Archives: Press Releases

SEATTLE (January 10, 2024) — Since 2002, Astral has led the outdoor industry in designing the highest performing equipment with the priority of protecting soil and water resources through the production process. Today, Astral proudly unveils its latest innovation in performance and sustainability with the introduction of the YTV 2.0™ – the fifth addition to Astral’s premier collection of life jackets that features a bluesign® approved 100% recycled polyester shell.

Astral’s collection is the first of its kind in the paddlesports industry to use bluesign® approved materials and marks a significant leap forward in eco-conscious design combining style, performance, and environmental responsibility. The YTV 2.0™ is a high mobility, low profile freestyle personal flotation device crafted from bluesign® approved, 100% recycled polyester, PVC-free Gaia and PE Foam. The YTV 2.0™ maintains the same low profile, proprietary Torso Lock™ architecture as its predecessor, the YTV™, while increasing the quantity and volume of pockets.

Designed for paddlesports enthusiasts seeking a blend of style, lightweight durability, and a ‘less is more’ ethos, the YTV 2.0™’s low-profile, minimalist design provides unparalleled freedom of movement. The smooth front ensures unimpeded transitions, enabling easy re-entry into a raft or onto a paddleboard. This expansion of Astral’s bluesign® life jacket collection perfectly blends the brand’s emphasis on removing toxic chemicals while enhancing performance.

“When it comes to water quality issues, paddlers are the “canary in the coal mine”. We feel, smell, and see when industry or agriculture is polluting water,” explains Philip Curry, Founder & CEO of Astral. “In our never ending quest to protect the maximum amount of soil and water, bluesign® is the trusted partner to help us ensure that the chemicals we use have the least possible impact on water quality.”

The YTV 2.0™ retails for $150, and is available now at astraldesigns.com and at participating retail partners. For additional information about Astral, please visit astraldesigns.com.

ABOUT ASTRAL
Established in 2002, Astral designs high performance wilderness equipment created in the least toxic, lowest impact ways. Built on decades of experience and experimentation, Astral has assembled athletes, artists, and craftspeople to build the cleanest, most beautiful, and highest performing gear. Astral has significantly reduced toxic PVC foam from the PFD industry, invented breathable life jackets, won awards for their paradigm changing footwear designs, and developed the stickiest rubber ever worn on wet rock. Visit www.astraldesigns.com for more information.

 

 

SEATTLE – Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op announced expansion plans to open 10 new stores in 2024 to better serve its members and outdoor community. Locations have been finalized for summer 2024 openings in Glendale, Arizona and Rancho Mirage, California. A store in St. George, Utah will open in fall 2025.

The co-op will open its doors in formerly occupied retail spaces at Arrowhead Promenade in Glendale, The River in Rancho Mirage, and St. George Place in St. George. Each location will offer a wide assortment of apparel, gear and expertise for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, climbing and more. In addition, a full-service bike shop will be staffed with technicians to tune, repair and enhance the performance of all bikes. The new Utah location will also feature a ski and snowboard shop.

“Each of these communities has an abundance of easily accessible natural places to play in addition to proximity to iconic national parks where REI currently guides active adventures,” said Mary-Farrell Tarbox, REI vice president of Stores. “We look forward to serving as a welcoming resource to everyone through our staff’s expertise and broad product assortment. As we do in every community where we have a presence, we will also establish nonprofit partnerships to support their efforts to help get more people outside.”

REI will open 10 stores in 2024, including:

• Spring: Beavercreek, Ohio and Beaverton, Oregon
• Summer: Glendale, Arizona; Ithaca, New York; and Rancho Mirage, California
• Fall: Albany, New York and Tulsa, Oklahoma

The co-op will announce details of three additional stores opening this year as contracts are finalized. Two stores have been announced for 2025 thus far – Durango, Colorado (spring) and St. George, Utah (fall).

As the country’s largest consumer co-op, anyone is welcome to tap into the expertise of REI’s store staff and online resources such as its Expert Advice library to learn or advance skills, plan adventures, and more. Members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits, including a used gear program called Re/Supply to find great deals on lightly used gear and trade-in products for gift cards, discounts on shop services and experiences, an annual Co-op Member Reward of 10% back on eligible purchases, and more.

Join the REI team
REI expects to hire approximately 50 employees for each location. Candidates interested in joining the team can learn more and apply online at REI.jobs. Candidates can set a job alert on the co-op’s career site to be notified when positions post. REI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables a life outdoors for everyone. The co-op seeks candidates who demonstrate shared values of diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism. All employees receive a wide variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay and retirement contributions. REI employees also enjoy unique perks, such as two paid annual “Co-op Way Days” that allow them to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity and an additional paid day off on Black Friday to #OptOutside.

Nonprofit partnerships
Building on decades of supporting local and national nonprofits across the country, the REI Cooperative Action Fund launched in 2021 as a 501(c)(3) organization to bring together the collective strength of the co-op community. As a community-supported nonprofit, the REI Fund is fueled by donations from REI members, customers, employees, foundations and corporate partners – including REI Co-op. REI staff across the country help identify regional local organizations whose missions focus on improving access to outdoor recreation places, as well as those connecting nearby underrepresented communities to time outdoors. Last year, the REI Fund made a record investment, contributing $6.1 million to more than 260 organizations creating a more equitable outdoors. Of that total, more than 200 of the grantees were local organizations championed by REI employees who work in-store. As part of grand opening process for new locations in Arizona, California and Utah, store teams will also recommend local nonprofits to receive support from the REI Fund.

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.

 

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Costa Mesa, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2024) – 5.11 Tactical, the global innovator of Purpose-Built Gear™, today announced it will expand its popular ABR Academy in 2024 to host more than 500 classes in collaboration with the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA). Together, the companies will host the free instructional classes at 5.11 company-owned retail locations across the U.S. to provide tips, tactics and insight on readiness skills.

“Expanding the ABR Academy will allow us to better support individuals seeking to enhance their personal safety and self-reliance skills,” said 5.11 Tactical’s CMO, Debra Radcliff. “By partnering with USCCA, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate real-world situations and to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

The ABR Academy clinics will provide first-hand learning and guidance on topics ranging from building emergency preparedness kits and bug-out bags to self-defense and trauma care. Each course is free to attend and will be hosted by certified experts, including instructors from the USCCA and brand ambassadors from 5.11 Tactical.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our partnership with 5.11 and the ABR Academy,” said Tim Schmidt, Co-Founder and Chairman of the USCCA. “Hosting more classes symbolizes our collective pursuit of widespread training and education. This is not just a partnership; it’s a shared commitment to be a positive force in the mission of saving lives.”

The USCCA is the largest, fastest-growing self-defense association dedicated to responsible firearm owners. It offers industry-leading training, lifesaving education and self-defense liability insurance to help members build preparedness and confidence. The partnership between 5.11 Tactical and USCCA brings together two industry-leading organizations to provide participants with a top-tier training experience.

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About 5.11, Inc.

With offices around the globe, 5.11 works directly with end users to create Purpose-Built Gear™ to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who live the Always Be Ready® lifestyle. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.

Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical

5.11, Inc. is a subsidiary of Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI).

5.11, 5.11 Tactical, Always Be Ready, and Purpose-Built Gear™ are trademarks of 5.11, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

BOULDER, Colo. (Dec. 21, 2023) –  Backpacker’s Pantry, a family-owned maker of gourmet adventure meals,  is thrilled to announce its upcoming closure from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1, to honor the significance of rest, recreation and time with loved ones during the holiday season. Additionally, the company proudly celebrates being a 2023 award winner of the prestigious title of “Best Family Owned Business in the Denver Metro Area” by The Colorado Sun.

The decision to temporarily close operations during this period stems from Backpacker’s Pantry’s core values centered around fostering strong familial and community connections. Understanding the importance of spending quality time with loved ones, the company wishes to encourage its employees and customers alike to prioritize cherished moments with family, friends, and community during this holiday and end of year season.

“At Backpacker’s Pantry, family isn’t just a concept; it’s woven into the fabric of our company,” said Duane Primozich, CEO at Backpacker’s Pantry. “We’re thrilled that we are able to close our offices for staff the last week of the year and are honored to receive this recognition from The Colorado Sun, highlighting our commitment to not only providing quality outdoor meals but also valuing the importance of family.”

The Colorado Sun‘s acknowledgment of Backpacker’s Pantry as the “Best Family Owned Business in the Denver Metro Area” affirms the company’s ethos of fostering strong familial values within its operations. Backpacker’s Pantry has been family-owned and operated for over 70 years.

The company encourages everyone to embrace the spirit of the holidays by spending quality time with loved ones and creating lasting memories around shared meals and experiences. Backpacker’s Pantry extends an open invitation to fellow outdoor brands to join in celebrating the essence of the holiday season by prioritizing employee well-being and family time and closing their offices the last week of the year.

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 (Dec. 21, 2023) — HDry, a leading innovator in waterproof/breathable technology, is pleased to announce it won a Performance Award at the recent Performance Days Functional Fabric Fair in Munich. The jury at the expo selected HDry for one of just two Performance Awards it presented in the footwear segment.

The Performance Award went to HDry for collaborating with Scarpa to develop high-performance mountaineering boots with minimal seams and a waterproof member laminated directly on the outer fabric. The jury was impressed that even though the membrane is PFAS-free, it is extremely durable and 100% waterproof.

“This award is a huge honor and a validation of our work to be both high-performance and sustainable with our technology,” said Matteo Morlacchi, CEO and co-founder of HDry.” “We are proud of our partnership with Scarpa to build best-in-class mountaineering boots.”

Using a patented process, the HDry waterproof/breathable membrane is directly laminated to the inside of a shoe’s upper. Compared to the standard waterproof ‘bootie’ system, HDry eliminates any gaps where water can stagnate. Another benefit of HDry technology is its ability to significantly reduce the reliance on DWR treatments (PFCs, PFAS) on the upper material. This not only is more sustainable but also increases durability, leading to a longer lifespan for the shoe.

HDry is featured in some of Scarpa’s best-selling mountaineering boots, including the Ribelle, the Charmoz, and the Phantom Tech.

Beyond its work with Scarpa, HDry technology is found in many other performance brands, including Kuiu, Hestra, Rossignol, Dynafit, Burton and more.

Learn more about HDry technologies here: https://www.hdry.com/en.

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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.

 

 

VANCOUVER, December 19, 2023—Norco, the trailblazing mountain bike brand founded in 1964, is pleased to announce its collaboration with Backbone, the premier active lifestyle media agency. Backbone will serve as the official PR agency of record for Norco, supporting the brand’s growth in the U.S. and globally.

“Norco is stoked to join forces with Backbone, a team that shares our passion for riding and growing the mountain bike community,” said Gwen van Lingen, Head of Brand at Norco. “We have some exciting plans for our 60^th year, and Backbone’s proven track record will be invaluable to our marketing strategy.”

“As a team of passionate mountain bikers and marketers, we’ve long admired the Norco brand and its bikes,” said Ian Anderson, Backbone VP of PR. “We’re excited to ride for the brand, build awareness and drive sales for Norco.”

About Norco Bikes

Norco Bikes 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 has always been at the forefront. The mountains and trails of British Colombia 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

About Backbone

Backbone is the country’s leading active lifestyle media agency. For over 25 years, Backbone has partnered with brands big and small to develop and execute effective, integrated media strategies. Backbone has consistently been included on Outside Magazine’s “Best Places to Work” list with offices in Carbondale and Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit www.backbone.media.

 

STOCKHOLM, Sweden. (Dec. 19, 2023) – RECCO, the advanced rescue technology manufacturer, continues to expand its network of RECCO SAR helicopter detectors globally in 2023 and beyond. Recently, RECCO announced helicopter detector placements in France, Switzerland and Spokane, Wash. In total, there are 36 RECCO-equipped helicopter bases worldwide, with 8 in the United States.

The RECCO helicopter system is used to search for missing people in the outdoors year-round. The Detector can quickly search large areas, covering a square kilometer in six minutes. Along with helping reduce search times for missing people, the helicopter-based detector can reduce the time and the exposure to risk for rescue workers during search missions.

RECCO launched its helicopter detector in 2016, which dramatically expanded the applications of the RECCO system to aid in searching for people during all four seasons. The RECCO helicopter detector makes it easier to search for runners, cyclists, hikers, hunters and more by allowing searchers to comb through larger areas more efficiently.

Recent RECCO Helicopter Detector Placements:

• Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland – Operated by Air-Glaciers covering all Cantons in Central Switzerland as well as the Canton Fribourg. With additional placements in Zermatt, Sion, and Samedan, the entire country of Switzerland is now covered by the RECCO helicopter system.
• Morzine and Ancizan, France – Operated by Blugeon Helicopters, these are the first two helicopter placements in France, and they will cover mountainous zones in the Alps and Pyrenees.
• Spokane, Wash. – Operated by Spokane Regional Air Support Unit, this is the second helicopter unit in Washington state.

“The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and the Spokane Regional Air Support Unit are excited to partner with RECCO to deploy this new technology at no cost,” said  Chief David Ellis with the Spokane Valley Police Department. “This new detection system will help save lives, reduce search times, and help keep our search and rescue teams safe. This is a much-needed tool for eastern Washington and northern Idaho.”

Dr. Klaus Burger, Head of Chiemgau Mountain Rescue, has found great value in the Helicopter Detector System, as their region’s terrain makes search efforts very rigorous.

He said, “We have about 9,000 rescue operations every year in Bavaria. About 300 of these are searches for missing persons. In the Chiemgau area alone, we have an average of 50 missing person searches every year, which are very demanding for us.”

To learn more about RECCO and its incredible search and rescue partners, please visit recco.com.

About RECCO

RECCO® advanced rescue technology makes outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers in case of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. The technology builds on a two-part radar system. Rescuers carry RECCO® detectors that send out search signals which are echoed by RECCO® reflectors, carried by the user. RECCO® detectors are used worldwide at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. RECCO® reflectors are integrated into select apparel, helmets, protection gear and boots manufactured by more than 150 leading outdoor brands. RECCO AB was founded in 1983 in Sweden and is owned by its founder Magnus Granhed and the publicly traded investment company Traction AB (listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm). More info at recco.com.

 

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