Escapod Unveils TOPO2 MTB: The World’s First Purpose-Built Mountain Biking Camper

COALVILLE, Utah (April 8, 2024) — Escapod, manufacturer of high-performance off-road teardrop trailers, today launches the TOPO2 MTB, the world’s first purpose-built camper designed specifically for mountain bikers. This innovative, all-season trailer combines Escapod’s award-winning design with specialized features tailored for cyclists, creating the ultimate easy-to-tow base camper for adventure on two wheels.

Escapod will unveil the TOPO2 MTB at the Sea Otter Classic this weekend (April 10-13) in Monterey, Calif., at booth S9.

Building on the success of Escapod’s unique TOPO2 trailer, which offers an ultra-durable, patented single-piece molded fiberglass body and a proprietary high-clearance suspension system for overland travel, Escapod built out a new trailer model outfitted for the comprehensive needs of mountain and gravel bikers.  At the heart of the design is Escapod’s custom-designed Switchback Hitch, a swing-away hitch that allows full galley access on the back of the trailer, even when it’s loaded with two bikes. It locks securely in three positions for stability off-road or at camp.

The Switchback Hitch features a bull bar,  RotopaX mount, and a Feedback Sports Mechanic Clamp, making trail-side maintenance quick and easy. Also integrated is Küat’s new Piston ION E-bike Rack – also debuting and Sea Otter –which is ready to transport any pair of e-bikes up to 80 lbs. and rated for RV use. Similar to the TOPO2, the ION is over-engineered for reliable use in rough conditions to make it easier to access the best places to ride.

A Feedback Sports Team Edition Tool Kit is integrated into the galley on the rear of the trailer, while a Feedback Sports Slide Lock Clamp Head attaches to the bull bar, making trail-side maintenance a breeze.

“Mountain biking — and being able to easily access all kinds of rugged places to ride — is what led my wife Jen and I to create the Escapod brand in the first place,” said Chris Hudak, Founder of Escapod. “We built out the very first model a decade ago to fuel our own weekend mountain biking adventures, and that design inspired us to start a company. So building out the TOPO2 MTB is in many ways coming full circle for us. This is more than just a comfortable place to sleep — it’s the ultimate mobile base camp for riding.”

In addition to all the bike-specific components, the TOPO2 MTB’s features include:

  • A highly insulated and heated design that keeps users warm in cold weather and cool in hot climates. The design also protects a 21-gallon water system and lithium batteries from cold temperatures and freezing.
  • After a long day of riding, cyclists can refresh themselves using the outdoor shower, or wash off their bikes after a muddy ride, perfectly complementing the camper’s thoughtful design.
  • The galley on the back serves dual purposes with a full kitchen, stove and a fridge or cooler, and excellent storage for kitchen tools, as well as easily accessed organization for bike tools.
  • The proprietary Freeride suspension has 23 inches of ground clearance for handling the roughest terrain with ease. That’s ultra-important for accessing backcountry campsites in an era when established campgrounds are often booked far in advance.
  • The patented single-piece molded fiberglass body design is ultralight, extremely durable and has exceptional usable space for such a compact, easy-to-tow package. The TOPO2 can be towed by most small trucks and SUVs.
  • The compact TOPO2 MTB easily fits in a garage bay, making it the ultimate tool for quick urban escapes — particularly important in situations where there are HOA restrictions or storage space is otherwise at a premium.

The Escapod TOPO2 MTB comes fully equipped and starts at $53,990; learn more about this model, other Escapod trailers, and testing opportunities at escapod.us. 

About Escapod

Escapod Trailers builds high-performance off-road teardrop trailers designed for adventure seekers who crave freedom and exploration. Using advanced fiberglass molding for a durable, lightweight body and the patented Freeride Suspension System for superior off-road handling, Escapods are built to tackle any terrain. With an industry-leading 5-year warranty, our trailers offer unmatched durability, while their compact size and easy towing capabilities make them just as convenient on the road or when fitting into your garage. Built in Utah, Escapod is more than just a trailer — it’s an invitation to join a community of adventurers, ready to explore wherever the journey takes you. Visit escapod.us for more information or follow the adventures on Instagram.

Media Contact

Verde Brand Communications

(307) 235-0268

escapod@verdepr.com

Gear up and give back with Access Fund and Wild Country product collaboration

BOULDER,  Colo. (April 8, 2025) – United by a shared value for climbing access and conservation, Access Fund and Wild Country are coming together for a limited edition product collaboration to help raise awareness and funds to protect climbing areas in the U.S.—ensuring a future where climbing areas are open, protected and accessible to all. Access Fund x Wild Country Rope Tarp, Flow Backpack and Spotter Boulder Bag are available at select REI locations and online at REI.com starting today.

The limited edition product capsule celebrates iconic climbing destinations that Access Fund has helped protect. The unique design features level lines from Eldorado Canyon in Colorado, Joe’s Valley in Utah and Index in Washington. A portion of proceeds from product sales will go directly to Access Fund, protecting climbing destinations for climbers today and for future generations.

“Partnering with Wild Country has allowed us to combine our resources and expertise to make a tangible impact on the preservation of climbing environments,” said Heather Thorne, Executive Director of Access Fund. “Together, we want to foster a culture of stewardship that benefits both the climbing community and the natural world.”​

Wild Country has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality climbing gear while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and pure climbing. Their dedication to preserving the natural landscapes that climbers cherish aligns seamlessly with the mission of Access Fund.​ Access Fund has been at the forefront of climbing advocacy since it was founded in 1991. Their work includes policy and advocacy, land acquisition and protection, stewardship education and conservation, and support for a network of over 120 local climbing organizations.

“At Wild Country, we believe it’s not enough to make gear that gets you to the top. We have a responsibility to protect the places we play,” says Stefan Zublasing, Wild Country Brand Manager. “The Access Fund’s work is crucial in an era where outdoor spaces face increasing threats. Their work makes a real difference—from safeguarding climbing areas like Castleton Tower in Utah to maintaining access to beloved crags across the country. We deeply appreciate the vital role they play, and we’re honored to support their mission.”

For more information about the collaboration or to learn more about Wild Country and Access Fund, please visit Wildcountry.com or Accessfund.org.

About Access Fund

Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment. Access Fund represents more than 8 million climbers nationwide in its work to protect and conserve the land, fight for sustainable access, and build a community of inspired advocates. Access Fund staff has more than 100 years of public policy and advocacy experience and has permanently protected nearly 4 million acres of public land across the country and established climbers as a powerful voice in the fight to protect public lands. For more information, visit accessfund.org.

About Wild Country

Wild Country is the brandchild of UK-based climber Mark Vallace. It was set up to manufacture what has become the most famous piece of rock climbing gear of all time: the Friend. And from this iconic piece of gear, also the core value was born – friendship.

Wild Country offers climbers the greatest possible freedom in their vertical activities with its technical climbing products. Because passionate climbers around the world invest in their climbing projects, the brand in turn invests in its products to help the community feel safe and understood in every climbing situation. What drives Wild Country is the ambition, energy, and expertise of  “pure climbing“ that is also reflected in the way their items are manufactured. For more information, visit Wildcountry.com.

Ditch The Bowl and Spoon: Skratch Labs Launches Cinnamon + Oatmeal Energy Bar

April 8, 2025 – Boulder, CO – Skratch Labs, the Boulder-based leader in performance nutrition, debuts its newest flavor: Cinnamon + Oatmeal Energy Bar. Created to power athletes through long training sessions and recovery days alike, this bar delivers steady, sustained energy from a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. With warm cinnamon, toasted oats, and creamy almond butter, it blends comfort and performance in one deliciously functional fuel—just sweet enough, with a touch of spice.

Backed by science and made from real food, Skratch Labs’ Energy Bar Sport Fuel features a clean macronutrient profile: 33 grams of carbs, 6 grams of fat, and 4 grams of protein, with significantly less added sugar than most leading bars. Each 200-calorie bar is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, kosher, and non-GMO, made with a simple ingredient list that includes oats, almond butter, tapioca syrup, coconut nectar, raisins, cinnamon, and sea salt. With a soft, cookie-like texture and craveable flavor, it’s easy to enjoy, whether mid-effort or in between.

“At Skratch Labs, we use real food to solve real problems,” states Mellisa Allen, Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Our team is dedicated to developing flavors that fuel performance, satisfy the palate, and are easy to enjoy—on the go or during a session. With the Cinnamon + Oatmeal Energy Bar, we made sure it has the right level of moisture so athletes can focus on their hard efforts, not hard-to-swallow fuel. It delivers the familiar taste of cinnamon-spiced oatmeal, minus the bowl.”

Cinnamon + Oatmeal joins three other Energy Bar Sport Fuel flavors: Raspberry + Lemon, Peanut Butter + Chocolate, and Cherry + Pistachio. It is available in a 12-serving pack for $29.95 or a single serving for $2.65. Athletes may purchase the Cinnamon + Oatmeal Energy Bar directly at skratchlabs.com, select retailers, Amazon, The Feed, and the Skratch Labs Cafe in Boulder, CO.

For more information on Skratch Labs, the Skratch Cafe, and the latest product releases and innovations, please contact Tim Nooney at tim@darbycommunications.com.

About Skratch Labs:

Born in Boulder, CO, in 2012, Skratch Labs is a performance nutrition innovator who helps athletes be better. Founded by two cycling pros who spent years on the Pro Cycling Tour watching teammates consume bad-tasting sports nutrition products that caused digestion issues, they created a “secret drink mix” composed of real sugar, salt, and fruit powder mixed in a 5-gallon paint bucket for their team. More than a decade later, Skratch Labs’ approach is the same: help athletes perform better by solving their nutrition problems without causing new ones, using real food ingredients. You can learn more at Skratch Labs, follow on social, join Skratch Labs’ Strava Club, enroll in the affiliate program, or visit the Cafe and Flagship Store.

 

 

Black Diamond Equipment and SOHI Studios Introduce BD HEX: A Bold Fusion of Climbing Heritage and Contemporary Design

[SALT LAKE CITY, UT] – April 7, 2025 – Black Diamond Equipment, a pioneering force in climbing and outdoor equipment, is proud to introduce BD HEX: a limited-edition apparel collection and multimedia platform in collaboration with Bobby Vannoy, Founder of SOHI Studios. BD HEX represents a fresh take on the original spirit behind climbing culture, designed to reflect the energy driving today’s climbers while harkening back to Black Diamond’s ingrained heritage in the sport.

Born from a shared passion for the climbing lifestyle and community, Black Diamond HEX seeks to invigorate and embody the culture of the sport by taking more than just climbing itself into account. The collection combines perception with practicality, producing apparel that carries climbers through the entire arc of their climbing experience from start to finish and well beyond.

“These pieces incorporate the whole culture of climbing, including the before and after,” says Bobby Vannoy, founder of SOHI Studios. “They embody how boulderers want to dress and feel while climbing, as well as while they’re not climbing.”

Vannoy and his team bring a unique perspective on the core climbing lifestyle to the project as a filmmaker documenting the habits and achievements of climbers pushing the highest bounds of the sport. His inside look at exactly what it takes to perform at such a level—both on and off the wall—infuses these designs with a personal awareness of climbing’s demands and intricacies. The collection is thus inspired by the attitudes of athletes who influence the trajectory of modern climbing.

BD HEX draws support from Black Diamond Equipment, a global leader in mountain sports gear and apparel. The collaborative approach to this project came about organically as a result of the long-standing relationship between Black Diamond and SOHI Studios. Vannoy has woven Black Diamond’s in-line product into his productions since the start of his creative career, and is now excited to create new pieces that help tell the story of Black Diamond’s contributions to climbing culture in a fresh new way. The project also allows Black Diamond to reach new audiences as climbing continues to grow as a sport and a lifestyle.

“BD Hex taps into Black Diamond’s history of disruption, and reinterprets it via the vision of Bobby and the SOHI Studios team,” says Kasey Jarvis, Creative Director for Black Diamond.  “The result is a collection that perfectly captures the progressive culture of climbing.”

The spring drop from Black Diamond HEX encompasses seven limited-edition items, including:

  • Durham Shorts (Unisex): heavyweight organic cotton canvas with a wide leg cut and an extended inseam that hits mid to lower knee
  • Durham Pants (Men’s and Women’s): organic cotton canvas wide leg utility pants for everyday functionality
  • HEX Pants (Men’s and Women’s): organic cotton herringbone with a wide leg cut and an elevated inseam that hits just above the shoe
  • Full-Zip Hoody: heavyweight organic cotton blend with an oversized fit and a chunky zipper
  • Friends Short Sleeve Tee: organic combed cotton sourced from North Carolina, designed on a custom fit block and garment-dyed
  • Granite Short Sleeve Tee: organic combed cotton sourced from North Carolina, designed on a custom fit block and garment-dyed
  • Mountain Map Short Sleeve Tee: organic combed cotton sourced from North Carolina, designed on a custom fit block and garment dyed
  • HEX Cap: organic cotton twill, six panel cap with HEX graphic

BD HEX officially launches April 7, through select Black Diamond retail locations and online at BD-HEX.com while supplies last, with a fall drop and future multimedia collaborations to follow.

About Black Diamond

Black Diamond Equipment is a global leader in designing innovative outdoor-engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, skiing, and a wide range of other year-round outdoor activities. Headquartered in Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Black Diamond is synonymous with performance, innovation, and durability in the outdoor community. For more information on Black Diamond Equipment, visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com.

About SOHI Studios

SOHI Studios, founded by Bobby Vannoy, is a creative force that blends film, design, and climbing culture. Rooted in the core climbing community, SOHI Studios captures the essence of climbing and translates it into productions that reflect the lived experience of the most dedicated climbers who drive the sport forward.

Outdoor Industry Warns: New Tariffs Will Hurt Jobs, Raise Costs, and Put Businesses at Risk

BOULDER, CO (April 3, 2025) —Newly announced tariffs will make it more expensive to make and sell outdoor gear in the U.S., hurting American businesses, workers, and consumers, says Outdoor Industry Association. The outdoor industry is a key economic engine in the U.S., generating $1.2 trillion in consumer spending and supporting over 5 million American jobs. Last year alone, 175.8 million Americans participated in outdoor recreation, an all-time high. But now, many of the products that make those experiences possible are about to get much more expensive.  

“These tariffs will raise costs for American manufacturers, retailers, and families,” said Kent Ebersole, President of OIA. “That’s going to slow growth, put pressure on small and mid-sized outdoor companies, and could force some to close their doors. These tariffs also make it more difficult for global outdoor brands to operate in the U.S. and maintain their American workforce.” 

In a recent survey, 84% of OIA members surveyed said they will be impacted by new tariffs, resulting in millions of dollars in financial losses and affecting hundreds of outdoor products.  “These rising costs could lead to fewer jobs, less innovation, and fewer options for consumers,” Ebersole said. “This will especially impact vital businesses that make American’s access to the outdoors possible.” 

“We urge policymakers to consider the broader economic impact of these trade decisions,” Ebersole said. “Outdoor recreation matters to millions of Americans and thousands of businesses. We need a balanced trade policy that keeps outdoor gear affordable, supports U.S. jobs, and helps our industry continue to grow.”  

OIA encourages support for the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025, introduced by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), which would create greater transparency and oversight in U.S. trade policy, both critical steps to protecting the outdoor recreation economy. 

Outdoor businesses are also encouraged to join OIA’s Trade Policy Town Hall webinar on April 8 at 12 PM MT, where policy experts will share more about the latest tariff policies and what businesses can do to stay ahead of impacts.  

 

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 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.