Archives: Press Releases

MANCOS, Colo. (Jan. 23, 2024) – Alpacka Raft, the packrafting industry leader, today announced the release of the Valkyrie V3. Since its initial release in 2022, the Valkyrie has been widely recognized as the pinnacle of inflatable whitewater performance. Not content to sit on their laurels, the Alpacka Raft team made significant updates to the design of this latest edition, dramatically improving the boat’s capabilities.

After extensive testing, Alpacka Raft designed the Valkyrie V3 to be lower volume and more responsive than previous versions, making it easier to do everything from ferrying and eddying, to rolling and carving. The Valkyrie V3 is a true inflatable kayak, closer to a hardshell kayak than any other inflatable kayak has come to date. The patented Valkyrie Planing Hull and Valkyrie’s signature inflatable floor, paired with Alpacka’s patented whitewater features makes this packraft more rigid and better to paddle than previous versions for paddlers to push their limits.

“We’ve been working on high performance whitewater packraft designs for over 15 years,” said Thor Tingey, CEO and co-founder of Alpacka Raft. “We wouldn’t be where we are without Sheri’s design innovations, tester feedback and willingness to take untested shapes into harder whitewater runs, and the entire team’s relentless efforts to improve. We really like where we’ve made it with the V3.”

The Valkyrie V3 features the brand’s lowest profile tubes, modern creek boat shaping, generous bow and stern rocker, and a spacious and comfortable cockpit. The patented floor sits below the bottom of the tubes to create stability when the boat is put on edge, allowing paddlers to more easily cross eddylines and carve through features. The bow and stern rocker keep the boat high and dry, making it incredibly easy to boof over and skip out of holes and steep drops.

“During my first experience in the Valkyrie, I could hardly believe I was paddling an inflatable,” said Tyler Bradt, a professional kayaker and Red Bull athlete. “It rolled with ease, boofed like a dream, surfed waves, and edged so well. I’m so happy to see that every rendition of this boat is a leap above the last, and the boat that is now on the market is undoubtedly the gold standard of packrafts by which all others will be measured.”

The Valkyrie V3 comes in medium and large sizes, weighs 13.7lbs in the medium size, and retails for $2,350. The new boat is available for purchase at alpackaraft.com

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About Alpacka Raft
Founded in 2000 by mother and son team Sheri and Thor Tingey, Alpacka Raft makes the world’s best packrafts. With packrafts designed and handmade by a talented group of makers in its Mancos, Colorado facility, Alpacka Raft packrafts have been used and trusted on expeditions by some of the most well-known adventurers on the planet. Alpacka Raft is committed to building a diverse community of boaters and is proud to provide high-quality, living-wage manufacturing jobs in a rural, mountain-town economy. For more information, visit alpackaraft.com

 

 

Boulder, Colo. (Jan. 19, 2024) – For the first time in the brand’s history, Krimson Klover, an outdoor fashion and lifestyle brand powered by women, will introduce its Fall/Winter 2024 apparel collection at premier fashion trade events, Coterie New York and Chicago Collective Women’s Edition.

Coterie New York happening February 20 to 22, 2024, is a contemporary fashion trade show that brings together the fashion industry at large; connecting numerous global brands and designers with key industry leaders and retailers. Coterie provides a platform for crucial conversations addressing pertinent issues in the fashion industry, including sustainability, technology, and innovation and is known for inspiring future trends.

Following Coterie New York, the brand is set to showcase its collection at the reimagined Chicago Collective Women’s Edition from March 3 to 5, 2024. This event showcases the finest brands in women’s classic and contemporary apparel, lifestyle, accessories, and footwear, while promising an unforgettable experience.

“I am thrilled for Krimson Klover to debut at its first fashion trade show and leave its mark,” says Rhonda Swenson, Founder of Krimson Klover. ”It’s an opportunity to showcase our dedication to craftsmanship, sustainable values, and the elegance woven into each and every garment. We eagerly anticipate sharing our collection, celebrating innovation, and forging new connections in the dynamic world of fashion.”

Krimson Klover’s commitment to its values of sustainable and slow fashion continues to transcend through the new Fall/Winter 2024 collection. Proudly showcasing meticulously crafted pieces made from premium, long lasting materials, carefully selected from trusted suppliers and manufacturing partners. The collection features cozy layers that are both practical and fashionable, made for enjoying a crisp morning stroll through snow-covered streets, skiing a favorite run and enjoying a hot toddy on top of a mountain.

Key styles from the collection include:

• Annie Shacket Long- insulated with Responsibly Sourced 600 fill power Down, keeps wearers warm while ensuring a versatile and fashionable look for any winter adventure.
• Janica Sweater- this cozy sweater is the epitome of comfort and style. Made from Merino wool, viscose and luxe Alpaca yarns.
• Montrose Sweater – a relaxed fit sweater made with RWS Merino Wool and Baby Alpaca fibers. A great take on a classic turtleneck sweater that you’ll be grabbing for all winter.
• Snowflake Sweater- sporty style combined with a soft luxe baby alpaca yarn is the perfect statement sweater.
• Sophia Cardigan- this sophisticated cardigan is crafted in Peru from a blend of luxe Alpaca fibers ensuring a combination of comfort, style and warmth.
• Karine Top & Legging- seamless midweight next to skin layer, with a compression fit to keep you fresh and comfortable on the slopes.

Retailers and media seeking to engage with the Krimson Klover during the events can locate them at Coterie New York, Javits Center, Level 1, Booth Number NBU-392; and at Chicago Collective Women’s Edition, The Mart, Level 7. Contact customerservice@krimsonklover.com to schedule
show appointments.

For more information about Krimson Klover and for its current collections, please visit krimsonklover.com, sign up for the newsletter or follow along on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and Pinterest.

About Krimson Klover
Krimson Klover was founded in 2009 and brings performance, comfort and style to your everyday adventures. Krimson Klover creates playful, mountain-inspired apparel using low impact fabrics and responsible sourcing with a commitment to elevating women. Krimson Klover is an outdoor & lifestyle brand powered by women passionate about living a life fueled by outdoor adventure, meaningful connection, and giving back. Krimson Klover doesn’t just design high-performance base layers, durable hiking shorts, stay-put swimsuits, or fun and flirty dresses. Krimson Klover designs clothing that empowers you to pursue your passions. https://krimsonklover.com

Washington, D.C. (Jan. 19, 2024) — This week, lawmakers in the House Natural Resources Committee voted unanimously to advance the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act, a bipartisan package of outdoor recreation policy that could serve as a companion to America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA). The EXPLORE Act, like AORA, includes many key bills that Outdoor Alliance and its partners have helped develop and refine alongside lawmakers. Now, there are complementary packages of outdoor recreation policies in Congress: the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA) in the Senate and the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act in the House.

“Outdoor recreation is growing, and Outdoor Alliance is thrilled to the House Natural Resources committee vote to advance the EXPLORE Act, a first-of-its-kind package of outdoor recreation policy that would improve and protect outdoor recreation experiences on public lands and waters,” said Louis Geltman, VP of Policy and Government Relations, Outdoor Alliance. “Millions of Americans get outside each year, and the EXPLORE Act will improve management for climbing and mountain biking, enhance how agencies manage outdoor recreation and invest in parks where they are needed most with the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership.”

Some of the bills highlighted in the EXPLORE Act include:

• The Biking on Long Distance Trails Act (BOLT Act) would identify and create more long-distance bike trails
• The Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act (PARC Act) would safeguard Wilderness climbing
• The Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act (SOAR Act) would modernize recreational permitting for guides and outfitters
• Codifying the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership, which funds parks and green spaces in neighborhoods that need it most

The EXPLORE Act would also help land managers inventory and protect outdoor recreation on public lands.

There is no denying that outdoor recreation is growing in popularity. According to recently released economic and participation data, there has been a rapid growth in outdoor recreation, and therefore, a need for public land improvements in terms of how recreation is managed and protected to address the increased demand. The EXPLORE Act helps provide a solution for managing this new level of use.

The voice of the outdoor recreation community will matter tremendously in moving this package along. Outdoor Alliance has established a quick-action form to help people send personalized letters to their lawmakers.

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

About Outdoor Alliance

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

 

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FRISCO, Texas (Jan. 18, 2024) – Wiley X, a global leader and pioneer in premium protective eyewear, is excited to announce it will undergo a brand refresh in 2024 that will enhance the company’s dedication to protection, performance and style.

As part of this initiative, the brand has refined its values, announced new products, and introduced an updated logo coupled with the new tagline, Protection for Life.

“Our mission from day one was to build the world’s best protective eyewear,” said Dan Freeman, CEO and Co-Owner of Wiley X. “Part of that mission is the tireless pursuit of ways to improve our product and our company. That has led us to update our brand by introducing a new logo, refreshed values and all-new innovations in our eyewear.”

Wiley X created the new logo to align the brand’s visual identity with its core values and its commitment to safety, performance and style that allows customers to pursue their passions and professions with confidence. The logo features modern typography that updates the overall brand image while incorporating elements that signify trust, innovation and excellence.

The powerful tagline, Protection for Life, signifies Wiley X’s commitment to providing long-lasting and unyielding protection. It emphasizes Wiley X eyewear as an investment in lifelong protection, whether individuals are pursuing their passions or fulfilling their professional duties.

“Wiley X will still offer the uncompromising protection it is known for but with a refreshed look and energy that excites us for the future,” said Myles Freeman, President and Co-Owner of Wiley X.

The brand has also introduced three new pieces of eyewear for 2024 with the addition of the Founder, Recon and Sierra to the brand’s Active 6 Series of lifestyle glasses. These new frames will be the first to bear the updated logo while also featuring contemporary styling, superior materials and innovative manufacturing processes that retain the unyielding levels of protection consumers have come to expect from Wiley X.

The refreshed logo and tagline will be introduced across new Wiley X products, marketing materials and online platforms throughout the year. For more information, 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.

 

 

 

CHANHASSEN, Minn., (Jan. 18, 2024) – Life Time (NYSE: LTH), the nation’s premier healthy lifestyle brand that operates more than 170 athletic country clubs across North America, has released its 2024 lineup of its owned and produced athletic events. Composed of cycling and running events, the portfolio spans 11 states and draws participants from around the world, helping them embrace their endurance sports passions and live healthy, happy lives. Unique to Life Time Athletic Events is that they are part of Life Time’s comprehensive ecosystem of healthy living, healthy aging, and healthy entertainment destinations, programs, events and services for people 90 days to 90+ years old.

“Within the running and cycling event sectors – particularly in gravel cycling – participants are demanding unique, iconic experiences with meaningful engagements,” said Michelle Duffy, Life Time Senior Director of Event Marketing. “At Life Time, we’ve established a track record of delivering experiences that exceed participant expectations, while empowering them to lead healthier, happier Lives through our immersive, unforgettable events.”

2024 Life Time athletic events highlights:

• The return of the Life Time Grand Prix presented by Mazda race series for its third season, featuring seven iconic gravel and mountain bike events in which 60 athletes will compete for an increased $300,000 prize purse.
• The launch of Call of a Life Time, Season 2 will premiere on January 26. The docuseries follows the drama, excitement, competition, and camaraderie that made up the 2023 Life Time Grand Prix series. Season 1 has already garnered nearly a million views on the Life Time Grand Prix YouTube channel.
• Life Time members receive early access registration one week prior to the registration dates highlighted below.

The 2024 Life Time athletic events lineup includes:

• January 27-28: Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon presented by Free People, Fla. The Tropical 5K (Saturday) is a favorite warm-up to Sunday’s marquee marathon and half marathon distances. More than 22,000 athletes will hit the pavement on one of the nation’s most scenic courses to be dubbed #MiamiFamous. The Marathon, Half Marathon, and Tropical 5K are sold out.
• March 3: Baptist Health 305 Half Marathon and 5K, Fla. – A fast and flat run through the coastal streets of Miami and Miami Beach makes for a much-loved destination race for more than 3,000 runners. Registration is now open.
• April 18-21: Life Time Sea Otter Classic presented by Continental, Calif. – The world’s premier cycling festival complete with competitive racing and recreational tours takes place over four days in beautiful Monterey, Calif. Registration for events and camping is now open. View the full schedule of events here. The Sea Otter Fuego XL race is the first Life Time Grand Prix presented by Mazda event and is a Leadville Trail 100 qualifier. Registration is now open.
• May 19: Life Time Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K, Ill. – This half marathon and 10K celebrates the city’s emergence from winter hibernation and delivers an intimate urban setting with a gorgeous lakefront course. Registration is now open.
• June 1: Life Time UNBOUND Gravel, – The cherished, ultra-endurance bicycling challenge of 25, 50, 100, 200, or 350 miles of tough gravel through the Flint Hills of Kansas. The 2024 lottery results for the XL event were announced on Dec. 20, 2023. The lottery for the rest of the events will take place between Jan. 5-20, 2024. Results will be announced on Jan. 25, 2024. This is a Life Time Grand Prix event.
• June 29: Life Time Leadville Trail Marathon and Heavy Half presented by La Sportiva, Colo. – Moving to a later date in June than previous years, participants run through the historic mining district’s challenging old mining roads and trails, hitting a peak altitude of 13,185 feet with breathtaking views. The Marathon and Heavy Half are sold out.
• June 29: Life Time Cycling Lutsen 99er, – This Leadville Trail 100 MTB qualifier is 99 miles with 7,000 feet of climbing. The course is made up of 7% singletrack, 10% pavement, 40% snowmobile/ski trail, 43% Forest Service Road and 100% fun! All distances are now sold out.
• July 13: Life Time Crusher in the Tushar presented by The Creamery, Utah – An annual favorite for many, this event remains in the heart of cyclists around the country as an ultimate test of endurance. Ride through the captivating landscape of Utah’s Tushar Mountains. Registration opens on Jan. 23, 2024. This is a Life Time Grand Prix event.
• July 6: Life Time Silver Rush 50 Run presented by La Sportiva, Colo. – Take on a 50-mile tour of some of the toughest portions of the Leadville Trail 100 course. The race starts at 10,200 feet above sea level and reaches 12,000 feet on four separate occasions to prepare you for the pinnacle Leadville Trail 100 Run. Registration is now open.
• July 7: Life Time Silver Rush 50 MTB, Colo. – Cut the Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB in half, remove all the easy parts, throw in technical descents, burning lungs, and wild animals and you’ll have a good understanding of what this challenging race entails. Registration is now open.
• July 20: Life Time Cycling Tahoe Trail MTB, – Ride through breathtaking pine forests and across breathtaking summits with your choice of a single 50K loop, or two rounds for a chance to qualify for the Leadville Trail 100 MTB. Registration is now open.
• July 26-28: Life Time Leadville Stage Race, – Some say it’s more leisurely than the single-day race while others consider it a more difficult challenge as fatigue has time to set in. This race takes you along the famed Leadville Trail 100 MTB route over three days. This event is sold out.
• August 10: Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Colo. – Known as the race of all races, you’ll need to dig deep into an inexhaustible well of guts, grit, and determination to conquer 100 miles across the high-altitude terrain of the Colorado Rockies. The 2024 lottery results were announced on Jan. 8, 2024. This is a Life Time Grand Prix event.
• August 11: Life Time Leadville Trail 10K Run presented by La Sportiva, Colo. – Held the weekend of the historic Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB, the Leadville 10K Run is the shortest in the series but covers the first and last 3.1 miles of the infamous Leadville Trail 100 Run. Registration is now open.
• August 17-18: Life Time Leadville Trail 100 Run presented by La Sportiva, Colo. – This is it – the legendary “Race Across The Sky” 100-mile run, where it all started back in 1983, and where legends are created and limits are tested from altitudes of 9,200 to 12,600 feet. The 2024 Lottery results were announced on January 8, 2024.
• September 14: Life Time Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival presented by Trek, Wis. – Ride amongst beautiful autumn foliage. Each year, thousands of enthusiastic off-road bicyclists take part in this trek descending the towns of Cable and Hayward in northwestern Wisconsin. Registration is now open. This is a Life Time Grand Prix event.
• September 29: Life Time Chicago Half Marathon & 5K presented by HOKA, Ill. – This race highlights Chicago’s south shore and is the only event to shut down both lanes of Lake Shore Drive to offer traffic-free views, finishing at the Statue of the Republic. Registration is now open.
• September 28: Life Time The Rad Dirt Fest, Colo. – Entering its third year, this eclectic event takes place in Trinidad, Colorado amongst the remote and rugged Spanish Peaks. Registration opens on Feb. 1, 2024.
• October 13: Life Time Little Sugar MTB, Ark. – Take on the best mountain bike trails that Bentonville and Bella Vista have to offer! 100K, 50K, or 20K courses available that will have your legs burning and heart pumping. This second-year event is a Leadville Trail 100 MTB qualifier. Registration opens on March 1, 2024.
• October 19: Life Time Big Sugar Gravel presented by Mazda, Ark. – Entering its third year, Life Time designed this course from the ground up to incorporate Northwest Arkansas’ beautiful fall foliage while remaining challenging even for seasoned cyclists. There is a 100-mile or 50-mile race distance. Registration opens on March 1, 2024. This is a Life Time Grand Prix event.
• November 2: Life Time Austin Rattler MTB & Life Time Austin Rattler Run, Texas – Saddle up for a Texas mountain biking or running favorite. The MTB offers a 20-mile loop course (with the option to do 60 miles as a Leadville qualifier). The run course features 10 miles of singletrack fire roads and granite formations (with the option to do 30 miles as a Leadville qualifier). Registration for the MTB and Run events is now open.
• November 28: Life Time Turkey Trot Chicago, Ill. – Join fellow runners, joggers, and walkers at Chicago’s largest and most iconic Thanksgiving Day race. Registration opens Spring 2024.
• November 28: Baptist Health Turkey Trot Miami 5K/10K & Kids Race owned and produced by Life Time, Fla. – Offering a distance for every age and pace, this family-friendly race takes place in beautiful, sunny Tropical Park. Registration is now open.

Life Time Athletic Events also provide the opportunity to inspire Healthy People, a Healthy Planet, and a Healthy Way of Life through the Life Time Foundation’s charity slot program. This program allows athletes to bypass registration lotteries by fundraising for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which, through financial grants and direct action, helps schools serve wholesome, nourishing, minimally processed food to students; champions physical movement programs that get children active and excited to move for life; and supports forestation and conservation initiatives, so everyone can live healthy, happy lives.

For more information about all Life Time athletic events including event registrations, visit https://my.lifetime.life/athletic-events.html.

About Life Time®, Inc.

Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of more than 170 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. The Company’s healthy way of life communities and ecosystem address all aspects of healthy living, healthy aging, and healthy entertainment for people 90 days to 90+ years old. Supported by a team of more than 30,000 dedicated professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences through its clubs, iconic athletic events, and comprehensive digital platform.

 

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January 17, 2024 – Peak Design is joining The Conservation Alliance as its newest Pinnacle Member with a $100,000 annual commitment to the organization. Peak Design is a design company setting the standard for offsetting environmental impact,  employee benefits, fair pay, and safe working conditions. Peak Design’s (PD) incredible contribution helps fund The Conservation Alliance’s (TCA) highly diversified grantmaking portfolio, corporate advocacy program, and core operational expenses that shift the landscape of conservation.

Founded in 2011, Peak Design was created with the goal of designing products to solve problems, stand the test of time, consider every material and detail, and have minimal disruptive impact on people and planet in both their creation and shipping. PD is entirely carbon neutral and it donates a percentage of its revenue to environmental nonprofits. The company also  meets the highest standards for verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability with its  designation as a Certified B Corporation.

“For nearly a decade, Peak Design has been a shining example of what we want to see from our members,” said Conor McElyea, Senior Director of Membership and Partnerships at The Conservation Alliance. “From support of our grantmaking and cause marketing, to leveraging their voice and platforms to support our advocacy efforts, they plug in and support our work at every level. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Peak Design as our newest Pinnacle Member.”

“We’ve been a member of The Conservation Alliance since 2016, and have seen time again the critical role the organization plays in protecting important landscapes. By unifying business voices and resources, to supporting grassroots efforts and conservation policy priorities, they really move the dial. We’re proud to elevate our membership to the Pinnacle level and strengthen TCA’s work to protect public lands.” said Annie Nyborg, Peak Design’s Head of Environmental and Social Impact and TCA Board Chair.

“The Conservation Alliance fills an important role in Peak Design’s environmental efforts. We see TCA as our field and policy expert who helps us fund and advocate strategically. That, along with the power in numbers that comes from uniting with other brands, makes our membership of tremendous value.” said Peter Dering, Peak Design’s Founder and CEO.

Peak Design joins a prestigious roster of Pinnacle Members including Patagonia, The North Face, KEEN, BMO, Public Lands Fund, REI, and the Clif Family Foundation. Through their contributions, Pinnacle Members represent an existential 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 unite under TCA’s shared vision of conservation to protect public land and water, create jobs, help local communities, and provide for future generations.

To learn more about Pinnacle Membership opportunities, visit ConservationAlliance.com/Pinnacle-Membership.com. 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 Peak Design

Since 2010, Peak Design has been building innovative carry solutions with a simple overarching design directive: make the best things. The idea for our first product was born on a motorcycle trip through Southeast Asia and has since expanded to include a cross-functional ecosystem of bags, pouches, slings, straps, and clips. We’ve won applause along the way, but we’re most proud of the fact that we’re 100% crowdfunded and 100% employee-owned. We’ve raised $32.4 Million through 8 Kickstarter campaigns to become the world’s most successfully crowdfunded company. This allows Peak Design to stay investor- free and focused on the things that matter most: designing great products, fostering happy employees, and taking care of our customers and the natural environment. Learn more at peakdesign.com.

 

BOULDER, Colo. (Jan. 17, 2024) –  Backpacker’s Pantry, a family-owned maker of gourmet adventure meals, announces today its annual donations for the 2023 calendar year. Over the past year, Backpacker’s Pantry donated a combined total of over $112,000 to 11 organizations. Additionally, in partnership with Eco-Cycle, they have diverted over 100,000 pounds of hard-to-recycle materials from landfills in the past two years.

The organizations that Backpacker’s Pantry supported throughout the year include 1% For the Planet, American Hiking Society, Cal-Wood Education Center, Conscious Alliance, Continental Divide Coalition, Partnership for the National Trail System, SLOW Money Institute, The Conservation Alliance, The Freshwater Trust, Thorne Nature Conservancy, and Young Masterminds Initiative, Inc.

“Backpacker’s Pantry remains one of our longest-standing members, with a partnership that dates back to 1990,” said Conor McElyea, Senior Director of Membership and Partnerships at The Conservation Alliance. “Throughout the years, Backpacker’s Pantry has exemplified what it means to be an engaged member, and 2023 was no exception with the continued support of our grant program, engagement in cause marketing, and utilizing their voice in DC to support our conservation priorities. We are lucky to have Backpacker’s Pantry in our corner, and look forward to our continued partnership as we move into a big year in 2024.”

Additionally, through Eco-Cycle’s hauling and consulting services, Backpacker’s Pantry has diverted over 100,000 pounds of hard-to-recycle materials from landfills, including compost, single stream, plastic film, e-scrap, pallets, and scrap metal since 2022. The company recovers food byproducts from manufacturing, including employing staff to de-package expired consumable goods, to ensure a clean compost stream of only organic discards.

The above initiatives contributed to the company being awarded the esteemed accolade of “Best Company That Gives Back” by The Colorado Sun in 2023. This award serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence and environmental stewardship.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from The Colorado Sun, which underscores our company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility,” said Duane Primozich, CEO at Backpacker’s Pantry. “Our charitable contributions, community engagement, and sustainable business practices reflect our deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact beyond business objectives. As Backpacker’s Pantry continues to pave the way in the outdoor industry, these accolades and environmental achievements reinforce our position as a trailblazer in quality, sustainability, and local business.”

Backpacker’s Pantry has committed to sustainable business practices that extend far beyond recycling and composting. Their facility is now 100% solar powered, they successfully offset all carbon emissions from shipping and are working toward offering sustainable packaging in the next few years. Backpacker’s Pantry and Astronaut Foods’ products are all USA-made and Backpacker’s Pantry donates 1% of every sale, every day, to nonprofits around the world via 1% For The Planet.

For more information on Backpacker’s Pantry, please visit: https://backpackerspantry.com

About Backpacker’s Pantry

Backpacker’s Pantry is a Boulder-based, family-owned producer of gourmet adventure meals made with healthy and sustainable ingredients. Since 1951, the company has been delivering high-quality freeze-dried meals with an emphasis on taste. To give back to the community we love, the places we adventure and the planet we must protect, Backpacker’s Pantry donates 1% of every sale, every day to nonprofits around the world through 1% For the Planet and is 100% solar-powered. Today, Backpacker’s Pantry is sold in over 2,000 stores in North America. For more information and a complete list of products, visit https://backpackerspantry.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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BUSTO ARSIZIO, ITALY (Jan. 17, 2024) — HDry, a leading innovator in waterproof/breathable technology, has partnered with Backbone, the premier active lifestyle media agency. Backbone will serve as the official PR agency of record for HDry, supporting the brand’s growing number of partnerships with the world’s best footwear and apparel brands. “We have known the team at Backbone for many years, and they were an obvious choice to help us build both B2B and B2C brand awareness for HDry,” said Matteo Morlacchi, CEO and co-founder of HDry. “Backbone’s experience and expertise in the outdoor and active lifestyle industries make them an ideal partner to help us expand.”

HDry uses a patented 3D process to laminate a waterproof/breathable membrane directly to the inner layer of shoes, gloves, backpacks, and more. In footwear, this process eliminates the gaps found in traditional waterproof “bootie construction.” Another benefit of HDry technology is its ability to significantly reduce the reliance on DWR treatments (PFCs, PFAS). This is more sustainable and increases durability, leading to a longer lifespan for the product. “The HDry system is not only more effective than other waterproof/breathables, but also more sustainable,” said Backbone VP Public Relations, Ian Anderson. “We have a ton of respect for the team at HDry, and we’re excited to introduce their technology to more consumers.”

HDry is featured in premium products from Scarpa, Kuiu, Hestra, Rossignol, Dynafit, Canada Goose, and more. For more information regarding HDry, please direct inquiries to Delaney Wood at delaney.wood@backbone.media.

### About HDry: Patented HDry technology provides the direct, three-dimensional application of a waterproof/breathable membrane inside the shoe upper or the outer layer of the glove, thus eliminating any space that could cause infiltration and stagnation of water. HDry is owned by Altexa srl, based in Italy with an operations branch in China. For more information on HDry, pl www.HDry.com. About Backbone: We are the country’s leading active lifestyle media agency. For 25 years, Backbone has partnered with brands big and small to develop and execute effective, integrated media strategies. With offices in Carbondale and Denver, Colorado, Backbone has been consistently included on Outside Magazine’s “Best Places to Work” list. For more about Backbone Media, visit backbone.media.