Confluence Summit in Alaska Highlights Equity and Active Transportation 

Written by Alaska Outdoor Alliance (AOA) Executive Director Lee Hart

Nearly 80 outdoor industry stakeholders and allies traveled by plane and ferry and across the Canadian border to take part in Alaska Outdoor Alliance’s 7th Annual Confluence: Summit on the Outdoor Recreation Economy, held in Haines last month. 

Key state and federal leaders participating in the event before and after their brief remarks included Sen. Lisa Murkowski; Raina Thiele, senior advisor to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland for Alaska Affairs & Strategic Priorities; and Julia Hnilicka, USDA Rural Development state director. 

This year’s theme, regenerative economies, attracted leaders in outdoor; tourism; economic development; and local, state, territorial, tribal and federal land managers, as well as counterparts from the Yukon. A subgroup of attendees pledged to continue collaborating on transboundary economic development priorities. Another subgroup has already met to form the foundation of a statewide active transportation coalition.  

“From the Arctic to the Tongass, there are incredible efforts literally transforming local economies and ways of connecting with the outdoors that are being guided by Indigenous wisdom and values,” said AOA Executive Director Lee Hart. “Confluence facilitated candid, passionate conversations among participants that led to a list of action steps aimed at co-creating a more regenerative future.” 

Unique to many industry gatherings, Confluence was co-presented by the Chilkoot Indian Association, which hosted a salmon bake, after which participants shared stories highlighting centuries-old relationships with land, water, fish, wildlife, and ancestors. On the last stormy day of the event, the nearby Chilkat Indian Village gifted a special, personalized tour of their Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center, a network helping to address the pressing issue of where to put precious clan treasures and the villagers’ desire to rebuild and restore their cultural heritage. 

Thrive Outside Day 2022: A Nationwide Celebration

Thanks to our community leaders, partners, and participants, our 2022 Thrive Outside Day events were an overwhelming success! Read below to learn how Thrive Outside Communities across the country celebrated our collective work to address equity barriers and ensure the outdoor experience for all.

 

ATLANTA:

Thrive Outside Day in Atlanta was hosted on November 12 at Rodney Sr. Cook Park in partnership with The Alliance for The Activation of Cook Park. With various outdoor activities to participate in, from mountain biking to a park scavenger hunt, Atlanta really got to see and feel what Thrive Outside is about. Learn more about Thrive Outside Atlanta.

“This was such a beautiful event, it reminds me of field day when I was a kid” — Old Fourth Ward community member

“It is so refreshing to see Black faces advocating for outdoor play and education for our youth.” — Old Fourth Ward community member

“Thank you for allowing us to learn more about your organization through this event. We can’t wait to partner with you all.” — Amphibian Foundation

 

CHICAGO:

The Nature Conservancy sponsored Organic Oneness’ (OO) Be the Healing: Reparations Conference to celebrate Thrive Outside Day in Chicago. The conference explored innovative approaches to reparations including restoration, repair, and healing at the individual, community, and institutional levels, inclusive of policy changes. Over the course of three days, Dr. Joy DeGruy and Dr. Bahia addressed the historical harm and trauma of racism and colonization through an inspirational and solution-oriented global lens. Chicago community leaders led community tours addressing various ways reparations are being carried out within the ecosystem of their neighborhoods. By addressing racism, trauma, and healing as a collective, Chicago will be more successful in decreasing risk factors and increasing protective factors within education, employment, general health, family structures, and community networks. Learn more about Thrive Outside Chicago.

 

DETROIT:

Thrive Outside Detroit welcomed the Wilderness Inquiry Canoemobile to town October 10-12 to celebrate Thrive Outside Day. Youth and their families participated in a paddle on local waters with Wilderness Inquiry staff as well as a range of fun and educational land-based activities. Local partners such as Belle Isle Nature Center, Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), Friends of the Detroit River, Detroit Outdoors, Friends of the Rouge River, and US Forest Service Urban Connections all pitched in to help students experience Belle Isle, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, and DPSCD’s own Camp Burt Shurly. Learn more about Thrive Outside Detroit.

“They can have this powerful experience and then want to come back to this park with their family,” Dempsey says. “They might be the one that says, ‘Hey, let’s go down that trail. I actually know what’s down there. Let’s go see this beaver lodge that’s down there because I did that when I was here last October.’ So they can become the leaders for their friends and their family when they come to this park because they’ve got this relationship with this park.” — Garrett Dempsey, program director of Detroit Outdoors

“There is so much research that supports not only that kids being outside and enjoying nature allows them to bridge connections to what they’re learning in the classroom, but also just from a personal development perspective—for them to have an opportunity to go out of their comfort zone. It’s so formative in their development.” — Monica DeGarmo, teacher at the Academy of the Americas

 

GRAND RAPIDS:
Thrive Outside Days kicked off on September 24 with an open house at the gear library. Three additional events were hosted in October focusing on building community, especially in the neighborhood around the gear library. Activities included camping workshops, music, gear library tours, kayaking demos, bonfires, and walking local trails. Learn more about Thrive Outside Grand Rapids.

 

MAINE:
The ECO-BIPOC Thrive Outside Day Maine event was hosted on November 19 at Bradbury Mountain alongside The Third Place. Attendees shared joy, built connections, and hiked together. In addition, the Thrive Outside Maine community sent free State Parks passes to over 235 BIPOC individuals and organizational leaders in Maine, to acknowledge the barrier of cost and the community commitment it takes to overcome it when it comes to access to outdoor spaces in Maine. Through their partnership with Outdoor Foundation as well as The Third Place, Bureau of Parks & Lands, Maine Initiatives, Leonard C. and Mildred F. Ferguson Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy, Thrive Outside Maine is taking action to support access to nature for people of color in Maine, in addition to working on broader systems-change efforts. Learn more about Thrive Outside Maine.

“Nature is critically important to my worldview, my relationship with natural ecologies, and how I live my life. Being in Nature has allowed me to surmount intense obstacles in my life, from growing up in poverty, to stress relief from coping with constant racism and othering to the benefits of being active and maintaining better health. The reality for many Indigenous people in Maine is that a significant number of us still live close to the poverty line or below it. While I understand that park fees are necessary to fund maintenance, if we don’t have programs like yours to support access, we are excluding those who may need it most because they don’t have the resources to vacation in beautiful places, or to travel just for enjoyment. I remember growing up, the only state parks I went to were for school trips. We didn’t have vacations, and if we went to visit Nature it was on the river or at a local lake or pond that was free to access. I never went skiing, kayaking, or sailing. I went to a kid’s camp once, because it was subsidized by a church. And of course, I was required to follow church rules, even though I was Indigenous. We should not have to be indoctrinated into a religion just to get a chance to go to summer camp.” — Mihku Paul

“Being away from home and family is quite hard. Nature connects me to experiences that I had when around the family or activities we used to do. The beach, the trees, the birds…” — Manuel Cruz

“I am at peace and tranquility when walking in nature.” — Hana Tallan

 

OKLAHOMA CITY:

Thrive Outside OKC celebrated Thrive Outside Day all month long in conjunction with RIVERSPORT’s Outdoor October initiative. Events included the Oklahoma Regatta Festival, Biketober, Dogtober, and the Red Coyote Half Marathon. Partner organizations included USRowing, Yukon BMX, Country Roads Animal Rescue, and Red Coyote Running & Fitness. Activities included rowing races, kayak races, family bike rides, BMX races, SUP with your pup, and a half-marathon. Learn more about Thrive Outside Oklahoma City

 

PHILADELPHIA:

Thrive Outside Day Philadelphia was hosted by The Schuylkill River Greenways, Berks Nature, and the Alliance for Watershed Education (AWE) on Saturday, September 24. The event included a bike ride on the Circuit Trails’ Schuylkill River Trail and an outdoor education event at the turn-around location, Berks Nature’s The Nature Place environmental center in Reading, PA. Learn more about Thrive Outside Philadelphia.

 

SAN DIEGO:
Thrive Outside San Diego hosted a series of Thrive Outside Day events throughout the month of October. Event activities included hikes, mountain biking, yoga, gardening, camping, and more. Thrive Outside San Diego’s steering committee member, the County of San Diego Parks and Recreation, also launched the Experience the Outdoors campaign, which is designed to address equity barriers so that everyone can experience the outdoors. Learn more about Thrive Outside San Diego.

“There’s something so special about starting your day, stretching, and finding balance in a park. The fresh air, the birds singing, even the buzzing of the bees. It just puts your body at ease, and I can’t wait to come back!” — Marie, workshop attendee

“I volunteer to do trail maintenance in the other part of the preserve, but it’s always nice to stop here, say ‘hi’ to the rangers, and see what they put out on their table. It’s hands-on, but I learn a lot just by listening in.”  — Jose, youth volunteer

“It was great to entertain so many excited kids and to see parents reliving their youth. It’s an educational experience that’s also a ton of fun.” — Kyle Icke, Supervising Park Ranger

 

SEATTLE: 

Thrive Outside Day Seattle was celebrated on October 28. More than 30 outdoor recreation organizations, including Washington State Parks, the Service Board, and Braided Seeds, convened to discuss current issues and access barriers to the outdoors, and highlight the great work already happening in this space. This convening was held in preparation for the launch of the Outdoor Recreation Action Team in early 2023, which will build and strengthen the network of diverse organizations focused on outdoor access and equity. Learn more about Thrive Outside Seattle.

 

ST. LOUIS:
River City Outdoors celebrated Thrive Outside Day St. Louis in collaboration with Thomas Dunn Learning Center, the Marquette Recreation Center of the City of St. Louis, Connections to Succes, and The Youth Violence Prevention Council. The block party event took place in Dutchtown, which has some of the highest rates of violent crime in St. Louis and is in the footprint of Cure Violence, a violence prevention program that has been introduced to the city in hopes to calm the neighborhood. Streets were shut down to traffic and the fire Department was also there engaging the community. Non-profit agencies engaged the community and shared about the services they provide. Children and their families enjoyed face painting, a bounce house, games, dancing, and arts and crafts projects that they could take home with them. The highlight of the evening was a group of local street performers who danced and did some amazing fire-throwing tricks. Learn more about Thrive Outside St. Louis.

“This is what community looks like.” — Event participant
“Let’s do this every year.” — Event participant

TWIN CITIES:

Twelve local outdoor organizations hosted Twin Cities Thrive Outside Day on October 8 at Boom Island, located right on the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis. The event celebrated the transformative benefits of the outdoors while engaging Minnesotans to build community and ensure that everyone has equitable access to outdoor spaces and experiences. Participants enjoyed canoeing, urban birding, mountain biking, hiking with plant identification, youth Zumba, fishing, fire building, and equipment demonstrations. Learn more about Thrive Outside Twin Cities.

“I was able to talk to attendees about recreational opportunities on federal lands and the programs available for getting youth and those with permanent disabilities in parks and forests.” — Partner agency

“It was great to connect with the other organizations at the event. I thought the networking was excellent. Looking forward to hopeful collaboration in the future.” — Partner agency

“Oodles and oodles of fun. We went out on the water, and it was fabulously calm and the trees looked fabulous” — Event participant

WASHINGTON, D.C.: 

On Saturday, October 29, members of the Anacostia Park and Community Collaborative and Washington, D.C. Thrive Outside coalition partnered to engage Ward 7 and 8 youth and families in a day-long celebration of family, nature, and the harvest season. This event was co-planned with community input and included a pumpkin and turkey giveaway, Trunk or Treat, and live music featuring Bela Dona, an all-girl, local favorite Go-Go band. Other activities included fishing, boating, skating, and seasonal craft-making. The overall goal of the day was to activate stressed DC residents in safe, meaningful outdoor engagement in Anacostia Park. Learn more about Thrive Outside D.C.

“This is an awesome way to end the season with the community.” — Event participant

“I am so happy I came down here, I did not even know this park was here” — Event participant

Sign-On Letter: PFAS Reporting Requirement Extension for Outdoor Brands Selling Goods in Maine

Does your company operate or sell goods in Maine? Sign our letter to request an extension on PFAS compliance laws.​​​

Hello from Washington, D.C.,Across the country, we have seen increased activity concerning the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) in consumer products. Traditionally, PFAS have been used throughout the outdoor industry as the compounds are resistant to extreme elements like heat and water. Recent science has allowed us to better understand the negative human and environmental impacts that PFAS have, leading to the increased attention on PFAS phaseout across all sectors, including outdoor, juvenile products, food packaging, and more.A law passed in Maine in 2021, An Act To Stop Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Pollution, is considered to be one of the most sweeping in the country. Although the State of Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is still moving through rulemaking and guidance for the public to better understand the law and its requirements, there are hard trigger dates for compliance that OIA manufacturers should know about.The most important date to note is January 1, 2023, when businesses throughout the state AND businesses that sell goods into the state will be expected to notify the DEP of any products for sale in the state that contain intentionally added PFAS. If a business is not in compliance with this deadline, it may face financial costs. DEP is allowing manufacturers in Maine and businesses that sell goods into the state to request an extension on this trigger date, pushing the reporting requirement back six months. OIA and our on-the-ground partner, Maine Outdoor Brands, have drafted an extension letter for our members.If you would like an extension for your company, please fill out this short form by this Friday at 5 p.m. (ET). Even if you are unsure if anything you sell contains PFAS, we encourage you to join the extension request to ensure you are in compliance, have products tested if necessary, and give DEP more time to provide guidance.This law may have measurable impacts on your business, and we want to work together to ensure that you are as prepared as possible to comply and eventually phase out intentionally added PFAS. For over a decade, our industry has been investing time and resources to develop safe, durable, innovative, and economical alternatives to PFAS, and we plan to all work together to ensure that the transition is economical, equitable, and safe.

Together we are a force.Rebecca GillisGovernment Affairs ManagerOUTDOOR INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (OIA)

Research Roundup: Fall 2022

Here at OIA, our research team focuses on providing you with insights into the outdoor consumer: what drives their choices, what gear they choose, and what they value about their outdoor experiences. With our newsletter — Research Roundup — we aim to deliver the best data from our partner, CivicScience, who can reach hundreds of thousands of consumers in real-time to ask questions and gather insights that give you clear insights. You’ll also gain easy access to the full catalog of research reports we offer as well as trends we are tracking.

Happy reading!

 

Kelly Davis

Director of Research

 

Who are the Outdoor Recreators Most Likely to Visit State or National Parks?

OIA has excellent data on outdoor recreation participation by category; I can tell you how many Americans hiked, ran trails, went fishing, etc. However, I couldn’t tell how many or who were visiting state and national parks until now. Data captured by CivicScience helped us build a view of who is visiting state and national parks and how often they visit. This information can help us segment outdoor recreators who are likely to visit a state or national park and target the most likely groups. The data indicate that – among American adults – younger persons, persons who are parents and grandparents, and persons who live in suburban and rural areas are more likely than others to be frequent park visitors.

Of the very small group of participants who visit state parks between a few times a month and a few times a week, younger adults edged out older participants. But – of the relatively larger group of total participants who visit state parks a few times a year – those aged 55 to 64 were more frequent visitors than younger visitors.

Source: CivicScience, October 2022 – Canonical – Adults Filter

Parents and grandparents are more likely to visit state and national parks more frequently. Parents were most likely to visit parks, grandparents came in second, and adults with no children were least likely to visit. Note that our sample did not include children ages 17 and under.

Source: CivicScience, October 2022 – Canonical – Adults Filter

The type of area (urban, suburban, rural) matters when predicting who is most likely to visit a state or national park. Persons who live in urban environments are least likely to visit a state or national park. Persons who live in the suburbs are most likely to visit state and national parks, and rural residents are most likely to be frequent park visitors, but about the same percentage of urban and rural dwellers say they almost never or never visit state or national parks.

Source: CivicScience, October 2022 – Canonical – Adults Filter

Do Outdoor Recreators Use Cannabis?

On October 6 of this year, President Biden signed an executive order that pardoned all federal offenses of simple marijuana possession, and ordered the Department of Health and Human Services to review how marijuana is scheduled under federal law where it is currently classified as a “Schedule I” substance along with far more dangerous substances including methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. Whenever cannabis is in the news, the OIA research team gets questions about outdoor recreation and cannabis use. In the past, we have speculated about the intersection of outdoor and cannabis; this time we used empirical data from CivicScience to show how cannabis use varies between outdoor recreation participants and non-participants.

Overall, outdoor recreation participants are more likely to use cannabis than the average American, except for runners who are less likely to use cannabis than the average American. The chart below shows that 26% of hiking, camping, and fishing participants; 1 in 4 bicycle riders; and 1 in 4 hunting and fishing participants say they are cannabis users. Note that this is not a measure of cannabis use during outdoor recreation; it is simply a measurement of general use among those who participate in those activities.

Source: CivicScience, October 2022 – Canonical – Adults Filter

What Types of Cars Do Outdoor Recreation Participants Choose?

One of the psychographics we commonly use to correlate activities across market research is the type of car a respondent drives. This is an area of keen interest, not only to the automotive industry but to outdoor accessories manufacturers (think racks), gear manufacturers, and even apparel brands. Knowing what kind of car someone prefers can provide a deeper look into their consumer type and choices. Purchasing a car is one of the biggest purchases many consumers make. If we know what type of vehicle someone drives, it can help us predict other purchases and behaviors across a wide variety of categories.

Consider that persons who hunt or fish are most likely, by a significant margin, to prefer a truck. That’s not a huge surprise, but it helps us better understand how to market products and services to that group. Note that runners are more likely than others to prefer sports cars and sedans. Bicyclists are most likely to prefer an SUV. The majority (68%) of outdoor enthusiasts who camp, hike, or paddle prefer either an SUV or a truck. The following chart indicates that outdoor recreation participants tend to prefer vehicles that facilitate their love of the outdoors by buying vehicles that can transport both them and their gear.

Source: CivicScience, October 2022

Trend Spotter: Trekking Poles!

Maybe it’s the spread of hiking content on social media, but whether it’s a TikTok or Instagram-driven trend or not, trekking poles seem to be everywhere right now, from the fists of casual hikers on local trails to thru-hikers on the PCT and the AT. I had received questions about this, so I turned to a source that I knew had his finger on the trekking pole pulse: Reese Brown, executive director of the Cross Country Ski Areas Association. Cross-country ski poles are a requisite part of a cross-country ski kit – you aren’t going far without them if you’re skiing on XC trails, so the makers of those poles are very familiar to those in the cross-country ski category. Additionally, Reese has been trying to convince me to try trekking poles for longer, more technical hikes for many years.

“Trekking poles make walking and hiking a more balanced physical experience by fully incorporating the upper body. In addition to better efficiency overall, you will take the stress off critical joints like knees and ankles reducing the chance of injury from an accident or from overuse.”  (Reese Brown, Executive Director, CCSAA)

 

ORTOVOX Avalanche Airbag Recognized for Excellence by Outside Magazine

ORTOVOX, the global leader in mountain safety equipment and apparel, is proud to announce the new AVABAG LiTRIC TOUR has earned an Editor’s Choice Award in Outside Magazine’s 2023 Winter Gear Guide. The award-winning ORTOVOX AVABAG LiTRIC TOUR along with the entire collection, including ORTOVOX AVABAG LiTRIC FREERIDE and ORTOVOX AVABAG LiTRIC ZERO, will be available on November 2, 2022 at www.ortovox.com and at select retailers.

Made possible by a collaboration with Arc’teryx, ORTOVOX co-developed a boundary-pushing new avalanche airbag technology for Winter 2023 that is lightweight, intuitive and reliable. The LiTRIC technology enables both brands to produce airbag systems that weigh just 2.4 pounds and feature an electronic system run by supercapacitors and a long-lasting Lithium Ion battery that hold 60 hours of charge for at least two inflations.

“It’s an honor to have AVABAG LiTRIC TOUR recognized in Outside Magazine for the Editors’ Choice Award. Partnering with a great brand like Arc’teryx to co-develop an avalanche airbag system was truly a unique experience, bringing together our expertise for the greater cause of mountain safety. ORTOVOX’s AVABAG LiTRIC TOUR and the entire AVABAG LiTRIC collection establishes yet another milestone in our mission to protect people and the mountains,” says Tom Mason, U.S. brand manager at ORTOVOX.

LiTRIC Airbag Technology

Made in Germany, the LiTRIC airbag system will increase safety by providing at least two inflations for at least 60 hours when it is fully charged, making multi-day tours possible with no need for recharging. The system can be tested any number of times at no additional cost and is easily charged at home via USB-C. With no cartridge, there’s more space for gear and no travel restrictions. The system itself weighs just 2.4 pounds, saving weight with the cold-tolerant supercapacitors and ultra-lightweight airbag making it one of the lightest airbag constructions on the market. From the height-adjustable, secure deployment handle to the reimagined safety leg strap, the intuitive design makes LiTRIC easy to operate and simple to pack away. On the side of the pack, the LED display shows the charge status of the battery and its readiness for operation.

ORTOVOX AVABAG LiTRIC TOUR

Ski tourers love the versatility of their sport, from quick training sessions on their local mountain, to high alpine backcountry tours, right through to multi-day ski excursions. AVABAG LiTRIC TOUR ($1,300-$1,400) is the perfect versatile companion for all the above. The modular LiTRIC airbag base is specifically designed for tourers in two back lengths, regular and short. The pack can be adapted for its intended use with two tour-specific zip-on bags in 28-liter short, 30-liter, 36-liter short, and 40-liter capacities. The lightweight Full Contact Light system fits snugly to the back, providing a high level of comfort on long tours, and the circumferential zipper offers quick access to the main compartment. LiTRIC TOUR has all the necessary attachment options for skis, snowboards, ice axes, and ropes as well as a helmet net and space for climbing skins. Additionally, avalanche rescue equipment can be stowed in a separate safety compartment.

SIZES: 30 liters and 28 S // 40 liters and 36 S

WEIGHT: 5 lbs 5 oz (30 L), 5 lbs 4 oz (28 S), 5 lbs 7 oz (40 L), 5 lbs 5oz (36 S)

MATERIAL: Base: polyamide 420D Cordura; Zip-on: polyamide 400D (77% recycled)

COLORS: desert orange, dirty daisy, pacific green, black steel (30 l); mountain rose, petrol blue, dirty daisy (28 l); petrol blue, desert orange (40 l); black steel, mountain rose (36 l)

MSRP:  $1,300 (30 and 28 S) // $1,400 (40 and 36 S)

ORTOVOX AVABAG LiTRIC FREERIDE

AVABAG LiTRIC FREERIDE ($1,250-$1,350) is designed with freeriding in mind, offering the highest level of safety and comfort in a lightweight pack for riders that are willing to climb the extra mile for the best line. Similar to LiTRIC TOUR, this pack has a modular LiTRIC airbag base, making it a versatile option for short or long days in the backcountry. LiTRIC FREERIDE can be adapted with the zip-on system in 16-liter short, 18-liter, 26-liter short, and 28-liter sizes. The modular FREERIDE LiTRIC airbag base can be used on the TOUR base and vice versa. The Clasp Back Technology offers a wide, flexible hip belt and soft shoulder straps while fitting snugly to the back, allowing for complete freedom of movement. FREERIDE LiTRIC is also compatible with ORTOVOX’s clasp spine protector, which can be purchased separately.

SIZES: 18 liters and 16 S // 28 liters and 26 S

WEIGHT: 5 lbs 5oz (18 L), 5 lbs 2 oz (16 S), 5 lbs 11 oz (28 L), 5 lbs 9oz (26 S)

MATERIAL: Base: polyamide 420D Cordura; Zip-on: polyamide 400D (100% recycled)

COLORS: black raven (18 l); pacific green (16 S); desert orange, petrol blue, black raven (28 l); ice waterfall, black raven (26 S)

MSRP: $1,250 (18 and 16 S) // $1,350 (28 and 26 S) 

ORTOVOX AVABAG LiTRIC ZERO

Also new in the collection is AVABAG LiTRIC ZERO ($1,200), a pack designed for tourers who seek to keep things as lightweight and safe as possible while in the backcountry. At only 4.3 pounds and 27 liters, this technical LiTRIC airbag pack only focuses on the essentials. There is ample space for day tours and it is equipped with important features, like an attachment option for skis, an ice axe or poles as well as pockets to store avalanche safety equipment in the main compartmenteep gear organized.

SIZE: 27 liters

WEIGHT: 4 lbs 5 oz

MATERIAL: Base: Polyamid 210D EXTREMA. This pack does not have a base/zip on system

COLORS: black raven, desert orange

MSRP: $1,200

The ORTOVOX AVABAG LiTRIC TOUR along with the entire collection will be available on November 2, 2022 at www.ortovox.com and select retail partners. For more information, please contact Senior Account Manager Maria Brickman at maria.brickman@rygr.us.

About ORTOVOX: ORTOVOX is a four-season mountain brand headquartered in Germany known as an expert in avalanche rescue equipment and wool apparel designed specifically for ski touring, freeriding, mountaineering, alpine climbing and alpine touring. Since its founding in 1980, ORTOVOX has stood for a sophisticated approach to protection and comfort in the mountains, characterized by the responsible treatment of people and nature. As pioneers in avalanche rescue, ORTOVOX has played a key role in the development of emergency equipment and targeted training measures for mountain sports, with protection as the brand’s most important value. This protective ethos extends to include safe and fair working conditions for its employees, setting the highest standards of animal welfare on the brand’s Tasmanian merino farms and ensuring environmentally friendly manufacturing of its products. www.ortovox.com  

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RECCO Renews Partnership With Freeride World Tour Until 2025

RECCO, manufacturer of rescue technology that makes backcountry travelers more searchable, renewed its partnership with the Freeride World Tour (FWT) through 2025. Each competitor on the FWT, the Qualifier Tour and the Junior Tour will receive a RECCO rescue reflector, as part of both organizations’ core commitment to safety. 

Since 2016, all riders in the Freeride World Tour receive a reflector that is complementary to the avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe and airbag backpack that each competitor is required to carry. RECCO technology is a two-part system, featuring an active search detector, carried by the rescuer, and a passive rescue reflector, carried by the user. When the radar signal hits the RECCO reflector, it is echoed back to the detector and points the rescuer in the direction of the victim.

“FWT is very proud to renew its partnership with Recco, an essential piece of the safety gear every freerider should be equipped with,” says Nicolas Hale-Woods, CEO of the Freeride World Tour. “Recco is not only a partner of the FWT events, but of the Qualifiers and Juniors series as well, representing over 6,000 riders worldwide, making each one of them a safety ambassador.” 

As part of its sustainability initiative, safety is one of the core values that the organization is focusing on, in addition to mobility and equality. During the mandatory rider’s meeting, all competitors receive a safety briefing and are educated about the importance of being searchable with all means in order to be found in case of an accident. 

“The RECCO system has been used by professional rescue teams for many years. Today we are proud to say that RECCO reflectors are, among the essential avalanche equipment, also recommended by such an opinion-leading organization as the FWT,” says Fredrik Steinwall, CEO at RECCO. 

Black Diamond and Vibram stand alongside RECCO as long-term safety partners of the FWT. Together, all three brands cover the well-being and safety of each competitor, from ascent to descent. 

To learn more about the importance of RECCO’s partnership with the FWT, please see here for a full interview with Nicolas Hale-Woods. 

About RECCO

RECCO® advanced rescue technology makes outdoor enthusiasts searchable to rescuers in case of an avalanche accident or when lost in the outdoors. The technology builds on a two-part radar system. Rescuers carry RECCO® detectors that send out search signals which are echoed by RECCO® reflectors, carried by the user. RECCO® detectors are used worldwide at more than 900 ski resorts and mountain rescue organizations in 32 countries. RECCO® reflectors are integrated into select apparel, helmets, protection gear and boots manufactured by more than 150 leading outdoor brands. RECCO AB was founded in 1983 in Sweden and is owned by its founder Magnus Granhed and the publicly traded investment company Traction AB (listed on OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm). More info at recco.com.

Honey Stinger Teams up with Angel McCoughtry to Inspire Atlanta Community with Revitalized Basketball Courts

Honey Stinger and Angel McCoughtry, WNBA superstar and two-time Olympic gold medalist, are set to unveil two refurbished basketball courts in Atlanta, Georgia. Located at Maddox Park, the courts are restored in partnership with Project Backboard, an organization that renovates public basketball courts with the goal of creating welcome spaces for the community. 

Sport has the power to transcend socioeconomic barriers and transform lives. But that’s only possible when aspiring athletes have access to the proper facilities and safe places to practice. McCoughtry and Honey Stinger hope the refurbished courts can be not only the catalyst that inspires local kids to chase their dreams, but also a friendly place for members of the community to enjoy the game of basketball.  

“As a little girl, I Ioved the game of basketball. It has taken me so many places I’ve never imagined. I’ve gotten to travel the world, learn different languages, eat different foods – and I never imagined that I’d be at the Olympics,” said McCoughtry, who also leads Honey Stinger’s Athlete Advisory Committee. “But the main thing that this game has given back to me is being able to be a philanthropist and give back to others. So with this court with Honey Stinger – we want to show kids that their dreams can come true, too. I can’t wait to hear the stories of little kids that started on me and Honey Stinger’s basketball court up at Maddox Park,” continued McCoughtry. 

The official unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony, which is being coordinated by Champions for Philanthropy, will take place at Maddox Park on October 25th. As part of the event, RISE will lead a panel discussion to celebrate Angel’s contributions to the game of basketball, exalt her love for her community and empower those present and beyond to lead by example.  

Following the ceremony and panel discussion, local youths from the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Clubs of America will have a chance to play on the newly finished courts and participate in drills led by local trainers and student-athletes from Clark Atlanta University. McCoughtry’s Ice Cream and Flavor on the Fork will be on site serving food and beverages, and youth participants will receive gift bags from Adidas and Honey Stinger. 

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About Honey Stinger  

Fueling more than 1,000 professional teams and collegiate athletic teams as well as countless athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike, Honey Stinger makes great tasting, convenient sports nutrition to help athletes Prepare, Perform, and Recover at their best. The company’s diverse product offering includes a variety of waffles, bars, chews, gels and hydration and more, providing delicious energy for every endeavor. Based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado since 2001, Honey Stinger’s products can be found at top retailers including grocers, convenience stores, sports retailers and online at www.honeystinger.com.  

 About Champions for Philanthropy 

Champions for Philanthropy (CFP) was founded in 2017 to assist professional athletes with furthering their philanthropic endeavors and social responsibility. CFP helps athletes, and other influential individuals, establish and/or manage their nonprofit organizations, as well as create other charitable vehicles, and provides direction and avenues to give back. Learn more at championsforphilanthropy.org. 

About RISE 

RISE is a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. Through partnerships and programs, RISE inspires leaders in sports to create positive change on matters of race and equality. RISE programs build skills and create safe spaces to have difficult conversations. RISE equips students, athletes, coaches and administrators with the tools to be culturally competent, effective advocates for racial equity and leaders in addressing racism, prejudice, diversity and inclusion. RISE’s vision is to create a nation unified through sports committed to racial equity and social justice. 

About Project Backboard 

Project Backboard is a 501(c)(3) organization, founded in 2015, whose mission is to renovate public basketball courts and install large scale works of site specific art on the surface in order to strengthen communities, improve park safety, encourage multi-generational play, and inspire people to think more critically and creatively about their environment.   

Matador Makes Ultralight Even Lighter with Beast28 Helium

BOULDER, Colo. (Oct. 19, 2022) – Matador Travel Equipment, the award-winning producer of high-performance travel equipment, today introduced the Beast28 Helium, a special-edition, ultralight version of the brand’s award-winning Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack. Constructed entirely with new, industry-leading materials, the Beast28 Helium cuts weight from the Beast28’s original design, while still offering a durable-yet-agile frame engineered for all technical outdoor pursuits.

“The Beast28 was already one of the lightest framed packs on the market – and now we’ve taken it one step further,” said Chris Clearman, founder and CEO of Matador. “By incorporating lighter-yet-stronger materials, we’ve shaved ounces while maintaining the structure and support that the Beast is known for. With the Beast28 Helium, we’ve done the unthinkable by making an ultralight pack even more ultralight.”

The Beast28 Helium is constructed from 70-denier ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) reinforced ripstop Nylon, a fabric with a strength-to-weight ratio many times greater than steel. The design maintains the Beast28’s unique flexible frame suspension system, which provides support and torsion with movement, while still allowing the bag to pack down small for travel, offering one of the most full-featured packable bags on the market.

Weighing in at a mere 22 ounces, the new design offers some additional upgrades from the original model, including polyurethane-coated YKK® sealing zippers. Matador also tweaked the bag’s aesthetic, with a blacked-out logo, reflective paracord exterior zipper pills and firehouse-red interior zipper pulls.  Additional features include an internal hydration sleeve, two oversized water bottle pockets, a removable hip belt, and an adjustable sternum strap.

“Travel that tests your limits deserves equipment that promises to do the same,” continued Clearman. “The Beast28 Helium is ready for the pursuit of whatever unique experience, location, or achievement awaits.”

The Matador Beast28 Helium (MSRP: $199.99) is available to purchase online 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.