, Suite 110. The co-op has 11 locations in the state. All interested employees at the current store will move to the Lynnwood location.

2025 summer openings

• Durango, Colorado: The newly constructed 22,000 square-foot store will be south of the downtown corridor at 40 Turner Drive. REI currently operates 10 stores in Colorado, including a new Loveland location that opened in August.
• Elk Grove, California: The 22,127 square-foot space will open at Laguna Gateway Shopping Center just off Highway 99 at Laguna Boulevard and West Stockton Boulevard. The Elk Grove store will be the co-op’s second opening in Northern California next year. REI has three stores in the immediate region, including Folsom, Roseville and Sacramento.

Building on the momentum of 2025 growth, REI also announced two 2026 leases. Additional new stores will be announced as leases are finalized. Locations opening in 2026 include:

• Prosper, Texas: A new 23,848 square-foot store at The Gates of Prosper at East University Drive/Highway 380 and Preston Road. REI’s Prosper store will join four locations already in the Dallas-Worth area and 11 stores in state. REI College Station opens next month.
• George, Utah: A 22,800 square-foot store at St. George Place on 855 South Bluff Street. The lease was first announced in early 2024 and rescheduled to spring 2026 to accommodate construction timelines and other openings. REI presently has three Utah stores.

By the end of 2024, the co-op will have opened 10 stores and expanded its San Diego location that has served the public since 1994. Grand opening celebrations have been in Albany, New York; Beavercreek, Ohio; Beaverton, Oregon; Glendale, Arizona; Ithaca, New York; Loveland, Colorado; and Rancho Mirage, California. Three more stores are slated for November, including College Station, Texas; Louisville, Kentucky; and Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to the six stores scheduled for 2025, the co-op will make capital investments in its current fleet to improve the employee workplace and customer shopping experience.

As the country’s largest consumer co-op, everyone is welcome to shop at REI. Co-op members enjoy a wide range of benefits, including free U.S. standard shipping, bike and snow shop discounts, member coupons and discounts, a used gear trade-in program, an annual member reward of 10% back on eligible purchases, an extended satisfaction guarantee window of one year, and more. New members join a growing community that fights for a life outside. With each new membership purchased, the co-op donates $5 to support the REI Cooperative Action Fund. The REI Fund provides support to nonprofits across the country doing essential work to create a more equitable outdoors for everyone and research nature’s impact on health. In addition, the REI Fund invests in local nonprofits as part of every store grand opening celebration.

Join the REI team 

New REI stores typically hire between 35-45 employees. Outdoor enthusiasts interested in joining the team can learn more and apply online at REI.jobs. Candidates can set a job alert on the co-op’s career site to be notified when positions post. REI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables a life outdoors for everyone. The co-op seeks team members who demonstrate shared values of diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism. All employees receive a wide variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay and retirement contributions. REI employees also enjoy unique perks, such as two paid annual “Co-op Way Days” that allow them to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity and an additional paid day off on Black Friday.

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 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.

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 ARRINGTON, Va. (October 18, 2024) – Overland Expo East, the final of the four part series of premier U.S. consumer overlanding events, ended on a high note attracting over 14,500 attendees and approximately 250 exhibitors reinforcing the growing popularity of overlanding due to consumer friendly and advanced technologies.  Highlights included: Crooked Finger Designs, introducing their new Crooked Finger Box, an easy-to-mount, all-in-one power solution for the van lifer; the redesigned DECKED CargoGlide, with Drawers for easy cargo access and organization; Ironman’s debut of the Deltawing 270-degree awning for sun and rain protection; THULE’s new cot tent providing a comfortable and weatherproof space for easy camping setup mounted to hitch receivers; and the Ursa 1300 rooftop tent with temperature and light control.

“We’re proud to celebrate an incredible year of growth and connection,” said Jessica Kirchner, vice president of consumer events for Emerald, owners of Overland Expo. “From the success of Overland Expo West, Pacific Northwest, and Mountain West to our east coast event, we’ve continued to introduce new brands to overlanding devotees along with immersive, inclusive experiences for seasoned overlanders and those new to the community. Overland Expo is more than just a gathering, it’s a place where people explore new adventures and create lasting memories with family and friends. We are immensely grateful to our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners for making this year’s series such a resounding success.”

Overland Expo East reinforced the explosive growth in participation in adventure travel, highlighting emerging trends such as tech-focused and feature-rich vehicles and motorcycles, accessories that bring the comforts of home on the go, next-gen designs for sleeping, and easy and convenient cooking solutions.

The Overland Expo Foundation charity raffle raised over $23,000 and later this month, the 2024 Ultimate Build truck and motorcycle will be auctioned with proceeds benefiting the Overland Expo Foundation, which supports public land preservation and funds organizations and individuals who help protect and advance the overland community.

Statistics from Overland Expo East 2024 included:

• 14,500 attendees from 45 states, visitors from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Columbia, Denmark, Great Britain, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, and Sweden.
• 246 exhibitors including Bushwakka (Australia’s largest range of freestanding awnings), GOSO Cookware, Four Wheel Campers, Maxxis (high quality tires), Shelby (performance vehicles and related products) and Toyota.
• Over 234 classes, seminars, demos, activities, slideshows, and films; totaling 256 session hours of instruction
• Nearly 100 presenters, trainers, and VIPs and 50 journalists

Highlights included:

• Honda’s Ride and Drive: Attendees had the opportunity to drive the Honda Pilot TrailSport SUV and Ridgeline TrailSport truck. The track highlighted the Pilot and Ridgeline’s off-road capabilities exceeding the needs of most light-truck buyers.
• Overland Expo Film Festival: The film festival brought a curated selection of films documenting vehicle-based travel adventure. Feature films included Latitude 70 and Van by a River – The Abby Holcombe Story, chronicling the stories of life on the road, enduring hardships and celebrating achievements.
• “Women Who Wander”: Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Connie Rodman, overlander and instructor, Deb Lee, full-time overlander, and Racheal Flatt, a 2010 Olympian in women’s figure skating for Team USA.

“We had a fantastic experience,” said Dererk Wilkes, co-founder of OverWater.Overland. “Registration was a breeze, and our booth location was clearly marked, with staff guiding us directly there. The event was exceptionally well organized and we were thrilled to see a strong turnout. The interest in our product was significant, and we can’t wait to return next year.”

The Overland Expo series returns in 2025, visit overlandexpo.com for more information and date announcements.

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About Overland Expo 

Founded in 2009, Overland Expo is the world’s premier event series for do-it-yourself adventure travel enthusiasts. Hundreds of vendors of adventure travel equipment, camping gear, bikes, vehicles, and services convene at every Overland Expo event. Each Expo hosts hundreds of session-hours of classes, including for off-road driving techniques, adventure motorcycling, inspirational programs, roundtable discussions, demonstrations, as well as the Overland Film Festival. Overland Expo is owned and produced by Emerald.

About Emerald

Emerald’s talented and experienced team grows our customers’ businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit www.emeraldx.com

Media Contact:

Charlotte Daher de Garcia
charlotte@cgprpublicrelations.com

7817107284

Morrisville, Vt. (Oct 17, 2024) – Outdoor headwear and accessories brand Turtle Fur, has launched a bold new brand platform, positioning itself as a symbol of protection and inspiration for every adventure. Calling on its community to “Step Outside Your Shell,” Turtle Fur celebrates its roots of moxie, grit, curiosity, adventure, and kinship in the outdoors.

“Our new platform weaves together our heritage with our future,” says Erika Canfield, Vice President of Marketing at Turtle Fur. “We’re committed to providing what you need for outdoor adventures – warmth, comfort, protection from elements, exceptional fit and feel – while appreciating the moxie it takes to embrace the journey.”

Turtle Fur’s new logo encompasses the values and visions behind the updated platform. The turtle’s shell represents protection from elements, a source of comfort, and a sense of belonging the brand provides in both product and social support. It also serves as a reminder to “step outside your shell” to grow and thrive. A hidden sun in the logo’s negative space symbolizes Turtle Fur’s connection to outdoor adventures. The yellow hue pays tribute to the brand’s roots, inspired by founder Millie Merril’s original store, the Yellow Turtle.

Canfield and her team at Turtle Fur recognize that their consumer’s physical and mental health is tied to time spent outdoors; however, challenges like weather and intimidation often stand in the way. The new platform acknowledges these challenges as shared human experiences and offers support in overcoming them by helping all communities prioritize well-being with quality accessories that make facing tough conditions easier.

Turtle Fur also hopes to serve as a beacon of inspiration by embarking on a new chapter after 42 years in business. From their roots in ski culture, the brand now extends their reach beyond the slopes to all outdoor environments like trails, rocks, and riversides. Turtle Fur’s new branding reflects the expansion into uncharted territory and represents the brand’s efforts to step outside its own shell.

The holistic brand overhaul takes a 360° approach, touching everything from mission to web design to a sustainable packaging suite that reduces the brand’s material consumption by 27%. To find out more about stepping outside your shell with Turtle Fur, visit turtlefur.com and follow them on social media @turtlefur.

About Turtle Fur:
Since 1982 Turtle Fur has been a leading headwear and accessories brand in the outdoor, snow sports, and lifestyle markets. Their mission is to create responsible solutions for every body that feel great, in every element, built for a life lived outside. As a Certified B Corp(R), Turtle Fur is committed to using business as a force for positive change.

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BALTIMORE (October 16, 2024) — LifeStraw, a public health B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified Brand on a mission to provide equitable access to safe drinking water, announces the launch of two new LifeStraw Home products: LifeStraw Home Studio Water Filter Dispenser (10-cup) and the LifeStraw Home High-Capacity Water Filter Dispenser (35-cup). They’re designed for everyday use, filtering out bacteria, parasites, microplastics, PFAS and lead while improving taste.

“We’re excited to expand our Home Collection with two new products designed to bring versatile filtration solutions to smaller dorm rooms or apartments and home or office spaces,” says LifeStraw CEO Alison Hill. “Our advanced water filtration technology removes bacteria – and believe it or not, the rest of the leading water filters do not-  along with more than 30 contaminants like microplastics and PFAS while dramatically improving the taste of tap water.”

The LifeStraw Home Studio Water Filter Dispenser (10-cup) ($54.95) is a colorful, compact water filter dispenser designed to look cute in small spaces and protect you from tap water contaminants. The perfect size to fit in small refrigerators or on the countertop, the LifeStraw Home Studio Water Filter Dispenser is available in six vibrant colors.

The LifeStraw Home High-Capacity Water Filter Dispenser (35-cup) ($84.95) is a versatile Scandinavian-inspired water filter dispenser designed to elevate your kitchen countertop and protect you from tap water contaminants. This dispenser makes a bold statement on your countertop and is made with durable, BPA-free materials + available in two modern colors. An optional wooden stand ($39.95) is available for added style and elevation to complement the dispenser’s modern aesthetic.

Features of the new LifeStraw Home 10-Cup and 35-Cup Water Filter Dispensers include:

• Filtration that actually does stuff – the only water filter dispensers that removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics. Reduces lead, mercury, and chemicals, including PFAS (“forever chemicals”), chlorine, herbicides, pesticides, dirt, sand, and cloudiness while retaining essential minerals like magnesium and potassium that are good for your health.
• Improves taste and avoids the need to buy single-use plastic bottled water.
• Dual filtration technology:
  • LifeStraw Membrane Microfilter Removes:
    • 999999% of bacteria (E. coli, etc.)
    • 999% of parasites (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, etc.)
    • 999% of microplastics
    • Pore size: 0.2 micron
    • Filters 264 gallons (1,000 liters), up to 1 year with regular use
    • The membrane microfilter will stop allowing water to filter through once it’s reached the end of its lifetime
  • LifeStraw Activated Carbon + Ion Exchange Filter Reduces:
    • Lead, mercury, chromium III, cadmium, copper and other heavy metals
    • Chlorine and odors for improved taste
    • Chemicals including PFAS, pesticides and herbicides
    • Filters 40 gallons (150 liters), up to 2 months with regular use
  • Independently lab tested by internationally recognized labs with all claims substantiated by publicly shared lab reports, including meeting:
    • NSF 53 standards for reduction of lead, mercury, chromium III, cadmium and copper
    • US EPA & NSF P231 drinking water standards for the removal of bacteria and parasites
    • NSF P473 standard for reducing PFOA and PFOS (PFAS)
    • NSF 401 standard for emerging chemical contaminants
    • NSF 42 standard for chlorine reduction

Like all LifeStraw products, for every purchase, a child in need receives safe drinking water for a year. “At LifeStraw, we believe in the power of innovation to drive positive change and are inspired by the challenge of bringing together design, powerful technology and social impact in a tangible and meaningful way,” continues Hill. LifeStraw is a B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified brand, committed to meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. To learn more about LifeStraw’s dedication to providing equitable access to safe drinking water worldwide, visit www.lifestraw.com and explore its 2023 Responsibility Report.

ABOUT LIFESTRAW

LifeStraw believes everyone deserves equitable access to safe drinking water. With humanitarian roots, the company began over 25 years ago with the creation of its Guinea worm filter, which has been instrumental in the near-eradication of Guinea worm disease. Today, LifeStraw is a Climate Neutral certified B Corp designing beautiful, simple and functional products to provide people with the highest protection from unsafe water, no matter where they live or where they source their water. LifeStraw products are used in more than 64 countries by schools, clinics, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and households. They are regularly deployed to support communities impacted by emergencies or natural disasters requiring potable water. LifeStraw’s innovative water filtration technology is rigorously tested by independent laboratories and leveraged across some of the harshest environments around the world. For every product purchased, a school child in need receives safe water for a year. LifeStraw’s water filtration options are sold in retail stores in North America and Europe and online at www.lifestraw.com. Follow LifeStraw on Instagram and TikTok at @LifeStraw.

 

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