Rise of the Texas Outdoor Economy Calling all Outdoor Business & Industry Leaders

This is your inside tract to a statewide Rise of the Texas Outdoor Economy, and the trail begins in Fairview. Join us for a day of reinforcing bridges between Texas’ iconic outdoor spirit and its role as a leader in economic innovation.

An Exclusive Luncheon with Changemakers, Industry, Economic and Community Leaders

On October 9th, we are co-hosting an exclusive Outdoor Economy VIP Luncheon with our partners at the Fairview Economic Development Corporation and Day One Experts.  This will be an informative and impact driving lead up to the inaugural Texas Outdoor Economy Summit being held at the Heard Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary in April 2026.

Click Here for Luncheon Itinerary

Outcomes for Attendees

Attendees get premier visibility and leadership positioning at the inaugural Texas Outdoor Economy Summit — a first-of-its-kind gathering spotlighting this untapped economic powerhouse. In addition to:

  • Discovery of the power in the Texas outdoor economy and its untapped potential
  • Connections on outdoor-centric economic strategies with visionaries and leaders
  • Gain practical tools to explore, build, and attract thriving local businesses.
  • Revitalized inspiration from small business stories of resilience and showcases

Luncheon Participation

Option 1

Limited Sponsorship Access – Contact Jane Witowich, jane@d1experts.com, for more information or QuickPay below to grab your spot.  Benefits include promotional marketing, exclusive interviews, and limited early access perks for the Spring Summit.

Option 2

Request a Ticket – All requests are reviewed on a first come first serve basis before approval and confirmation is made. Seats are going quickly – limited to 40 total.

Option 3

Are you a Small Business or Entrepreneur? Apply now and let your story lead the way: Click to Apply

We are putting the spotlight on standout stories, and we want you in the room with us on Oct 9th.

 

Selected SB Applicants Receive:

  • Invitation to Oct 8 Storytelling Gathering with TxORA & partners
  • Feature by outdoor writer Dan Oko
  • Access and showcase at the exclusive Oct 9 event
  • Promotion across blogs, social media & event content
  • Exclusive partner opportunities
  • Event swag & merchandise

Basics About the 2026 Summit

Date: April 9, 2026

Location: Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary

This purpose-driven summit will unite small business owners, economic developers, industry leaders, and visionaries who know Texas’s outdoor spaces are more than scenic—they’re a powerful engine for economic vitality.

Featuring influential keynotes, expert workshops, leadership panels, small business showcases, and a vendor market set among the Heard Wildlife Sanctuary, the summit is a high‑impact platform to invest in the people, places, and products powering Texas’s outdoor economy

Get in Contact:

Outdoor Industry, Business & Recreation: Alex Brown, Co-Founder, Managing Director │alex@txora.org

Economic Development & Local Sponsors: Jane Witowich│jane@d1experts.com

 

RECCO expands global search-and-rescue network with first SAR Helicopter Detectors in New Zealand

 New search-and-rescue Helicopter Detector placements in New Zealand cover the North and South Islands.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (September 19, 2025) — RECCO, an international leader in advanced search-and-rescue technology, this month announced continued expansion of its global RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector network with the first placements in New Zealand.

The RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector is a system that can help search-and-rescue teams find RECCO-equipped hikers and other outdoor users quickly and efficiently in the event they become lost. The RECCO SAR was launched in 2016, expanding the system’s applications from finding victims involved in avalanches to all-season search-and-rescue missions year-round.

Two RECCO SAR units have now been deployed in New Zealand, each centrally placed on the North and South Islands, and are now available for the use of search-and-rescue teams throughout the country.

“We’ve been quietly working away in the background for some time now to get the RECCO SAR into New Zealand and it’s awesome to see it finally deployed and available to rescuers.” said Andrew Hobman of Avalanche NZ Ltd, who is also a RECCO representative and instructor in New Zealand.

The unit on the North Island is placed at The Central North Island Emergency Management Center at Waimarino, Te Whare Whakaora o Waimarino. Having the RECCO unit based at Tongariro National Park will provide a central deployment location for search-and-rescue teams across the North Island.

“This technology adds another level of capability to our specialist SAR teams. Where a person is equipped with a RECCO reflector, this system has the potential to help us quickly locate missing people in challenging terrain, whether in the bush, alpine environments, or even under avalanche debris,” said Senior Constable Conrad Smith, New Zealand National Park Police, adding: “It’s always important to be prepared, carry the right gear, take a personal locator beacon and other communication device, and let others know of your intentions.”

RECCO reflectors are not a replacement for personal locator beacons (PLBs), and should be seen as a compliment to them, providing an additional way of being searchable that does not require a battery or need to be turned on. RECCO also recommends that people inform others of the equipment they are carrying, which can be valuable information to rescue teams in case of an emergency.

Andrew Hoyle, leader of the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation based at Waimarino in the central North Island, said the RECCO system will not only help find missing persons but also help to reduce risk to rescuers responding to a callout, since it can help reduce the number of people exposed to risk during field missions.

“We used it successfully this week at the local SAREX [Search and Rescue Exercise] and managed to locate at least one target in areas that couldn’t be searched safely.”

The unit on the South Island is placed at the GCH Aviation’s Christchurch Rescue Helicopter base, where the Canterbury Westpac Rescue Helicopters are located.

“This could be a real life-saver when we are searching for people in the bush or in an avalanche,” said Rick Knight, Air Rescue Crew Chief at GCH Aviation. “Right now, Christchurch will be home to the only South Island detector, making it a critical asset for South Island operations.”

Regional rescue teams in Nelson, Greymouth, Wanaka, Queenstown and Canterbury underwent training in September, and the South Island unit is now operational and available to support search-and-rescue missions year-round.

The detector arrived on the South Island on Sept. 5 and was immediately deployed the next day to help the SAR Response Team in Greymouth try to locate a missing man on the West Coast.

“The arrival of this technology represents a major step forward for search and rescue in New Zealand, strengthening the ability of SAR teams to respond swiftly and effectively in life-threatening and time critical situations”, said Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood, West Coast SAR Coordinator, adding: “It’s a game changer.”

The RECCO SAR helicopter detector can quickly search large areas, covering a square kilometer in six minutes. Along with helping reduce search times for missing people, the helicopter-based detector can reduce the time and risk exposure for rescue workers during missions.

“Since the 1990s, our handheld detectors have been used for avalanche rescue operations in New Zealand ski areas, and now we’re excited to expand RECCO’s capabilities to year-round search and rescue. With two operational helicopter detectors now in service, we’re proud to support rescue teams across the country,” said Fredrik Steinwall, CEO of RECCO.

RECCO Reflectors are integrated into apparel, helmets, backpacks, running vests, shoes and climbing harnesses by more than 150 brand partners, including brands like Arc’teryx, Helly Hansen, POC and Camelbak. A complete list of partner brands is available at recco.com. Reflectors are also available as stand-alone products to be attached to a helmet or a backpack or worn as a belt.

“The two-week training and deployment campaign in New Zealand has been a great success and we’d like to extend a huge thanks for the overwhelming support and positive response from rescue teams throughout the country.” said Craig Donovan, Head of Detector Operations at RECCO.

There are currently 45 RECCO SAR Helicopter Detectors globally, with 14 located in North America, 28 units across Europe, one unit in Nepal and now two in New Zealand.

Images are available here

About RECCO

 RECCO® advanced rescue technology makes outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers in case of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. The technology builds on a two-part radar system. Rescuers carry RECCO® detectors that send out search signals which are echoed by RECCO® reflectors, carried by the user. RECCO® detectors are used worldwide at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. RECCO® reflectors are integrated into select apparel, helmets, protection gear and boots manufactured by more than 150 leading outdoor brands. RECCO AB was founded in 1983 in Sweden and is owned by its founder Magnus Granhed and the publicly traded investment company Traction AB (listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm). More info at recco.com.

 

Media Contact:

Verde (NA)

Julia Granhed (Rest of world)

 

Reju Debuts AR Experience at Climate Week NYC, Showing the Problem of the Global Textile Waste on Iconic Landmarks

PARIS, France September 18, 2025 – Reju™, the purpose-driven, leading textile-to-textile regeneration company, is using augmented reality (AR) to give Climate Week NYC 2025 attendees and the city itself a dramatic look at the textile industry’s global waste problem. Launching on 22nd September, Reju’s AR experience overlays mountains of textile waste against two iconic New York City landmarks; the Empire State Building and Flatiron providing a powerful, shareable visualization of the sustainability crisis and the company’s role in solving it.

According to Textile Exchange, more than 92 million tons of textile waste are generated globally each year, most of it ending up in landfills or incinerated. Reju’s regeneration technology which originated with IBM research, is designed to change that by recovering, regenerating and recirculating end-of-life textiles into high-quality materials, closing the loop on textile waste.

Throughout Climate Week, New Yorkers will encounter QR code signage at high-traffic locations and near key Climate Week venues. Scanning the code leads users to an interactive microsite, where they can point their phone’s camera at the two landmark buildings to activate Reju’s AR filter.

As users swipe through the AR settings, they will see the amount of global textile waste generated in a second, minute, hour and day scaled to the size of the landmark in front of them. The experience delivers a visceral sense of the industry’s impact and highlights why innovation in sustainable materials is critical.

“Reju’s AR experience brings the invisible textile waste problem into sharp focus, right in the middle of New York City during a week when climate is top of mind,” said Patrik Frisk, CEO, Reju. “It’s a wake-up call, but also a glimpse of hope. This is the very waste Reju is designed to transform, turning discarded textiles into high-quality materials and closing the loop in fashion and beyond.”

Designed to meet audiences where they are, the AR activation enables New Yorkers and visitors to scan QR codes found on social media and near the landmarks and immerse themselves in the AR experience, record videos, and share their content on social media.

This campaign includes influencer partners who will share videos of the AR filter in action, inspiring followers to find the landmarks, try the filter themselves, and post their own content—amplifying the conversation and deepening engagement.

To participate in the experience, Climate Week attendees and the public can follow @Reju on social platforms and https://ar.reju.com/ to view the experience.

After using the AR filter, consumers are encouraged to share their footage with the hashtag #RejuClimateWeek, learn more about textile regeneration, and sign up to join Reju’s movement toward a circular textile economy.

 

About Reju

Reju is a materials regeneration company focused on creating innovative solutions for regenerating polyester textiles and post-consumer PET waste. Owned by Technip Energies and utilizing technology originating with IBM Research, Reju is driven by its purpose to unlock infinite possibilities within finite resources. The company aims to establish a global textile recycling circular system to regenerate and recirculate polyester textiles. Learn more at https://www.reju.com/.

For more information contact: Tali.serantes@reju.com Katie.steel@reju.com

TrainingPeaks Virtual to Host USA Cycling esports National Championships Through 2028

New partnership with USA Cycling and Project Echelon establishes TrainingPeaks Virtual as the official platform for esports racing and year-round training

LOUISVILLE, Colo. (Sept. 17, 2025) — TrainingPeaks, the industry-leading training app for endurance coaches and athletes, today announced a four-year partnership with USA Cycling, establishing TrainingPeaks Virtual as USA Cycling’s official virtual platform through 2028.

As part of this collaboration, Echelon Racing Promotions, the organization behind Echelon Racing League and endorsed by the UCI Continental Project Echelon team, will serve as the event promoter to host the league’s sixth season on TrainingPeaks Virtual from Nov. 1, 2025, to Feb. 1, 2026, culminating with the National Championships held Jan. 31–Feb. 1, 2026.

“Partnering with USA Cycling as their official platform and powering the USA Cycling esports National Championships is an exciting milestone for TrainingPeaks,” said Dr. George Gilbert, Vice President of Virtual Products at TrainingPeaks. “We’re breaking down the wall between real-world racing and virtual competition, giving athletes and coaches a seamless way to train, compete and prepare for their biggest goals. With features like GPXplore, TrainingPeaks Virtual is a powerful tool that bridges esports and real-world performance.”

TrainingPeaks Virtual offers realistic racing physics with features like drafting and cornering, the ability to host and join virtual rides and races, and seamless integration with TrainingPeaks structured workouts. The platform is continually expanding its features, including improved graphics and more realistic physics for cornering and braking. With Dr. Gilbert’s background in cycling esports governance, TrainingPeaks Virtual emphasizes credibility, fairness, and realistic riding and integrates directly into TrainingPeaks for more effective training and performance management.

“We are looking forward to the National Series and National Championships being hosted by two of the industry’s best in this space,” said Kyle Knott, USA Cycling’s National Events Director. “We are grateful for the opportunity to continue our partnership with Echelon Racing League for this due to their commitment to hosting premier esports races. By having these events hosted on TrainingPeaks Virtual, we have the ability to create real-life courses and let our members race some of the most historic road events that the US has ever had in real life.”

“Echelon Racing Promotions is thrilled to welcome esports enthusiasts and competitors back for Season 6 of the Echelon Racing League, in partnership with TrainingPeaks Virtual, a platform we’ve supported since its early beta days as indieVelo,” said Eric Hill, President of Project Echelon. “This season, we’re excited to return to our roots by collaborating with USA Cycling and IRL race promoters, showcasing longer-format races, and emphasizing accessibility, all while competing on a platform recognized as the most true-to-life virtual racing experience with uncompromising standards for fair play.”

The partnership kicks off with a TrainingPeaks Virtual-powered preview of the 31-mile USA Cycling Gravel Nationals route on Thursday, Sept. 18. Using GPXplore, a new feature that lets riders ride real-world routes virtually, athletes can preview the course ahead of the Gravel National Championships on Saturday, Sept. 20 in La Crescent, Minn. The upcoming My Routes feature on TrainingPeaks will expand this capability further by enabling athletes to use their own GPX files to ride real-world routes in a virtual environment.

To learn more about TrainingPeaks Virtual, visit trainingpeaks.com. For more on USA Cycling, visit www.usacycling.org.

About TrainingPeaks

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

 

About USA Cycling
USA Cycling is the national governing body for the sport of cycling and oversees the disciplines of road, track, mountain bike, cyclocross, gravel, BMX, and esports. USA Cycling’s mission is to grow participation and engagement in the sport of bicycle racing and to achieve sustained international success across all cycling disciplines. The organization identifies, develops, and selects cyclists to represent the United States in international competition through support of youth and interscholastic programs, amateur and grassroots racing events, athlete development initiatives, and operational support for cycling clubs, racing teams, and event organizers.

 

Media Contact:   

Sean Van Horn, Backbone Media

Phone: 970-963-4873 ext. 1806
Email: sean.vanhorn@backbone.media

 

Backcountry, the Premier Destination for Outdoor Adventurers, Proudly Rolls out the all-new Summit Club+ Loyalty Program

Salt Lake City, Utah (Sept. 17, 2025) – Backcountry, the leading premium destination for outdoor gear and apparel, announced today the launch of its all-new Summit Club+ loyalty program.

Great adventures start with the right gear, and Summit Club+ members get more than just gear—they get perks. Membership benefits include 10% instant cashback that can be earned and redeemed on all product purchases, including sale and even final sale items.* Members will also receive free 2-day shipping within the continental United States, a 20% off birthday reward, and get matched with their own personal Gearhead, who is standing by to provide expert advice on selecting the perfect gear for their next adventure.  The Summit Club+ loyalty program costs $49 per year, and rewards can be redeemed in any of Backcountry’s retail stores, on Backcountry.com, or on Competitivecyclist.com.

“At Backcountry, our Gearhead experts are constantly sharing customer feedback” said Backcountry’s interim President Kevin Lenau. “We heard that customers were consistently asking for a straightforward rewards program that applies to all products and is unlike typical rewards programs, which delay rewards or restrict redemption, and we believe we have delivered on these requests. We’re confident that the Summit Club+ loyalty program is the best in the outdoor industry.”

The Summit Club+ loyalty program is strengthened by a growing portfolio of partner perks aimed at getting people outdoors. Current offerings include: $100 off a Mountain Collective pass, $140 off a camper rental from Outdoorsy, and $50 off a USA Cycling race membership.

Customers can join Summit Club+ by adding the membership to their cart on Backcountry.com or Competitivecyclist.com, purchasing it in one of Backcountry’s retail stores, or by contacting a Gearhead at 1-801-204-4655 or via the chat function on Backcountry.com.

Not ready to join for $49 per year? Summit Club+ also includes a free membership option, which provides a 10% birthday reward, along with early access to exclusive product launches, promotions, and member-only offers.

For more information on Summit Club+ or Backcountry, please contact Corinne Baud (corinne.baud@rygr.us) and Kaitlyn Harvie (Kaitlyn.harvie@rygr.us).

About Backcountry

Established in 1996, Backcountry has become a trusted cornerstone in outdoor retail, offering a curated selection of premium products from nearly 800 brands both online and across nine U.S. locations. In addition to the Backcountry flagship, the company operates Competitive Cyclist, a dedicated destination for premium road, gravel, and mountain bike gear, and Steep & Cheap, its outlet for past-season and overstock deals. Backcountry expanded its portfolio in 2025 with the acquisitions of Level Nine Sports and BikeTiresDirect, further strengthening its position across snow sports and cycling.

* Summit Club+ members earn 10% cashback on the merchandise subtotal of each eligible order. No cashback is earned on taxes, shipping, gift cards, Seel Worry-Free Delivery, return labels, exchanges, event tickets, and the membership fee. Cashback has no cash value and is non‑transferable. Cashback cannot be used to buy gift cards or to pay the Summit Club+ renewal fee.

About Backcountry

Established in 1996, Backcountry has become a trusted cornerstone in outdoor retail, offering a curated selection of premium products from nearly 800 brands both online and across nine U.S. locations. Renowned for its commitment to quality and durability, Backcountry’s in-house apparel line is developed in collaboration with athletes and supported by its team of Gearhead experts. With decades of experience, a broad assortment of quality products, and an unwavering focus on exceptional customer service, Backcountry is the one-stop-shop for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels and budgets.

 

Altra Partners with Running Industry Diversity Coalition to Publish Trail Running Toolkit for BIPOC Runners

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.

 

 

La Sportiva Announces Partnership with U.S. National Ski Mountaineering Team

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    

 

Australian-based Crumpler Launches Limited Edition Bag Collaboration with Melbourne Musician Amy Taylor

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.