Archives: Press Releases

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (May 15, 2025) — Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, the national organization dedicated to the health and growth of specialty outdoor retail, welcomed five new members this month, elevating the group’s network to 104 independent retailers.

The additions also set a new benchmark for the total number of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance retailers, a coalition that now includes 223 specialty retail stores in 45 states.

“As we add more independently owned retailers to our network, it strengthens the work we do in helping all of our members run their businesses more effectively,” said Maile Spung, Board Chair of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance and owner of Colorado’s Ute Mountaineer and Neptune Mountaineering. “We’re excited to welcome this group of five proven retailers to our network. As we grow, so does our ability to share information and learn from one another, which helps us all serve our communities better.”

The five new Grassroots retailers include:

Down Wind Sports, three locations in Houghton, Munising and Marquette, Mich.  — owned by Bill Thompson, Todd King, Arni Ronis, Nic Dobbs and Matt Abbotts. “Our mission has always been to provide the highest quality outdoor products for our customers in the greater upper Midwest. … We pride ourselves on outstanding customer service as well as being a resource for recreational opportunities in the U.P.”

Granite Sports, located in Hill City, S.D. — owned by Lisa and Pat Wiederhold: “Our goal with the store is to provide the best products and service to meet our customers’ needs and to get people to enjoy the outdoors. It is important for us to be active in the community and give back in as many ways as possible”

Sherpers, three locations in Hales Corners, Port Washington and Oconomowoc, Wis. — owned by Nathan Scherper. “We are a fourth-generation, family owned and operated business, and have been in business since 1935. That is a rarity and something I take a lot of pride in. Continuing this legacy is something that drives me every day. Each of our stores caters directly to the communities we are a part of.”

The Trail House, located in Frederick, Md. — owned by Drennan and Catie Hicks. “We want to build upon the (40-year) legacy that our shop has and part of that is participating in organizations like Grassroots to learn, share and make our industry better. Ultimately, we want to be able to share our love of the outdoors and to provide our local community with the best that we can offer … ”

WheelzUp Adventures, located in Cumberland, Md. — owned by Mandela and Jaime Echefu. “Wheelzup is a business that started from recognizing the unique opportunity for specialty outdoor retail in this location. … Wheelzup is very diversified, hence the percentage of our sales that comes from things like bikes, shuttles, rentals and experiences. However, we believe there is an opportunity to grow the lifestyle and outdoor categories.”

These five retailers will join the rest of the Grassroots retailer and vendor network at the Connect retail buying show June 9-12, 2025, in Reno, Nev., where 148 retail businesses and 147 exhibitors will gather for line showings supporting order writing for Spring 2026. Those figures include guest retailers and exhibitors.

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.

 

– X X X –

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (May 14, 2025) — RECCO, the global standard in outdoor search technology, is proud to announce the latest milestone in its ongoing partnership with CamelBak: the launch of the H.A.W.G. 20 mountain bike pack, the first MTB backpack on the market equipped with an integrated RECCO reflector.

Building on their shared commitment to safety and innovation, RECCO and CamelBak continue to make outdoor enthusiasts more searchable in the event of an emergency. The new H.A.W.G. 20 does as its name suggests – hauls a lot of water and gear. The pack is designed for serious mountain bikers who prioritize both performance and peace of mind. With the addition of RECCO technology, the pack allows professional rescue teams to locate users using RECCO SAR Helicopter Detectors, a growing system with expanding coverage across North America, Europe and Nepal.

“We are thrilled to integrate RECCO® technology into our H.A.W.G. 20,” said Tonya Turk, Category Manager at CamelBak. “This partnership underscores our commitment to safety and innovation, ensuring that our customers can enjoy their adventures with an added layer of security.”

The H.A.W.G. 20 combines ample storage, smart hydration features, and now, integrated passive safety, a reflector that requires no power, no activation, and works year-round. As the RECCO SAR helicopter detector network continues to grow, more people across outdoor disciplines are becoming searchable in case of emergency.

The RECCO SAR helicopter system is used to search for missing people outdoors year-round. The 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.

The CamelBak H.A.W.G. 20 with RECCO technology is available now at select retailers and online at www.camelbak.com.

For more information on RECCO and the global RECCO rescue network, please visit recco.com.

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.

About CamelBak

CamelBak is a leading provider of innovative hydration solutions for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. With a focus on quality, durability, and performance, CamelBak products are designed to meet the needs of those who push their limits.

Media Contact

Verde Brand Communications

(307) 200-7003

recco@verdepr.com

 

RecPak, the revolutionary nutritionally complete instant meal designed specifically for outdoor adventurers, is proud to announce its participation in Small Business Sales Week from Tuesday, May 13th to Tuesday, May 20th, 2024.

Born from founder Deed Ziegler’s experience as a Marine Corps officer in some of the world’s most challenging environments, RecPak has quickly established itself as the go-to nutrition solution for those who push the boundaries in remote settings – from mountaineers and ultrarunners to search and rescue personnel.

“When every ounce matters and stopping isn’t an option, our customers need nutrition they can count on,” said Deed Ziegler, RecPak founder. “Small Business Sales Week gives us an opportunity to connect with more outdoor enthusiasts who understand that proper fueling shouldn’t compromise mobility or performance.”

During this special week, customers can find exclusive discounts on RecPak’s signature 700-calorie powder meals in Chocolate, Vanilla Chai, and Coffee flavors. These products combine the complete nutrition of a meal with the convenience of a snack—simply add water and drink on the move.

As a veteran-owned company committed to social responsibility, RecPak has donated over 6,000 packs to first responders in Ukraine and supports conservation efforts as a member of 1% For The Planet.

Special offers will be available by visiting the Garage Grown Gear sale landing page, starting May 13th. RecPak is also featured among the 90+ exceptional outdoor brands participating in this celebration hosted by Garage Grown Gear.

For more information about RecPak, visit www.recpak.co or follow @recpakco on Instagram.

About RecPak

RecPak provides nutritionally complete instant meals for outdoor adventurers and professionals who need to save space, weight, and time in challenging environments. Designed by top sports dietitians, our products deliver 700 calories of balanced nutrition in a lightweight, durable pouch that fits in your pocket. RecPak is veteran-owned, made in the USA, and committed to supporting conservation and humanitarian efforts.

Media Contact:

Eli Kerr
4elikerr@gmail.com

 

May 12, 2025—Appleton, WI—One night under the stars was all it took to inspire a new brand dedicated to elevating outdoor adventures by bringing people together. Founded by a longtime engineer, TRAVOCA was born from a moment of inspiration under a starry sky during his first overlanding trip in the mountains of Virginia. The emerging brand, which crafts elegantly rugged gear for overlanders and outdoor enthusiasts, will debut at Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona, from May 16 to 18.

After two decades of designing high-end home appliances, TRAVOCA’s founder realized that the comforts of home could—and should—travel with us. Headquartered in Wisconsin with a global footprint, TRAVOCA designs elegant yet functional products that make cooking, relaxing, and connecting easier in the great outdoors. From state-of-the-art 12V dual-zone eCoolers and portable power stations to beautifully crafted titanium drinkware and camp kitchen accessories, TRAVOCA’s products inspire confidence for exploring the natural world—whether in the backcountry or the backyard.

“As a teardrop-trailer adventurer who’s summited the highest peaks in the 48 contiguous states, I’m thrilled to reveal the TRAVOCA brand and Coming Soon Products at Overland Expo West,” says Stuart Rudolph, Managing Director, TRAVOCA USA LLC. “These goods are built to perform and please the eye.  The team has worked tirelessly to create a welcoming and refined aesthetic across all of our touchpoints.”

Sharon Scott, Senior Brand Director for TRAVOCA, adds, “I’ve been privileged to shepherd legacy brands with 100+ year legacies, and nothing compares to the excitement of building a brand and product range from scratch.”

TRAVOCA’s flagship product is the Rigel 60DZ eCooler, a portable fridge/freezer designed in Utah.  Premium features combine high-end functionality with maximum efficiency for fresh food and frozen treats on the go. The Rigel eCooler is crafted from durable steel, featuring an overmolded base and external bamboo panels for a unique, elegant appearance. Vacuum-insulated panels provide 60-80% longer insulation protection, keeping items colder for longer while using less power and increasing usable interior space. The Rigel features dual temperature zones thanks to a removable interior panel, allowing users to customize their setup for both fresh and frozen goods. The insulated steel top is fully removable and opens in multiple directions, providing easy access regardless of the configuration. The Rigel DZ eCooler series will include 25, 35, 45, and 60-liter options, with pricing from $649.99-899.99, and will be available late Summer 2025.

Additional products in TRAVOCA’s debut line will include the VEGA 1500 portable power station, VEGA SOL 200 portable solar panel, and Gemma line of titanium drinkware. All of TRAVOCA’s product offerings will be on display at Overland Expo West in booth S2. 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.

SEATTLE – Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op celebrates its members and their active lives with the return of its biggest sale of the year. REI’s Anniversary Sale runs May 16 – 26 with major savings on gear and apparel brands that inspire outdoor adventures. Everyone is invited to take advantage of great deals, and members will enjoy extra savings just for them.

A digital catalog is available now to serve as a resource to those who wish to plan for the sale and future adventures.

Highlights include:

• 30% off REI Co-op brand clothing and gear (excluding bikes)
• 20% off all Co-op Cycles bikes
• 25% off all Smartwool clothing and accessories
• 20% off all Thule and Yakima racks, roof boxes and rack accessories
• 25% off all Hydro Flask drinkware, kitchenware and accessories
• Save $100 on Garmin inReach Mini 2 and all fenix 8 watches
• 15% off all BOTE SUP boards and accessories
• 25% off selected gear from Big Agnes, Black Diamond, Coleman, Exped, Kelty, NEMO, Therm-a-Rest and more
• 25% off selected clothing from Cotopaxi, Fjällräven, KUHL, Outdoor Research, prAna, The North Face and more
• 25% off selected footwear from Altra, Danner, KEEN, La Sportiva, Oboz and more

REI Co-op members can also save 20% on one full-price item and an extra 20% off one online REI Outlet item from May 16-26 by using coupon code “ANNIV2025.”

The REI Anniversary Sale is a great time to become a member to enjoy deeper deals during the event. Members who join the co-op for a one-time $30 fee enjoy year-round benefits, including access to the co-op’s used gear and trade-in program called Re/Supply; discounts on shop services; annual member reward of 10% back on eligible purchases; extended satisfaction guarantee window of one year; free U.S. standard shipping, and more. REI Mastercard cardmembers earn 5% in REI Co-op Mastercard Rewards on all REI purchases, including Anniversary Sale purchases.

About 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 25 million members who expect and love the best quality gear 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. REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.