HOUSTON (May 19, 2026) – Turtlebox, the maker of rugged, waterproof outdoor speakers, announces the launch of Americana Blue, a limited-edition colorway for the Ranger and Original Gen 3 speakers. Available today, Americana Blue brings a striking new patriotic style to two of Turtlebox’s versatile speakers, celebrating summer and America’s semiquincentennial anniversary.

“The new Americana Blue limited-edition speakers are built for the summer ahead. It’s a color that matches the spirit of the season and will be right at home on the water, the trail or the tailgate,” said Jonathan McKenzie, CMO at Turtlebox. “Americana Blue is a nod to 250 years of the country we call home, the freedom that comes with it and the ability to chase the pursuits that keep us outdoors.”

Americana Blue is a visual statement as rugged and dependable as Turtlebox speakers themselves. The limited-edition color complements the brand’s core identity while delivering the same premium performance and durability that define the Turtlebox lineup.

Ranger Specs:

• Dimensions: 3.15″ L × 3.15″ W × 9.05″ H
• Weight: 2.4 lbs
• Maximum Volume: 105dB
• Battery Life: All-day
• Features: Waterproof, drop-proof, Party Mode, Bluetooth 5.4

Original Gen 3 Specs:

• Dimensions: 12″ L × 10.25″ H × 7″ D
• Weight: 10 lbs
• Maximum Volume: 120dB
• Battery Life: 3-day
• Features: Waterproof, buoyant, drop-proof, Party Mode, Bluetooth 5.4, microphone input

“Whether you’re on the water, in camp or in your backyard, the Americana Blue will fit right in with any adventure you have planned this summer,” continued McKenzie.

For more information about Americana Blue and other Turtlebox products, visit www.turtleboxaudio.com.

About Turtlebox

Turtlebox was born out of necessity after breaking every so-called “loud” speaker on the market during outdoor adventures. Originally built in a garage for personal use, it became clear that nothing else could handle the elements and deliver the volume needed for environments like beaches, boats, and ATVs.

Recognizing the demand, Turtlebox set out to create the world’s loudest, most rugged outdoor portable speaker—built to go anywhere and be heard everywhere. For more information, visit TurtleboxAudio.com.

Boulder, Colo. (May 19, 2026) — Boulder, Colo.-based Backpacker’s Pantry, the family-owned maker of gourmet adventure meals, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. To commemorate the occasion, the company will launch a multi-channel heritage campaign called “Raised By the Wild,” which aims to engage the outdoor community in the celebration while enhancing its commitment to fueling people’s adventures.

“A lot has changed since 1951, but the reason people take our meals into the backcountry really hasn’t. They want food they can count on after a long day outside. Backpacker’s Pantry has always been built around that idea,” said Aidan Smith, CEO of Backpacker’s Pantry. “For 75 years, we’ve stayed focused on making satisfying meals for people spending real time outdoors, and we’re proud the brand has stayed true to what made people trust it in the first place.”

The Backpacker Pantry story begins in 1951 with Anne Benedict, a Girl Scout trip leader who came home from a grueling backpacking trip carrying a bag full of empty cans and convinced there had to be a smarter way to eat on the trail. She began experimenting in her garage with dehydrating food to reduce pack weight, and from those humble beginnings, Dri-Lite Foods took shape. Nearly two decades later, in 1970, an entrepreneur named Ron Smith stumbled upon Dri-Lite’s meals in a small Southern California ski shop and recognized untapped potential. By 1972, he had reimagined the brand entirely — renaming it Backpacker’s Pantry and introducing freeze-dried ingredients that would dramatically extend shelf life while improving the nutritional value of the meals. Read about the full history of the brand here.

Today, the Smith family legacy continues into a new generation. In 2025, Aidan Smith stepped into the role of CEO, working alongside his brother Talvin to help chart the company’s next chapter. Together, they carry forward the same entrepreneurial spirit their grandfather embodied when he first walked into Jonas’ Ski Chalet in Inglewood, California, more than 55 years ago.

To celebrate the “Raised by the Wild” anniversary campaign, catch the Backpacker’s Pantry team at Outside Days in Denver (May 29–31). Limited-edition anniversary merch, including a hoodie and t-shirt, will be available online, alongside special anniversary packaging.

To learn more and to stay in the loop about all of the company’s anniversary celebrations, please visit: backpackerspantry.com.

About Backpacker’s Pantry

Founded in 1951 and based in Boulder, Colorado, Backpacker’s Pantry produces freeze-dried meals for the outdoor market. The family-owned and operated company focuses on lightweight, easy-to-prepare meals designed for backpacking, camping, and outdoor adventure. Backpacker’s Pantry donates 1% of every sale to conservation and outdoor access nonprofits through 1% for the Planet and operates out of its 100% solar-powered facility in Boulder. The company also invests in sustainability initiatives and programs that support its employees, local community, and the outdoors. Today, Backpacker’s Pantry products are sold through more than 2,000 retail locations across North America, including outdoor specialty, sporting goods, and natural grocery retailers, as well as through Amazon and at backpackerspantry.com. For more information and a complete list of products, visit https://backpackerspantry.com.

About American Outdoor Products

American Outdoor Products (AOP) is a food manufacturer located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, CO.  Established in 1951, American Outdoor Products remains an independent, privately held, family-owned and operated company distributing products throughout the world. Inspired by a passion for unique cuisine and exciting adventures, the company produces Backpacker’s Pantry, adventure food for the outdoors; Astronaut Foods, out-of-this-world novelty treats; and Colorado Spice, all-natural and organic artisan spice blends. To learn more, visit: https://backpackerspantry.com

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Media Contacts:

Verde Brand Communications

backpackerspantry@verdepr.com

Downloadable Images HERE (photo credit: Backpacker’s Pantry)

SPOKANE, Wash. – May 18, 2026 – GSI Outdoors, a leader in innovative outdoor cooking solutions for more than four decades, today announced that its original founders – siblings Don, Ian, and Kathy Scott – have successfully reacquired the company. The move returns GSI Outdoors to its status as a family-owned and operated business, effective immediately.

Founded by the Scott siblings 41 years ago, GSI Outdoors has grown from a small distribution company into one of the most respected brands in the outdoor industry. After selling the company in 2022 to Pelican International, the Scotts remained closely involved in the brand’s operations. Following a period of corporate restructuring at Pelican over the past year, the family saw a clear path to bring the brand back home.

“GSI Outdoors has always been more than just a business to us: it is our family’s legacy and a community we have helped build for over forty years,” said Don Scott, co-founder of GSI Outdoors. “We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to step back into full ownership and lead this talented team once again. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and the outdoor experience is stronger than ever, and we couldn’t be more excited to steer the brand’s future on our own terms.”

Despite the transitions of the past few years, GSI Outdoors has maintained strong performance and a robust presence in the market. Under the renewed leadership of the Scott family, the company plans to focus on its core mission: creating technical, innovative, and fun outdoor gear that brings people together around a campfire or a kitchen table.

The reacquisition marks a significant “full circle” moment for the outdoor industry, signaling a return to the independent, founder-led spirit that has defined GSI Outdoors since 1985. The Scotts intend to focus on strengthening retail partnerships, expanding product lines, and ensuring the brand remains a staple of the outdoor lifestyle for generations to come. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

For more information visit gsioutdoors.com.

About GSI Outdoors

Founded in 1985, GSI Outdoors is dedicated to providing adventurers with dependable, innovative gear designed to bring people together in the great outdoors. Born from the childhood adventures of founders Don, Ian, and Kathy Scott in British Columbia, the company, now based in Spokane, Washington, continues to be family-operated. Committed to responsible manufacturing and environmental stewardship, GSI Outdoors remains a leading force in providing gear for memorable outdoor meals.

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Bend, OR – May 18, 2026 – Outdoor Innovation, the industry’s most robust recognition platform for the innovators and leaders of the Outdoor and Sports Recreation Industry, today announced that the Essential Compressive Leggings from BRANWYN, the women’s seamless Merino Performance Innerwear and activewear brand, have been selected as “Apparel Product of the Year” in the Snow Category in the 3rd Annual Outdoor Innovation Awards Program.

BRANWYN created the first seamless, compressive Merino wool leggings engineered to function as a true technical baselayer for skiing, touring, and high-output winter training. Designed from the inside out around how women move, layer, thermoregulate, and perform in cold conditions.

Built using BRANWYN’s proprietary POWRspun™ knit technology, the leggings are made from 76% extra-fine ZQ+ certified Merino wool, blended with nylon and elastane for durability, recovery, and compression. Unlike the cut-and-sew construction traditionally employed in baselayers, the garments are formed through a single circular knitting process that creates both the fabric and garment in one step. This allows BRANWYN to achieve a uniquely second-skin, body-countouring fit with targeted support and minimal bulk.

Developing a seamless compression garment with such a high percentage of Merino wool requires years of technical innovation. Conventional seamless knitting is designed for synthetic fibers, which behave predictably under machine tension. Merino wool fibers require a fundamentally different approach to tension calibration, fiber handling, and stitch formation. BRANWYN’s ability to engineer a stable, compressive, high-performance knit from ZQ+ Merino wool represents a genuine industry first, and the result of years of technical development.

For snow athletes, the payoff is a baselayer that delivers warmth, breathability, and natural odor resistance without bulk. Four-way stretch and targeted compression move with the body and hold their shape across long days on the mountain. The seamless construction eliminates friction points under ski pants or bibs, and the wide waistband stays put from first chair to last run. Thin enough to layer under shells and insulation, the leggings perform equally well for touring and high-output winter training.

The Essential Compressive Leggings are made with RWS-certified regenerative ZQ+ Merino wool and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified yarn that contains no BPA, PFAs, or other “forever chemicals” found in most synthetic performance layers.

“BRANWYN is redefining what Merino wool can deliver in snow sports performance. Although Merino baselayers are a staple in winter outdoor apparel, traditional wool leggings are often loose-fitting, prioritizing warmth over compression, technical fit, and durability. Manufacturers are also challenged by unpredictable shrinkage and the difficulty of running it through seamless knitting machines,” said Travis Grant, Managing Director, Mindful Awards. “By merging seamless compression engineering with high-content Merino wool, BRANWYN has elevated the traditional wool baselayer into a high-performance, technical layer built for modern snow sports. For re-engineering the category, we’re awarding BRANWYN ‘Apparel Product of the Year!”

The mission of the annual Outdoor Innovation Awards program is to recognize and showcase the companies and products that exemplify a commitment to quality and the advancement of outdoor and sports experiences. The ever-evolving outdoor industry is witnessing a surge in innovative outdoor technology and equipment, as well as consumer emphasis on safety, sustainability, and changing preferences. Along with next-generation hiking equipment, camping gear, bikes, bespoke outdoor experiences, and services, activities like off-roading and overlanding are trending with travel enthusiasts. This year’s program attracted thousands of nominations from all over the world.

“Our community expects more from performance apparel, not just how it performs but how it’s made, what it is made from, and how it supports their comfort and health when they are pushing their boundaries on the mountain,” said Deanne Buck, CEO of BRANWYN. “BRANWYN was founded to approach technical fabric and product innovation differently, by building for women from the inside out. These leggings represent years of development focused on creating a true technical baselayer that delivers warmth, compression, breathability, and comfort through the natural performance of ZQ+ Merino wool, without relying on the BPA, PFAs, and forever chemicals commonly found in synthetic layers. We’re incredibly grateful for the recognition from Outdoor Innovation and inspired to continue pushing the standard forward.”

The Outdoor Innovation Award winners represent the finest in innovation and commitment to meeting the needs of modern outdoor adventurers while empowering individuals to explore the great outdoors safely, consciously, and enthusiastically, enjoying the benefits of improved mental and physical health, and the primal connection to nature.

For more information on BRANWYN, please visit www.branwyn.com or direct media inquiries to Stacy Kline at stacy@darbycommunications.com.

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About BRANWYN

BRANWYN, based in Bend, Oregon, produces the world’s first ethically sourced, naturally sustainable Performance Innerwear designed by and for active women. By combining a first-ever blend of ZQ+ Merino and seamless knitting technology, BRANWYN revolutionizes women’s next-to-skin apparel, prioritizing comfort, temperature regulation, anti-microbial properties, breathability, and overall health. Our ethos, rooted in “Find A Way,” was inspired by the radical idea that women could create better underwear for themselves that meets our unique needs. Additionally, we collaborate with organizations that foster a sense of self in girls and women by breaking limiting beliefs through outdoor activities, sports, sweat, and movement. Committed to personal and global health, we use natural, non-toxic fibers and sustainable materials, and prioritize ethical farming and work practices.

About Outdoor Innovation

Part of the Independent Innovation Awards organization, a global market intelligence and recognition program within the most competitive consumer categories. The Outdoor Innovation Awards honors the most outstanding and innovative companies, services, and products within the rapidly expanding Outdoor Sports Retail Industry. The Outdoor Innovation Awards provides public recognition for the achievements of the outdoor sports industry’s companies and products including Camp & Hike, Climb, Run & Cycle, Water, Snow, Leadership, and more. For more information visit: www.outdoorinnovationawards.com

May 15, 2026 – Salt Lake City, Utah – LOWA, the globally respected footwear brand known for its premium outdoor boots and shoes, proudly announces the opening of Tecnica Group’s Salt Lake City hub, now home to LOWA’s new U.S. headquarters. To celebrate this exciting milestone, LOWA and Tecnica Group will host an evening gathering with industry partners, media, and friends of the brand on Tuesday, May 19.

The opening marks a significant milestone for LOWA’s expanding U.S. presence following a landmark year for the brand globally. In 2025, LOWA achieved the highest revenue in company history, reaching $282.5 million in sales and selling more than 3.1 million pairs of shoes worldwide. The company increased both revenue and sales volume despite continued challenges across the outdoor industry, reinforcing LOWA’s strong market position and long-term strategic vision.

“Opening our new U.S. headquarters in Salt Lake City represents an exciting next chapter for LOWA in North America,” said Lance Taylor, General Manager at LOWA USA. “As the brand continues to grow globally, we’re investing in stronger connections with our retailers, media partners, and outdoor communities here in the U.S. Utah’s outdoor culture and industry presence make it the ideal home for this next phase of growth.”

Founded in 1923 in Jetzendorf, Upper Bavaria, LOWA has built its reputation on premium craftsmanship, innovative design, and exceptional fit. Today, the brand continues to evolve alongside modern outdoor consumers, expanding its offerings across hiking, trail running, lifestyle, and performance footwear categories while remaining rooted in its alpine heritage.

The company’s strong performance in 2025 was driven in part by growing demand for more athletic, low- and mid-cut models, as well as trail running footwear. Continued investments in product innovation, operational processes, and retail partnerships have further positioned the brand for sustainable long-term growth in key international markets, including the United States.

Industry friends, partners, and members of the outdoor community are invited to attend the celebration:

Tecnica Group Salt Lake City Hub Grand Opening Celebration
Tuesday, May 19, 2026

5:00 PM-7:00 PM

Sweet Candy Building

224 S 200 W, Suite 110

Salt Lake City, Utah 84101

For more information on LOWA USA and the latest brand news, visit us.lowa.com or contact Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com.

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About LOWA Boots

With over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, LOWA Boots is a globally respected footwear brand located in Jetzendorf, in Upper Bavaria. Since 1923, LOWA has created premium outdoor boots and shoes featuring beautiful silhouettes, best-in-class quality, and proprietary technology. Its designers adeptly navigate the outdoor performance, trail running, lifestyle, and tactical categories, always nurturing brand integrity. LOWA is one of the only footwear brands to receive ISO 9001 status for the highest quality construction and process standards. LOWA certified tactical boots are also made to comply with the European Union’s PPE standards. For more information, visit www.us.lowa.com.

About Tecnica Group

A global leader in outdoor footwear and ski equipment, Tecnica Group boasts a portfolio of some of the industry’s most historic brands: Tecnica (ski boots and footwear), Nordica (skis and boots), Moon Boot® (footwear), LOWA (trekking and outdoor shoes), Blizzard (skis), and Rollerblade® (inline skates). Founded in 1963 by the Zanatta brothers, the company has been highly innovative from the very beginning, pioneering the first double-injection plastic ski boot that revolutionized the industry and creating iconic design products such as the legendary Moon Boot.

Today, Tecnica Group is an international company with 10 subsidiaries, along with more than 40 distribution partners, exporting to over 80 countries worldwide. The company employs 3,722 people, around 400 of whom are based in Italy, primarily at its headquarters in Giavera del Montello (Treviso). In 2017, the Zanatta family, still at the helm of the Group, opened the company to external capital with the entry of Italmobiliare as a minority shareholder. For more information, visit www.tecnicagroup.com.

 

Marblehead, Mass. May 13 – CGPR, a division of Off Madison Ave, continues its strategic expansion, welcoming Tersus Solutions to its roster of clients. This partnership reflects CGPR’s expertise in driving brands advancing sustainable innovation, consumer-driven product value, and technology-enabled business models.

Tersus Solutions is a technology innovator powering textile recommerce and circular operations for fashion and outdoor brands. Its proprietary waterless CO₂ cleaning platform and full suite of reclamation, repair, and resale logistics solutions help brands extend product life, deliver on sustainability commitments, and unlock new business value.

“Tersus chose to partner with CGPR because of the agency’s ability to translate complex recommerce technology into narratives that resonate with both consumers and business audiences,” said Peter Whitcomb, CEO of Tersus Solutions. “We’re at a point where circularity is not just a concept. It’s a competitive advantage. CGPR’s strategic communications and deep understanding of sustainability and market behaviors will help us communicate that in ways that drive awareness, engagement, and adoption.”

Chris Goddard, president and founder of CGPR expressed, “Tersus Solutions represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking, purpose-driven brand that the agency was built to champion. Their proprietary CO2 cleaning platform isn’t just a technological breakthrough, it’s a fundamental reimagining of how the fashion and outdoor industries can operate responsibly at scale. As recommerce moves from niche to mainstream, Tersus is uniquely positioned at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and business performance. We’re proud to help them tell that story to the audiences that matter most.”

With the new partnership, CGPR strengthens its footprint in both technology-driven recommerce and purpose-led performance apparel, aligning communications strategy with broader shifts in consumer values toward longevity, sustainability, and innovation.

About Tersus Solutions

Founded in 2009, Tersus Solutions is a Denver-based company committed to transforming textile care and circularity with its patented liquid CO₂ technology, the most advanced and environmentally friendly cleaning available. In 2021, Tersus Solutions earned Fast Company’s Most Innovative Company Award for its dedication to extending textile life and preserving the environment. As the backbone of recommerce, Tersus partners with leading outdoor, athletic, luxury, and footwear brands providing full-suite textile reclamation, repair, upcycling, recycling, and logistics solutions. In addition, Tersus Solutions is setting a new standard in PPE care, utilizing its CO₂ cleaning process providing unmatched care for firefighter gear, far exceeding the carcinogen removal rate of traditional cleaning methods for safer, more comfortable gear. Lastly, Tersus reclaims and recycles down from apparel, bedding, and gear, extending the life of valuable materials and reducing waste.

About Off Madison Ave
Off Madison Ave is a Global Creativity Collective founded in 1998 and headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. The agency specializes in Behavioral Marketing for travel, tourism, and destination brands. It works with destinations, DMOs, and travel brands to inspire leisure travelers to explore and return. The agency’s approach focuses on why people travel, what moves them to act, and how to reach them at the right moment. Every strategy, campaign, and media dollar is designed to shift behavior and deliver measurable results. Services include brand strategy, creative, media planning, public relations, and full-service content production. Learn more at www.offmadisonave.com.

About CGPR
CGPR, a division of Off Madison Ave, is a strategic communications agency specializing in outdoor brands, active lifestyle, performance apparel, and sustainability-focused companies. With more than 30 years of experience, CGPR helps brands amplify their stories through media relations, influencer partnerships, digital engagement, and integrated communications campaigns. The agency works with innovative and purpose-driven companies, including technology leaders in recommerce and circular economy solutions, to connect with today’s conscious, experience-driven consumers. Learn more at www.offmadisonave.com/cgpr.

Media Contact:

Chris Goddard

President & Founder of CGPR

(781) 640-8387

chris@cgprpublicrelations.com

 

SEATTLE — May 13, 2026 – evo, the outdoor retailer and experiences company, today announces the launch of its first-ever mountain bike athlete team, bringing together freeride standouts Hannah Bergemann, Carson Storch, and Georgia Astle. The new program reflects evo’s commitment to supporting athletes who are not only pushing the boundaries of progression, but are also deeply engaged in trail building, mentorship, and inclusive events – growing the sport both on and off the bike.

“When building this team, we looked beyond performance,” said Rebecca Heard, Chief Commercial Officer at evo. “These athletes are creating culture, building communities, and defining what the future of mountain biking looks like. They bring people together through shared experiences on the trail, and evo’s role is to support that and help it grow.”

Each athlete brings a distinct voice and impact to the team:

• Carson Storch (Bend, OR) is renowned for his powerful freeride style and technical big-mountain lines. With 7 Red Bull Rampage events and a 2^nd place finish at Natural Selection Bike under his belt, Carson is no longer proving; he’s there. Off the bike, he is an active trail builder, contributing to local trail systems in Oregon that expand access for riders of all leve He is also the co-founder of Black Sage FEST, the Oregon stop of the larger FEST-Series.

  “I’ve been a big fan of evo for years and what this brand stands for,” said Storch. “I’m excited to get involved in the riding communities that evo is connected with, and to create film projects, host premieres at store locations, and get people stoked to ride bikes.”

• Hannah Bergemann (Bellingham, WA) is a leading force in women’s freeride progression, proven by her 2nd place finish in 2025 at the Red Bull Rampage and receiving the coveted McGazza Spirit award. Hannah is also the founder of HangTime, an all-women’s jump-jam on Bellingham’s notorious Blue Steel jump line. The event is designed to create space for mentorship, progression, and connection across generations of riders.
  “The team has a stacked roster of athletes, and I’m really excited to join the bike side,” said Bergemann. “There’s a lot of potential to collaborate and bring some really cool ideas to life. evo has created incredible spaces in amazing locations, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do together.”

• Georgia Astle (Whistler, BC) is part of the new wave of freeride talent pushing the sport. With beginnings in X-Country and Downhill racing, Georgia is now making her mark on freeride mountain biking. This is evident from her recent back-to-back podiums at the Red Bull Rampage (2024 – silver, and 2025 – bronze). Born and raised in Whistler, Georgia is committed to bringing up young riders in her hometown by coaching at Summer Gravity Camps and mentoring female riders in British Columbia through the Ride Like a Girl program.
  “evo has been making waves in supporting bike events of all sizes and keeping the community vibe strong,” said Astle. “I felt really drawn to be part of the brand and the direction they’re heading.”

Together, the team represents a shared commitment to advancing mountain biking through inclusivity, creativity, and local participation. For more information and to stay up-to-date with upcoming announcements, including evo’s Fall 2026 Snow Team, visit evo.com.

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Media Contact:
Anna Segal, Athlete Team Manager
asegal@evo.com

About evo

Founded in Seattle in 2001, evo is a community-driven retailer and experiences company built around human connection through the outdoors. What began as an online store has evolved into an ecosystem spanning retail, hospitality, travel, and events across North America and Japan. Today, evo operates 12 stores across the U.S. and Canada (Whistler, BC), alongside 8 Rhythm Japan locations in Niseko, Hakuba, and Furano, as well as evo Hotel destinations in Salt Lake City, Hakuba, and Tahoe City. Together, these spaces connect riders, skiers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts to the gear, services, travel, and adventures that bring people together outside. Through evoTrip travel, expert ski and bike services, athlete and community partnerships, and the All Together Skatepark (ATS), evo continues to grow a global network dedicated to making outdoor culture more accessible, connected, and inclusive.

For more information, visit evo.com. Editorial assets are available upon request.

May 13,  2026—Milwaukee, WI—Outdoor Innovation, the industry’s most robust recognition platform for innovators and leaders in the Outdoor and Sports Recreation Industry, today announced that the Rigel Dual Zone eCooler from TRAVOCA, a brand that crafts elegantly rugged gear for overlanders and outdoor enthusiasts, has been selected as “Cooler Product of the Year” in the Overland and Travel category in the 3rd Annual Outdoor Innovation Awards. With a mission to celebrate the spirit of innovation driving the outdoor and sports recreation industries, the Outdoor Innovation Awards highlight and honor those redefining outdoor experiences worldwide.

TRAVOCA’s Rigel Dual Zone eCooler is a portable 12V fridge/freezer made for outdoor use. Designed and tested in Utah by a professor of outdoor product design, the Rigel’s innovation comes from a combination of cutting-edge cooling technology and a unique aesthetic inspired by nature. Each Rigel eCooler is equipped with a 5-layer Vacuum-Insulated Panel (VIP) core insulation technology, which has long been used in tumblers and double-wall steel vacuum flasks, but was only recently introduced to the cooler market. This unique layered construction results in a far more efficient product than non-VIP insulated coolers. In addition, the Rigel includes premium Toshiba technology in its compressor and dual zone cooling in every size for maximum versatility. The Rigel was thoughtfully designed to reflect the beauty of nature, with a green exterior crafted from cold-rolled steel, curved corners, and customizable bamboo panels.

“This recognition from the experts at Outdoor Innovation is truly validating to us as a relatively new brand in the overlanding and outdoor space,” says Stuart Rudolph, Managing Director, TRAVOCA USA LLC. “After less than a year on the market, being named Cooler Product of the Year is just incredible. The fact that it comes on the heels of a Red Dot Award for Product Design proves that our efforts to make elegantly rugged products that work Better Outside are resonating with customers and the industry at large.”

Outdoor Innovation Award winners represent the best in gear and design—empowering adventurers to explore safely, consciously, and enthusiastically, while reaping the mental, physical, and spiritual rewards of time in nature. To see the full list of 2026 winners, visit OutdoorInnovationAwards.com. For more information on TRAVOCA, visit travoca.com or contact Suzanne Hermann at suzanne@darbycommunications.com or info@travoca.com.  

ABOUT TRAVOCA

TRAVOCA empowers outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers with elegantly rugged products that enhance every journey, from the backcountry to the backyard. Our gear combines timeless design and reliable performance to bring people together, making outdoor living simpler, more connected, and more memorable. At TRAVOCA, we believe the best adventures are the ones that spark connection—around the fire, at the table, or under the stars.