Section: News

Washington, D.C. (March 17, 2026) — Building a stronger outdoor advocacy movement, defending policies that protect public lands, and ensuring outdoor recreation has a powerful voice in Washington are among the top priorities in 2026 and beyond for Outdoor Alliance, a coalition of outdoor recreation groups working together to protect public lands. The organization’s most important forward-looking initiatives, along with its successes over the past year, were outlined in the Outdoor Alliance 2025 annual report and 2026-2028 strategic plan, which were both released today.

Throughout 2025, alongside outdoor advocates from across the country, Outdoor Alliance drove meaningful progress on key policy priorities, proving the power of collective action. This report recaps what the outdoor community achieved last year — and how it is gearing up for the challenges ahead.

“Over the last year, we saw growing bipartisan support for public lands and waters. At the same time, the outdoors is facing the greatest threats of a generation; unceasing efforts to eliminate regulations and protections, massive cuts to staff and resources for land management agencies, and efforts to sell off millions of acres of public lands,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance. “Our new strategic plan ensures the outdoor community continues to have a strong voice in the decisions shaping public lands. The path ahead may be challenging, but one thing is clear: when outdoor enthusiasts speak up, decision makers listen.”

Within the 27-page report, the Outdoor Alliance team shares the progress made on key policy priorities, including:

• Working to implement the bipartisan EXPLORE Act and advocating to defend backcountry recreation on our National Forests with the Roadless Rule.
• Creation of maps to explain land selloffs, the Roadless Rule, and protections for BLM lands, which received over 4 million views.
• Efforts to restore staffing for public land agencies, including the creation of a letter that was co-signed by 120 organizations, asking lawmakers to help advocate for these staffing protections.
• Sending 3 million messages to lawmakers from the outdoor community urging protection of public lands, defending agency staffing, and safeguarding the landscapes where people hike, climb, paddle, ski, and ride. Those voices helped stop proposals to sell off up to 3.3 million acres of public land and pushed decision makers to listen to the outdoor community.
• Holding 323 meetings with lawmakers, including a fly-in with the second Grasstops Collective cohort, made up of 20 trained advocacy leaders.

While the outdoor community achieved important wins, the threats facing public lands are growing. Efforts to roll back protections for public lands, including places like the Boundary Waters, further cut agency resources and staff, and open public lands to development are intensifying. That reality helped shape Outdoor Alliance’s new 2026–2028 Strategic Plan, which outlines how the organization plans to meet this moment. Over the next three years, Outdoor Alliance’s work will focus on four priorities:

• Building a durable, bipartisan movement for conservation and recreation
• Growing advocacy power within the outdoor recreation community
• Advancing policies that protect human-powered outdoor recreation experiences
• Strengthening Outdoor Alliance as a sustainable organization that can meet long-term challenges

Outdoor Alliance acknowledges the collaborative efforts it takes to get such wins across the finish line and gives thanks to its coalition partners, including Access Fund, American Alpine Club, American Canoe Association, American Whitewater, Colorado Mountain Club, International Mountain Bicycling Association, The Mountaineers, Surfrider Foundation, and Winter Wildlands Alliance. Additionally, Outdoor Alliance acknowledges all of the regional networks, corporate partners and donors, board of directors, and people from across the outdoor recreation advocacy community. These collective endeavors help make Outdoor Alliance one of the most effective conservation and recreation advocacy organizations in the country.

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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Amherst, Mass. (March 17, 2026) — OrthoLite®, the global leader in high-performance, comfort-driven footwear solutions, is proud to announce that the in-house testing laboratory at the OrthoLite India factory, in Ambur, Tamil Nadu, India, has achieved Gold Laboratory Accreditation from the SATRA Technology Centre. It is the first and only facility in India to receive this high-level distinction.

“Achieving SATRA Gold Laboratory status underscores our commitment to precision, accountability, and world-class testing standards,” said Glenn Barrett, CEO of OrthoLite. “Our brand partners rely on verified performance data to make critical product decisions. This accreditation confirms that the data we provide meets rigorous standards for accuracy and transparency.”

SATRA is a globally recognized, independent research and testing organization serving the footwear, materials, and consumer product industries. Its laboratory accreditation programs evaluate technical competence, equipment calibration, testing accuracy, documentation systems, and quality management processes.

Gold status represents full compliance across all audit criteria, reflecting the highest level of operational and technical performance within SATRA’s accreditation framework. The OrthoLite India facility achieved 100% during a recent laboratory audit to SATRA QS1000: 2024, carried out by SATRA’s Quality Services division.

“As footwear construction evolves with increasing demands for comfort, durability, sustainability, and performance validation, robust laboratory capability has become a strategic differentiator for brands and manufacturers,” said Vikash Bajargyan, Country General Manager for OrthoLite India. “Achieving Gold Laboratory Status is proof of our commitment to quantifiable performance.”

For footwear brands, Tier 1 factories, and sourcing teams, OrthoLite India’s SATRA Gold Laboratory status delivers measurable value. Including:

• Third-Party Validation Mitigates Risk: Gold status assures integrity around equipment calibration, protocols and test systems, thereby increasing confidence in material and performance data.
• Faster Time to Market: Test results generated by our SATRA-accredited Gold laboratory carry global credibility that can streamline approvals and reduce re-testing.
• Stronger Compliance and Quality Assurance: Brands operating in multiple international markets benefit from testing performed under globally recognized standards, supporting regulatory compliance and internal quality benchmarks.
• Elevated Supply Chain Transparency: Independent verification signals OrthoLite’s commitment to objective, data-driven performance evaluation, which can be leveraged by brands’ sourcing, development, and commercialization teams.

OrthoLite congratulates and thanks the entire OrthoLite India team for this remarkable achievement.

OrthoLite was recently acquired by Coats Group plc, a world leading Tier 2 supplier of critical components to the apparel and footwear industries. The acquisition was completed in October 2025 and is part of the company’s long-term ambition to shape the future of the global apparel and footwear supply chain through innovation, sustainability, and digital technologies that improve quality, efficiency and performance.

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About Coats Group plc
Coats is a world-leading Tier 2 manufacturer and trusted partner for the apparel and footwear industries. We deliver essential materials, components, and software solutions that help our customers grow, compete and win. With over 250 years of industry expertise, we’re shaping the future of the apparel and footwear supply chain through insight-led innovation, impactful sustainability practices, and digital technologies that unlock better product quality, efficiency and performance. Headquartered in the UK, Coats is a FTSE 250 company and a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index. In 2025, we generated $1.5 billion in revenue and employed approximately 19,000 people worldwide—all united by a spirit of innovation, quality and service.

Learn more at www.coats.com or follow us on LinkedIn. For information or OrthoLite, visit OrthoLite.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Salt Lake City, UT (March 17, 2026) — Black Diamond Equipment, a global leader in climbing, skiing, and mountain sports apparel and equipment, announces the launch of “Born From the Climbing Life: Of Legacy and Lineage”, a four-part video series highlighting the next generation of climbing and the traditions that built the sport. The series follows Black Diamond athlete Connor Herson as he sets out to climb some of the hardest trad routes in the world during a single season while exploring the personal history, mentorship, and climbing culture that shaped his path.

Born into a family of climbers, Connor grew up immersed in the rhythms of big walls and granite. “Of Legacy and Lineage” traces that upbringing, and documents Connor’s pursuit of dream lines around the world while balancing his studies in electrical engineering at Stanford University. Juggling coursework with his climbing goals, the season reflects not only his progression as a climber but also the discipline required to pursue objectives at the pinnacle of the sport alongside rigorous academic commitments.

“I grew as a person and climber more during this time than any other,” said Herson. “I got to travel to new places and climb with new people, gaining new lessons and experiences along the way. Climbing so many of my dream lines was the icing on the cake. But when I look back on the last year through the lens of these films, I feel immense gratitude for that opportunity and the way I’ll be able to look back fondly on this period of my life for years to come.”

The series is part of Black Diamond’s broader “Born From the Climbing Life” creative storytelling and product design platform, grounded in the ethos that has defined Black Diamond from the beginning: equipment designed by climbers, for climbers, shaping their lives both on and off the rock. As Herson’s season unfolds, from granite testpieces in Squamish to historic lines in Norway and France, the series highlights a global community of athletes who are continuing the traditions of climbing while redefining what’s possible moving forward.

“Connor is literally born from the climbing life; he was climbing big walls while most kids were playing tee-ball,” said Chris Parker, Content Manager at Black Diamond. “Documenting his 2025 season while he took a semester off from school was the obvious next evolution of this project. What transpired over the course of a few months, however, was beyond anything we could have imagined. And what will unfold in this series will surely be remembered as one of the most epic climbing seasons of all time. It’s historic.”

The series premieres on March 17, with new episodes released every two weeks. The final episode will also debut in the Mellow Film Tour. Online, the episodes come paired with accompanying essays by members of the Black Diamond climbing team—Babsi Zangerl, Jacobo Larcher, Ethan Salvo, and Herson himself—as well as Herson’s father, Jim Herson, an accomplished big wall climber in his own right who played a pivotal role in kicking off his son’s climbing trajectory. The series also connects viewers directly to the equipment and apparel that supported Herson along the way, refined by his experiences at the cutting edge of climbing, with each release featuring a curated collection of the gear behind each ascent.

Episode Release Schedule

• Episode 1 — March 17, 2026
• Episode 2 — March 31, 2026
• Episode 3 — April 14, 2026
• Episode 4 — April 28, 2026

Episodes and all accompanying assets will be available at https://blackdiamondequipment.com/blogs/news/of-legacy-and-lineage.

About Black Diamond Equipment

Black Diamond Equipment is a global leader in designing innovative outdoor-engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, skiing, and mountain sports. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Black Diamond is known for its commitment to performance, durability, and purposeful design.

 

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH (March 17, 2026) — Gregory Mountain Products today introduces Welcome to Gregory, a new global brand campaign built on a simple belief: the moments we seek—on the trail, in the city, and everywhere in between—are richer when we approach them with curiosity and intention.

More than a campaign, Welcome to Gregory is an open invitation to people who move through the world with purpose. It welcomes a global community shaped not by where you go, but by how you show up—placing value on meaningful experiences and growth that comes from doing.

For nearly 50 years, Gregory has designed outdoor gear trusted in some of the world’s most demanding environments. That legacy has always been shaped by the people who carry it—early risers, long-haulers, and everyday explorers—drawn to experiences that feel intentional, meaningful, and earned.

“Gregory builds gear people trust—gear that earns its place in moments that matter,” said John Sears, Global General Manager of Gregory Mountain Products. “Welcome to Gregory is about honoring that foundation while inviting more people into what we’ve always stood for: showing up prepared, staying curious, and making the most of the experience in front of you.”

The campaign comes to life through cinematic storytelling that follows Gregory gear in motion—from remote mountain landscapes to the rhythm of everyday life. The 90-second hero film, shot in Chile and featuring athlete Ben Kielesinski, reflects Gregory’s commitment to thoughtful design and enduring performance—not only for backcountry pursuits, but also for everyday discovery through urban exploration and adventure travel.

Welcome to Gregory will roll out globally this spring across digital and social channels.

Welcome to Gregory.
 Designed with purpose. Built with intention.

For more information, visit gregory.com.

About Gregory Mountain Products

Gregory Mountain Products designs and engineers outdoor gear for life in motion—from expeditions and backpacking to active travel, gear organization, and everyday carry—creating thoughtfully built products that support meaningful experiences wherever the journey leads. Learn more at Gregory.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Becca Katz I Verde Brand Communications I becca@verdepr.com

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (March 16, 2026) — POC, the Swedish protection brand known for its reputation for safety, innovation and design, this week unveils its new 2026 MTB collection, marked by a host of new products and innovations for mountain biking. The brand-new Cularis Pure brings a fresh perspective and flexibility to the trail and is perfectly complemented by a host of new women’s and men’s styles and products in POC’s MTB apparel collection, Motion.

The 2026 season also introduces a new approach to knee and elbow protection: the patent-pending VPD Max uses two independent layers of VPD (Visco-Elastic Polymer Dough), known for impact absorption, for increased protection and energy dissipation during falls. The VPD Max joints are accompanied by an updated and refined VPD Air Torso, which maintains protection but is lighter and more flexible.

As well, the mountain-bike collection introduces the Devour Mid, a new style inspired by the popular Devour. Designed for MTB, gravel, or road riders seeking a regular fit, Devour Mid offers a new versatile eyewear option.

CULARIS PURE

Pure design. Proven protection. The new Cularis Pure has been inspired by the Cularis, regarded as one of the most ventilated and protective trail helmets around.

The Cularis Pure, which has a five-star rating from Virginia Tech, has been optimized for protection, comfort and ventilation, and sits next to the Cularis as one of POC’s lightest trail helmets to date, providing all the right protection in a lightweight package.

The Cularis Pure incorporates all the safety experience gained from creating the Cularis. It also features the same rigorous computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling and airflow testing, ensuring riders stay cool on the trail at any speed or terrain.

Large front intake vents and rear exhaust channels create consistent airflow through the helmet, and the internal air-duct construction guides cool air around the head while pushing warm air out the back.

MOTION COLLECTION

Being able to move freely to land precise and technical movements is what the Motion Collection is made for. With breathable fabrics and liberating, unrestrictive cuts, it’s a collection where form follows instinct and freedom drives performance.

Monica Lindstrom, apparel director at POC, said: “POC’s heritage in mountain-bike apparel is well known, and the new Motion collection updates some classic styles with a host of new ones. The focus has been on providing a range of highly breathable and technical fabrics perfectly suited to the high intensity and constant motion of mountain-bike riding.”

The POC mountain-bike range is built for confidence, safety, and all types of terrain, from easy flow to technical challenges. Highlights include the Motion Short-Sleeve Jersey for women and men, crafted from high-performance fabric with a relaxed fit. These styles offer excellent wicking, ease of movement, and are made from 85 percent recycled materials.

The women’s and men’s Motion Pants are brand-new performance pants made with durable, recycled material that is lightweight and flexible for active use. They are designed to fit over pads and are tapered at the leg for efficient pedaling. A fluocarbon-free DWR treatment helps protect against rain and trail debris.

The women’s and men’s Motion shorts are incredibly lightweight and perfectly balance the need for both flexibility and durability. Easily adjustable with a waistband, the shorts are made from recycled materials and feature a PFAS-free, durable, water-repellent finish to manage wet conditions.

The Reform Enduro Tee for women features a recycled polyester lightweight jersey that is both environmentally conscious and highly versatile on the trail.

The Motion collection features technical materials and updated designs that eliminate distractions, so any rider can focus on their specific goal and performance. Each piece is designed with an unrestrictive cut, liberating the rider to move naturally and inspire confidence.

VPD MAX JOINTS

The new collection brings a whole new approach to protection for mountain bikers. The new VPD Max Joints and the VPD Air Torso continue from the same innovative foundation introduced by POC and its patented VPD (Visco Elastic Polymer Dough) technology.

Developed over a decade ago, the technology and approach allow VPD-based protectors to become soft and flexible with body heat, so they move easily with a rider, but harden directly upon impact for protection.

​​Magnus Gustafsson, hard goods director at POC, said: “When we introduced VPD, most protectors were hard plastic. VPD brought flexibility, breathability, and protection, changing perceptions and setting a new standard. With our patent-pending VPD Max Joint technology, we aim to challenge the norm again and provide mountain bike riders with even more optimized protection.”

The new VPD Max joints (for knee and elbow) go further, add more innovation to joint protection, and bring another dimension to riders with the patent-pending VPD Max, which features two separate layers of VPD.

The two layers, which float independently of each other, provide Level 2 impact protection, are highly breathable and flexible, and now encourage even greater protection and energy dissipation in the event of a fall. The collection also introduces a non-certified VPD shin protector.

NEW VPD AIR TORSO

When it was introduced a few seasons ago, the VPD Torso established a new way to wear chest and back protectors. It has become a staple for gravity riders ever since, thanks to its flexibility and open structure, which offers excellent ventilation.

The new VPD Air Torso has taken the best from the original Torso and made it even lighter and more flexible, while still providing the same certified (EN 1621-1 level 1) protection.

DEVOUR MID

The Devour Mid is a smaller version of the classic oversized Devour, popular among elite road, gravel, and mountain bike riders. Designed for exceptional vision and coverage, it offers all of the Devour’s proven features to a new group of riders.

The same Clarity lens technology, developed in partnership with Carl Zeiss, delivers optimal control of the color spectrum for unparalleled vision on the road and trails, and the lens shape ensures your field of view is as large as possible.

Personalize your experience with easily exchangeable lenses for changing light conditions. Fully adjustable temples and nosepiece ensure a secure fit for all head shapes and sizes. Ri-Pel hydrophobic and oleophobic lens treatment protects against dirt, water, sweat, salt, oil, and dust.

MEDIA RESOURCES

Further downloadable assets available to use and download here.

The MTB Collection is now available to buy at poc.com and in selected stores.

Cycling page links

ABOUT POC

Born and based in Stockholm, Sweden, POC is a safety and performance pioneer on​ a global mission: protect lives and reduce the consequences of accidents for athletes​ and anyone inspired to be one. Creating all types of protection for cycling and snow​ sports, POC uses research, scientific methods and rigorous testing in its pursuit of​ innovation.

Media Contact: Verde Brand Communications | (970) 235-0268 | poc@verdepr.com

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STOCKHOLM, Sweden (March 16, 2026) — POC, the Swedish protection brand known for its reputation for safety, innovation and design, this week unveils its 25/26 winter season apparel line, unveiled its new road cycling seasonal collection for 2026.

The collection is led by the new competition-focused ’Raceday’ collection, a range of apparel geared towards female and male cyclists looking for enhanced performance and aerodynamics. The new Raceday collection will also feature POC’s patent-pending gender-specific ‘Novus’ chamois/pads, developed from in-house research.

Alongside Raceday, the ‘Cadence’ road cycling collection sees a number of new updates and additions, including the brand-new Women’s Cadence Cargo bib shorts featuring the Novus female chamois/pads, as well as new styles, accessories and seasonal colours.

The new season collection also features a brand new translucent ‘Ultra’ bags collection, designed for everything from intense one-day competitions to big multi-day adventures. Rounding off the seasonal introduction is the limited ‘Legacy’ collection, which revisits some colors and details from POC’s heritage and is brought together with POC’s modern-day lineup.

Introducing the new seasonal collection, Monica Lindstrom, Apparel Director at POC, said, “POC is well known for innovation, and we have used our extensive experience in fabric and material development to challenge ourselves and conventional thinking. That was the starting point for our research and the creation of the new Novus chamois, and we are now bringing that same focus further into performance cycling apparel with the new Raceday collection, which uses new fabrics and technologies to optimise aerodynamic performance, with precise compression, breathability and comfort.”

THE RACEDAY COLLECTION

The Raceday Collection has been developed specifically for the demands of racing and intense riding. Integrated with brand-new pad innovation and highly compressive fabrics, the collection provides targeted support and aerodynamic efficiency with a precise fit, optimised for a more aggressive riding position.

The new Raceday collection features male and female bib shorts made from fully recycled materials, with a highly compressive fabric, flat elastic suspenders, and a raw-cut ending. The female bib will also come with POC’s well-established suspender solution, which allows female riders to take a nature break without needing to take their jersey or jacket off.

The male and female jerseys are designed with a race fit, bonded sleeves, high recovery levels and exceptional wicking. Developed with a gender-specific construction and cut, optimized for female or male cyclists, the collection enhances those competitive moments in training or racing where precision and detail count, such as breathability, compression, comfort and aerodynamics.

THE CADENCE COLLECTION

The new seasonal road collection sees a significant addition to the Cadence collection, which was first introduced last year. New in the line are the female-specific Cadence Cargo bib shorts with their women’s-specific Novus Chamois. The bibs have also been enhanced with an updated suspender system, which, since its introduction, has led the way in creating bib shorts that allow female riders to take a nature break without ever needing to take off their jersey or jacket.

Cadence is designed to optimise year-round riding and training, and features a dynamic fit to provide riders with the best support across a multitude of riding positions. The new collection introduces a long-sleeve jersey designed to support riding in cooler weather conditions, which will sit alongside the warmer weather short-sleeve jersey.

The Cadence jerseys feature a precise cut, a wider, secure hem, multiple pockets and a highly breathable recycled fabric that also offers factor 50 sun protection. Both short- and long-sleeve jerseys come in female and male specific designs and a host of new color options.

Details and accessories may be small, but they play a big part in a day on a bike. The new Cadence Leg and Arm warmers are an essential complement to any kit, providing additional comfort and warmth that is easy to adjust on colder rides.

With a lightweight fabric, they are also very easily packable. Together with the new Cadence Thermal Long Sock, made with 35 percent Merino wool and featuring terry-knit zones at the heel and toe for extra insulation where it is needed most, the season can start earlier and end later.

The Cadence collection has also been revitalised with new sock styles in various colors, materials, styles and lengths, providing the perfect personalization for the return of warm weather and sunny conditions.

ULTRA BAGS

Following the success of the Ultra Vest, the Ultra Collection is being augmented with a brand-new range of on-bike bags. Whether it’s a one-day or multi-day adventure, the new Ultra bags offer riders the perfect mix of options to carry more with confidence. Made from translucent waterproof TPU, the Ultra bags are engineered for practicality, efficient organization and easy on-the-move access to your ride essentials.

LEGACY COLLECTION

As part of the new-season colours, the Legacy collection brings something new from the archive. The Legacy Collection is inspired by POC classics and infused with POC’s latest lineup in road and mountain bikes. Featuring the iconic POC propeller and with a vibrant colour palette, it’s a collection to light up the imagination, where classic style meets modern-day protection and performance.

INTRODUCING THE NOVUS CHAMOIS/PAD

The intersection where saddle and cyclist’s body meet is often a weak spot in comfort, performance and experience. Chamois/pads have been around for as long as cycling and do make a difference, but they can often be basic and have reduced effect over time.

By using and analyzing pressure mapping technology across a range of rider types, positions, saddles, durations, and conditions, as well as working with experts in physiotherapy, gynaecology and bike fit, POC concluded that a chamois/pad needed to be fundamentally different from what had come before.

Monica Lindstrom, Apparel Director at POC, said, “As the evidence from our research emerged, we realized that to really make the improvements we wanted female and male cyclists to have, then we would need to break with conventional thinking. The result is that the Novus chamois has very specific female and male constructions and is significantly wider and more ventilated. It features channel relief and innovative gel-layered construction for consistent pressure management regardless of duration.”

Wider is better — POC’s data illustrated that most cyclists, regardless of gender, saddle type, and position, needed support that was wider than was typical in most chamois/pads. Both male and female riders’ pressure zones were consistently wider than the support chamois/pads offered, which led to the specific shape and design of the Novus Chamois.

Release the pressure — It is common for female and male cyclists to suffer from discomfort in certain zones under high pressure during a ride. The Novus chamois is explicitly tuned to release pressure in these zones with larger channels in the centre and back of the chamois and having a specific length.

Layered gel support — Testing shows that foam-based pads lose their support over longer rides, especially if they become wet. By adding a gel layer within the foam layers, the Novus Chamois/pad allows for optimal support for short and longer-duration rides and will never collapse when wet.

More ventilated — Enhancing airflow and ventilation keeps the seated area dry and cool, which is fundamental in improving the rider experience, especially for female riders. The Novus Chamois/pad achieves this with variable material layers and air permeability designed together for airflow and breathability. This includes the gel layers, which feature open structures to allow air to pass through.

Gender-specific — The Novus Chamois comes in specific male and female versions as the rider needs are very different primarily due to anatomy and riding posture. Pelvis angles have directly influenced the length, breathability, and shape of the female chamois/pad, as well as the sit bone width and core strength, especially post-pregnancy. Most Chamois/pads are based on male anatomy so that the male Novus pad may look recognizable. Still, it is also very different from what had come before, with a much wider sit bone position and longer gel support through the pad, which resulted from tests illustrating the need for pressure relief across the Chamois/pad in different riding positions.

MEDIA RESOURCES

Further downloadable assets available to use and download here:

https://pocbrandportal.com/share/yRBKtkPKaDA6hkFteP6M/folders/4230

AVAILABILITY

The Cycling Seasonal Collection is now available to buy at poc.com and in​ selected stores.

https://poc.com/en-us/cycling

CYCLING PAGES

https://poc.com/spring-summer-road-cycling

BIKE PACKS & BACKPACKS PAGE

https://poc.com/categories/cycling/gravel/backpacks

ABOUT POC

Born and based in Stockholm, Sweden, POC is a safety and performance pioneer on​ a global mission: protect lives and reduce the consequences of accidents for athletes​ and anyone inspired to be one. Creating all types of protection for cycling and snow​ sports, POC uses research, scientific methods and rigorous testing in its pursuit of​ innovation.

Media Contact: Verde Brand Communications | (970) 235-0268 | poc@verdepr.com

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BREA, Calif. – March 16, 2026 – Aventon, a leader in accessible e-bike innovation, today announced the launch of the Current ADV and EXP, the brand’s first-ever full-suspension electric mountain bike (eMTB). Designed to bridge the gap between elite performance and everyday accessibility, the Current is a highly capable trail platform, featuring 140mm of rear travel and a 150mm fork, Aventon’s proprietary 110Nm Ultro X mid-drive motor, top-tier SRAM and RockShox components, and industry-leading smart tech integration.

“The Current marks a pivotal moment in Aventon’s story,” said Kris Heineman, Senior Brand Director at Aventon. “Our vertically integrated team worked to build a true performance mountain bike with premium components and cutting-edge technology, at a fraction of the cost of our competitors. We’re excited to empower riders to explore more trails with greater confidence.”

Mountain Bike Icon Joins Aventon Team

Alongside the Current bike launch, Aventon signed the most recognizable personality in mountain biking, Brett Tippie. A freeride pioneer, event emcee, and Hall of Fame rider, Tippie chose to be an ambassador for the new Current after putting the bike through its paces.

“Aventon’s EU PR Manager Dennis Rankl drove over 15 hours to deliver me a Current prototype in Wales last year,” said Tippie. I had been testing eMTBs from a few different brands, but the Current was my clear favorite. This bike is super capable, and it’s going to surprise a lot of people, especially at this price. I’m stoked to be part of a team that is pushing the industry.”

Performance Meets Aventon Technology

At the heart of the Current is the Aventon Ultro X motor, delivering a massive 110Nm of torque (increasing to 120Nm in Boost Mode) and 750W of peak power. The motor is paired with an 800Wh integrated battery, offering an impressive range of up to 105 miles.

The Current sets a new standard for connectivity in the eMTB space through its Aventon Control Unit (ACU):

• Integrated Top Tube Touchscreen: An intuitive interface for on-trail adjustments.
• Wireless Control Pad: Seamless mode switching without cluttering the cockpit.
• Advanced Tracking: Integrated 4G connectivity, GPS tracking, and a built-in alarm system for trailhead peace of mind.
• Ride-Centric Data: Riders can access customizable ride-tuning settings and performance tracking with proprietary features like Wheel Lift Control, Ride Tune customization, overrun and integrated Jump/Air Time logging.

Two Spec Levels Built for Every Trail

The Current is available in two distinct builds to suit different rider needs and budgets:

Style	Current ADV ($4,599)	Current EXP ($5,999)
Frame	6061 Aluminum	Carbon Front Triangle / Alloy Rear
Fork	RockShox Psylo Gold (150mm)	RockShox Lyrik Select (150mm)
Drivetrain	SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission	SRAM S1000 Transmission (Electronic)
Brakes	SRAM DB8 Stealth	SRAM Maven Base (4-Piston)
Colors	Blue Onyx, Camouflage	Glacier Mint, Midnight Black
Weight	56 lbs.	52 lbs.

 

The Current is a Class 1 e-bike, convertible to Class 3, and is fully UL Certified for both battery and motor safety.

Availability

The Aventon Current is available on starting March 16, 2026, through Aventon’s website and its extensive network of authorized dealers across North America.

About Aventon:
Aventon was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Brea, California. Born from a passion for bicycle racing, Aventon has grown into one of the leading ebike brands in North America. The company’s mission is to redefine adventure by combining innovative technology, thoughtful design, and an outstanding riding experience. Aventon controls the majority of its value chain internally and employs hundreds of staff worldwide to shape the future of two-wheeled e-mobility.

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Press Contact:
Tom Sweeney / PR Manager North America
tsweeney@aventon.com

LONDON / NEW YORK (March 16, 2026) — Ocean Bottle, the award-winning, B-Corp certified reusable water bottle brand, today announced the launch of Peak, engineered for the outdoors and built to power real-world change, with every purchase funding the removal of 1,000 ocean-bound plastic bottles in weight. It is available now at REI.com and to pre-order at oceanbottle.co, starting at $39.

The Peak line is purpose-built for life outside. Each bottle fits easily into standard car cup holders for the drive to the trailhead, while upgraded insulation keeps drinks cold or hot throughout long hikes, climbs, and days on the water. Enhanced durability and a leakproof design mean the bottles can handle the realities of backpacks, gear bins, and rough terrain. Every bottle is backed by a 10-year warranty and designed to last for years of adventure. It is offered in three versions: Peak Original with a twist off lid; Peak GO with a straw and flip-top lid; and Peak Brew with 360-degree free-flowing lid enabling consumers to easily transition from their morning coffee routine to a weekend hike.

Every bottle purchased funds the collection of 1,000 ocean-bound plastic bottles, about 25 pounds of plastic waste, powering Ocean Bottle’s mission to protect the oceans. A built-in Near-Field Communication (NFC) chip takes that further, connecting to the Ocean Bottle app allowing users to track refills and drive even more plastic collection in real time. Ocean Bottle’s partners with Plastic Bank, Plastics for Change, and CleanHub, provide plastic collectors across Brazil, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, and the Philippines with fair income, education, and healthcare.

“Peak is built for outdoor enthusiasts who push further and expect their gear to do the same for the planet,” said Nick Doman, co-founder and CEO of Ocean Bottle. “Outdoor participation in the U.S. is at an all-time high; the consumers driving that growth aren’t just looking for better gear, they demand brands that share their values. That’s the kind of alignment today’s outdoor consumer expects.”

Key features:

• Reliably leak-proof with an inverted thread for tighter sealing
• Peak Original and GO, sized at 24-oz., Peak Brew at 20-oz. for a variety of outdoor adventures
• Triple insulation and double-walled thermal cap: hot up to 7 hours (Original/GO) / 9 hours (Brew), cold 15 hours, iced 30 hours
• Reinforced body, secure lid, and rugged rubber base for increased durability
• 90% recycled stainless steel; dishwasher safe and BPA free
• Built-in NFC chip connecting to the Ocean Bottle App tracking refills and funding plastic collection
• Modular lids: Peak Original Lid, GO Lid, and Brew Lid can swap between bottles for greater versatility
• 10-year warranty with free replacement parts

About Ocean Bottle

Founded in 2019 and headquartered in London, Ocean Bottle is a B-Corp certified social-impact brand that fights ocean-bound plastic. Each product sold funds the collection of the equivalent of 1,000 plastic bottles in weight, supporting coastal communities with access to healthcare, education, and financial security. To date, Ocean Bottle has prevented over 2 billion plastic bottles (about 53 million pounds) from entering the ocean. Read the 2024 impact report and visit oceanbottle.co to learn more.

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