BOULDER, Colo. (April 14, 2026) — La Sportiva, maker of the world’s finest mountain gear, has officially opened its Salt Lake City retail store, located at 372 West 600 South. A Grand Opening celebration is planned for Saturday, April 18, bringing together athletes, media, and the local outdoor community.

The 5,100-square-foot space features La Sportiva’s full product line, from climbing and mountain running footwear to ski touring gear and apparel. Located near the USA Climbing Training Center, the store sits within one of the country’s most active mountain communities, in a neighborhood that continues to grow as a destination for outdoor culture, food, and retail.

“With the store now open, we’re already seeing what this space can become,” said Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America. “Salt Lake City has a deep connection to the mountains, and this store is built to reflect that. La Sportiva was founded in the Dolomites nearly a century ago, and that same mountain DNA still shapes everything we do. The new store is a place to get outfitted, but just as much a place to connect and share beta.”

The Salt Lake City location is designed to serve as a hub for the local community, with plans for ongoing events, workshops, and group outings. The store carries La Sportiva’s full collection and introduces the first North American ReSoul Lab, offering resoling services for climbing footwear to extend product life and reduce waste.

The opening of the Salt Lake City store reflects La Sportiva’s broader retail strategy to invest in key mountain towns and build spaces that are closely tied to the communities they serve. It’s the brand’s second retail location in North America, joining its Boulder, Colorado store, and expands a global network of stores across Europe.

“Our products are born in the mountains and refined through testing in alpine environments,” said Lorenzo Delladio, president and CEO of La Sportiva. “Opening a retail location in Salt Lake City allows us to stay close to that process, with a direct line to the people using our products every day. That connection is fundamental to how we are continuing to evolve as a brand.”

La Sportiva is holding its Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the new store. Food and coffee will be available throughout the day, along with opportunities to meet athletes, connect with the local community, and experience the space.

Contact La Sportiva PR representative Sean Van Horn at sean.vanhorn@backbone.media for more information.

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.

RED LODGE, Mont. (April 14, 2026) – Crazy Creek Products is proud to announce the return of its Smokey Bear Original Chair. This special-edition design brings one of America’s most recognizable conservation icons together with the chair that helped define ground-level outdoor comfort.

Available now exclusively at REI in a ‘Smokey Bear Blue’ and ‘Smokey Bear Yellow’ colorway, the Crazy Creek Smokey Bear Original Chair celebrates both outdoor adventure and the importance of wildfire prevention. To support that mission, Crazy Creek will donate 10 percent of proceeds from each of these chairs sold to the U.S. Forest Service to support wildfire prevention education.

“The Crazy Creek Original Chair was designed to help people get outside and enjoy wild places comfortably,” said Andy Simpson, Director of Sales at Crazy Creek Products. “Partnering with Smokey Bear and supporting the U.S. Forest Service is a natural fit for us because the places people use our chairs, like national forests, campgrounds, rivers, and trails, are the same places that depend on responsible fire use and wildfire prevention. If this chair helps remind people to protect those places while they’re enjoying them, that’s a win for everyone.”

First introduced more than 39 years ago, the Crazy Creek Original Chair changed the outdoor seating category and remains the gold standard for ground-level comfort. Outdoor lovers across the globe have embraced the chair for its versatility, packability, and durable construction. Whether you’re on rocky trails, sandy beaches, campsites, music festivals, or soccer game sidelines, the Original Chair makes it easy to sit comfortably and endure years of adventure.

The Smokey Bear Crazy Creek Original Chair is built for comfort and durability in any environment. High-density closed-cell foam provides cushioned support, while carbon-reinforced fiberglass stays deliver solid back support that holds up during long sits around the campfire. Adjustable side straps allow users to dial in the perfect recline, shifting easily from upright support to a laid-back lounging position.

Constructed with tough 600D polyester and a high-tenacity nylon hinge system, the chair offers exceptional durability while maintaining flexibility and resilience over years of use. A DWR coating helps protect against moisture, helping to keep users warm and dry even when the ground is damp. Despite its rugged construction, the chair remains lightweight and portable, packing flat for easy transport. A water-resistant ground barrier adds an extra layer of comfort by helping keep users warm and dry even when the ground is damp.

The Smokey Bear Crazy Creek Original Chair is available now online and in stores at REI. It retails for $74.95 USD.

For more information about Crazy Creek and its range of outdoor seating, please visit crazycreek.com. For media inquiries, please contact crazycreek@verdepr.com.

The name and character of Smokey Bear are the property of the United States, as provided by 16 USC 580p-1, and are used with the permission of the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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About Crazy Creek

Founded in 1987 in Red Lodge, Montana, Crazy Creek was born in the backcountry and built for people who spend real time on rough ground. For more than three decades, Crazy Creek has equipped people to “Take a Seat”—whether deep in the wilderness or close to home—providing dependable support wherever the ground works against them. Learn more at crazycreek.com.

BOULDER, CO (April 13, 2026) – Schwan-STABILO Outdoor, USA, the parent company of deuter and ORTOVOX, today announced the appointment of Tom Mason as interim general manager, effective immediately. Mason succeeds Jonathan Degenhardt after seven years of leadership. Additionally, Olivia Mayhew has been appointed sales manager for deuter USA and April Sawyer has been appointed controller for Schwan-STABILO Outdoor, USA.

Mason will continue his responsibilities as ORTOVOX brand manager, a position he has held since 2015, and will oversee management of Schwan-STABILO Outdoor, USA over the next six months, culminating with an internal review of the position in October. Mason has over 20 years’ experience in the outdoor industry, from retail to wholesale distribution.

“Tom has been an integral member of the ORTOVOX team for many years, demonstrating strategic leadership and exceptional industry knowledge, and we are more than confident in his abilities to lead the USA operations,” said Martin Riebel, managing director of Schwan-STABILO Outdoor. “We look forward to working closely with Tom and the team for this next chapter of growth.”

“The Schwan-STABILO Outdoor, USA team is poised to continue our mission of elevating deuter in the U.S. market, and I’m excited to take on this new role leading two of the most respected brands in the outdoor industry,” said Mason. The appointments of Olivia Mayhew as Sales Manager for deuter USA and April Sawyer as Controller for Schwan-STABILO Outdoor, USA contribute valuable expertise and strategic insight to the team, supporting continued growth and development.

Returning to deuter USA as sales manager after her most recent role at Rumpl as inside sales manager, Olivia Mayhew began her career with deuter USA in 2022 as dealer service representative and was eventually promoted to dealer service manager after being recognized for her leadership and impact.

“I’m excited to be back at deuter in this new role as sales manager. I have such a strong connection to the brand and appreciation for the company’s commitment to product quality and meaningful partnerships,” said Mayhew.

April Sawyer was with Schwan-STABILO Outdoor, USA for over three years prior to rejoining the team as Controller in early March.

About deuter

deuter is a leading innovator in the outdoor equipment industry, dedicated to crafting high-quality backpack and accessories since 1898. Driven by a passion for mountain sports, deuter remains committed to pioneering designs that enhance outdoor experiences. With a focus on sustainability, reliability, and customer-centric innovation, deuter continues to empower adventurers the world over. As a brand, deuter values safety, long-term success, and a strong sense of responsibility toward nature and the global community. For more information, visit https://www.deuter.com/us-en.

About ORTOVOX

ORTOVOX stands for maximum protection in the mountains – the company has been protecting mountaineers and the alpine region since 1980. Emergency equipment, backpacks, functional wool clothing and targeted training by a network of experts contribute to making mountain sport safer. ORTOVOX is a brand for people active in the mountains and offers equipment for ski touring and freeriding in winter and for alpine climbing and high alpine tours in summer. The mountain bike segment will be added to the portfolio in summer 2026. For more information, visit https://www.ortovox.com/us-en.

Washington, D.C. (April 13, 2026) — Outdoor recreation is growing rapidly on U.S. public lands, and in order to maintain the benefits for local economies, adequate funding from the U.S. Congress is needed. A letter, sent to Congress last week by Outdoor Alliance and more than 70 organizations and businesses that represent the outdoor recreation community, outlines the specific investments needed. Notably, the letter addresses the need to keep pace with the growing demand for outdoor recreation on U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands and to implement the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act.

The letter calls on lawmakers to fully fund USFS and BLM recreation budgets in its Fiscal Year 2027 budget, asking Congress to fund BLM’s Recreation Resources Management program at $100 million and the USFS Recreation, Heritage, and Wilderness at $70 million, with a commensurate increase to National Forest system salaries and expenses.

Outdoor recreation as a whole contributed $1.3 trillion in economic output and more than 5.2 million jobs, comprising 2.4% of U.S. Gross Domestic Product in 2024 (Outdoor Recreation Roundtable). The letter points out that deeper investments from Congress will help unlock more of these economic benefits, particularly for local communities in the vicinity of public lands. It also addresses the extensive staff losses that these agencies have faced over the past year, including the current federal hiring freeze preventing the ability to fill much-needed vacant positions.

The letter also highlights the need to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the EXPLORE Act, which was passed in December 2024. As the first comprehensive update to federal recreation policy in decades, EXPLORE will improve outdoor access for veterans and service members, support public lands gateway communities, expand public/private partnerships for recreation infrastructure, create long-distance bike trails, simplify outdoor permitting, and more.

“People are getting outside in record numbers, but the agencies that steward these places haven’t been given the resources to keep up. Investing in outdoor recreation is about taking care of the trails, rivers, and climbing areas people rely on—and making sure these experiences remain accessible,” said Jamie Ervin, Senior Policy Manager at Outdoor Alliance.

“Federal lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management represent some of the most beloved destinations for runners—the largest outdoor recreation group in the country. Runners rely on these agencies for trail maintenance, race event permitting, and more, which is why it’s so important for Congress to fully fund their recreation budgets,” said Bryant Baker, Director of Advocacy and Education at the Runners for Public Lands.

“We’ve seen what happens when public lands and waters don’t have the funding and staffing they need: it has a direct impact on our ability to teach people how to get outdoors safely and sustainably. Mountaineers’ programs and courses depend on agency staff to steward landscapes, maintain trails and campgrounds, and issue recreational permits. We urge Congress to properly fund our public lands, including implementation of the EXPLORE Act to improve outdoor access and streamline recreational permitting,” said Betsy Robblee, Conservation & Advocacy Director at the Mountaineers.

“Outdoor businesses depend on well-managed public lands. When Congress invests in recreation infrastructure and staffing, it supports not just outdoor experiences, but also the entire outdoor economy,” said Annie Nyborg, Head of Environmental and Social Impact at Peak Design.

Along with Outdoor Alliance, more than 70 other organizations and businesses are calling on lawmakers to fully fund recreation and are included in this letter.

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, the American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Mountaineers, the American Alpine Club, 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, Outdoor Alliance 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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Foothill Ranch, Calif. (April 13, 2026) – Leading integrated communications agency specializing in the outdoor and active lifestyle markets, Verde Brand Communications, announces a strategic partnership with Bosch eBike Systems. Verde will work with the Bosch eBike System marketing team to drive strategic PR initiatives to build brand awareness, deepen rider engagement, and further strengthen Bosch’s leadership in the evolving e-mobility landscape.

Working with over 100 of the world’s leading bicycle brands, Bosch eBike Systems provides premium, networked drive systems including motors, batteries, displays, and its eBike Flow app, shaping the future of eBike mobility with its innovative products and digital services.

Verde Brand Communications brings 25 years of experience in elevating brands within the outdoor and active lifestyle sectors through comprehensive PR campaigns, digital marketing strategies, brand communications, experiential events and media engagement. Verde has a long history of working with premium, engineering-led brands to translate credibility into belief and connection.

Through the partnership, Verde will support the continued evolution of Bosch’s 139-year history in mobility industries through emotionally driven storytelling and globally aligned PR initiatives that meet riders where they are. Together, Verde and Bosch will build a compelling narrative around fun, safety and connectivity, elevating the Bosch legacy as a trusted industry leader.

“Bosch has a unique story to tell, and we’re excited to have a fresh perspective to bring it to life,” said Jocelyn Vande Velde, NA Marketing Director at Bosch eBike Systems. “We feel Verde has the expertise and creativity we need to navigate a quickly evolving e-mobility environment and connect with riders in a way that’s authentic, emotionally resonant, and that defines the modern riding experience.”

“Bosch has long set the standard for innovation and trust in e-mobility, and we’re very committed to supporting the Bosch team in the impactful work they’re leading to drive rider growth and adoption at a critical time. Few companies can push the boundaries of innovation across entire industries while giving back on the level Bosch does,” said Kristin Carpenter, CEO and Founder of Verde Brand Communications. “What truly sets Bosch apart is their commitment to growing responsible e-bike adoption and growth, prioritizing trust, safety, service, and product excellence, alongside their unwavering commitment to sustainability. That’s not just a story worth telling, it’s one we’re honored to help share.”

For more information about Bosch eBike Systems and its range of offerings, please visit bosch-ebike.com. For media inquiries or further information about the partnership, please contact Verde Brand Communications, bosch@verdepr.com.

Bosch eBike Systems is shaping the future of eBike mobility with innovative products and digital services ranging from highly efficient drive systems and the first series-ready ABS for eBikes to connected biking solutions. On daily routes through the city, on enjoyable tours through the countryside or for sporty adventures in the mountains: Bosch eBike Systems offers eBikers the right drive system (drive unit, battery, display and app) for every requirement and every area of use, which ensures a unique riding experience.  

Today, more than 100 of the world’s leading bicycle brands trust in the perfectly coordinated, modular product portfolio. As an independent business unit within the Bosch Group, Bosch eBike Systems also uses the group’s technology and manufacturing know-how. For healthy, safe and sustainable mobility that is fun.

For more information, please visit www.bosch-ebike.com.

About Bosch

Having established a presence in North America in 1906, today the Bosch Group employs more than 41,000 associates in more than 100 locations in the North American region (as of Dec. 31, 2024). According to preliminary figures, Bosch generated consolidated sales of $17.4 billion in the U.S., Mexico and Canada in 2024. For more information visit www.bosch.us, www.bosch.mx and www.bosch.ca.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 417,900 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2024). According to preliminary figures, the company generated sales of 90.5 billion euros in 2024. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. With its business activities, the company aims to use technology to help shape universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalization, connectivity, and an orientation to sustainability. In this context, Bosch’s broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness. Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source. It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is “Invented for life,” Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 470 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. Bosch’s innovative strength is key to the company’s further development. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 86,900 associates in research and development, of which nearly 48,000 are software engineers.

The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861–1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant upfront investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-four percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The remaining shares are held by Robert Bosch GmbH and by a company owned by the Bosch family. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG. It is entrusted with the task of safeguarding the company’s long-term existence and in particular its financial independence – in line with the mission handed down in the will of the company’s founder, Robert Bosch.

Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.iot.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com.

Exchange rate: 1 EUR = 1.0823

About Verde Brand Communications

Celebrating 25 years in 2026, Verde Brand Communications is a woman-founded, woman-led outdoor-focused brand communications and digital marketing agency rooted in Colorado. We partner with brands across the outdoor, active-lifestyle, and specialty markets to deliver strategic storytelling, earned media, influencer engagement, social media strategy, event expertise and integrated digital marketing programs designed to drive measurable impact. Verde is known for its high-touch client relationships, nimble execution, and deep industry expertise. For more information about Verde, please visit www.verdepr.com or follow our adventures on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Verde Brand Communications, bosch@verdepr.com

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Costa Mesa, Calif. (April 10, 2026) – 5.11, the brand behind Purpose Built Gear, has noted its 5.11 Stryke® Pant in publicly available footage from the Artemis II, marking another example of performance-driven gear showing up where reliability is critical.

As part of the historic mission, astronauts have been operating in one of the most demanding environments imaginable and are now preparing for their return. In publicly available footage, the 5.11 team identified the 5.11 Stryke® Pant, later recognized by members of online communities for its distinctive design and construction.

While not an official partnership, the appearance reflects a consistent truth. When conditions push limits, people choose what they trust.

This is not the first time 5.11 products have appeared in space-related environments. In previous missions, astronauts have been seen wearing 5.11 gear in live footage, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for performance in conditions where failure isn’t an option.

“We build for people who choose challenge. Preparation, precision, and performance aren’t situational. They’re a mindset. And when the environment demands everything, that mindset shows up,” said Troy Brown, CEO of 5.11.

The 5.11 Stryke® Pant is built on that principle. Constructed from patented Flex-Tac® ripstop fabric, it delivers durability, mobility, and resilience without compromise. A 12-pocket configuration keeps tools and essentials secure and accessible, while a DWR finish helps resist dirt, moisture, and stains. Gusseted construction and articulated knees enhance range of motion, and reinforced seams and key stress points are designed to hold up under pressure.

From the harshest conditions on Earth to environments few will ever experience, 5.11 products are worn by individuals who prepare for the unknown and show up ready when it counts.

This is the 5.11 mindset.

Challenge Possible.

The 5.11 Stryke® Pant is available now at fiveeleven.com.

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About 5.11, Inc.:

With offices around the globe, 5.11 works directly with end users to create purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear designed for those who perform under pressure in demanding environments. Built to support durability, functionality, and performance, 5.11 products are made for those who Challenge Possible™.

5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, becoming a trusted choice for those who choose challenge as a way of life.

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 fiveeleven.com. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, YouTube, X and Instagram @511 and #511.

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

5.11 and Challenge Possible™ are trademarks of 5.11, Inc. All rights reserved.