Archives: Press Releases

PARK CITY, Utah (Dec. 6, 2023) – U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the national governing body of Olympic skiing and snowboarding, is elevating its merchandise program in an exclusive partnership with Backcountry, the leading specialty retailer for outdoor gear and apparel.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Backcountry,” says U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO Sophie Goldschmidt. “Backcountry has a rich history in the outdoor industry and we are delighted to engage with the brand in new and unique ways, while offering a quality U.S. Ski & Snowboard collection.”

Backcountry’s apparel design team has revamped the U.S. Ski & Snowboard merchandise collection with new hoodie and t-shirt designs that embody the spirit of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard organization with modern graphics and silhouettes. The collection will feature lifestyle and fan merchandise, such as the Stripe Team Hoodie ($69.00), Big Air Snowboard Long-Sleeve Crew ($34.00), and Big Air Ski T-Shirt ($29.00). The U.S. Ski & Snowboard merchandise is available exclusively on the Backcountry website at https://www.backcountry.com/usskiandsnowboard. The new U.S. Ski & Snowboard merchandise store launches today and apparel will be available for immediate purchase.

“Our collaboration with U.S. Ski & Snowboard marks a significant milestone for Backcountry,” says Backcountry chief product officer, Colby Black. “This partnership goes beyond merchandise. It signifies a commitment to excellence, innovation, and a shared passion for winter sports. Together, we are proud to launch an exclusive collection that reflects the essence of both our brands and offers customers a curated experience.”

For more information and media inquiries, please email Andrea Green at andrea.green@rygr.us.

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About U.S. Ski & Snowboard

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body (NGB) of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Tracing its roots directly back to 1905, the organization represents nearly 200 elite skiers and snowboarders competing on 10 teams: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, snowboard, freeski, nordic combined, ski jumping, Para alpine and Para snowboard. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org.

About Backcountry

From the one-on-one expertise of Backcountry Gearheads to its epic selection of the best in  both style and performance, Backcountry has been a leading outdoor retailer since 1996. Dialing in your gear closet, exploring your backcountry, recharging with après—Backcountry elevates the entire outdoor experience. In 2018, Backcountry began building its own Gearhead-inspired products; the fast-growing Built By Backcountry ski, bike, climb, hike, fly fish, and après lines include collabs with trusted brands like GORE-TEX, Pertex, and ALLIED Down. After 27 years as a successful online retailer, Backcountry opened its first brick and mortar location in Park City, UT and has since expanded its retail footprint to include nine stores from coast to coast, offering a seamless omnichannel experience for its consumers. For more information, visit www.backcountry.com.

 

 

 

 

Washington, D.C. (Dec. 6, 2023) — With recently released economic and participation data showing ongoing rapid growth in outdoor recreation, public lands need improvements and additional financial support to help manage those new levels of use, according to Outdoor Alliance (OA), a non-profit that works on behalf of the human-powered outdoor recreation community to protect public lands and waters. A first-of-its-kind package of legislation championed by OA and introduced in the House in recent weeks could foster some of those improvements, and voicing direct public support to legislators in December may help it pass.

Outdoor Alliance and its partners have been working for years to develop and pass a package of recreation policy to improve outdoor recreation on public lands and waters. In recent weeks, the U.S. Senate and House each have introduced complementary packages of outdoor recreation policy: America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA) in the Senate and the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act in the House.

The public can help move this legislation forward by contacting their representatives in December to support it. Outdoor Alliance has established a quick-action form to help people send personalized letters to their lawmakers.

With a U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) report last month showing outdoor recreation in the U.S. generating $1.1 trillion in economic output (2.2% of GDP) and 4.98 million jobs — the largest numbers ever recorded and a more than 18 percent increase from the year prior — these bills take important steps to expand and improve outdoor recreation opportunities, according to OA and its partners, a coalition of nonprofits representing different types of outdoor recreation.

The highlights include the Biking on Long Distance Trails Act (BOLT) to identify and create more long-distance bike trails, the Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act (PARC) to safeguard Wilderness climbing, the Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act (SOAR) that will improve recreational permitting for outfitters and guides, and permanent direction for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership and FICOR.

“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,” said Louis Geltman, VP of Policy and Government Relations at the Outdoor Alliance.

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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SEATTLE (Dec. 6, 2023) — More than 40 years after the outdoor apparel and gear brand Outdoor Research (OR) was founded, many people who use the company’s equipment likely aren’t aware the degree to which the company’s name is so closely tied to the relentless mission of its founder, Ron Gregg.

In-depth field research on how OR’s gear performed in tough outdoor situations wasn’t just a reason why the company quickly made a name for itself back in the early 1980s. It was also what drove Gregg, a super-focused nuclear physicist turned outdoor entrepreneur, to repeatedly immerse himself in what he affectionately called “the big office” — the world’s most extreme environments.

It was in one of those environments that he died in an avalanche 20 years ago this year.

Outdoor Research brand ambassadors Mark Abma, Neil Provo, Ian Provo, and Zach Giffin traveled to Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park in British Columbia last winter to retrace Gregg’s steps on that trip. The project led to Gregg’s friends and family emerging from the woodwork to talk about his legacy. It also led OR’s ambassadors to a discussion on the value of and place for risk-taking  in backcountry sports.

What emerges is the short film Any Fool Knows — titled after a saying that Gregg’s family recalled him often repeating — which stands as a testament to the impact Gregg had on the people around him and the passion he had for developing the tools that help people enjoy the great outdoors.

“We originally envisioned this trip as a seasonal photo shoot with some of our ambassadors following in the footsteps of Ron 20 years after the avalanche,” said Chris King, VP of Brand at Outdoor Research. “But during the trip the events that took place began to really unfold in front of us, and we recognized there was a much more significant story to be told — both about risk-taking in backcountry sports, and about how Ron’s passion and drive are still informing what Outdoor Research does today.”

The film will be released on December 7 on Outdoor Research’s YouTube channel here.

About Outdoor Research

Since 1981, Outdoor Research has created trusted apparel, accessories, and equipment for you to thrive outside. Our award-winning outdoor gear is meticulously researched and tested for outdoor enthusiasts and military users around the globe. Grounded in our values of curiosity, passion, innovation, collaboration, and community, we strive to create space for all in the outdoors. We celebrate wins outside at every level together with our ambassadors, non-profit partners, and employees. For more information, visit www.outdoorresearch.com.

 

 

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OSLO, Norway – December 5, 2023 – Oyster Cooler, the Norwegian brand revolutionizing temperature-sensitive storage, is proud to announce its inaugural product, the Oyster Tempo, has been recognized as one of Popular Science’s 50 Greatest Innovations of 2023 for its 36th Annual Best of What’s New Awards. Popular Science’s Best of What’s New Awards highlights the best products and technologies with groundbreaking features designed to significantly improve the lives of consumers.

“We are thrilled to receive Popular Science’s Best of What’s New Award for 2023 for our inaugural product,” said Ian Sandmael “At Oyster, our hope is to inspire others to challenge the status quo and see a world of opportunity at the intersection of technology, adventure and the environment.” Oyster Tempo, the world’s first high-performance cooler, ushers in a new era of thermal performance, usability and sustainability. The cooler features a patented integrated vacuum insulation system constructed with recyclable aluminum and chemical-free Silica. To increase the cooler’s total insulating performance, Oyster identified and optimized key thermal drivers: core insulation, thermal bridge and thermal conductivity. The result – Oyster’s DLTA™ technology that eliminates the need for ice.

The Oyster team meticulously engineered every part of the Oyster Tempo to balance space, weight, durability and thermal performance, delivering a cooler that offers three times the internal space at nearly half the external size and stays three times colder for longer to deliver food-safe temperatures. The resulting DLTA™ technology is revolutionary and goes beyond coolers. The Oyster team sees many different use cases, including medicine and organ transport, and other advancements in the future.

About Oyster
Oyster is revolutionizing temperature-sensitive storage to help solve global challenges with the distribution of food, vaccines, and medical supplies. In 2023, after six years of research and development, the brand introduced the world’s first fully-recyclable performance cooler to the consumer market. The patented vacuum-insulated technology provides a 600% increase in thermal insulation compared to traditional cooler technology, enabling the first truly ice-free, high-performance cooler, with three times the load capacity of traditional coolers. The company is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, with a manufacturing facility at Raufoss, Norway. Oyster is fully committed to move the world forward through responsible ground-breaking technology. To learn more, visit www.oystercooler.com.

Jupiter, Fla. (Dec. 05, 2023) – Born on the water in 1983, Costa Sunglasses has spent the past four decades on a mission to protect the watery world it calls home. Today, capping off its 40th anniversary year, Costa releases its Second Edition: Protect Report, which captures the leading eyewear brand’s ongoing commitment to conservation and sustainability. From building responsibly made gear, to its Kick Plastic® and OneCoast initiatives and strong partnerships with mission-aligned conservation organizations, Costa continues to lead the charge in pursuit of its higher calling.

Through the lens of community and conservation, Costa’s Second Edition: Protect Report captures its efforts throughout 2021 and 2022 – alongside its community of anglers, adventure-seekers, partners, retailers and pros – to protect our waterways and to conserve the life within. The report takes a deeper dive into:

• Purpose-built products, like the Untangled™ Collection made from recycled fishing nets
• Continued initiatives, including Kick Plastic® and OneCoast
• Integrated programs, such as Trout Unlimited Costa 5 Rivers program and Costa Compete + Conserve in the bass space
• International projects, leading the way with the Marlin Fly Project
• Mission-aligned conservation partners, supporting 40+ coastal and freshwater organizations
• Global sustainability goals, meeting all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

“We recognize the important role businesses can play in protecting and preserving our natural resources for future generations, and we take that responsibility to heart,” said Jed Larkin, Costa Brand Director. “We pride ourselves on working just as hard to protect our watery world as we do to discover new ways to experience it, and much like the first edition, this report takes that work and puts it into writing.”

Community and conservation is woven throughout Costa Sunglasses. The ultimate culmination of this ethos, and the leading story of the Second Edition: Protect Report, is Costa’s Marlin Fly Project. The first multi-partner program of its kind, the Marlin Fly Project was established to better understand one of the most incredible Striped Marlin fisheries in the world. Satellite tagging 15 Striped Marlin in Magdalena Bay, Mexico in 2022, the project became the first recorded billfish satellite tagging mission to be completed on the fly.

Also featured in the report is more about Costa’s sustainable products. In 2021, after getting feedback from pros and community, Costa worked with its partner Bureo® to release a second wave of performance frames to its Untangled™ Collection, frames built from recycled fishing nets. The four new performance frames – Santiago, Pargo, Antille and Caleta – are built from an upgraded NetPlus™ material made of 97% recycled fishing nets.

Costa has spent the past 40 years developing meaningful partnerships with dozens of mission-aligned organizations devoted to critical issues affecting our watery world. More than just writing checks, Costa’s team serves as partners, voices and stewards to support those who work to protect our resources. In 2021 and 2022, Costa supported 1,000+ community activations and used its resources, like film, to help raise awareness for these causes. Costa Films™, produced 25+ films in the same timeframe to underscore the brand’s values.

To explore Costa Sunglasses’ conservation and sustainability journey, the full Protect Report can be found here. For more information about Costa Sunglasses and its purpose-built products, visit www.costadelmar.com.

About Costa Sunglasses

As the first manufacturer of color-enhancing all-polarized glass sunglass lenses, Costa combines superior lens technology with unparalleled fit and durability. Costa has made the highest quality, best-performing sunglasses and prescription sunglasses (Rx) for outdoor enthusiasts since 1983, and now its product portfolio includes optical frames. Costa’s growing cult-brand status ties directly to its purpose to provide high-quality products with a focus on sustainability and conservation as the company works hard to protect the waters it calls home. From the use of sustainable and water-friendly materials to its Kick Plastic initiative, #OneCoast efforts and meaningful partnerships with mission-aligned organizations, Costa encourages people to help protect the Earth’s natural resources in any way they can. Find out more on Costa’s website and join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter at @CostaSunglasses.

 

 

Durango, Colo. (Dec. 4, 2023) — Tailwind Nutrition, the leading provider of simple and complete sports nutrition products for athletes, has launched Chocolate Mint Recovery Mix, a seasonal, limited edition flavor of Tailwind Recovery Mix that benefits  Friends of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (FoCAIC).

Chocolate Mint Recovery Mix is a limited run so once it is gone, it’s gone! What better way to spice up Tailwind’s fan favorite Chocolate Recovery than with the dynamic duo that is chocolate and mint! Get ready for another day in the backcountry while kicking your feet up by the fire and sipping on a taste of cozy.

“We are proud to partner with Friends of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center for this limited edition flavor. Chocolate and mint are the perfect combination to help recover after a day of winter fun,” said Chris Jacobs, chief revenue officer for Tailwind Nutrition.

Tailwind Recovery Mix is the first recovery drink of its kind based on a “perfectly complete protein” with the right types and amounts of carbohydrates and electrolytes for a full and total recovery. The easy-to-use mix contains 3x more complete protein than whey protein isolate and 2x more than chocolate milk – which means more usable protein is going towards the damaged muscles that need it, instead of your kidneys, which don’t. In addition, Recovery Mix is completely vegan-friendly.

The launch of Chocolate Mint Recovery and partnership with FoCAIC highlight Tailwind’s increased efforts to educate winter sports participants about the importance of hydration and recovery–even when it’s cold outside. Staying hydrated and maintaining caloric intake at the resort and in the backcountry can help reduce fatigue, increase mental clarity, as well as help avoid negative reactions to altitude.  Tailwind’s individual single serving packets make its suite of products–Recovery Mix, Endurance Fuel, and Rapid Hydration– easy to stash in backpacks and pockets for easy access.

The Chocolate Mint flavor will be sold online at TailwindNutrition.com and is available in four-pack bundles for $10. The four-packs will be wrapped in paper rather than plastic, further contributing to Tailwind’s sustainability efforts.

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About Tailwind Nutrition

Since 2012, Tailwind Nutrition has been manufacturing all-natural endurance nutrition products that are free of GMOs, dairy, soy, and gluten, are easy to digest, and support an athlete’s fueling and recovery needs during exercise. Every year, Tailwind launches limited edition flavors and donates a portion of the proceeds to  non-profit partners. Owned, operated and manufactured in Durango, CO, Tailwind Nutrition’s specially formulated drink mixes help athletes perform and compete at their highest level without the worry of food allergies or sensitivities. Tailwind is all you need, all day. Really. For more information visit tailwindnutrition.com

About Friends of CAIC

The Friends of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center is a 501(c)3 organization that was created to support the CAIC, while contributing to avalanche awareness and education throughout Colorado. Since 2014 we have invested just over $2.4 million into avalanche safety. This money has funded Know Before You Go, developed avalanche safety videos and signage, created outreach for new and existing users, built new web and mobile applications, and supported the CAIC’s forecast operations. For more information visit www.friendsofcaic.org

 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Nov. 30 2023 – Front Runner Dometic is known for its leading innovation and off-road tough overlanding and camping equipment. Dometic is proud to announce the release of the following three all-new Toyota Sequoia Roof Rack Kits: Slimline II, Slimsport and the Lightbar Ready Slimsport. Front Runner Dometic’s proven roof rack kits are modular, lightweight, strong, and multi-functional and can be combined with more than 55 rack accessories to customize Sequoia off-road adventures.

These state-of-the-art rack kits have been exclusively developed for the ever-popular Toyota Sequoia (2023-current). Thanks to all that extra gear-carrying capacity, they will make vehicle-based adventure planning a breeze for the new Sequoia owner.

The Sequoia was first launched in 2000 and is Toyota’s second biggest off-road offering in the US market right now. With the availability of the Slimline II or Slimsport Roof Rack Kits plus Sequoia-specific accessories, we expect one of America’s favorite off-roaders to make an even bigger impact, especially when it comes to gear-carrying capabilities.

The Front Runner Dometic racks are crafted with durability, utility, and style at their core, the iconic Slimline II and sleeker Slimsport racks are a great testament to Dometic’s commitment to quality and innovation. Pairing these top-of-the-range racks with the new Sequoia will open a whole new world of gear-carrying capabilities for the adventure-seeking Sequoia owner.

All three rack kits will give Sequoia owners access to more than 55 available Front Runner Dometic rack accessories. The best-selling expedition ready Slimline II rack can easily handle heavy storage boxes, extra water or fuel containers or a roof top tent. While the sleek and sporty vehicle hugging Slimsport Roof Rack is the best place to put bicycles, kayaks, and bulky luggage.

Key features of the Roof Rack Kits include high-density aluminum construction, bolt-on installation, and a versatile design that provides flexibility for various load-carrying capabilities.

Dometic has also launched several Sequoia-specific products: Ditch Mount A-Pillar Light Brackets, Base Deck cargo platform and a rear-fitting Ladder for easy rack access. These latest accessories will help Sequoia owners hit the trails in style.

While Toyota has a reputation for producing no-nonsense off-road vehicles, combine this with the ruggedness and durability of Front Runner Dometic roof racks and accessories, and then you have the complete adventure package. With a Front Runner Dometic Roof Rack, Sequoia owners can take on the toughest trails without having to worry about their gear.

The Toyota Sequoia Slimsport Roof rack Kit/Lightbar Ready (MSRP $1,260), Toyota Sequoia Slimsport Roof Rack Kit ($1260) and the Toyota Sequoia Slimline II Roof Rack Kit (MSRP $2,008) are now available for consumers to purchase directly from the online shop, or through our Experience Center in Agoura Hills, CA or through a local Dometic official dealer.

About Dometic

Dometic is a global market leader in the mobile living industry. Millions of people around the world use Dometic products in outdoor, residential, and professional applications. Our motivation is to create smart, sustainable, and reliable products with outstanding design for an outdoor and mobile lifestyle in the areas of Food & Beverage, Climate, Power & Control, and Other Applications. Dometic employs approximately 8,500 people worldwide, had net sales of SEK 29.8 billion (USD 3.0 billion) in 2022 and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden.

About Front Runner

Front Runner is a South African manufacturer of camping and vehicle equipment based in Johannesburg. Founded in 1999, the company’s product range includes roof racks, drawer systems, tents, awnings, water tanks, other transport and storage solutions and a variety of camping accessories. It all started with a handful of friends from South Africa, who were equipped with know-how in technology, design, production and a penchant for off-road trips. After suffering from the fact that the existing equipment could not withstand their travels around the world, they developed new patented equipment and made it stronger and smarter. Today, Front Runner products enjoy a well-deserved reputation for quality, design and durability. On May 20, 2021, Front Runner was acquired by Dometic.

November 30, 2023 – The Clif Family Foundation is joining The Conservation Alliance as its newest Pinnacle Member with a $100,000 donation to the organization. The Clif Family Foundation (CFF) supports organizations that are working to transform food systems, revitalize the environment, and enhance community health. The incredible donation helps fund The Conservation Alliance’s (TCA) highly diversified grantmaking portfolio, corporate advocacy program, and core operational expenses that shift the landscape of conservation.

Started by the founder and co-creators of Clif Bar & Company, Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford, the foundation has been supporting grassroots groups with inspiring ideas since 2006. To date, the organization has given $50 million to  1,225 trailblazing nonprofits supporting stronger food systems, community health, and conservation. With CFF’s  annual contribution, TCA is able to elevate their conservation efforts to not only increase outdoor recreation opportunities, but provide natural climate change solutions through carbon sequestration and avoided conversion.

“Pinnacle Members are undoubtedly the backbone of this organization,” said Conor McElyea, Senior Director of Membership and Partnerships at The Conservation Alliance. “It is with their voice, and the voice of our 270 other member businesses, that we are able to have the impact we do. We not only appreciate their support, but we appreciate their trust in us – and commitment to help keep us growing and evolving.”

“The Conservation Alliance is a vital and essential force in safeguarding the public lands that we hold dear. As an organization dedicated to protecting the places we play, the Clif Family Foundation takes immense pride in upholding Clif Bar’s 17 year commitment to supporting The Conservation Alliance’s unwavering mission. It is our shared goal to preserve and protect North America’s breathtaking wilderness for all individuals to enjoy,” said Thao Pham, president of the Clif Family Foundation.

CFF joins a prestigious roster of Pinnacle Members including Patagonia, The North Face, KEEN, BMO, Public Lands Fund, and REI. 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 Clif Family Foundation

The Clif Family Foundation was started in 2006 to support small-to-midsize grassroots groups led by people whose vision and commitment the foundation deeply admired. It has been proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to transform our food systems, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of the environment and natural resources. CFF looks forward to expanding the reach and impact of the foundation in the years to come. This includes working with more organizations to make their innovative ideas a reality and supporting a new generation of leaders. The CFF operates with the belief that we can all do more good in the world. For more information on Clif Family Foundation, visit www.cliffamilyfoundation.org.