Archives: Press Releases

Washington, D.C. (May 21, 2025) —  More than 500,000 acres of public lands could be up for sale after lawmakers in the House Natural Resources committee passed a late night amendment as part of budget reconciliation, a sprawling bill that also includes a number of threats to conservation and the public process. The public land sales were introduced at midnight during a markup, without notice, review, or debate. The bill could pass the full House later this week.

The amendment, introduced by Reps. Mark Amodei (R-NV) and Celeste Maloy (R-UT) authorizes land sales managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, with little explanation of why these particular parcels were chosen or how the sales would benefit the public. Outdoor Alliance’s GIS Lab has a preliminary analysis of these lands which is in excess of 500,000 acres, far more than the originally reported 11,000 acres. In Nevada, there are more than 400,000 acres earmarked for disposal or exchange, and our analysis shows that proposed sell offs in Utah are places where people frequently ride, climb, hike, and paddle.

The maps include mountain biking and OHV trails in the Hurricane Cliffs, climbing in Coral Canyon Ridge, the Green Valley race course, a world-renowned bikepacking route called the Plateau Passage, and the Virgin River which is popular for camping, paddling, and whitewater in Nevada and Utah.

Unfortunately, the land sell-offs are just one part of what’s wrong with this bill. It also includes language that would allow extractive industries to bypass NEPA (the National Environmental Policy Act) and judicial review; it would mandate offshore oil and gas drilling; it would give timber companies greater control over public lands; it cuts funding and staff at the Park Service; and it would open up the headwaters of the Boundary Waters for mining, putting America’s most-visited Wilderness at risk.

“From weakening public input, to polluting iconic recreation areas, to outright selling public lands, this reconciliation bill would have far-reaching consequences for outdoor recreation across the U.S. Outdoor Alliance recommends that lawmakers reject the bill as written and instead advance a more holistic vision for public lands that supports recreation access and sustains the $1.2 trillion outdoor economy,” said Jamie Ervin, Senior Policy Manager at Outdoor Alliance.

A number of Republicans in the House have expressed strong opposition to public land sales remaining in the bill, including Ryan Zinke (MT-02) who has said, “I cannot and will not vote to sell public lands.”

Public lands and outdoor recreation are valued by Americans of every stripe, who want to see the outdoors protected—not stripped for parts. While Outdoor Alliance supports balanced use on public lands and waters, the current reconciliation bill is a giveaway to industries that threaten both short and long-term values on public lands.

This bill is expected to move through the full House this week, which gives the public a small window to act. Outdoor Alliance has established a quick-action form to help send personalized letters to their members of Congress. If lawmakers hear loud and clear that their constituents oppose public land giveaways and NEPA rollbacks, there’s a real chance to strip some of the most damaging outcomes for public lands from the bill.

To learn more, please visit www.outdooralliance.org.

About Outdoor Alliance

Outdoor Alliance is the only organization in the U.S. that unites the voices of outdoor enthusiasts to conserve public lands. A nonprofit coalition comprised of 10 national advocacy organizations, Outdoor Alliance’s members include American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, the Mazamas, the Colorado Mountain Club, and the Surfrider Foundation. By working with its member coalitions and helping mobilize the involvement of individuals to protect public lands and waters, OA helps ensure public lands are managed in a way that embraces the human-powered experience. Outdoor Alliance — conservation powered by outdoor recreation. Learn more at OutdoorAlliance.org.

 

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ASHEVILLE, N.C. (May 20, 2025) — Roads Rivers and Trails, a Milford, Ohio, independent specialty outdoor retailer and member of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, achieved status as a B-Corp this month, making it the only independent speciality outdoor store in the U.S. to achieve this milestone.

Becoming a B Corp is a rigorous voluntary process that certifies for-profit companies who commit to balancing both purpose and profit. B Corps must meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Roads River and Trails, which is also a member of 1% for the Planet, embarked on the effort to become a B Corp because owners Emily White and Bryan Wolf saw the process as an extension of their store’s mission —  to better their community through education, stewardship and positive outdoor experiences.

“We use the phrase ‘going beyond retail’ because we see our retail sales simply as a mechanism for our mission,” Wolf said. “There isn’t a facet of our business that this process didn’t improve, from employee development to customer engagement. The B-Corp journey really provided us with a roadmap for current and future decision making.”

The process started two years ago with the B-Labs self-assessment tool, a free assessment that analyzes every aspect of a business, from community, customers and governance to workers and the environment. This tool made White and Wolf realize that they were already hitting many of the B Corp benchmarks, but with some slight changes and policy tweaks they could be an even more proactive business.

“Some of the most meaningful moments were in learning what we didn’t know,” White said. “It’s really easy to hit cruise control and pat yourself on the back but being open to new ideas or even criticism of your business is what ignites positive change. Ultimately, that’s why we respect the process and those who are committed to it — because there is a clear effort toward progress.”

For instance, Wolf said the B Corp process showed his team how to measure first and then manage results. That became a huge benefit in understanding and setting goals to improve waste and emissions, but also charitable giving and employee compensation and benefits. As a result, Road Rivers and Trails added paid volunteer time off for all staff and tracked volunteer hours, setting standards for community stewardship and employee engagement.

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance recently covered Road River and Trails’ B Corp Journey through its B2B publication Grassroots Stories as an example of a way that one of their members worked to stand out not only in their region, but nationally. Wolf also said that Grassroots Outdoor Alliance vendor partner Oboz, which had already been through the B Corp certification, was instrumental in providing guidance around the process.

“This is an excellent example of how specialty retailers really go above and beyond to serve not only their employees but their wider communities, and how information sharing in our network — thanks in this case to Oboz — makes everyone better,” said Gabe Maier, President of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance. “We applaud the two-year effort that Emily and Brian put in to hit this milestone, and we look forward to them sharing the knowledge of their journey with other retailers in Grassroots who might be interested in the B Corp process.”

About Grassroots Outdoor Alliance

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is a retailer-owned network of 104 independently owned outdoor retailers and 67 vendor partners, working together for the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail. Through data collection and analysis, direct member support, specialty events and deep vendor partnerships, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is creating both a vision and roadmap for the long-term success of independent specialty retail. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance is recognized as a catalyst for the success of its retailers and vendor partners; an advocate for specialty independent retail; a promoter of education and community within the specialty channel; and a key influencer of the national outdoor industry. Grassroots Outdoor Alliance also operates Connect, a twice-annual legacy show experience that spans four days, offering an efficient and structured format for retailers to conduct pre-season line showings and business conversations.

 

May 19, 2025—Appleton, WI—TRAVOCA, a brand dedicated to elevating outdoor adventures through elegantly rugged gear,  is proud to announce its partnership with Darby Communications, a leading public relations and digital marketing agency specializing in the outdoor, endurance, and hunt/fish industries. Effective immediately, Darby Communications will serve as TRAVOCA’s agency of record, spearheading strategic media relations, digital marketing, affiliate marketing, and media events.

Founded by a longtime engineer, TRAVOCA was born from a moment of inspiration under the stars during his first overlanding trip in the Virginia mountains. After nearly 20 years of designing high-end home appliances, the founder realized that the comforts of home could be enjoyed outside the confines of four walls. That epiphany led to the creation of TRAVOCA: thoughtfully engineered gear that makes cooking, relaxing, and connecting easier wherever the road leads.

Headquartered in Wisconsin with a global footprint, TRAVOCA designs elegant yet functional products for overlanders and outdoor enthusiasts alike—from state-of-the-art 12V dual-zone eCoolers and portable power stations to beautifully crafted titanium drinkware and camp kitchen accessories. At its core, the brand is about more than just gear—it’s about creating space for shared experiences and lasting memories outdoors. TRAVOCA selected Darby Communications for its proven track record of launching and growing brands in the outdoor and overlanding space.

“We at TRAVOCA are thrilled to welcome on board the passionate professionals of Darby Communications as our PR and Digital Agency of Record,” said Stuart Rudolph, Managing Director, TRAVOCA USA LLC. “Their deep experience, connections, and enthusiasm for the outdoor and active lifestyle industries across traditional PR, social media and influencer partnerships, and paid digital will be critical to spreading the word. We’re happy to have Darby Communications help us share the amazing experiences our startup’s ruggedly elegant products enable—to be Better Outside!”

“TRAVOCA’s high-quality, rugged outdoor gear is perfect for off-road adventuring and car camping alike, and we’re excited to help them launch this new product line in the U.S. market,” says Angie Robinson, President of Darby Communications. “With our proven expertise in the outdoor, overlanding, and hunt/fish industries, we’ll work with media to get the brand and its products in front of audiences in these markets.”

TRAVOCA made its official debut at Overland Expo West earlier this month, where the brand showcased its flagship product, the Rigel 60DZ eCooler. Equipped with vacuum-insulated panels for maximum efficiency and 60-80% longer insulation protection, the eCooler features dual temperature zones—perfect for fresh food and frozen treats on the go. The Rigel DZ eCooler will be available late Summer 2025 in 25, 35, 45, and 60-liter options, with pricing from $649.99-899.99. TRAVOCA will also be exhibiting at Overland Expo PNW in Redmond, OR from June 27-29 and Overland Expo Mountain West in Loveland, CO from August 22-24.

For more information, visit travoca.com or contact Suzanne Hermann at suzanne@darbycommunications.com.

ABOUT TRAVOCA

TRAVOCA empowers outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers with elegantly rugged products that enhance every journey, from the backcountry to the backyard. Our gear combines timeless design and reliable performance to bring people together, making outdoor living simpler, more connected, and more memorable. At TRAVOCA, we believe the best adventures are the ones that spark connection—around the fire, at the table, or under the stars.

Frisco, TX – [May 19, 2025] — Wiley X, a pioneer in premium protective eyewear, is advancing its award-winning lens technology with the introduction of CAPTIVATE™ Clear lenses—a bold innovation that redefines what clear lenses can deliver.

Engineered for those who require or prefer a clear lens for specific tasks or environments, these lenses deliver advanced optical performance by filtering out harmful HEV blue light and other elements of the visible light spectrum that can cause visual distortion and muted colors. The result is sharper clarity, improved contrast, and more vivid, true-to-life color—offering a superior visual experience, even in a clear lens format.

The WX JAKL is the first model to feature this lens breakthrough, setting a new benchmark in Wiley X’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge performance and protection.

For more information about Wiley X and its product offerings, visit www.wileyx.com.

 

DENVER, Colo. – May 15, 2025 – With the return of the second annual Outside Festival presented by Capital One and REI Co-op just over two weeks away, festival organizers today unveiled the lineup of Ideas speakers and Film screenings set to appear across Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1, in Denver.

Throughout the weekend, Outside Festival will welcome global icons well-respected by the outdoor industry to share their inspiring stories and visions at Ideas, adding to the high-profile thought leader attendance already expected in Denver on May 29 and 30 for the Outside Summit. In addition to the robust lineup of speaker sessions and music, the Outside Festival Film program–curated in partnership with the Telluride-based Mountainfilm festival and presented by KEEN—will screen documentaries celebrating adventure, joy in the outdoors, and renewal through wild experiences.

Ideas sessions will be held at the Sturm Grand Pavilion within the Denver Art Museum, and Film screenings will be at the Denver Central Public Library’s Park View event space. Attendees can line up for sessions thirty minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis until venues are filled to capacity.

Programming is as follows:

Outside Festival Ideas | Denver Art Museum – Sturm Grand Pavilion*

Saturday, May 31

• 1:15 – 2:15 p.m.: “The Wild Life of Alex Honnold” with Alex Honnold, interviewed by Shelby Stanger
• 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.: “Scroll Less, Live More: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Young People by Balancing Tech and Time Outside ” with Larissa May, Ginger Naylor, Ron Griswell, moderated by Lauren Bash
• 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.: “I Love You, Man: Empowering a New Generation of Men to Find Strength, Connection, and Healing in the Outdoors” with Selema Masekela, Mike de la Rocha, Douglas Miles, and Doug Miles Jr., moderated by James Andrews
• 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: “The Greatest Adventure: Stories of Survival from Elite Athletes” with Kimmy Fasani, Ian Walsh, Chris Benchetler, and Olivia Jenkins, moderated by Langely McNeal
• 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.: “The Art of Endurance” with David Blaine and Diana Nyad

Sunday, June 1

• 1:15 – 2:15 p.m.: “The Barefoot Ways of John John Florence” with John John Florence, interview by Shelby Stanger
• 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.: “Real Stories from the Mountaintop: Melissa Arnot Reid,” interview by Rebecca Rusch
• 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.: “For the Love of the Parks” with Sally Jewell, Charles “Chuck” F. Sams III, and David Vela, moderated by James Edward Mills
• 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: “Nature & Neural Pathways: How Getting Outside Rewires Your Brain” with Albert Lin and Florence Williams
• 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.: “Outdoor Comedy is Not a Joke!” with Matt Lyons, Katie Burrell, and Eeland Stribling, moderated by Paddy O’Connell

Outside Festival Film curated by Mountainfilm, presented by KEEN | Denver Central Public Library’s Park View*

Saturday, May 31

• 1:15 – 2:55 p.m.: Butterfly in a Blizzard, followed by a conversation with Kimmy Fasani
• 3:10 – 4:50 p.m.: “Short Films: Artistic License”
  • David Blaine: Do Not Attempt
  • First In, Last Out
  • Momo
  • A Little Film About Forever, followed by a conversation with filmmaker Max Romey and special guests to be announced
• 5:05 – 7:00 p.m.: Remaining Native, followed by a conversation with director Paige Bethmann and subject Ku Stevens

Sunday, June 1

• 1:15 – 2:45 p.m.: “Short Films: Trail Breakers”
  • About Damn Time
  • The North Face Presents: Trango, followed by a conversation with Trango subjects Jim Morrison and Christina Lusti
• 3:00 – 4:40 p.m.: “Short Films: Perseverance”
  • OUTLIER: Common
  • Beyond Beliefs
  • Arctic Alchemy
  • The Life We Have, followed by a conversation with The Life We Have cinematographer Greg Balkin and OUTLIER: Common director Dani Reyes-Acosta
• 5:00 – 6:45 p.m.: Girl Climber, followed by a conversation with subject Emily Harrington and director Jon Glassberg

*Any changes to the schedule will be updated on the Outside Festival website here, within the Outside Festival app, and on screens at the venue.

Tickets to the Outside Festival are still on sale, and can be purchased here. To view the full lineup of music, speakers, films, or to learn more about the Outside Festival, visit TheOutsideFestival.com.

Sponsors for the Outside Festival include Capital One, REI Co-op, Brooks Running, Scout Motors, Berghaus, The North Face, VF Corporation, the State of Colorado, Visit Denver, UCHealth, and the Denver Art Museum.

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Media Contact:

Rachel Weiss rachel.weiss@backbone.media

Photo and Video Assets (Credit Outside)

Working Media Application 

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 – June 1, 2025, is the outdoor industry’s premier networking conference. For more information, including tickets, please visit theoutsidefestival.com.

About Outside Interactive, Inc.

Outside Interactive, Inc.– a media and news winner of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies 2025– is the premier destination for outdoor inspiration, activation, and celebration. Each year, Outside reaches more than 300 million unique users and has more than 100 million registered users across its network of 25 media, service, and utility brands, including Outside, MapMyFitness, Velo, Yoga Journal, Pinkbike, Gaia GPS, Trailforks, athleteReg, and more. Outside’s mission is to get everyone outside, experiencing healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives by creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside’s subscription offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, videos, gear reviews, mapping apps, online courses, discounted event access, and more. Learn more at outsideonline.com/outsideplus.