Boulder, Colo. (June 17, 2026) — Access Fund, the national advocacy organization for sustainable access and conservation of climbing landscapes, is calling on climbers to speak up in response to newly released climbing management guidance from the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture. The guidance—issued by the National Park Service (NPS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS)—stands to shape how America’s climbing is managed for decades to come.

The climbing management guidance is required under the Protecting America’s Rock Climbing (PARC) Act, a bipartisan law passed in 2025 as part of the EXPLORE Act. The PARC Act directs federal agencies to recognize climbing activities, including the placement and maintenance of fixed anchors, as an appropriate use on federally designated Wilderness. It also allows climbing routes established before January 4, 2025, to be used and maintained in perpetuity—ensuring historic climbing areas like El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, the Diamond in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Cirque of the Towers in the Wind River Range, and Rainbow Wall at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area remain accessible.

Before the guidance is finalized, NPS, BLM and FWS are required to accept public comments for 60-days, which opened June 15th. The USFS guidance is open to public comments for 30-days, starting June 18th. To ensure the final guidance keeps America’s climbing areas open, protects historic climbing areas, and retains the integrity of Wilderness areas, climbing and outdoor communities need to come together to show strong and unified support. We’re asking climbers to learn more, and submit comments using our easy letter-writing tool at accessfund.org/take-action.

The draft policies align with the PARC Act and previous federal policies that allow standard climbing safety practices while protecting wilderness character. The NPS, BLM, and FWS draft policies address only Wilderness climbing management, while the USFS draft policy applies to both Wilderness and non-Wilderness climbing areas—roughly 30% of America’s climbing. The four draft policies share the determination that fixed anchors are allowable in Wilderness, but differ in technical elements. The draft guidance is an important course correction from the 2023 NPS and USFS proposals that would have restricted climbing access, created safety risks, erased historic climbing routes, and imposed costly management burdens.

Access Fund supports the draft policies; however, it is recommending several essential technical revisions and clarifications, including consistent fixed-anchor definitions, and practical new climbing route management and fixed anchor maintenance.

“America’s public lands offer a wide range of exceptional climbing experiences. When climbing in Wilderness areas, climbers need to exercise restraint and low-impact practices to maintain the character of the land, and ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience these wild spaces.” said Heather Thorne, Executive Director of Access Fund. “The draft climbing management guidance can be improved, but the spirit of the policies protects America’s climbing legacy, and the spirit of adventure.”

Climbing and outdoor brands that supported the PARC Act through its legislative journey are joining Access Fund in encouraging public comments. Companies like Black Diamond are helping spread the word to their communities about why this moment matters for the future of America’s climbing.

“At Black Diamond, our equipment helps climbers push farther, explore deeper, and experience the full spectrum of climbing opportunities on America’s public lands.” said Jess Powell, Advocacy & Sustainability Manager at Black Diamond Equipment. “We’re pleased to see an approach to climbing management that helps protect access to climbing adventures while supporting the stewardship of the landscapes that make them possible.”

How to get involved

Climbers are encouraged to learn more and submit comments at accessfund.org/take-action.

About Access Fund

Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment. Access Fund represents more than 8 million climbers nationwide in its work to protect and conserve the land, fight for sustainable access, and build a community of inspired advocates. Access Fund staff have more than 100 years of public policy and advocacy experience and have permanently protected nearly 4 million acres of public land across the country, establishing climbers as a powerful voice in the fight to protect public lands. For more information, visit accessfund.org.

PORTLAND, OR (June 16, 2026) – Snow Peak, the renowned Japanese outdoor lifestyle brand, and Oregon-based Jacobsen Salt Co, America’s leading salt and premium pantry staple maker, today announced the debut of limited-edition finishing salts available in three separate drops over the remainder of 2026. Inspired by seasonality and rooted in craftsmanship, Snow Peak and Jacobsen Salt Co. collaborated to create three original flavor profiles that reflect Oregon’s coastal waters alongside rich Japanese culinary inspirations.

Imagined by two brands steeped in craft and influenced by nature and its seasons, these finishing salts celebrate the art of intention. This collaborative collection launches on June 18th with Sansho (MSRP: $18), a blend of hand-harvested pure flake sea salt from the pristine waters of Netarts Bay on the Oregon Coast, and a citrusy, aromatic Japanese pepper that balances a tingly heat with a bright finish. Additional seasonal flavors will be released throughout the year.

“Collaborating with Jacobsen Salt Co. was an instinctive choice for Snow Peak. Our brands share a simple, profound belief: that life is best experienced when we slow down to enjoy time together. Their process is rooted in the purity of natural sources, and their flavors are guided by the rhythm of the seasons,” said Snow Peak USA COO Noah Reis. “Together, we’ve created a culinary extension of both the Snow Peak and Jacobsen Salt Co. lifestyles – one that encourages people to gather outdoors and connect deeply over exceptional food.”

“We have always believed that the best food starts with a reverence for the source and, whether designing outdoor gear or cultivating community, Snow Peak shares that ethos. This collaboration is a true meeting of the minds,” said Gabe Jacobsen, CEO of Jacobsen Salt Co. “We’ve combined the pure, elemental texture of our Oregon Coast sea salt with storied, offering our customers a completely unique seasoning experience. We’re thrilled to partner with a brand that values the intersection of flavor, narrative, and gathering just as much as we do.”

In addition, Snow Peak’s Portland-based restaurant Takibi will curate a seasonal dish and cocktail featuring each limited-edition finishing salt. In June, Takibi will offer Aftersun, a new cocktail with tequila blanco, chareau, pineapple, lime, house sansho tincture, fire bitters, and Jacobsen Salt Co.’s Sansho Salt rim. The seasonal dish at Takibi is a Big Eye tuna carpaccio. Simultaneously, Jacobsen Salt Co. will share a companion recipe, allowing outdoor cooks and home chefs to recreate the seasonal flavor profile on their own adventures.

The Snow Peak x Jacobsen Salt Co. collaboration will be available for purchase online at Snowpeak.com and Jacobsensalt.com, and at Snow Peak retail locations, as well as Jacobsen Salt Co.’s Netarts Bay Gift Shop

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Snow Peak Media Contact: Hazel Rogerson | hazel@jamcollective.net

About Snow Peak

Founded in Japan in 1958, Snow Peak is a camping brand serving customers in the USA for more than 20 years, with a mission to unite people and alleviate the stresses of modern life through time gathering outside. Its Japanese-designed, lifetime-guaranteed camping equipment serves as a catalyst for restorative experiences in nature.

Focused on bringing people together, Snow Peak operates immersive retail locations in Portland, Seattle and Brooklyn, and offers hospitality experiences through its restaurant Takibi, and campground, the Long Beach Campfield. More at snowpeak.com.

About Jacobsen Salt Co.

Jacobsen Salt Co. creates salt and premium pantry staples that transform the way people cook and experience food. Founded in 2011, Jacobsen Salt Co. harvests salt from the cold, pristine waters of Netarts Bay on the Oregon Coast to create a bright, briny, and crunchy salt that is a reflection of this bay and our attentive salt-making process. Grounded in craftsmanship and community, our mission is to provide the finest elemental cooking ingredients and kitchen staples that inspire people to cook, eat, and live well. Beyond our wide variety of pure and infused sea salts, we offer salted caramels, seasonings and spice blends, gift sets, and other pantry staples. We also source and produce the

finest single-origin raw honey for both home and professional kitchens.

RENO, NV (June 16, 2026) — Mountain Safety Research^® (MSR^®), a global leader in high-performance outdoor equipment, announces two new coffee accessories for spring 2027: the Titan™ Pour Over, designed as a premium option for the weight-conscious backpacker, and the French Press, for the coffee-loving System Stove owner.

The ultralight Titan™ Pour Over (MSRP: $49.95 USD, $59.95 CAN) weighs just 1.73 oz, is easy to assemble, plastic-free, and ultracompact, making it a premium addition to MSR’s titanium cookware lineup. It is designed to offer a high-quality coffee experience outside, even when weight and packability are top priorities. To use, simply connect its three identical sides that fit perfectly together for quick, easy assembly. Sit it securely on top of your preferred coffee mug (fits a range of cup sizes) and use with a #3 V60 conical filter. When not in use, the Pour Over lies completely flat for easy storage.

The French Press comes in a 1.0L (MSRP: $34.95 USD, $44.95 CAN) and 1.8L version (MSRP: $39.95 USD, $49.95 CAN), designed to be a plastic-free option for the coffee-loving System Stove owner, compatible with the WindBurner Personal and Duo and the Switch Stove pots. Its new aluminum and stainless steel design eliminates microplastics, and its simple design allows for easy cleaning and storage. The 1.0L weighs just 1.7 oz and the 1.8L weighs 2.1 oz.

“The Titan Pour Over is the lightest weight solution for real coffee in the backcountry. Perfect for the coffee-loving, gram-counting backpacker,” said Nate Kuder, Director of Product Management. “To complement our Switch and WindBurner stoves, our new French Press offers plastic-free coffee production integrated into its 1L and 1.8L system pots. When finished, the press packs up neatly and stores alongside the fuel bottle and stove inside the pot. A perfect solution for fresh coffee in the backcountry.”

Both of these cookware products will be available starting January 2027. For more information about MSR and its full collection of cookware, please visit msrgear.com.

About Mountain Safety Research^®

MSR^® has been engineering standard-setting high-performance outdoor equipment since 1969. A commitment to quality manufacturing and innovation ensures customers are outfitted with the finest, most reliable gear available for outdoor adventures. MSR^® product lines include: stoves, fuel, cookware, water treatment and hydration systems, shelters, snowshoes, snow tools, and backcountry poles. The majority of MSR^® products are made in the company’s Reno, U.S.A. and Cork, Ireland manufacturing facilities. For more information, visit www.msrgear.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.

RENO, NV (June 15, 2026) — Mountain Safety Research^® (MSR^®), a global leader in high-performance outdoor equipment, announces the launch of the FreeLite™ Stash tent for spring 2027. The updated FreeLite™ sets a new standard in its class, delivering an unmatched combination of packability, weight, comfort, performance, and value. MSR is also breaking new ground by bringing a compact pole set — previously seen on MSR’s bikepacking-specific tents— to a wider outdoor audience, making premium packability more accessible than ever.

Backed by MSR’s trusted reputation for quality and performance, the FreeLite™ Stash provides true livable space thanks to its rectangular footprint, added shoulder space, a gear loft, and clothes lines. It is constructed with recycled materials and features a compact (shorter) pole set for greater convenience and packability, fitting on a bike frame, kayak hull, moto pannier, or backpack.

“We’ve heard from the outdoor community that it’s not only bike packers who are dealing with limited pack space,” said Miles Hubbard, MSR Tents Product Line Manager. “The FreeLite™ Stash delivers an ultra-compact packed design for all users while still keeping weight low, optimizing livability, and improving storm protection.”

The FreeLite™ Stash also introduces all-new BeyondLite DAC aluminum poles, a totally new pole set with increased wall thickness, diameter and ferrule lengths, which are optimized for shorter, packable pole sections. Made with 15D nylon ripstop fabric, the new Stash also has added rainfly coverage and greater breathability.

The new MSR Freelite™ Stash will come in an Olive Night color and in three size options:

• MSR Freelite™ Stash 1-person (MSRP: $439.95 USD, $559.95 CAN) – Min. Weight: 1 lbs. 14 oz.
• MSR Freelite™ Stash 2-person (MSRP: $499.95 USD, $599.95 CAN) – Weight: 2 lbs. 6 oz.
• MSR Freelite™ Stash 3-person (MSRP: $569.95 USD, $699.95 CAN) – Weight: 2 lbs 13 oz.

The MSR Freelite™ Stash tent series will be available at select retailers and on the MSR website starting January 2027. For more information about MSR and its full collection of tents and products, please visit msrgear.com.

About Mountain Safety Research^®

MSR has been engineering standard-setting high-performance outdoor equipment since 1969. A commitment to quality manufacturing and innovation ensures customers are outfitted with the finest, most reliable gear available for outdoor adventures. MSR^® product lines include: stoves, fuel, cookware, water treatment and hydration systems, shelters, snowshoes, snow tools, and backcountry poles. The majority of MSR^® products are made in the company’s Reno, U.S.A. and Cork, Ireland manufacturing facilities. For more information, visit www.msrgear.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.

 

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, and CARRBORO, N.C. (June 15, 2026) — Fleet Feet, the nation’s largest franchisor with more than 285 locally owned and operated running specialty stores, today announced the opening of a fifth Fleet Feet San Antonio location in Stone Ridge Market,  21019 U.S. Hwy 281 N, Suite 808. The store is operated by Kim Heather, operating partner of Fleet Feet San Antonio since 2024.

About Kim Heather

Heather joined Fleet Feet as an outfitter in Chicago, where the Fleet Feet community became an integral part of her life. Heather advanced through various roles including store manager, area manager and HR director. In 2024, she relocated to San Antonio where she oversees operations at the Quarry, Rim, Forum and Culebra locations.

“When I started at Fleet Feet, I fell in love with the store, the brand and the community,” said Heather. “It’s been wonderful to see Fleet Feet’s impact on runners and walkers in San Antonio, a city home to countless run clubs and races.”

The opening reflects continual, sustained growth in San Antonio’s running community. According to Axios, the 2025 San Antonio Marathon sold out all distances, with locals accounting for 64% of total runners.

Over the last two years under Heather, Fleet Feet San Antonio has developed a partnership with the San Antonio Marathon and introduced a reimagined Fleet Feet event for The Big Run 5K. Bringing her prior experience, she has expanded and grown Fleet Feet’s training programs, offering everything from beginner 5K training to extensive SATX marathon preparation

Grand Opening and Product Offerings

The Fleet Feet in Stone Ridge Market will open June 15, with a grand opening celebration planned for July 11 and 12. The store will also offer a social run and walk group for the surrounding community.

Shoppers will find top brands such as Brooks, HOKA, Asics, adidas, Nike, New Balance, Saucony and more, plus experience Fleet Feet’s fit id® outfitting process, which uses a 3D foot scan to measure foot length, width, volume, and arch height to match runners with the appropriate gear for their stride.

“San Antonio has become one of the most active and engaged running markets in the country, and our growth here reflects that momentum,” said Jason Jabaut, chief operating officer at Fleet Feet. “Each new store becomes a local hub where runners connect, train together and engage with each other. Kim has done an incredible job building that kind of trust across the existing stores, and this new location extends that same support to even more people.”

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About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated specialty run stores. With more than 285 Fleet Feet stores in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, North Carolina, Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards.

Fleet Feet believes that Running Changes Everything® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter, the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and Best in Business, Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers and America’s Best Online Shops, and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

RENO, NV (June 15, 2026) – For spring 2027, Therm-a-Rest^®, a manufacturer of premium outdoor sleep gear, continues its mission of helping outdoor sleepers rest better outdoors with the introduction of the all-new NeoAir^® TrailMix™ sleeping pad and the expansion of the award-winning NeoLoft™ lineup with a new XXL size.

Designed for campers and backpackers seeking exceptional comfort without sacrificing packability, both additions reflect Therm-a-Rest’s ongoing commitment to creating more livable sleep systems for every kind of outdoor experience.

The NeoAir TrailMix is a lightweight, rectangular sleeping pad designed to deliver an approachable balance of comfort, warmth, durability, and value. Built with a plush 3-inch profile, soft stretch-knit fabric, and a versatile 4.5 R-value, the NeoAir TrailMix is engineered to help both new and experienced adventurers sleep comfortably across a wide range of conditions.

Constructed with proven NeoAir^® technology, this pad combines dependable performance with premium comfort details, including a 50D stretch-knit top fabric, durable 75D bottom fabric, and Therm-a-Rest’s WingLock™ valve system for fast inflation and deflation. The pad includes a pump sack and repair kit and will be available in Regular (MSRP $149.95 USD, $199.95 CAN), Regular Wide (MSRP $159.95 USD, $219.95 CAN), and Long (MSRP $169.95 USD, $239.95 CAN) sizes.

NeoAir TrailMix specifications:

• Regular: 22 oz / 620 g, 72” L x 20” W
• Regular Wide: 27 oz / 775 g, 72” L x 25” W
• Long: 29 oz / 825 g, 78” L x 25” W

“For decades, Therm-a-Rest has focused on helping people sleep better outdoors through thoughtful design and continuous innovation,” said Chris Davis, Therm-a-Rest Product Line Manager. “With TrailMix, we continued exploring what a better night’s sleep can look like for modern backpackers by balancing comfort, packability, durability, and value into one approachable package. Whether you’re a first-time backpacker or a seasoned outdoor adventurer, TrailMix is designed to deliver reliable rest night after night on the trail.”

Also joining the spring 2027 lineup is an expanded NeoLoft collection with the addition of a new XXL size. Building on the success of the award-winning original NeoLoft series, the XXL offers even more room for campers seeking maximum comfort and freedom of movement outdoors.

The NeoLoft XXL (MSRP $299.95 USD, $399.95 CAN) weighs 35 oz/1000 g, and measures 81” L x 30” W.

Despite its generous dimensions, NeoLoft remains remarkably compact and travel-friendly, packing small enough to fit inside a backpack, bike frame bag, kayak hull, moto pannier, or compact car boot. Featuring Therm-a-Rest’s ContourCore Matrix™ 3D construction, stretch-knit fabric, and a wide rectangular shape with additional shoulder space, the NeoLoft continues to bring home-like comfort deeper into the outdoors while maintaining the lightweight performance trusted by backpackers, bikepackers, paddlers, and overlanders alike.

The NeoLoft lineup will encompass Regular, Regular Wide, Long, and XXL sizes, all of which deliver 4.7 R-value for versatile, multi-season comfort.

The NeoAir TrailMix and NeoLoft XXL will be available at thermarest.com, and select retailers starting 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 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 market at 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.

RENO, NV (June 15, 2026) – For spring 2027, Therm-a-Rest^®, a manufacturer of premium outdoor sleep gear, continues its mission of helping outdoor sleepers rest better outdoors with the introduction of the all-new NeoAir^® TrailMix™ sleeping pad and the expansion of the award-winning NeoLoft™ lineup with a new XXL size.

Designed for campers and backpackers seeking exceptional comfort without sacrificing packability, both additions reflect Therm-a-Rest’s ongoing commitment to creating more livable sleep systems for every kind of outdoor experience.

The NeoAir TrailMix is a lightweight, rectangular sleeping pad designed to deliver an approachable balance of comfort, warmth, durability, and value. Built with a plush 3-inch profile, soft stretch-knit fabric, and a versatile 4.5 R-value, the NeoAir TrailMix is engineered to help both new and experienced adventurers sleep comfortably across a wide range of conditions.

Constructed with proven NeoAir^® technology, this pad combines dependable performance with premium comfort details, including a 50D stretch-knit top fabric, durable 75D bottom fabric, and Therm-a-Rest’s WingLock™ valve system for fast inflation and deflation. The pad includes a pump sack and repair kit and will be available in Regular (MSRP $149.95 USD, $199.95 CAN), Regular Wide (MSRP $159.95 USD, $219.95 CAN), and Long (MSRP $169.95 USD, $239.95 CAN) sizes.

NeoAir TrailMix specifications:

• Regular: 22 oz / 620 g, 72” L x 20” W
• Regular Wide: 27 oz / 775 g, 72” L x 25” W
• Long: 29 oz / 825 g, 78” L x 25” W

“For decades, Therm-a-Rest has focused on helping people sleep better outdoors through thoughtful design and continuous innovation,” said Chris Davis, Therm-a-Rest Product Line Manager. “With TrailMix, we continued exploring what a better night’s sleep can look like for modern backpackers by balancing comfort, packability, durability, and value into one approachable package. Whether you’re a first-time backpacker or a seasoned outdoor adventurer, TrailMix is designed to deliver reliable rest night after night on the trail.”

Also joining the spring 2027 lineup is an expanded NeoLoft collection with the addition of a new XXL size. Building on the success of the award-winning original NeoLoft series, the XXL offers even more room for campers seeking maximum comfort and freedom of movement outdoors.

The NeoLoft XXL (MSRP $299.95 USD, $399.95 CAN) weighs 35 oz/1000 g, and measures 81” L x 30” W.

Despite its generous dimensions, NeoLoft remains remarkably compact and travel-friendly, packing small enough to fit inside a backpack, bike frame bag, kayak hull, moto pannier, or compact car boot. Featuring Therm-a-Rest’s ContourCore Matrix™ 3D construction, stretch-knit fabric, and a wide rectangular shape with additional shoulder space, the NeoLoft continues to bring home-like comfort deeper into the outdoors while maintaining the lightweight performance trusted by backpackers, bikepackers, paddlers, and overlanders alike.

The NeoLoft lineup will encompass Regular, Regular Wide, Long, and XXL sizes, all of which deliver 4.7 R-value for versatile, multi-season comfort.

The NeoAir TrailMix and NeoLoft XXL will be available at thermarest.com, and select retailers starting 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 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 market at 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

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (June 12, 2026) – Heath Riles BBQ has made history at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, becoming the first team in 42 years to win back-to-back Grand Champion titles. The milestone places the highly respected pitmaster and entrepreneur Heath Riles in rare company within competitive barbecue. Riles is one of the few elite competition pitmasters whose award-winning recipes are available as a nationally distributed retail line of seasonings, rubs, sauces and glazes for home cooks and competitors.

The repeat Grand Championship extends an already dominant Memphis in May legacy with four Rib category wins in the last five years, cementing Riles as one of the sport’s most consistent competitors.

“To win Memphis in May once is a career-defining moment,” said Heath Riles, founder of Heath Riles BBQ. “To come back and do it again, especially after 42 years without a repeat Grand Champion, is hard to put into words. It took a lot of years and competitions to get here, and I’m proud to represent the competition barbecue community and everyone who cooks with our products at home.”

The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious barbecue competitions in the world, drawing top teams from across the country to compete in a city deeply tied to American barbecue culture.

Riles launched Heath Riles BBQ in 2016 and has spent years translating award-winning flavor profiles into approachable products and recipes for home cooks. Today, the brand has grown into a nationally recognized line of seasonings, sauces, rubs and glazes available through major national retailers including Walmart, Kroger, Ace Hardware, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Lowe’s, and direct-to-consumer at HeathRilesBBQ.com.

“Champions are often known for what they win, but Heath is equally known for what he gives back,” said John Helm, director of sales and business insight for Heath Riles BBQ. “His willingness to openly share recipes, techniques, and competition-proven methods has earned the trust of cooks across the country and helped strengthen the BBQ community far beyond the awards stage.”

About Heath Riles BBQ

Heath Riles BBQ is a championship barbecue brand founded by pitmaster Heath Riles, the first back-to-back winner of the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in 42 years. Known for award-winning competition results and a highly successful line of seasonings, sauces, rubs and glazes, Heath Riles BBQ helps home cooks and competitors create bold, consistent barbecue flavor. Heath Riles BBQ seasonings, rubs, sauces and glazes are available nationally at Walmart, Kroger, Ace Hardware, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Lowe’s, and direct at HeathRilesBBQ.com.

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