Type: Articles

5.11 Tactical®, the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, will celebrate the grand opening of its 100^th company-owned retail store in Oxnard, California on Saturday, September 17. The store marks a major milestone in the brand’s retail expansion and growth since it introduced its first company-owned retail location in 2014.

“Strategic and aggressive retail expansion has been one of our top priorities in recent years and getting to 100 locations has been a major milestone for us,” said 5.11’s CEO Francisco J. Morales. “A larger retail presence allows us to offer the full 5.11 experience to existing customers while creating opportunities to introduce new customers to our outstanding products. We’re thrilled to reach 100 stores and excited to continue our growth into the future.”

Well-known for its technical apparel, footwear and gear that’s popular with public safety professionals and military personnel, 5.11’s full product offering provides items designed to keep outdoor adventurers, fitness fanatics and tactical enthusiasts equipped and ready for anything. The brand’s purpose-built product lines vary from workout equipment and apparel to everyday clothing options and much more.

“5.11’s approach to serving our consumers is to provide our consumers with optionality. From our robust e-commerce business, to the way our brand comes to life in our retail locations, as well as our many wholesale partners,” said 5.11’s Senior Vice President of Omni-Channel, Mark Parker. “Our focus has always been to serve our first responders, while welcoming new consumers to our brand, and 100 retail stores shows our commitment to achieve this across the U.S.”

Currently, 5.11 owns retail locations in 31 states with larger metropolitan areas serving as a hub for several convenient locations that offers customer easy access and additional shopping opportunities nearby. 5.11 Oxnard joins the ranks as 5.11’s 20^th store in California.

“Whether it’s for everyday use, outdoor adventures, on-duty use by public safety professionals, or fitness training, we offer gear that is made to help users perform their best in all aspects of life, said 5.11’s CMO, Debra Radcliff. “At our retail locations, customers are able to find the right items for their needs and interact with our knowledgeable staff to find exactly what they are looking for.”

5.11’s retail locations provide an ideal opportunity for tactical professionals and outdoor enthusiasts to engage with the 5.11 brand and its knowledgeable staff. The stores feature a complete product offering tailored specifically to each region, including head-to-toe apparel and gear for men and women.

With its roots in servicing the law enforcement, first responder and military communities, 5.11 prides itself on hiring former servicemen and women and veterans from the local area, whenever possible.

 

To find a store location near you, please visit https://www.511tactical.com/store-locator. 

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About 5.11, Inc.

With offices around the globe, 5.11 works directly with end users to create purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who always have to be ready. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.

 

Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical

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

5.11, 5.11 Tactical and Always Be Ready are registered trademarks of 5.11, Inc. All rights reserved.

BOULDER, Colo. (Aug. 24, 2022) – Matador Travel Equipment, the award-winning producer of high-performance travel equipment, today introduced its new Speed Stash, a universal backpack strap attachment that offers quick access to phones, passports, snacks and other small accessories. Designed for travel, hiking, or daily use, the Speed Stash is engineered to attach securely to any backpack that has a sternum strap, even if it’s unbuckled.

“The Speed Stash is one of the most universally useful products we’ve launched yet,” said Chris Clearman, founder and CEO of Matador. “It provides quick access to your phone, snacks, camera or anything else you like to keep on hand. While we recommend pairing it with a Matador backpack, it works well with any backpack that has a sternum strap, adding quick access for the most critical items.”

The Matador Speed Stash incorporates locking bars to trap a pack’s sternum strap for a secure attachment, providing convenient front access for frequently used items. Made from Bluesign® approved fabric, the Speed Stash features a Powermesh elastic front pocket for easy access and a zippered main compartment designed to fit most cell phones, passports and GPS devices.

The Matador Speed Stash (MSRP: $29.99) is available online and select retailers at www.matadorup.com.

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About Matador Travel Equipment

Matador designs high-performance travel equipment designed for objective-based travel. The team’s strengths in design, material technology, and construction give them an edge in developing innovative products that bring outdoor expertise to the pursuit of travel. For more information about Matador, visit www.MatadorUp.com.

On July 2, 2022, extreme rainfall hit parts of eastern Kentucky, including many surrounding Appalachia communities – causing devastating flooding across the region. Survivors say they were provided no warning, and that there was no time to escape. The death toll has risen to 37, with hundreds still missing. The flooding has destroyed entire homes and much of the region’s infrastructure – leaving families without access to shelter, food, electricity, or clean water. Many communities are utilizing springs, swimming pools and flood water for all their water needs.

 LifeStraw, a public health B Corp on a mission to provide equitable access to safe drinking water, shipped over 3,700 individual, household, and high-volume purifiers to the region immediately, and this month several LifeStraw team members traveled to eastern Kentucky to distribute the filters and support relief efforts.

In early August, in partnership with local volunteers, a team from LifeStraw including CEO Alison Hill, worked across the four counties hardest hit – Perry County, Breathitt County, Knott County and Floyd County, including the Caney River Road-area of Lost Creek. The team distributed donated water filters and purifiers, and helped families clean up what was left of their homes or temporary shelters.

“It was an emotional reminder that responding to emergencies and showing up when communities are struggling for access to safe drinking water is core to the LifeStraw team,” said Hill. “It’s more than just donating and sending products. It is about working side by side with the community to show up for families, asking what they need, listening to what is critical to them and doing what we can to make it happen.” 

LifeStraw is now working with several grassroots partners as well as the USDA and the Health Department with access to warehousing and distribution sites for needed supplies. 

The primary needs include:

• Coolers (most households have lost power and refrigeration)
• Tents
• Solar lighting
• Kids shoes (apparently this is a big one)
• Sleeping bags
• Camp stoves
• Underwear
• Female hygiene products
• Diapers
• Formula 

LifeStraw is calling on other outdoor businesses to join in support by donating these greatly needed supplies.  

Hill said, “I believe that companies like LifeStraw, that can provide products, expertise, or manpower to help protect the health and well-being of families facing devastating circumstances, have an obligation to step up in times like these. It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s our responsibility as corporate citizens and as humans to go outside of our comfort zones, lean in and roll up our sleeves to be part of a solution.” 

Businesses interested in donating supplies to flood victims can contact LifeStraw’s Social Impact Manager, Tara MacDowell (TLM@LIFESTRAW.COM) for support in coordinating shipments and delivery of supplies to Eastern Kentucky.

As a part of LifeStraw’s Safe Water Fund, the brand has created the Safe Water Fund for Kentucky where individuals and businesses can donate funds to offset the cost of manufacturing and distributing more water filters, LifeStraw is partnering with the USDA and community grassroots efforts to ship down thousands of personal, household and community-size filters to distribute to affected areas.  

**100% of donated funds go towards the cost of manufacturing and distributing the filters; LifeStraw does not profit from your donation.

 

ABOUT LIFESTRAW
The original LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, which converts microbiologically contaminated water into safe, potable water, was introduced in 2005. LifeStraw’s Guinea worm filter has also been instrumental in the near-eradication of Guinea worm disease. Today, LifeStraw products are used in more than 64 countries by schools, clinics, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers and households, and are regularly deployed to support communities impacted by emergencies or natural disasters requiring potable water. LifeStraw’s innovative water filtration technology is rigorously tested by independent laboratories and leveraged across some of the harshest environments around the world. The company is also a Climate Neutral certified B Corp. For every product purchased, a school child in need receives safe water for a year. LifeStraw’s water filtration options are sold in retail stores in North America and Europe, and online at www.lifestraw.com. Follow LifeStraw on Instagram and TikTok at @LifeStraw. 

Free Fly Apparel, the industry leader in outdoor performance apparel made from bamboo, is adding modern touches to their comfort-forward apparel for the Fall 2022 collection. The new collection includes a men’s 5-Pocket Stretch Canvas Pant and a Sherpa Fleece Quarter-zip, while the women’s line introduces a Bamboo Thermal Fleece Hoody, and a Bamboo Liner Breeze Pull-on Jogger. 

“Each season we add new elements to our apparel to continually improve the functionality and aesthetic, “said Tanner Sutton, co-founder of Free Fly Apparel. “This season we’re focusing on modern touches. You’ll see a new cropped length on the women’s side and the men’s 5-Pocket pants are a first for our team. Even with the new design elements, the four new styles stay true to our philosophy of comfort and simplicity.”

Adding to the men’s product line, the Stretch Canvas 5 Pocket Pant is a rugged, yet soft next to skin, classic five pocket design built to take on any weekend adventure. The pants feature a button closure with zipper fly, fixed waist with belt loop and UPF 50+ protection (MSRP $98.00).

The men’s Bamboo Sherpa Fleece Quarter Zip features jersey-lined hand pockets and boasts a quarter-zip construction with a relaxed fit. This Sherpa Fleece is great for early morning surf checks or fire-side hangs (MSRP $118.00).

The women’s Bamboo Thermal Fleece Hoody is made with Free Fly Apparel’s stretchy thermal fleece exterior, an ultra-soft interior, a double, layered hood, and has a kangaroo pocket hidden in the side seams. The semi-cropped length sits just below the hip creating a modern look, and the hoody provides UPF 50+ sun protection (MSRP $98.00).

Another addition to the women’s line, the Bamboo-Lined Breeze Pull On Joggers build on the brand’s best-selling Breeze Jogger with an added interior bamboo lining to provide an unmatched softness next to skin. The exterior material is a woven shell for versatility and mobility for daily wear. The Bamboo-Lined Breeze Pull On Jogger features a 28” inseam, wide elastic waistband with internal drawstrings, an inside zipper stash pocket, and UPF 50+ sun protection (MSRP $108.00).

For more information about Free Fly Apparel or their Fall 2022 product line, please visit FreeFlyApparel.com.

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About Free Fly Apparel

Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Free Fly Apparel is an adventurous outdoor apparel company specializing in the use of breathable, odor-resistant fabric blends made from bamboo to create comfortable, innovative performance wearables. Each product is a badge of adventure, fun, casual spirit, timelessness and innovation. For more information, visit  https://freeflyapparel.com/. 

The world-famous Life Time Leadville Trail 100 Run presented by La Sportiva race returned to Leadville this weekend, the pinnacle finale event of the 2022 Leadville Race Series, for its 39th year. Event owner Life Time (NYSE: LTH) welcomed a field of more than 700 runners ranging in age from 18 to 72 years old, representing all 50 states and 30 countries. Notably, 38 Leadville citizens proudly represented their hometown, for which the race series is well known and beloved, in the participant field. 

The famed course challenges runners with over 15,000 feet of net gain, topping out at 12,532 feet across Hope Pass. Runners toed the start line at 4 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 with the ultimate goal of completing the 100-mile “Race Across the Sky” in under 30 hours, which would earn them the coveted belt buckle. Of 707 starters, 363 finished. 

“Heading into the race as the defending champ added a new dynamic. It seemed everyone was keying off me and expecting me to dictate the pace,” said MacDonald. “After a slow start, I took off and ran the rest of the way solo. I had a bit of a rough patch halfway through but seeing the other competitors at the turnaround put me back in the racing mindset. I tried to close hard and run under 16 but am happy to win again with the 3rd fastest time!”

“My run in 2016 was a totally different beast…this (year) was really, really hard. But I had the best crew and my family,” said Gallagher. In response to her favorite part of the day she said, “The top of Hope pass was the best. We were in a cloud on the inbound, and then the rain cleared, it was phenomenal. I loved seeing the runners go over, there’s a lot of comradery in this race being an out-and-back. Crossing paths with hundreds of other runners was so, so cool.”

Women’s Results:

1. Clare Gallagher, 30, of Boulder, Colo. with a time of 19:37:57
2. Alisyn Hummelberg, 30, of Estes Park, Colo. with a time of 21:58:59
3. Lindsey Herman, 24, of Gunnison, Colo. with a time of 22:50:41

Men’s Results:

1. Adrian MacDonald, 33, of Fort Collins, Colo. with a time of 16:05:44
2. JP Giblin, 28, of Boulder, Colo. with a time of 18:07:50
3. Ryan Kaiser, 43, of Bend, Ore. with a time of 18:21:21

This year, 60 athletes across the Leadville Trail 100 MTB and 100 Run are on track to reach their goal of collectively raising $175,000 for the Life Time Foundation, which will support Lake County Public Schools and deserving local organizations. The Leadville Race Series’ economic impact on Lake County was $15 million in 2018.

To view all Life Time athletic events, please visit: https://my.lifetime.life/athletic-events.html

The Life Time Leadville Trail 100 Run presented by La Sportiva is owned and produced by Life Time, the premier healthy lifestyle brand. It is among more than 30 premier athletic events owned by the company, including the Stages Cycling Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Garmin UNBOUND Gravel, Verizon New York City Triathlon, Chicago Triathlon, and Miami Marathon.

About the Leadville Race Series

Started with only 45 runners as the Leadville Trail 100 Run in 1983, the Leadville Race Series now consists of seven running events and four mountain biking events, plus six events in the Leadville Qualifying Series. The Race Series stretches across three months, and hosts thousands of racers on foot and on mountain bike in some of the world’s most iconic events. Endurance athletes worldwide now make the pilgrimage to Leadville, Colo., with the single goal of competing in “The Race Across the Sky.” Visit www.leadvilleraceseries.com for more information.

About Life Time®, Inc.

Life Time (NYSE: LTH) empowers people to live healthy, happy lives through its portfolio of nearly 160 athletic country clubs across the United States and Canada. The company’s healthy way of life communities and ecosystem address all aspects of healthy living, healthy aging and healthy entertainment for people 90 days to 90+ years old. Supported by a team of more than 30,000 dedicated professionals, Life Time is committed to providing the best programs and experiences through its clubs, iconic athletic events and comprehensive digital platform.

Six Moon Designs, a leader in affordable ultralight gear, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Started by Ron Moak in 2002, Six Moon Designs has been revolutionary in the way the outdoor industry thinks about hiking and backpacking gear in terms of weight, durability and affordability.

After his first thru-hike in the late 70s, Moak went on to spend the next 40 years hiking around the U.S. and abroad. He was a DIYer who sought out much lighter weight gear than what was available at the time, and after a bout of cancer he found it difficult to carry traditional gear for more than a couple hours without severe back pain.

In 2002, Moak introduced his first product, the Europa Tent, a 33oz. single wall sil-nylon shelter which was much lighter than any other tent at the time. And soon after his Starlite Pack, a pioneering frameless pack with a large carrying capacity, helped set the bar for ultralight gear that the backpacking community quickly embraced.

“At Six Moon Designs we make gear, but our primary focus is on our customers’ backcountry experience,” says Ron Moak, Founder/President of Six Moon Designs. “We make our gear lighter so the walking becomes more pleasurable. We make our gear durable so you don’t need to be concerned about failure far from home. We make our gear affordable so you can devote more of your hard earned money on making memories not buying gear.”

Six Moon Designs continues to see double-digit percentage revenue growth year after year. They have over 60 retailers in the U.S. and internationally, and are careful to balance meeting customers’ needs with managing production and supply chain issues that have hampered the industry over the past few years. 

“Six Moon Designs has been able to grow our multiple channels of sales in the past few years thanks to our strong marketing efforts and by providing a high-value proposition to retailers and consumers, said Whitney LaRuffa, VP of Sales and Marketing. “We strive to provide high quality, lightweight products at affordable prices, helping everyone access the outdoors.”

Over the years Six Moon Designs has received numerous awards for its revolutionary ultralight gear, including the 2019 Outstanding Outdoor Award from OutDoor by ISPO for the Gatewood Cape and Lunar Solo and the 2019 Backpacker Editors’ Choice Award for the Lunar Solo.

The company is looking forward to the next 20 years of taking ultralight to the next level and will always be ahead of the curve when it comes to implementing forward thinking design and using innovative materials to continue making the best affordable lightweight shelters, packs and accessories.

Nite Ize®, a leading manufacturer of innovative solution-based products, today announced its partnership with six leading outdoor brands that utilize its patented TRU® Zip waterproof zipper. TRU Zip is the first toothless, dustproof waterproof zipper. Simms Fishing®, Hydro Flask®, Fishpond®, CamelBak®, Booē, and  Adventure® Medical Kits products are available at select retail stores and online at their respective websites and debuted at the recent Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Denver.  

“TRU Zip technology enables us to provide a first-of-its-kind solution across a variety of outdoor activities from hunting and fishing, to travel and watersports and beyond,” said Rick Case, CEO and founder of Nite Ize. “TRU Zip empowers brands to innovate in their product category enabling products to be built that could never be built before. We are proud to collaborate with these legacy brands enabling consumers to have next-generation performance in the outdoors.” 

Launched in 2019, the patented TRU Zip design is the first sliding, silent, toothless, dustproof waterproof zipper on the market. The intuitive slide-to-secure design is easy to use, snag-proof, and delivers a confident closure consumers can easily open and close. Tested to IP67, TRU Zip has maximum reliability to withstand immersion underwater of up to 1m deep for up to 30 minutes. Learn more at truzip.com.

Specific products include:

Simms: The Dry Creek Waterproof Fishing Backpack, Hip Pack, Sling Pack, Gear Pouch CX Fishing Jacket, CX Fishing Bib and the G3 Guide Z Duffel Bag  feature TRU Zip ensuring protection for all types of fishing adventures. 

Hydro Flask: The new 36-hour Day Escape™ Soft Coolers are durable, lightweight and leak-proof making them ideal for adventures where consumers need portable, durable watertight closures to keep goods cool and protected.

Fishpond: The new Thunderhead collection of submersible fishing packs, duffels, pouches, and slings stand up to the worst of the elements and keep all contents clean and dry on the water or hiking through the backcountry.  

CamelBak: The new FusionTM Reservoir Collection sets a new industry standard for hydration reservoirs. The TRU Zip tech brings premium performance in a lightweight package, ensuring users have maximum flexibility. Reservoirs are available in 2L, 3L, 6L, and 10L capacities.

Booē: The collection of truly waterproof designer bags includes belt bags, pouches, backpacks, totes, and duffels all available in fashion-forward colors.  Keep your things safe, dry, and protected wherever the adventure takes you.

Adventure Medical Kits: The Marine 450 First Aid Kits are kept completely dry, keeping medical supplies protected.

About Nite Ize:

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Nite Ize designs, manufactures and globally distributes innovative, inventor-driven products that creatively solve everyday challenges. Nite Ize offers more than 500 products across various channels including: Waterproof Protection, Mobile, Tie-Downs + Bungees, Key Accessories, Illumination, Bike + Fitness and Pet. Led by original founder Rick Case, Nite Ize team members are passionate about their products, customers, partners and the environment. For more information, visit NiteIze.com.

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Today, Rumpl, the category leader in premium, technical blankets, introduces the NanoLoftâ Flame Blanket, the perfect companion for the campfire or firepit. The NanoLoft Flame Blanket can be purchased starting today at Rumpl.com and REI.

“One of the most frequent requests we get from Rumpl fans is for a flame-resistant blanket and we designed the NanoLoft Flame Blanket for extended life around the campfire,” says Wylie Robinson, founder and CEO at Rumpl. “The proprietary blend of modacrylic and cotton developed by our product team will keep your blanket free of melted holes from flying sparks.”

The NanoLoft Flame Blanket (MSRP $129) features a durable, fire-resistant exterior made from a proprietary blend of modacrylic and cotton. The blanket passes the ISO 15025:2016 standard for protection against flame. The blanket is insulated with Rumpl’s 100% post-consumer recycled NanoLoft insulation and features a Cape-Clip for hands-free use. It weighs less than a pound (0.7 pounds) and measures 52” x 38”. The blanket is constructed from 12 recycled water bottles and packs down to the size of a Nalgene water bottle.

The NanoLoft Flame Blanket is available now at www.rumpl.com and REI. For more information on Rumpl, please contact Senior Account Manager Ethan Peck at ethan.peck@rygr.us.

About Rumpl: Based in Portland, Oregon, Rumpl makes Blankets for Everywhere. Utilizing material technologies commonly found in activewear and outdoor gear, Rumpl aims to modernize the everyday blanket. Rumpl’s high-quality, versatile blankets keep you comfortable no matter where you are. The materials have been tested and proven in harsh environments, yet specifically selected for comfort and durability. Rumpl believes the blanket you use every day deserves the same attention to detail as a sleeping bag you might use ten times a year. The end result is a premium and multi-purpose blanket that can be used anywhere you go … or when you don’t go anywhere. www.rumpl.com.

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