Archives: Press Releases

March  25, 2024 – After nearly 20 years as a member, Osprey Packs, a Helen of Troy (NASDAQ: HELE) brand, is becoming The Conservation Alliance’s  newest Pinnacle Member with a $100,000 annual commitment to the organization. Osprey Packs is an industry-leading designer and distributor of high-performance packs and luggage with a strong record for sustainability and philanthropy. Osprey Packs’ incredible contribution is in celebration of its 50th Anniversary and its commitment to conservation. The funds support The Conservation Alliance’s (TCA) grantmaking, corporate advocacy and communications programs, as well as core operational expenses that shift the landscape of conservation.

For a half century, Osprey has been driven by a passion for exploration, and the belief that adventure should be available to all, whether exploring deep into the backcountry or nearby trails and parks. The brand believes that increased participation comes with a responsibility. As recreation landscapes see increased use, Osprey desires to increase awareness in conservation, land management and education efforts through its contributions as a pinnacle member of TCA, allowing it to continue working on honoring its core philanthropic pillars: access, conservation, and community.

“Osprey has been highly engaged in The Conservation Alliance’s work to protect wild spaces for close to 20 years,” said Conor McElyea, Senior Director of Membership and Partnerships at The Conservation Alliance. “We’re honored to not only have them as a member, but see them multiply their impact by making the jump to Pinnacle membership.  This commitment represents a huge step in trusting us with our shared goals for conservation, and allows us to make key investments to further conservation outcomes.”

“We strive to use our position as a leader in the technical backpack industry to not only increase outdoor participation and diversity, but to balance that with conservation,” said Rob BonDurant, VP Marketing at Osprey. “Our golden anniversary is about giving back to our community, and celebrating our commitment to community, access to the outdoors, and conservation. We see TCA as a key partner in conservation.”

Osprey Packs joins a prestigious roster of Pinnacle Members including Patagonia, The North Face, KEEN, Peak Designs, BMO, Public Lands Fund, REI, and the Clif Family Foundation. Through their contributions, Pinnacle Members represent an elevated source of support in TCA’s fight to preserve and expand outdoor spaces and wild places. Pinnacle Member companies believe that the future of business depends on a healthy planet, and they unite under TCA’s shared mission to help protect public land and water.

To learn more about Pinnacle Membership opportunities, visit ConservationAlliance.com/pinnacle-membership. To learn more about TCA and how it is protecting wild places and outdoor spaces, 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 – the outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – TCA takes bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $31.5 million in grants and helped protect over 81 million acres and 3,580 river miles, remove or halt 38 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas & designate five marine reserves. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit www.conservationalliance.com.

About Osprey Packs

Wherever you find adventure, Osprey Packs is with you. Since 1974, Osprey has provided hikers, backpackers, bikers and everyday travelers with innovative and long-lasting carry solutions, each thoughtfully designed to reflect a passion for exploration and the outdoors. Headquartered where the rugged foothills of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains meet the spectacular Southwest desert, Osprey’s surroundings provide the ultimate product testing ground, guaranteeing that all technical packs are up to any challenges users may encounter.

Tandem with Osprey’s pursuit of quality, their holistic approach to sustainability uses high quality materials to lower their impact on the environment, promote a safe chemical process and care for the people in their supply chain.

To learn more about Osprey and its products, backed by their industry-leading All Mighty Guarantee, visit osprey.com. Osprey products can be found online at osprey.com and in specialty retailers in over 60 countries worldwide. Follow all brand updates on Instagram (@ospreypacks) and Facebook (@ospreypacks).

About Helen of Troy Limited

Helen of Troy Limited (NASDAQ: HELE) is a leading global consumer products company offering creative product and solutions for its customers through a diversified portfolio of well-recognized and widely-trusted brands, including OXO, Hydro Flask, Osprey, Vicks, Braun, Honeywell, PUR, Hot Tools and Drybar. The company sometimes refers to these brands as their Leadership Brands. All trademarks herein belong to Helen of Troy Limited (or its subsidiaries) and/or are used under license from their respective licensors. For more information about Helen of Troy, please visit www.helenoftroy.com.

 

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JUPITER, Fla. (March 25, 2024) – Costa Sunglasses, manufacturer of the first color-enhancing all-polarized glass sunglass lens, redesigns a legacy favorite with the launch of Whitetip PRO. Completing the lineup of seven best-selling performance frames, Whitetip PRO diversifies the PRO portfolio, which now includes a variety of styles and fits across Costa’s most technical line of products.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the best-selling Whitetip, the Whitetip PRO features a more modern design with added performance features – while still giving a nod to its well-loved predecessor. Whitetip PRO keeps the same proportions, coming in as the smallest PRO model, while adding updated aesthetic and performance features for the modern angler. These include six updated technical features to keep your frames locked in place when the water gets rough, reduce fogging to keep your vision clear and redirect sweat so you can focus on what’s most important – catching fish.

“The PRO series represents our top-of-the-line frames for those who need the best of the best for long days on the water,” says Jed Larkin, Brand Marketing Director, Costa Sunglasses. “Since we launched the series in 2021 with Blackfin PRO and Fantail PRO, it has been a best-performing series. We’ve worked closely with our pros and guides to fine-tune every detail and engineer a frame that meets the needs for our community. And now, with the addition of Whitetip PRO, we have a PRO frame for everyone – including Costa and MLF pro Casey Ashley, who you will regularly see out on the tournament circuit rocking Whitetip PRO and the entire PRO Series.”

Whitetip PRO is equipped with Costa’s cutting-edge polarized 580® glass lens technology, providing exceptional clarity and color enhancement. These scratch-resistant lenses effectively reduce haze and blur, while boosting essential colors for superior definition. Built with Costa’s proprietary Bio-Resin, Whitetip PRO is also lightweight and maintains the durability necessary for long days on the water. Costa’s use of Bio-Resin is a part of its Kick Plastic program, a Costa owned initiative to help reduce the amount of single-use plastic finding its way into our waterway.

Starting at $264, Whitetip PRO is currently available at local dealers and Costasunglasses.com. For more information about Costa’s complete collection of award-winning performance, optical and lifestyle frames, visit Costasunglasses.com.

About Costa Sunglasses

More than 40 years ago, a group of anglers created Costa Sunglasses to stand up to the harsh light, unforgiving salt and rough conditions of a day at sea. The gear they made was up to the task, and it’s been on the water ever since. Today, Costa combines its superior 580® lens technology with unparalleled fit and durability to make the highest-quality sunglasses and prescription eyewear for adventures on the water. Committed to protecting the watery world it calls home, sustainability and conservation is woven throughout everything they do. From building products made of responsible materials, to Costa-owned initiatives like Kick Plastic® and #OneCoast, and its partnerships with 40+ mission-aligned conservation organizations, Costa inspires its community to help protect the earth’s resources and #SeeWhatsOutThere. Find out more on Costa’s website and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter at @CostaSunglasses.

Media Contacts:

Becca Katz I Verde Brand Communications I Becca@verdepr.com I Cell: 360-441-5620

Hannah Trotter I Verde Brand Communications I hannah_ext@verdepr.com I Cell: 864-884-2651

BOULDER – March 21, 2024 – Nite Ize^®, a leading manufacturer of solution-based products, today marked its 35th anniversary, celebrating a journey of ingenuity, growth and commitment to ‘Inventing a Better Way’. Led by Founder and CEO Rick Case, Nite Ize has built a trusted reputation for inventing unique products solving life’s everyday problems, including the widely popular Gear Tie^® Reusable Rubber Twist Tie^™, S-Biner^® Dual Carabiner and the Steelie^® Magnetic Phone Mount. Innovation is the driving force behind Nite Ize, both in developing and protecting it, with the company winning a landmark patent case before the International Trade Commission and partnering with Amazon in a lawsuit to fight counterfeit sellers. Since its inception in 1989, Nite Ize has launched over 1,000 original inventions, enhancing and simplifying the daily lives of people in 55 countries and counting.

 

Case started Nite Ize in 1989 as an undergraduate at the University of Colorado and with a $1500 loan from his family. “I was making a winter ascent up the Grand Teton, and it was pitch dark,” said Case. “I brought a Mini Maglite^® with me as today’s modern headlamps did not exist. It was much brighter than the bulky old mountaineering headlamp I was wearing. So I thought, why not turn this into a headlamp? That idea became the first product I ever made, the Headband^™ Mini Flashlight Holder.”

 

Today, Nite Ize is a global brand with award-winning designs recognized for its quality, performance and innovation. Offering over 600 products worldwide in categories including Illumination, Mobile, Waterproof Protection, Tie Downs, Key Accessories and Pet, the brand consistently releases new inventions twice a year and currently holds over 400 patents. Constantly innovating new ideas are always on the horizon at the Boulder headquarters, including the TRU^® Zip waterproof zipper. Created in 2019, the first toothless, sliding zipper is a fast-rising ingredient brand technology, featured in 20+ product collections by global outdoor industry leaders. “The secret to our success lies in our company culture,” Case noted.

 

“Our success is about our people,” Case continued. “We are built on the performance, thoughtfulness and innovation of each product. Together, that’s what creates our business. Our customers, our tenured employees and the trust they have in our ability to create reliable, valuable solutions serve as a pillar of the brand.”

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About Nite Ize

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Nite Ize designs, manufactures and globally distributes innovative, inventor-driven products that creatively solve everyday challenges. Nite Ize offers more than 500 products across various channels including: Waterproof Protection, Mobile, Tie-Downs + Bungees, Key Accessories, Illumination, Bike + Fitness and Pet. Led by original founder Rick Case, Nite Ize team members are passionate about their products, customers, partners and the environment. For more information, visit NiteIze.com. 

 

SALT LAKE CITY (March 22, 2023) – Gregory announces the launch of the Gregory Scholarship in partnership with the YMCA of Northern Utah’s BOLD & GOLD (Boys & Girls Outdoor Leadership Development) course. Gregory, a global leader in expedition, backpacking, daypacks, lifestyle, travel and camping gear, will provide one fully funded backpacking trip and a Stout/Amber backpacking pack of the winner’s choice.

Throughout the YMCA of Northern Utah’s 125 year history, it’s been their mission to strengthen local communities. YMCA of Northern Utah’s BOLD & GOLD activities are designed to expose local youth to the incredible wilderness in the greater Salt Lake City.

Gregory’s ethos aligns well with the BOLD & GOLD mission, and the partnership furthers Gregory’s continued goal to bring more people outdoors. The Stout and Amber backpacks that the winner will receive were designed to take the complexity out of adventure, with next-level fit and comfort all at an accessible price point. They come in standard and plus size options, and are highly customizable so that everyone can find their perfect fit.

YMCA of Northern Utah CEO Rich West states, “ We are incredibly thankful to our partners at Gregory for providing this scholarship opportunity. Oftentimes, we serve kids and teens that live less than 30 minutes from Utah’s outdoor destinations but have little to no access to them. The Y  works to provide necessary gear, transportation, and affordable experiences to reduce barriers so that everyone who wants to participate can participate. Gregory’s partnership creates more opportunity for equitable access to Utah’s great outdoors.”

April 15th is the final day to submit participant applications and recommendation forms, and the scholarship recipient will be announced on April 26th. For more information on the scholarship and how to apply, please visit this link.

About Gregory Mountain Products

For nearly 50 years, Gregory Mountain Products has been a global leader in expedition, backpacking, daypacks, lifestyle, travel, and camping gear. World renowned for fit, durability, performance, and accessibility, Gregory has won countless awards and recognition from media outlets such as Outside Magazine, National Geographic, Popular Science, Men’s Journal, New York Times, and many others. Gregory is a product driven company that continues to lead the way in clever, innovative, and experience enhancing outdoor gear that helps more people experience the benefits of the great outdoors in style and comfort. For more information on Gregory Mountain Products and its award winning collection of gear, visit www.Gregory.com.

About YMCA of Northern Utah

Since 1893, the YMCA of Northern Utah has sought to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. We are proud to be a part of a nationwide movement that seeks to deliver lasting personal and social change through our programs. Learn more at www.ymcautah.org.

Gregory Media Contact: Becca Katz I Verde Brand Communications I becca@verdepr.com I C. 360-441-5620

YMCA of Northern Utah Media Contact: Mandy Lail  |  mlail@ymcautah.org  |  385-287-8009

 

BOULDER, Colo. (March 21, 2024) – Matador Travel Equipment, renowned for its commitment to innovation and quality, is proud to introduce the latest addition to its product lineup: Matador Gear Cubes. Designed to revolutionize the way travelers organize their gear, these premium packing cubes offer unparalleled functionality and efficiency.

Matador’s Gear Cubes come in a convenient three-pack configuration, providing travelers with ample space to organize and stow a variety of items, from gear and equipment to clothing and shoes. With a unique bucket-format design, travelers can load these cubes to the brim and cinch them for fast and efficient compression, maximizing luggage space.

“We’re really pumped to introduce the Gear Cubes as part of our mission to give travelers solutions that amp up their travels,” said Chris Clearman, founder and CEO of Matador. “Those who have used packing cubes know how much of a game-changer they are for organized travel, and our Gear Cubes take it to the next level. These cubes are all about easy, no-fuss organization, so you can pack up and head out with total ease.”

The Gear Cubes are made with sustainable materials inspired by the outdoor industry, with a waterproof coating to ensure protection against the elements. Key features of the Gear Cubes include a bucket-format design for efficient packing and compression, built-in handles for easy transport, and durable construction to withstand the rigors of travel. The Gear Cubes will be available in Black and Arctic White color options.

For those seeking a more minimalist approach, Matador has also released a set of Packing Cubes alongside the Gear Cubes. The Packing Cubes, available in Black, Slate Blue, and Arctic White, offer a traditional packing cube design with similar durability-focused construction. Also sold in a three-pack, the Packing Cube Set offers quality and performance at a price that makes sense.

Matador’s Gear Cube Set (MSRP: $54.99) and Packing Cube Set (MSRP: $29.99) are available now at select retailers and online at http://www.matadorequipment.com/.

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About Matador Travel Equipment

Matador, based in Boulder, CO, designs high-performance adventure travel equipment engineered for objective-based travel. The team’s strengths in design, material technology, and construction give them an edge in developing innovative products that bring outdoor expertise to the pursuit of travel. For more information about Matador, visit www.MatadorEquipment.com.

 

Steamboat Springs, Colorado (March 21, 2024) – Big Agnes, the Steamboat-Springs-based outdoor equipment brand, today announced the addition of Michael Thompson as its new Director of Design and Development. Thompson joins Big Agnes with 20 years of experience in the outdoor industry with brands like Black Diamond Equipment, The North Face and Pearl Izumi, and will work alongside the product team to fortify new product design and development.

“I am thrilled to embark on my journey with Big Agnes, a renowned outdoor brand synonymous with product innovation, quality, and adventure. Big Agnes’s commitment to crafting high-performance outdoor gear that enhances the outdoor experience aligns perfectly with my passion for disruptive product innovation, exploration and outdoor pursuits. From lightweight backpacking tents to cozy sleeping bags, Big Agnes’s product lineup reflects a dedication to excellence and a deep understanding of the needs of a wide range of outdoor users,” said Thompson. “Moreover, I am excited to join a company that values sustainability and environmental stewardship and I look forward to contributing my skills and product background to the Big Agnes team to continue pushing the boundaries of outdoor innovation and inspiring others to embrace the beauty and adventure of the great outdoors.”

Thompson’s prior experience includes product development of hard goods, footwear and apparel. He also oversaw the strategic direction, strategy and management of these products on a global scale.

“The veteran leadership of Thompson will be an exciting addition to our already strong and award-winning product team,” said Bill Gamber, Big Agnes co-founder and president. “We always strive to invest in our team in order to provide industry-leading product innovation for our customer’s outdoor experiences. We’re thrilled with the value Michael will be adding.”

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About Big Agnes: Named for a peak in the nearby Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, Big Agnes®, Inc. is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2021. The company produces award-winning sleeping bags, pads, tents, packs, insulated apparel, camp furniture and now backpacks. For more information, visit www.bigagnes.com or call 1-877-554-8975.

 

 

 

BOULDER, Colo. (March 21, 2024) – Astronaut Ice Cream, the original freeze-dried astronaut ice cream developed with NASA in 1974, is over the moon to be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. As the stars would align, April 8, 2024 also marks a total solar eclipse, which hasn’t happened in North America since 2017 and won’t happen again until 2044.

Commemorating five decades of delighting taste buds, Astronaut Ice Cream invites you to savor this historic cosmic event with its delicious freeze dried treats, now available in four flavors; Vanilla, Neapolitan, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Cookies & Cream. Astronaut Ice Cream sandwiches use 100% real ice cream, require no freezer, are USA-made, and have a 3-year shelf life.

In addition to individual sandwiches ($4.99), they offer their freeze-dried sandwiches in 12-packs ($59.99) and 50-packs ($249.99), as well as a Variety Pack ($39.92) made up of eight total sandwiches (two of each flavor), and finally, an Outer Space Food Survival Kit ($35.92), which includes one of each of their offerings – four ice cream sandwiches and each of their four freeze dried fruit offerings; cinnamon apples, peaches, whole strawberries, and bananas.

To mark this significant milestone, Astronaut Foods is also introducing special edition Solar Eclipse Glasses ($3.99), sure to make your cosmic celebration even more unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a space-themed party or seeking a mesmerizing viewing experience, these limited edition glasses are a must-have for the ultimate celestial event.

Looking for additional eclipse party ideas? Check out Astronaut Foods’ blog post with suggestions and things to watch for during the eclipse. Place your order by April 1, 2024 to ensure delivery of your cosmic treats and glasses, and join the cosmic celebration on April 8 with Astronaut Foods!

For more information on Astronaut Foods, please visit: https://astronautfoods.com/

About Astronaut Foods

Founded in 1974 in conjunction with NASA and based in Boulder, Colorado, Astronaut Foods is the original source for freeze-dried ice cream — an out-of-this-world treat. Today, the company sells freeze-dried ice cream sandwiches and freeze-dried fruit. Astronaut Foods can be found in museums, toy shops, amusement parks, and outdoor stores all across North America, Europe, and Asia. Additionally, Astronaut Foods is dedicated to supporting people and organizations whose goal is to push the boundaries of space exploration and discovery. For more information and a complete list of products, visit astronautfoods.com.

About American Outdoor Products

American Outdoor Products (AOP) is a food manufacturer located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, CO.  Established in 1951, American Outdoor Products remains an independent, privately held, family-owned and operated company distributing products throughout the world. Inspired by a passion for unique cuisine and exciting adventures, the company produces Backpacker’s Pantry, adventure food for the outdoors; Astronaut Foods, out-of-this-world novelty treats; Chef Soraya grab-and-go plant-based meals; and Colorado Spice, all-natural and organic artisan spice blends. To learn more, visit: https://backpackerspantry.com

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) commends the Senate Budget Committee for its recent hearing, “Recreation at Risk: The Nature of Climate Costs,” which spotlighted the profound effects of climate change on the outdoor economy. The hearing, held on March 20, 2024, brought together esteemed witnesses, including Theresa McKenney, Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs at NEMO Equipment, a proud member of OIA and Chair of OIA’s Recreation Advisory Council. 

“Our drive to address climate change at NEMO comes from a combination of moral and practical concerns,” McKenney said in her testimony. “We do not only look to government to solve the monumental challenge of climate change; businesses like ours that manufacture goods are significant contributors to the problem and we are ready to take responsibility for our part. Within our company, we call this work a crucial part of our overall “business sustainability” versus simply “sustainability” priorities. We do not believe there is a future for businesses like ours without taking responsibility for our impacts on the planet, both because our consumers are increasingly demanding these efforts and because the natural places where backpacking and camping take place are being threatened.” 

Other witnesses included Hilary Hutcheson, a fly fishing guide and outfitter; Gus Schumacher, a World Champion nordic skier and Olympian; Dr. Joao Gomes, Senior Vice Dean Of Research, Centers, And Academic Initiatives at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; and Scott Walter, President of the Capital Research Center. 

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) President Kent Ebersole today released the following statement reflecting on the significance of the hearing: 

“The outdoors is a place of recreation and rejuvenation for millions of Americans, and the industry represents a substantial economic force. We are grateful to the Senate Budget Committee for recognizing the pivotal role of the outdoor industry and its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. As stewards of our nation’s natural resources, we have a responsibility to protect the places where we play and the businesses that rely on them. We look forward to continuing to engage with Congress on strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for outdoor recreation.” 

OIA stands ready to collaborate with policymakers, stakeholders, and industry partners to address the challenges posed by climate change and safeguard the outdoor spaces that are integral to our way of life. A recording of the hearing and witness testimony can be found on the Senate Budget Committee’s website. 

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About Outdoor Industry Association   

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers, and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth and climate positivity while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org