Archives: Press Releases

FRISCO, Texas (Feb. 26, 2024) – Wiley X, the global pioneer and leader in premium protective eyewear, is proud to release two exciting new models of eyewear that are now available online and through select retailers: the Founder and the Recon. Designed and assembled at the company’s headquarters in Frisco, Texas, these new arrivals exhibit Wiley X’s commitment to quality craftsmanship by seamlessly blending protection, performance and style.

They join the Wiley X Active 6 Series of eyewear, constructed with contemporary styling for active lifestyles, occupations and recreation, to offer everyday appeal in addition to the uncompromising protection Wiley X is known for.

The Founder is designed and named in honor of the brand’s pioneering founder, Myles Freeman Sr. It offers maximum eye protection and a bold, standout silhouette that’s perfect for making a statement while seeing clearly and safely. The Recon is built for outdoor adventurers, athletes and tactical enthusiasts who demand high-performance eyewear that can withstand hardcore use.

“After years of development we’re thrilled to introduce the Founder and Recon into our lineup of Active 6 Series eyewear,” said Dan Freeman, CEO and Co-Founder at Wiley X. “These new styles are an outstanding example of our team’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and offer a perfect combination of style and performance for any situation, from casual outings to demanding adventures.”

Both models boast shatterproof Selenite™ 6-Base lenses for superior protection and durability while WX CAPTIVATE™ lens technology, available in polarized and non-polarized options, enhances visual experience with superior clarity, enhanced contrast and vivid colors. Additionally, they’re available with prescription lenses using the brand’s proprietary Digiforce2™ technology.

The removable side shields included with each model give users the flexibility to customize their protection level as needed. With side shields installed, the Founder and Recon meet both ANSI Z87.1+ and EN.166 safety standards. Designed and assembled in the USA, the Founder and Recon exhibit Wiley X’s commitment to quality craftsmanship.

For more information about Wiley X, its product offering or to shop the new styles, visit www.wileyx.com.

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About Wiley X

Veteran-founded in 1987, Wiley X has been producing the world’s most protective eyewear to various markets that rely on impact resistance for over 30 years. Myles Freeman Sr., a military veteran, started Wiley X to protect the eyes of those who protected America. The company’s military heritage helped carve a roadmap for Wiley X in the years to follow for many well-respected weekend warriors. Every adult sunglass style made by Wiley X meets ANSI Z87.1 High Velocity and High Mass Impact Safety Standards, for protection that goes far beyond the harmful rays of the sun. Several styles also meet U.S. military MIL-PRF-32432 (GL) standards for ballistic eye protection, a key reason why Wiley X has been a leading provider of vision protection equipment to the U.S. military and law enforcement for more than 30 years.

 

 

 

VANCOUVER, Febraury 26, 2024—Norco Factory Racing rider Gracey Hemstreet was the biggest story of the Red Bull Hardline race in Tasmania last weekend, after becoming the first-ever female rider to complete the entire Hardline course. At just 19-years-old, the young Canadian’s fearless performance secured her the title of fastest woman on the course and earned her the prestigious Rider of the Week award.

Throughout the challenging week of riding, Hemstreet showcased her talent and determination on the huge drops, gaps and steeps of the Red Bull Hardline track. Despite facing obstacles and setbacks, including a spectacular crash during practice, Hemstreet remained undeterred, and was one of only two women to complete the entire course and reach the finals.

In the finals, Hemstreet completed a flawless run, landing the 30-foot drops cleanly and clearing the massive 75-foot gap at the finish line with a time of 3:56:58, establishing her as the fastest female competitor of the event.

“I am sooo proud on what all us girls accomplished this week! It’s honestly insane.” Said Hemstreet on her Instagram. “It was the best feeling ever completing Red Bull Hardline, especially being the first girl to ever complete a full run! Couldn’t be more stoked!”

This is just the beginning for Gracey, and the entire Norco team is thrilled to support her.

For more information, please reach out to brandon.martinez@backbone.media

Photo assets available for download HERE.

About Norco Bicycles

Norco is a global leader in high-performance mountain bikes, known for its commitment to innovation, quality craftsmanship, and the pursuit of trail-blazing excellence. Founded as Northern Cycle Industries in 1964, operating out of a chicken coop, the brand has evolved over the years, but hard work, passion, and commitment to innovation have always been at the forefront. The mountains and trails of British Columbia are hard-wired into the DNA at Norco, and they will always be the ultimate inspiration for the character and performance of every Norco bike. norco.com

 

 

SEATTLE – Leading adventure travel operator REI Co-op added 10 trips as part of its expansion to meet demand of its most popular destinations and introduced new itineraries to California’s wine country, Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness, the Pacific Northwest and more. At the same time, REI purchased 20 acres near the Grand Canyon to build its latest signature camp, which will open in spring 2025.

“For more than three decades, we’ve led trips to the some of the most remote and storied locales in the U.S. and Canada. Each REI adventure trip is an immersive experience that our guests will remember for a lifetime,” said Mark Seidl, divisional vice president of REI Experiences. “Our expansion reflects the trust instilled in our brand to offer unmatched small group adventure travel from coast to coast.”

New destinations

On REI’s new Maine Hiking – Appalachian Trail 100-Mile Wilderness (Lodge Based), guests spend six days exploring the heart of northern Maine’s famed 100-Mile Wilderness. Local guides lead the journey into the wild northern woods to explore some of best daily hikes the route has to offer. The 100-Mile Wilderness route is the name of the next-to-last section of the Appalachian trail on its 2,180-mile route from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Katahdin in Maine. Pristine lakes, river gorges and waterfalls await hikers. Evenings are enjoyed in the International Dark Sky Park at Medawisla Lodge and Gorman Chairback Lodge, both set on the banks of ponds where guests are invited to paddle and fish.

A four-day Tennessee Hiking – Big South Fork (Lodge Based) itinerary immerses guests in the unique history of the Cumberland Plateau. The adventure begins at the oldest surviving utopian community that was developed as an English Colony following the Civil War where people of all races, genders and economic standing could have a fresh start. Days include relaxed hikes to swimming holes and overlooks to breathtaking views as well as exploration of Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail named after Daniel Boone who was given the name Sheltowee when he was adopted by Chief Blackfish of the Shawnee tribe. Accommodations include a historic inn and rustic, restored cabins complete with family-style meals and kerosene lanterns.

Signature camp expansion

Last year, REI doubled the size of its Bryce Canyon National Park signature camp to meet ongoing demand of its popular trips in the park. At the exclusive property, guests enjoy camping at its finest through spacious tents and sleeping cots, delicious guide prepared meals, private bathrooms and showers, and other special touches. Each year, Bryce Canyon National Park is one of REI’s most sought-after destinations.

The company’s latest addition is a five-day Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef Hiking Adventure. The trip begins in the heart of Utah’s best-kept secret, Capitol Reef National Park. Named after the white Navajo sandstone domes, the land resembles a “reef,” an impressive geological marvel warping the Earth’s crust for almost 100 miles. Guests discover the distinct charm and rugged beauty by hiking less traveled trails. After a stay at a cozy lodge, the group travels to the otherworldly Bryce Canyon National Park. Two incredible days explore the remarkable geological playground of vibrantly colored hoodoos (sandstone spires) that create a magical landscape. Nights are spent at REI’s signature camp where stargazing is unparalleled. A local astronomer leads a galaxy tour with high-powered telescopes to teach guests about the planets and deep space.

To date, REI operates three signature camps at Bryce Canyon National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Zion National Park spanning 13 itineraries across all three properties. The co-op recently purchased a 20-acre property in Williams, Arizona adjacent to Grand Canyon National Park. Next spring, REI will open a self-sustaining signature camp that prioritizes its impact on the planet, building on the current assortment of 14 trips currently offered in Grand Canyon that range from three to eight days.

Adventure travel on the west coast

Adventures in California and Washington repeatedly rank among the top destinations for REI travelers. Joining the company’s Evergreen State assortment is an immersive six-day adventure in the heart of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic treasures, Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park. Guests on Washington Hiking – Mount Rainier & Olympic National Park (Lodge Based) explore the pristine wilderness of Mount Rainier through hikes to breathtaking meadows, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views of the majestic volcanic wonder. After a stay at the historic lodge nestled in the national park, the adventure continues to the enchanting Olympic National Park. There, travelers experience crashing waves of the untamed shoreline, marvel at the surreal beauty of the Hoh Rainforest, and trek in the unspoiled alpine wilderness of Hurricane Ridge.

For weekend adventurers who wish to play near the Emerald City, REI’s new Seattle Hiking, Cycling and Kayaking Adventure (Lodge Based) is an ideal option. Guests spend three action-packed days exploring Seattle’s highlights by boats, bikes and boots. Kayak from Lake Union to the Puget Sound via the historic Ballard Locks, cycle the charming community of Bainbridge Island and hike the Cascades’ forested trails. Each day discovers the region’s most beloved outdoor spaces, and nights are spent at Seattle’s most famous waterfront accommodation, The Edgewater Hotel.

With 35 itineraries across California, it’s no surprise the state ranks among REI’s top destinations where guests explore coastlines, national parks and more. A new five-day

California Wine Country Hiking: Napa & Sonoma (Lodge Based) trip is an enchanting adventure through wine country. Guests delve into the world of eco-friendly winemaking by indulging their senses with tastings and ambiance of renowned wineries that perfected their craft over generations. Hikes traverse ancient redwood forests, shaded trails, panoramic vistas and lakes heighten the experience.

REI members save every day

REI members enjoy special pricing on all classes, day trips and multiday adventures. As part of the co-op’s upcoming Member Month, travelers can save up to 10% more, or up to $429, per person on select REI adventure travel trips. Travel discounts will be offered from March 8 to 25 on 2024 departures of new trips of Bryce Canyon & Capitol Reef Hiking Adventures; California Wine Country Hiking: Napa and Sonoma; Seattle Hiking, Cycling, and Kayaking Adventure; and Washington Hiking – Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Parks. The co-op will also offer savings on its Alaska Haines-Skagway Weekend Cycling trip. During Member Month, visit REI.com/trips-on-sale for offer terms and conditions.

About the 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 23 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. If you can’t visit one of our many stores, you 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. More than a retailer, REI is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.

 

 

SALT LAKE CITY (Feb. 22, 2023) – Since Gregory’s inception, the brand’s biggest goal has been to bring more people outdoors – leading to the natural next step in Gregory’s evolution, the creation of the Alpaca Gear Organization Collection. The Alpaca Gear Collection – which includes a Tote, Basket, Box, Wagon, Pods and Wide-Mouth Case in various sizes – combines next-level durability with a thoughtful design for all kinds of adventures.

The collection rethinks what it means to adventure and pack intentionally –  with a range of long-lasting and well-built organization and storage options designed to keep outdoor enthusiasts’  gear organized anywhere their adventure takes them. Each product is made to fit the needs of the gear nut, family camper or van-lifer, no matter their experience level. Providing protection, organization and accessibility, users can trust these products for daily use in the trunk of their car, in their gear room or at their campsite.

The 45L Alpaca Gear Box provides waterproof and dustproof durable protection with a removable, FlipFlop hinged lid – designed to keep gear dry and protected. The smashproof Clearview Polycarbonate lid lets you locate gear at a quick glance, while the durable design gives you confidence that your valuable gear will be safe and secure. The sealed gasket design keeps the elements out – with a dustproof and waterproof IP65 rating. The combination hinge/latch design means the lid can be opened from either side, and the molded bottom with a side grab handle is built to take heavy hits. The Alpaca Gear Box fits into a larger system – its stackable design allows for multiple to be stacked together and is also the perfect shape for either 4 x 10L Gear Pods or 8 x 5L Gear Pods to fit into for more streamlined organization. Additionally, the top lid is designed to channel water and drain it off. The bottom is built from 50% recycled material and the lid and latches are made from polycarbonate. MSRP: $59.95

The 10L and 5L Alpaca Gear Pods keep items protected with padded bottoms and sides, and items are easily identifiable thanks to the mesh lid with a zipper construction. The Gear Pods are durable, simple, and secure – perfect for storing gear at home or on trips. The Gear Pods have stackable, structured side walls and provide strong and portable options for gear storage anywhere you go. A rugged exterior ripstop fabric made from blended recycled polyester keeps them durable, and all Gear Pods are designed to fit perfectly with the Alpaca Gear Box and Alpaca Wide Mouth Bags. Both are built from recycled materials to reduce their carbon reductions by 41% (5L) and 42% (10L). MSRP: Alpaca Gear Pod 5L: $29.95 I Alpaca Gear Pod 10L: $24.95

The 30L Alpaca Gear Tote was designed for quick and easy access, made with a collapsible, aluminum frame, connected to a flexible base for durability and protection.  It’s designed to fit behind the front seat of your vehicle to make use of the footwell space while offering easy access to gear in the back seat. It collapses down to save space when not in use and comes with a mesh bag for storage purposes. The Gear Tote has easy-to-grab handles, reflective gear loops on all sides and a large interior zippered pocket to separate smaller items if necessary. The Gear Tote is also made from blended recycled fabric to reduce its carbon footprint by 27%. MSRP: $59.95

The 70L Alpaca Gear Basket was built tough, yet flexible enough to match your next adventure. The Gear Basket has a flexible base connected to an anodized aluminum frame that provides durability and strength for heavy usage. Great for camping essentials, it easily fits a plethora of gear in its bigger capacity and is easy to carry from your car to wherever you might need it with its lightweight and easy-to-hold handles.  It collapses down to save space when not in use and comes with a mesh bag for storage. The Gear Basket has reflective gear loops on all sides and a large interior zippered pocket to separate smaller items if necessary. The Gear Basket is also made from blended recycled fabric to reduce its carbon footprint by 37%. MSRP: $79.95

Designed for time outside, the Alpaca Gear Wagon provides 140 liters of storage on wheels. The 8” oversized, all-terrain wheels and reinforced collapsible frame provide trustworthy transportation for all your gear. The included rain and sun cover provides shelter for your stuff, and the easy access pockets make organization simple. The included storage case provides full coverage so you don’t have to throw a mud-covered wagon into the back of your vehicle. Additional features include an aluminum hook on the top while folded that doubles as a carry handle, rust-resistant materials, a durable coated mesh bottom with a removable floor for easy cleaning, dual water bottle pockets and a large slip pocket for extra storage. The wagon has a 250 lb weight carry limit with its floor installed, and reflective gear loops on all sides keep it easy to spot in the dark. The wagon is built with recycled materials for a carbon reduction of 6%. MSRP: $249.95

The 25L Alpaca Wide-Mouth Case and 50L Alpaca Wide-Mouth Duffel offer case storage with a framed zippered access opening that pops and stays open, giving wide open access to the inside. The Wide-Mouth Case is 25L – best for smaller pieces of gear and accessories like camp electronics, and the 50L Wide-Mouth Duffel fits larger gear like tents, camp chairs or clothes. The interior of both features mesh pockets with a large padded main compartment designed to suit your gear organization needs. Additional features include interior pockets, a discreet zippered pocket with a key clip and top padded handles for comfortable carrying. Both the Duffel and the Case seamlessly integrate with the Alpaca Gear Pods for increased organization. The Wide-Mouth Duffel has an included shoulder strap that attaches to molded, tuck-away loops for carrying heavier loads. The Wide-Mouth Case is built with recycled materials for a 44% carbon reduction, and the Wide-Mouth Duffel with a 51% carbon reduction. MSRP: Alpaca Wide-Mouth Case: $99.95 I Alpaca Wide-Mouth Duffel: $139.95

The spring 2024 collection is available now at Gregory.com and at a wide selection of other Outdoor/Sporting Goods Specialty dealers.

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.

 

[Bozeman, Montana –  February 22, 2024] – MYSTERY RANCH, pioneer of pack innovation with a legacy of load-bearing excellence and uncompromising comfort, is proud to announce its partnership with Vallfirest in a shared mission to contribute to global wildland fire management solutions. Through this partnership, MYSTERY RANCH firefighting products will now be available to wildland firefighters across Europe through Vallfirest’s network of D2C and retail sales channels.

Inspired by its passion for innovation and field equipment provision, MYSTERY RANCH has partnered with Vallfirest to overcome historical challenges in making MYSTERY RANCH load-bearing equipment globally accessible. For too long, getting MYSTERY RANCH equipment onto the backs of the wildland firefighters outside of the United States has been difficult. “We are excited to be able to work with Vallfirest with the intent of keeping wildland firefighters and fire practitioners as comfortable as possible in extreme working environments,” said Luke Mayfield, Fire Program Manager at MYSTERY RANCH.  This partnership signals a breakthrough in overcoming the longstanding difficulty of providing MYSTERY RANCH equipment beyond the United States, reflecting a shared dedication to global solutions.”

Vallfirest’s collaboration with MYSTERY RANCH marks a pivotal alliance, a fusion of expertise and commitment to revolutionize Europe’s approach to wildland firefighting. Vallfirest’s CEO Javier Baena emphasizes, “We partnered with MYSTERY RANCH because they make great gear. Our goal is to give firefighters the best tools possible, and together, we can provide gear that helps them face tough challenges.” This partnership aligns with Vallfirest’s mission to constantly enhance firefighting solutions, ensuring those on the frontlines are equipped with gear designed to overcome nature’s fiercest challenges. This collaboration is about supporting firefighters with reliable and top-quality equipment they can trust in any situation.

For more information about MYSTERY RANCH, please visit www.mysteryranch.com. For more information on Vallfirest, please visit https://www.vallfirest.com/en.

About MYSTERY RANCH

Founded in 2000, MYSTERY RANCH is committed to making the best load-bearing gear in the world. A product-driven company from the beginning, MYSTERY RANCH designs packs for the job that needs to get done, for the people committed to doing it, with the best materials available and the most durable construction methods that exist. For more, please visit: www.mysteryranch.com #BuiltfortheMission

About Vallfirest:

Vallfirest is the benchmark company in the manufacturing of equipment, tools, and solutions for the extinguishing and prevention of wildfires. The significant fires occurring worldwide require new strategies and solutions. At Vallfirest, we actively collaborate with analysts and industry professionals who share their needs and experiences in the field. Thanks to this constant flow of information, we possess the necessary knowledge to develop disruptive solutions and provide the sector’s professionals with the material resources required to protect society and forest ecosystems from the adverse effects of fires. The world is facing the major forest fires of the 21st century, and at Vallfirest, we work every day to offer innovative solutions for firefighting.

 

Today, Mission Mountain, a trailblazing force in the outdoor industry, launches its latest life-changing product on Kickstarter — Pawsible, the world’s first tent for camping with pets. Pawsible is a 2-in-1 pet-friendly tent and offers a whole new camping experience for outdoor pet lovers to travel with pets cleaner, cozier, and safer.

“Nearly 30 percent of traveling pets go camping. While outdoor enthusiasts wish to enjoy the outdoors with their pets, camping with fur friends isn’t easy for them when considering extreme weather and outdoor safety,” says Bruce Quigley, chief product manager at Mission Mountain.” Pawsible aims to provide a solution for camping with pets. A separate pet tent space next to the owner ensures safety and cleanliness for humans and pets. For those who prefer to cuddle up with their pets, the divided compartment can also become a small storage area for luggage and pet supplies.”

Pawsible holds numerous surprises beyond its appealing appearance. Weighing only 6.83lb, the ultra-portable design with a travel-size storage bag makes camping with pets lightweight and convenient. The ample space is divided into human and pet areas, connected by an internal window, easily accommodating 2 adults and 1 medium-sized pet. Crafted from premium, weather-resistant materials, the PAWSIBLE tent ensures a reliable and comfortable shelter for both pet and owner.

Pawsible’s intricate design, incorporating multiple built-in pockets for miscellaneous items and a dedicated space for the pet bowl, showcases Mission Mountain’s commitment to being pet-friendly. Engineered for hassle-free assembly, the PAWSIBLE tent allows adventurers to spend more time immersing themselves in the journey and less time wrestling with cumbersome gear. This is also what the brand is pursuing — lowering the barriers to camping entry, and allowing beginners to enjoy connecting with nature through clever products.

“Launching on Kickstarter allows us to share the brilliant product idea with the market at the very first stage and adjust our strategy according to the users’ feedback,” Tate Cui shared, CEO of Mission Mountain. “Today, on Love Your Pets Day, we aspire that the introduction of Pawsible can bring increasing awareness to the bond between humans and pets. This is also what we insist on in Mission Mountain —— building a harmonious connection between humans and pets as well as humans and nature.”

Pawsible early bird tickets are now on Kickstarter: Place the order during the crowdfunding phase, which only lasts about a month, to enjoy the most discounts and faster delivery.

SOURCE Eposeidon Outdoor Adventure Inc.

 

 

OSLO (Feb. 21, 2024) — Norrøna ambassador and French polar explorer Vincent Colliard has set a new world record for the fastest solo and unsupported trek to the South Pole from Hercules Inlet. He covered 1140km in 22 days, 6 hours and 8 minutes, breaking the previous world record by almost two days.

“My goal was to explore my full potential with this expedition to the South Pole. I wanted to push myself to the edge, physically and mentally, where I’ve never been on my previous polar expeditions,” shares Colliard. “Now felt like the perfect time for this challenge given my experience and endurance, combined with the impending arrival of my newborn soon. Like all my expeditions, I hope to raise awareness of protecting our polar regions and inspire concrete conservation measures.”

Colliard began his “Pas ce soir, chérie!” expedition on Dec. 20, 2023, and reached the South Pole on Jan. 11, 2024. He remained determined to complete his trek, despite the snow and white out conditions for the first half of the journey. He was inspired by the previous speed record, held by his friend Christian Eide, who skied the route solo and unsupported in 24 days, 1 hour and 23 minutes, in 2011.

“I am constantly in awe of the accomplishments of our Norrøna ambassadors and am proud to have Vincent as part of the Norrøna family,” said Jørgen Jørgensen, Norrøna’s fourth generation leader and owner. “A key aspect for our brand is to support changemakers, and Vincent continues to go above and beyond with each of his expeditions.”

Colliard was raised in the Basque region of southwestern France and currently resides in Norway his family. His extensive career ranges from mountaineering in the Himalayas to partially skiing across Patagonia’s southern icecap unsupported, and more. In 2010, he joined his childhood hero, Børge Ousland, in sailing through the Northwest Passage, navigating it in just 25 days. Colliard and Ousland were shocked by the ice retreat during their journey and soon created The Ice Legacy Project, a series of expeditions across the worlds 20 largest ice caps to document, raise awareness and inspire conservation efforts for the melting glaciers and ice fields. The two are 11 years into their 15-year-long project and continue to advocate for the protection and conservation of the wilderness.

Colliard joined the Norrøna roster of ambassadors in 2019 and used the lyngen Gore-Tex Active Jacket, lyngen alpha90 Vest, lyngen Gore-Tex Packlite Overpants and lyngen down850 Knickers during his most recent expedition.

For more information on Colliard, visit his Norrøna ambassador page at www.norrona.com/en-GB/about-norrona/our-ambassadors/vincent-colliard.

For media inquiries, please contact corinne.baud@rygr.us.

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About Norrøna: In 1929, Jørgen Jørgensen, a Norwegian outdoor enthusiast, began his search for durable outdoor equipment to perform in Norway´s harsh and rugged land. Starting with simple innovations such as leather straps, canvas backpacks and cotton clothing, he set Norrøna’s direction: To search for the best in technical advancements and to create the ultimate performance products. Today, four generations later, Norrøna is still a family-owned and run company and a leader in the growing market of sustainable sportswear. www.norrona.com

 

NEW YORK CITY (Feb. 21, 2024) – P448, the Italian streetwear brand known for its master artisans and hand craftsmanship, is partnering with Vibram, the leader in high-performance soles for outdoor, recreational, work and fashion footwear, to debut the P448 x Vibram Eco-Friendly capsule February 21, 2024. Part of its Project Sustainability, the line for men and women includes two footwear styles, a hybrid sneaker-hiker and thong sandal, each with the Vibram Ecostep Natural Sole with 90% natural biobased elements. The hybrid sneaker-hiker, priced at $298, and the thong sandals, priced at $185, are available at www.p448.com as of February 21 and at the P448 store at 663 5th Avenue in New York. 

 

In addition to appealing to the urban outdoor adventurer, P448 is collaborating with pro surfer Balaram Stack, who is infusing his laid-back style and the adventurous spirit of surfing into the P448 x Vibram campaign, which will appear on P448 and Vibram’s social channels. Stack was born in Florida and grew up on Long Island, New York where he learned to surf, living just a block from the beach in Point Lookout. Today, he can be found chasing swells all over the world, dividing his time between New York, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. The styles are designed to be the ideal after-surf shoe taking surfing devotees from a surf session to a day in the city. 

 

Intended for light outdoor and casual activities, the P448 x Vibram collection has a midsole made of sugarcane and bamboo for excellent versatility and balance with optimal lightness and adaptability. The Vibram Ecostep Natural outsole uses 90% natural biobased materials for enhanced quality, grip, and the leading performance for which Vibram is known. From outdoor recreation to exploration, these eco-friendly soles provide excellent traction against outdoor elements including water as well as tough terrains like mountainous dirt and sand.  

 

“Vibram’s technical soles’ superiority mixed with its advances in eco-friendly materials makes them an ideal partner for the P448 brand,“ said Wayne Kulkin, executive chairman of StreetTrend. “With this collaboration, we are gaining traction broadening our product reach to now include the outdoor enthusiast.”

 

The hybrid sneaker-hiker upper consists of recycled polyester lining, microfiber and knit materials for ultimate comfort. The sandal uses algae in the footbed and in the pieces that go in between the wearer’s toes. “Repurposing waste algae into useful materials prevents it from decomposing and releasing CO2 and other harmful greenhouse gasses, reducing carbon emissions,” said Sabrina Cohen, chief sustainability officer for P448.  

 

To minimize unnecessary packaging, P448 will ship and package the P448 x Vibram capsule in a multi-purpose 100% water resistant, thermal sealed drybag made from Vibram’s highly-durable rubber StratX, protecting shoes during shipping. It doubles as a backpack or monostrap bag after the shoes are removed.

 

“Our intent was to create a product that took the brand experience beyond the shoes with a full integration into the consumer’s daily adventures. The drybag saves over two pounds of paper waste per order by eliminating the shoe box,” continued Cohen.

 

The hybrid sneaker-hiker is available in eight robust colorways, with a palette of cool neutral tones from white, tan, and black to approachable solid color hues of olive and navy to mixed bold combinations with vibrant shades of yellow and orange.  

 

Global Chief Brand Officer and President Fabrizio Gamberini of Vibram adds, “P448 is a great partner for Vibram and this new collection is a true celebration of how Vibram technologies pair so well with the streetwear aesthetics of P448. Our shared values of empowering individuals with thoughtfully designed footwear come through confidently in this new collection which we are proud to launch.”

 

About Vibram

Vibram is the world leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance rubber soles for outdoor and leisure activities, workwear, fashion, orthopedics and correction. For more than 80 years, the yellow octagon that symbolizes Vibram has been synonymous worldwide with quality, performance, safety, and innovation in the footwear industry. With its international headquarters in Albizzate (Varese) Italy, Vibram produces over 40 million soles every year, dedicates over one million kilometers to testing, is present in 120 countries and has manufacturing, research and representation bases in the USA, China, Japan, Brazil and Italy. For more information, visitwww.vibram.com.

 

ABOUT P448 | P448 is an Italian streetwear brand whose collections are designed to empower the individual in their own authenticity. Our sneakers are thoughtfully designed and crafted in Italy by master artisans. They are worn by makers and creators across the globe. Defined by an eclectic aesthetic, we take inspiration from the streets, underpinned by the underground spirit of subculture. Fans include Bradley Cooper, Joe Jonas, Tyler Hubbard, Jon Hamm, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lawrence, Addison Rae, Taylor Swift, Dakota Fanning, Gabrielle Union, Kiki Layne, Nico Parker, Rita Ora, Shiri Appleby, Billy Eichner, Maria Menounos, Sophia Amoruso, Arnel Pineda, Neil Perry, Lea Michelle, Chelsea Handler, Kate Hudson, Olivia Culpo, Lilly Singh, Paul George, Irina Shayk and more…

 

In 2020, Wayne Kulkin took on full ownership of P448 through StreetTrend LLC, in a joint venture partnership with the financial services and brand investment firm Hilco Global. StreetTrend was formed in 2017 as a JV partnership with Jeffrey Hecktman, CEO of the international investment and financial services company Hilco Global, a firm with holdings in several retail and fashion brands.  Mark Wahlberg has recently become a strategic investor in the Company having taken a significant minority stake in the business. 

 

StreetTrend designs, manufactures, distributes, and sells several footwear brands including P448 luxury sneakers at select boutiques and online at www.P448.com.