Outdoorist: July 2026

Investing in a Stronger Outdoor Industry

As we move through the heart of summer, the OIA team is focused on advancing the sustainability, research, and advocacy initiatives that move our industry forward. Registration is now open for our 2026 Catalyst Conference, and we’ve released a wave of new reports, guidance, and policy resources to keep members informed on everything from participation trends to compliance requirements.

Registration Is Open for the 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference

Registration is now open for the 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference, taking place Monday, October 26 in Portland, Oregon. This year, we’re partnering with Performance Days to kick off Day 0 of the Functional Fabric Fair. 

We have a full day of sessions planned covering new and upcoming regulations, 2030 climate targets, durability and circularity, solvent risks in supply chains, AI’s role in sustainability, and how to win budget and buy-in for your initiatives. 

Register today to connect with industry peers, participate in honest conversations, and get a head start on what’s coming next for the outdoor industry.

>>REGISTER NOW

Featured Sessions at the 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference

The 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference agenda is packed with practical takeaways, and two sessions stand out, both featuring our presenting sponsor, GORE-TEX® Brand. Made to Last: Durability as a Cornerstone of Circularity will make the case for putting durability at the center of sustainability strategy and policy and feature speakers from GORE-TEX® Brand and Red Wing Shoe Company.

In The Business Case: How to Win Budget and Buy-In for Sustainability, experts from W.L. Gore & Associates and KEEN will share how to translate sustainability value into the language of business and secure buy-in across your organization. Check out the agenda for the full speaking lineup.

>>VIEW THE AGENDA

See the Outdoor Industry’s Sustainability Progress

The 2025 Sustainability Progress Report is our annual look at how Climate Action Corps (CAC) and Clean Chemistry & Materials Coalition (CCMC) members are measuring and reducing their environmental impact. This year, 114 companies of every size and category participated — a jump of more than a third — though climate and chemistry progress was mixed.

The report celebrates our wins, names where we came up short, and lays out how OIA will support members moving forward. Read the CAC and CCMC versions to learn what your peers are doing to reach their sustainability goals and how OIA can help you reach yours.

>>READ THE CAC REPORT

>> READ THE CCMC REPORT

Explore the 2025 Outdoor Foundation Annual Report

For more than 25 years, the Outdoor Foundation has worked to expand access to the outdoors so children, youth, and families can build lasting connections with nature. The 2025 Outdoor Foundation Annual Report reflects a year of significant growth. Through the Thrive Outside Initiative, communities connected more than 972,000 children, youth, and families to meaningful outdoor experiences.

But reaching more people is only part of the work. Lasting impact comes from turning initial access into sustained participation — one of our community’s most important challenges and opportunities. 

This year’s report shares what we accomplished together through Thrive Outside, what our national research reveals about the growing participation and frequency gap, and how we’re working to inspire the next generation of outdoor participants.

>>READ THE REPORT

New Certification Guidance for Tier 1 Vendors

As global regulation tightens and brands face growing pressure to substantiate their sustainability claims, certification is becoming a baseline expectation. Tier 1 factories sit at a critical point in that chain, yet the path is often unclear, with unfamiliar documentation, material handling, and audit processes that can make getting started feel daunting.

To address this, a task force of OIA members, including Columbia Sportswear Company, The North Face, Patagonia, KEEN, Burton, L.L.Bean, Stanley, and FENIX Outdoor, developed our Content Claim Standard (CCS) Guidance for Tier 1 Vendors. Built from interviews with suppliers, certification bodies, and Textile Exchange itself, the guide clarifies the full certification process. 

Available in English, Vietnamese, and Bengali, the guide makes certification more attainable whether you’re just starting out or refining an existing program.

>>ACCESS THE GUIDE

Understand the EU’s CSRD Reporting Requirements

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is the EU law requiring certain companies to disclose sustainability information using a double materiality approach. This means reporting both on how sustainability issues affect the company and on how the company affects people and the environment.

Our new EU CSRD Policy Brief gives outdoor companies a detailed overview of who must comply, the reporting requirements under the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), the value chain cap, assurance requirements, penalties, and practical steps you can take now. If you’re interested in accessing this brief and other sustainability resources, get in touch with the OIA membership team.

>>GET IN TOUCH

Get Guidance on California’s Textile EPR Program

California has enacted a textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program under the Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707), and it carries significant compliance implications for the American apparel and footwear industry.

The OIA team recently sat down with California’s approved Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), Landbell USA, to discuss the law’s timeline, the regulatory process, and how OIA members can engage. 

Contact the OIA membership team to learn how we can support your sustainability goals.

>>CONTACT US

Inside the 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report

The Outdoor Participation Trends Report is the most trusted source for understanding who is getting outside, how they participate, and how those patterns are evolving. This year’s report shows a record 183.2 million Americans now participate in outdoor recreation, yet the average participant is logging five fewer outings per year than in 2019. 

The report also digs into the trends behind the topline numbers, including a surge among seniors, young kids, women, and Hispanics. 

Read the Executive Summary to see how changing participation patterns are creating new opportunities and challenges across the outdoor recreation market.

>>READ THE SUMMARY

Where Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing Are Headed

Birdwatching and wildlife viewing are two of America’s most popular nature-based activities, together engaging roughly 27 million Americans who venture beyond their backyards to connect with the natural world. The two share nearly identical demographic profiles, but their trajectories are diverging. Birdwatching is surging, while wildlife viewing is showing early signs of decline.

The 2026 Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing Report delivers the data and insights you need to inform strategy and engage consumers. It covers growth trends, participation by demographic, activity crossover, and the long-term opportunities worth watching. 

Get the Executive Summary for an overview of the report’s key findings.

>>READ THE SUMMARY

OIA Brings Our Industry’s Voice to Capitol Hill

We were recently on Capitol Hill to meet with policymakers on two key issues facing our industry. 

First was our ongoing push for sensible tariff policy. We pressed for omissions on key outdoor apparel and goods so trade actions don’t place an unsustainable burden on our industry.

We also continued advocating for public lands. The recent decision to cut Bears Ears National Monument by 91% and shrink the boundaries of Grand Staircase-Escalante stripped federal protection from nearly 3 million acres. Protected lands and waters are the foundation our industry is built on, and protections this significant shouldn’t be reversed with a single signature. 

Bringing our industry’s voice directly to lawmakers makes a real impact. When our community speaks together, policymakers pay attention.

OIA President Kent Ebersole Talks OIA Learning

OIA President Kent Ebersole recently sat down with Outdoor Sportswire to discuss OIA Learning — our platform of expert-led courses designed to help outdoor businesses tackle their biggest problems. In the conversation, Kent shares how these practical, on-demand resources equip teams with the skills they need in sustainability, advocacy, trade policy, and supply chain management.

Whether you’re onboarding new staff or upskilling cross-functional teams, OIA Learning gives your business the knowledge to stay ahead. Read the interview to get Kent’s take on how on-demand education is strengthening the outdoor industry.

>>READ THE INTERVIEW

OIA Learning Featured in Outside

OIA Learning was also recently featured in Outside. The publication spotlighted how the platform’s courses are helping outdoor businesses build the skills they need to navigate a fast-changing industry. The piece underscores the growing role of professional education in keeping outdoor teams sharp and ready to adapt.

Read the article to discover how OIA Learning turns industry challenges into opportunities for your team.

>>READ THE ARTICLE

Resilience in a Tough Year: A First Look at Our 2025 Sustainability Progress Report

If 2025 taught the outdoor industry anything, it’s that sustainability remains critical to our industry, even though it does not get easier when the pressure mounts. Our new 2025 Sustainability Progress Report tells that story in full.

A Storm-Tested Year

2025 was hard for many outdoor businesses. Souring national sentiment on climate, heightened scrutiny of sustainability claims, and unprecedented tariffs all squeezed the industry at once. Companies faced painful choices, and sustainability teams often absorbed the impact. Meanwhile, the planet kept sending reminders of why this work matters—2025 ranked as the fourth-warmest year on record for the U.S.

And yet, the headline from this year isn’t retreat. It’s resilience.

Engagement Is Up—Even as Progress Dipped

Participation in the Climate Action Corps (CAC) and Clean Chemistry & Materials Coalition (CCMC) jumped 36% from 2024 to 2025, with 114 outdoor companies taking part. Even as budgets shrank and headcounts fell, more companies chose to lean in, not step back.

The report doesn’t hide where the industry came up short. Across CAC, key climate indicators—emissions measurement, target-setting, and reduction progress—declined year over year. In CCMC, members broadened supplier conversations about chemicals management, but formal RSL communication slipped, especially deeper in the supply chain. We share the full breakdown, along with our honest read on what’s driving these shifts.

The Bright Spots

Behind the aggregate numbers are members doing remarkable work despite the headwinds. A few previews:

  • Burton achieved a 41% absolute reduction in Scope 1 & 2 emissions and a 39% cut in Scope 3, both from a 2020 baseline.
  • LifeStraw built a detailed roadmap toward its 2030 SBTi commitments—reducing Scope 3 emissions relative to operating costs by 62% since 2019.
  • KEEN joined a first-of-its-kind pilot developing low-carbon pathways for industrial chemicals critical to footwear.
  • Patagonia and Norrøna raised the bar on supply-chain chemical management, from rigorous supplier standards to stricter materials certifications.

These stories prove the harder, later-stage work is achievable..

Where We Go From Here

The report closes with our commitments to members for the year ahead: more education and tools for GHG measurement and target-setting, deeper support for engaging suppliers beyond Tier 1, continued collective impact reduction opportunities, and advocacy on the industry’s behalf at the state and federal levels. Our goal is simple—to provide tools and education that make compliance and impact easier.

Read the Full Report

Our 2025 story is one of an industry weathering a storm on solid foundations. Emissions measurement remains strong, supplier engagement is broadening, and our members’ commitment hasn’t wavered. The frontier now is turning goals into funded action and extending progress deep into the supply chain.

The full report dives into the complete data, member spotlights, and our roadmap for supporting you in 2026 and beyond.

Read the 2025 CAC & CCMC Progress Report 

Interested in joining the Climate Action Corps or Clean Chemistry & Materials Coalition? Learn more about our sustainability programs.

 

La Sportiva Expands Mountain Apparel Collection for Spring 2027

BOULDER, Colo. (Jul 13, 2026) — La Sportiva, maker of the world’s finest mountain gear, today announced its apparel collection for Spring 2027 with new mountain running, climbing, and alpine pieces built for long runs, fast hikes, alpine approaches, and everyday life in the mountains.

“At La Sportiva, every product starts with the demands of the mountain athlete,” said Jonathan Lantz, President of La Sportiva North America. “Our Spring 2027 collection brings together technical performance, comfort, and versatility across running, climbing, and alpine pursuits, giving athletes pieces they can rely on from the trailhead to the summit and everywhere in between.”

The run collection is led by the Endure Short, which brings advanced Kinitech construction into a storage-focused piece for long efforts on the trail. The Kinitech inner tight uses four compression zones to support and stabilize key muscle groups, reducing fatigue, boosting power, and improving comfort. A lightweight stretch-woven outer short uses laser-cut perforations and bonded hems to improve breathability and reduce chafing, while an integrated waist belt, a secure rear zip pocket, and additional thigh storage keep gels, keys, phone, and small essentials close without adding extra layers or bulk. The $199 Endure Short comes in a 5-inch inseam for men and a 4-inch inseam for women.

The run collection also includes the new Ethereal Jacket, Ethereal Overpants, and Forge Seamless T-Shirt. The $179 Ethereal Jacket is a 2.5-layer laminated shell built for high-output movement in the mountains. Weighing in at just 7 oz, the new waterproof jacket comes equipped with fully taped seams, an adjustable hood with bonded visor, dual zippered hand pockets, and an integrated stow pocket. The 3.7 oz Ethereal Overpants use the same 2.5-layer construction with a 20k water column rating. A zippered bottom hem allows for fast transitions with shoes on, while a stretch fabric increases freedom of movement and comfort. The Ethereal Overpants retail for $179. Rounding out the run collection, the $69 Forge Seamless T-Shirt features a barely-there fit, body-mapped seamless construction, and Polygiene anti-odor, anti-bacterial treatment for daily training and longer runs.

Made for hiking, skiing, and alpine objectives, the Ascent Pant brings a fully featured design to bigger mountain days without the bulk of a heavy alpine pant. Built with durable Cordura fabric, side leg ventilation, an adjustable waist, and an integrated gaiter, the $219 Ascent Pant is perfect for challenging approaches, dynamic movement, and rapidly changing spring conditions. A three-button hem system makes the pants compatible with ski and hiking boots, while the harness-compatible construction enhances comfort when moving through demanding terrain. The Ascent Pant is available for men and women.

The $239 Havoc Primaloft Hoody for men and women features warmth and weather protection for cold starts, stop-and-go efforts, and days when a traditional insulation layer is too static. The new 11.9 oz hoody uses Primaloft Silver insulation with body-mapped VapoVent fabric for targeted ventilation, pairing warmth with breathability for active use. An adjustable helmet-compatible hood, internal chest pocket that doubles as a stow bag, articulated construction, and a PFAS-free DWR fabric finish make it a versatile layer for hiking, climbing, and alpine travel.

The Front Range Collection adds new activewear pieces for climbing, training, and the hours after the crag. Built with technical fabrics and a relaxed mountain aesthetic, the new styles are designed to fit the needs of climbers and runners while transitioning naturally to the bar, coffee shop, or around town. The $145 women’s Cryptic Hoody adds a versatile layering piece to the collection with a medium-weight grid fleece, a scuba-style hood with an integrated ponytail slot, and a front kangaroo pocket. Soft enough for everyday wear but technical enough for cool mornings at the crag, it reflects the collection’s blend of performance and casual mountain style.

The Surge Short, women’s Surge Tank, and men’s Surge Short Sleeve Shirt bring lightweight stretch and breathability to warmer days. Built from a lightweight perforated grid fabric, the new pieces provide breathability, mobility, and all-day comfort whether the plan involves climbing, hiking, or simply spending time outside. The $65 Surge Tank and $89 Surge Short Sleeve Shirt are designed to handle high-output efforts with a streamlined design that delivers the durability and performance that climbers need. The $75 Surge Short is available in men’s 5-inch and women’s 4-inch versions and features a relaxed pull-on design with a low-profile elastic waist, hand pockets, and Front Range-inspired prints.

The new collection will be available at select specialty retailers and at www.lasportivausa.com in the spring of 2027.

About La Sportiva
With over 90 years of heritage, La Sportiva has unrivaled experience in building the world’s finest performance mountain footwear. Creating innovation through passion, La Sportiva now offers the most versatile technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking shoes on the market, along with a full line of ski mountaineering hardware and apparel. For more information on La Sportiva, visit www.lasportivausa.com or follow @Lasportivana on Instagram.

RECCO and Alpine Club of Canada Expand Partnership to Promote Summer Hiking Safety and Searchability

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — July  8, 2026 — RECCO, a global search and rescue technology, today announced the continuation and expansion of its partnership with the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) for 2026. As the summer hiking season begins, the collaboration underscores a shared commitment to improving backcountry safety and raising awareness about the importance of being searchable while exploring the outdoors.

With hiking continuing to grow in popularity across Canada, more people are venturing into remote and mountainous terrain each year. The ACC, headquartered in Canmore, Alberta, operates the largest network of backcountry huts in North America, supporting thousands of hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts annually.

Established in 1906, the ACC is a non-profit organization that has been promoting mountaineering, fostering a sense of adventure, and encouraging responsible recreation in alpine environments for over a century. Today, it brings together a community of 18,000 members across Canada through 26 local chapters, which organize more than 2,000 outings each year—60% of them during the summer months—engaging over 14,000 participants.

The ACC also manages 27 backcountry huts across the country, forming the largest hut network in North America and supporting approximately 65,000 overnight stays annually.

Through this partnership, RECCO and the ACC will equip and educate the hiking community with tools and knowledge that can support faster, more effective search-and-rescue operations.

ACC will host educational initiatives and community engagement opportunities throughout the hiking season, helping outdoor users better understand how RECCO technology works and why searchability is a critical component of backcountry safety.

“Education on safe travel in the mountains has been a pillar of The Alpine Club of Canada’s activities since the club’s founding 120 years ago. We are very excited to have RECCO as our mountain safety partner.” Keith Haberl, Strategic Impact Director

The RECCO rescue network continues to grow rapidly, supporting search-and-rescue operations at more than 900 mountain rescue organizations and ski resorts across 32 countries. In Canada, RECCO SAR Helicopter Detectors are deployed with multiple rescue organizations, enabling teams to quicker search large and remote areas, up to one square kilometer in just six minutes. These capabilities not only help reduce search times for missing persons but also minimize risk exposure for rescue professionals during missions.

“Expanding our partnership with the Alpine Club of Canada is an important step in making more hikers searchable during the summer season,” said Fredrik Steinwall, CEO at RECCO. “As more people head into the mountains each year, education around preparedness and searchability becomes increasingly critical. Together with the ACC, we are helping to ensure that outdoor enthusiasts are better equipped for safe adventures.”

This collaboration reflects a broader effort by RECCO to extend its technology beyond winter sports and into year-round outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, and mountaineering. For more information on the global RECCO rescue network, please visit recco.com.

Photo link: https://reccoab.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/RECCOExternalSharing/IgCDmv0S-8HwRZGhTvh5ANqSAYDGYu35BtwqhZL_BsnGpcA?e=4PiU6x

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.

About the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC)

Founded in 1906, the Alpine Club of Canada is a national organization dedicated to promoting climbing, mountaineering, and backcountry travel in Canada. The ACC operates the largest network of backcountry huts in North America and is committed to advancing mountain culture, safety, and environmental stewardship through education, programs, and community engagement.

Media Contact

Verde Brand Communications

(970) 235-0268

recco@verdepr.com

CCS Guidance for Tier 1 Vendors

A Practical Roadmap to Textile Exchange Certification

Certification is becoming a baseline expectation as global regulation tightens and brands face growing pressure to substantiate the sustainability claims they make about their products. Tier 1 factories sit at a critical point in that chain. When finished-product manufacturers achieve certification, they unlock real value for themselves and their brand partners, from full chain of custody to favorable product placement with retailers marketing sustainability attributes.

Yet the path to certification is often unclear, with unfamiliar documentation requirements, material handling procedures, and audit processes that can make getting started feel daunting. To address this, a coalition of OIA members, including Columbia Sportswear Company, The North Face, Patagonia, KEEN, Burton, L.L. Bean, Stanley, and FENIX Outdoor, formed a task force to help increase certification rates among Tier 1 factories.

The result is OIA’s Content Claim Standard Guidance for Tier 1 Vendors. Built from interviews with certified and non-certified suppliers, certification bodies, and Textile Exchange, the guide clarifies the full certification process for the OCS, GRS, RCS, RDS, RWS, RMS, RAS, and CCS standards. It covers:

  • Determining your certification scope, including standards, facilities, and processes
  • Finding a certification body and building management systems
  • Preparing for and completing your audit
  • Applying for and issuing scope and transaction certificates
  • Product-specific considerations for complex outdoor gear, footwear, and hard goods
  • Certification costs, claims eligibility, and additional resources

Whether you are exploring certification for the first time or refining an existing program, the guide is designed to make certification more attainable. It is available in English, Vietnamese, and Bengali.

ENGLISH VERSION
VIETNAMESE VERSION
BENGALI VERSION

Outdoorist: June 2026

Insights and Resources for Your Team

Welcome to this month’s Outdoorist. The 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report is here, and it tells a more nuanced story than ever about who is getting outside and how often. 

This issue also brings new sustainability resources, active policy deadlines, and fresh learning opportunities to help your team stay ahead. Thank you for being part of our community and for the work you do to grow our industry.

The 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report Is Here

Now in its 15th year, the Outdoor Participation Trends Report is the most comprehensive resource on who is getting outside and how often. This year’s report shows that outdoor recreation reached a record 183.2 million Americans and has added nearly 30 million participants since 2019. However, people are getting outside less frequently, and that reality has major implications for our industry.

The 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report covers participation by activity, demographic, region, income, and age, and shows standout gains among children, adults 65+, and Hispanic participants. Download the Executive Summary for an overview of the key findings.

>>READ THE SUMMARY

Explore the Participation Report Data in More Detail

Want to hear directly from the researcher behind the 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report? Join OIA Senior Director of Research Kelly Davis on Wednesday, July 8 at 10 a.m. (PT) for a webinar covering the report’s most important findings.

Kelly will walk through the key takeaways and what they mean for brands, retailers, suppliers, and the outdoor industry as a whole. Get in touch to learn how you can get access to these conversations and the full slate of OIA member resources.

>>CONTACT US

A Look Back at Switchback Spring 2026

The OIA team just returned from Switchback Spring in New Orleans, and it was great to connect with the brands, retailers, and partners that make our industry what it is. From the education sessions to the exhibit hall, the energy throughout the show was a reminder of how much our community accomplishes when we come together.

A big thank you to the Switchback team for putting on another standout event. Stay tuned for more details on what’s ahead.

Save the Date for the 2026 Catalyst Conference

The 2026 OIA Catalyst Conference is set for Monday, October 26 in Portland, Oregon, and this year we’re partnering with PERFORMANCE DAYS® to kick off Day 0 of Functional Fabric Fair. 

The Catalyst Conference brings the sustainability community together to tackle the hardest problems facing the outdoor industry.

We have a full day of sessions planned on new regulations, 2030 climate targets, durability and circularity, AI’s role in sustainability, and more. We’ll share registration details in the coming weeks, but you can preview the full lineup today.

>>SESSION LINEUP

Q1 Retail Data Shows Where Demand Is Holding

Outdoor product sales opened 2026 in a precarious position. Dollar sales held nearly flat in the Athletic Specialty and Sporting Goods (ASSG) retail channel, but unit sales fell 7.3% across every category while average retail prices climbed 6.7% year over year.

With consumer sentiment at decade lows and households cutting back on discretionary spending, the Q1 2026 Outdoor Retail Trends Report shows which products are still moving and which are cooling fast. The full report is available to select members, and anyone can view the Executive Summary.

>>GET THE DATA

What Camping’s Growth Means for Outdoor Recreation

When camping grows, the entire outdoor industry grows with it. In our recent webinar, OIA Senior Director of Research Kelly Davis broke down the latest camping participation data and the 2026 outlook for outdoor businesses.

She discussed why camping’s growth leads to momentum across the industry, the structural headwinds facing some segments, where the consumer base is expanding, and the biggest opportunities for reaching new and casual campers. Get in touch to learn how you can access OIA’s single-sport resources.

>>CONTACT US

Make Your Voice Heard on Section 301 Tariffs

OIA is filing formal public comments with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), urging that outdoor industry products be excluded from the proposed new Section 301 tariffs. The deadline to submit comments is Monday, July 6 at 11:59 p.m. (ET), with a second comment period on China trade mechanisms closing Friday, July 10 at 11:59 p.m. (ET).

In our direct meetings, USTR officials have been clear that this comment period is the industry’s best opportunity to secure product-specific tariff exclusions. Individual company comments that document real supply chain impacts and sourcing costs carry weight in the final determination.

If your company sources outdoor products, please submit comments with USTR using Docket USTR-2026-0265 before the July 6 deadline.

>>SUBMIT COMMENTS

Get Ready for the EU’s New Green Claims Law

The EU’s Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (ECGT) Directive, also known as “EmpCo,” governs environmental marketing and green claims. It applies to any company selling to consumers on the EU market, including those headquartered elsewhere. Enforcement begins on September 27, 2026, and there is no grace period for existing stock.

Our new policy brief gives outdoor companies a detailed overview of the law, including blacklisted claims, point-of-sale requirements for durability and repairability, who must comply, and practical steps to take now. Get in touch to discuss how your team can access this brief and our other sustainability resources.

>>CONTACT US

Register With California’s Textile EPR PRO by July 1

Does your company have over $1 million in global annual turnover and sell apparel or textile articles into California? If so, you are required to register with the approved producer responsibility organization (PRO), Landbell USA, by Wednesday, July 1 to remain compliant with California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707).

The regulation requires all obligated producers, brand owners, and importers to register with the state’s approved PRO. Covered products include apparel and accessories intended for regular wear, formal occasions, or outdoor activities, as well as textile articles such as blankets, curtains, towels, linens, and bedding.

>>REGISTER WITH LANDBELL USA

A Guide to Tier 1 Certification

The OIA Content Claim Standard Task Force has released a new guide to help Tier 1 vendors achieve certification to Textile Exchange standards. Developed with input from suppliers, certification bodies, and Textile Exchange, it clarifies a process that can be complex for first-time users.

The guide walks through determining your scope, finding a certification body, building management systems, preparing for audits, and applying for transaction certificates, along with product-specific guidance for footwear, hard goods, and organic materials. Read the full guide today.

>>READ THE GUIDE

Join a Webinar on the Tier 1 Certification Guidance

Want to learn more about the new Tier 1 certification guidance? Join us for a webinar that will introduce the guidance, explain how it came together, and show you how to access it.

We’re hosting two identical sessions to accommodate suppliers in different regions, on Thursday, July 16 at 8 a.m. (PT) and Tuesday, July 28 at 8 p.m. (PT). Registration is open to all.

>>JULY 16 WEBINAR

>>JULY 28 WEBINAR

New Courses in OIA Learning

We’re excited to announce two new certification courses in OIA Learning.

The first is “From Footprint to Future: Climate Action in the Outdoor Industry.” This course gives teams practical knowledge they can immediately apply to their work and provides greater leverage in the global fight to reduce our industry’s impact on the environment.

The second is “From Compliance to Competitive Advantage: Chemicals Management in the Outdoor Industry.” Many brands have set goals around chemical management and communicated them to suppliers, but far fewer have put real systems in place to act on those commitments. This course is designed to close that gap and drive real change.

Check out our entire catalog of 25+ courses today.

>>START LEARNING

2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report

2026-outdoor-participation-trends-report

Outdoor Participation Is Growing.  But Frequency Is Falling

Outdoor recreation participation reached an all-time high to open 2026, but the headline number tells only half the story. A record 183.2 million Americans got outside in 2025, 59% of the population ages 6 and older, capping a years-long climb that has added nearly 30 million participants since 2019. Yet even as the participant base expands, Americans are heading outdoors less often than they did before the pandemic, a shift toward more casual, less consistent engagement. With the industry’s next phase of growth hinging less on recruiting first-timers and more on turning current participants into frequent ones, understanding where participation is rising and where frequency is slipping has never been more important.

OIA’s 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report is now available. Now in its 15th year, the 70-page report covers participation data by demographic, activity, region, income, and age group, standout gains among children, adults 65+, and Hispanic participants, and the growing frequency gap that will define the industry’s next decade. Check out the report for the key findings and what they mean for the industry.

Get the Executive Summary

Are you an OIA member?

Access the report: Click Here

Therm-a-Rest® refreshes blanket collection for spring 2027

RENO, NV (June 18, 2026) – Therm-a-Rest®, maker of high-quality, innovative gear designed for comfort and performance, is refreshing its blanket collection for Spring 2027 with updated versions of the Argo™, Stellar™, and Ramble Down™ blankets. The collection features new colorways, sustainable materials, and expanded use of recycled insulation.

“The updated Therm-a-Rest blanket collection brings refreshed comfort, versatility, and more sustainable materials to camp, travel, and everyday life outside,” said Chris Davis, Therm-a-Rest Product Line Manager. “The Argo Blanket offers soft, packable warmth in a generous two-person format, making it ideal for sharing around camp, layering over a sleep system, or keeping close for road trips and van life. Stellar delivers the same go-anywhere utility with a durable construction and soft next-to-skin feel, while both Argo and Stellar now feature 85% recycled synthetic fill. For those looking for maximum coverage, the Ramble Down Blanket delivers warm, compressible 650-fill down comfort in a gigantic, highly versatile format built for tents, vans, cabins, and cool evenings outside.”

The Stellar and Argo blankets’ updated insulation and construction create a loftier feel while maintaining the versatile camp-friendly features that have made them favorites among outdoor enthusiasts, including integrated attachment points and packable storage designs. Both blankets can be stowed into an incorporated pocket. The Stellar Blanket will be available in two new colorways, Agave and Orchid. The Argo Blanket will also be available in two new colorways, Cactus and Jasper.

The oversized Ramble Down blanket also receives sustainable updates while continuing to deliver premium warmth through responsibly sourced 650-fill down insulation and a highly versatile design suitable for tents, vans, cabins, and outdoor gatherings. It can be packed down into an included cinchable stuff sack. The Ramble Down Blanket will feature one new colorway, Dark Spruce.

Dimensions and weight:

  • Argo (MSRP: $149.95 USD, $199.95 CAN): 78” x 72” and weighs 26oz
  • Stellar (MSRP: $99.95 USD, $129.95 CAN) : 75” x 56” and weighs 24oz
  • Ramble Down (MSRP: $349.95 USD, $469.95 CAN): 88” x 88” and weighs 49.4oz

The refreshed blanket collection reflects Therm-a-Rest’s continued focus on creating adaptable, comfortable, and environmentally conscious gear that enhances outdoor experiences wherever adventures lead.

The updated Argo, Stellar, and Ramble Down blankets will be available at www.thermarest.com and select retailers beginning in January 2027.

About Therm-a-Rest®

Since 1971, Therm-a-Rest® has been dedicated to providing outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality, innovative gear designed for comfort and performance. From sleeping pads to sleeping bags and camp furniture, Therm-a-Rest products are engineered to enhance outdoor experiences and help adventurers get the best night’s sleep possible. For more information, visit www.thermarest.com.

About Cascade Designs, Inc.®

For over 50 years, Cascade Designs, Inc. and its brands, Therm-a-Rest®, Mountain Safety Research® (MSR®), Platypus®, SealLine®, and PackTowl®, have led the outdoor industry in designing innovative, useful, and long-lasting equipment, manufacturing the majority of its products in its Reno, Nev., U.S.A. and Cork, Ireland facilities, and with offices in Seattle, Wash. From the original self-inflating Therm-a-Rest® camping mattress to the first multi-fuel stove from MSR®, Cascade Designs has developed leading products that explorers, travelers, adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and weekend campers can rely on to deliver optimum performance in the outdoors through exceptional engineering and quality. For more information, please visit www.cascadedesigns.com.