Gain exclusive insights on the state of the outdoor market including participation, consumer trends, and economic and social forces impacting our industry.
Continue readingSign-On Letter: PFAS Reporting Requirement Extension for Outdoor Brands Selling Goods in Maine
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
State and Local Policy Dispatch: Q4 2022
We blinked, and suddenly we are heading full speed toward midterms! The next quarter promises to be both exciting and impactful as we gear up for next year.
Continue readingORTOVOX 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.
Snow Peak Opens New Retail Location in Brooklyn
Snow Peak, the Japanese outdoor lifestyle brand, is pleased to announce the opening of its new Brooklyn retail location. Embracing the neighborhood’s thriving business environment, outdoor community and access to green spaces, Snow Peak is opening its doors at 76 North Sixth Street in Williamsburg with a Grand Opening Celebration on October 21st.
Based in Portland, Oregon, Snow Peak USA has operated a retail location in Soho since 2015. The relocation to Brooklyn will provide significantly more space to provide a fuller expression of the brand’s product offering.
“We’re thrilled to be opening our new space in Brooklyn and honored to join the neighborhood’s thriving business community. “Our expanded footprint will bring the brand to life in a more meaningful representation of the products and possibilities that our assortment can deliver to support our customer’s lifestyles,” said Jason McGibbon, Snow Peak USA’s Chief Revenue Officer. “We hope to be a hub of inspiration for new and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts alike. We look forward to welcoming Snow Peakers not only from New York but also the larger region as we deepen our presence on the East Coast.”
The new space features 30-foot ceilings and a mezzanine where shoppers can browse the brand’s assortment of outdoor gear and apparel and will have ample space for community events.
“The new location is more than double the size of our previous store, which will allow us to better showcase our larger products such as our tents, tarps, and furniture.” said Hallie Church, Retail Expansion Manager at Snow Peak. “Our New York customers will finally be able to experience these products in their intended setting, as our Portland customers have been able to do since the opening of HQ4.”
The design and build-out of the space was a collaboration between Portland, Oregon-based interior design firm North 45 Projects and Brooklyn-based architecture firm Starling Architecture.
“Inspired by the unique space and working closely with Snow Peak, we sought to create a retail experience that allows for the ever-evolving storytelling of the Snow Peak brand,” said Eric Cheong of North 45 Studios. “In the space, we celebrate the abundant natural light and indoor-outdoor connection with a bespoke shelving system that complements the exquisite Snow Peak goods and apparel.”
“Color palette and materiality were based on the evolution of the Snow Peak flagship store in Portland, Oregon, but tailored to the Williamsburg space through bold paint contrasts, demassing the volume,” said Ian Starling of Starling Architecture. “Carefully selected douglas fir timbers, chosen for their rustic grain and joined with custom hardware, evoke both the natural world and mindfulness of design. The geometry and rhythm of the timber shelving harken toward traditional joinery while providing human scale and texture to the space.
Snow Peak will host its grand opening on Oct 21st and festivities will carry on through Oct 23rd, featuring food and beverages from local partners, limited welcome gifts, in-store promotions, and demonstrations. Customers will have the opportunity to chat with retail staff as well as team members visiting from the brand’s Portland HQ.
Snow Peak Brooklyn will be open 11am to 7pm Monday through Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday. Follow on Instagram at @snowpeakbrooklyn.
About Snow Peak
Founded in Japan in 1958, Snow Peak has been serving customers in the USA for more than 20 years, with a mission to unite people and alleviate the stresses of modern life through time gathering outside. Its Japanese-designed, lifetime-guaranteed outdoor goods serve as a catalyst for restorative experiences in nature. Focused on bringing people together, Snow Peak operates immersive retail locations in Portland and Brooklyn, as well as a Portland restaurant, Takibi, a PNW izakaya that brings to life the brand’s belief that time spent sharing food and drink by the fire is the best way to connect with one another. snowpeak.com
Backpacker’s Pantry Welcomes New CEO
Duane Primozich joins the Backpacker’s Pantry team with more than 20 years of natural foods experience.
Backpacker’s Pantry, a family-owned maker of gourmet adventure meals, welcomes Duane Primozich as the company’s new CEO. In this role, Primozich will work closely with owner and head chef Soraya Smith to continue Backpacker’s Pantry’s 71-year legacy of delivering the highest quality, best tasting gourmet adventure meals to consumers, while maintaining the family’s vision of the business. He will also further Backpacker’s Pantry’s commitment to sustainability, the environment, preservation of wilderness, and sustainable food industry practices.
“It’s with much excitement and ambition that the Smith family welcomes our dear friend, Duane into our Backpacker’s Pantry family. While this will be the first time in 51 years that our CEO has not had the last name of Smith, we remain family-owned and are thrilled to have such a qualified, passionate leader to help carry us into the next chapter, championing our commitments to food excellence in creating the best adventure food on the planet,” said Soraya Smith. “We believe that as CEO, Duane will bring integrity and passion to our shared core values of creating great food, intentional ingredient sourcing, employee health and happiness, customer service and service to our planet, all the while leading our family of brands into their full potential.”
Prior to joining American Outdoor Products (AOP), the parent company of Backpacker’s Pantry, Duane had a decades-long career founding, building, advising, and sitting on the Boards of more than 20 natural foods companies. He started his career at Frontier Natural Products Co-op and since then has been involved with Silk Soymilk, EPIC Provisions, Hope Foods, REBBL, High Brew Coffee, Bonafide Provisions, Bobo’s Oat Bars and several others, while also having co-founded Pixie Mate, a Boulder-based Yerba Mate tea brand and two natural foods-focused investment funds.
“We have known for some time that to realize the full potential of this business and our environmental stewardship efforts we would likely have to seek some help from outside the family. This especially came to light over the past few years as greater demands were placed on AOP due to growth, post-COVID complexities and climate change’s adverse impact on the food industry,” said Ron Smith, owner and founder of American Outdoor Products. “What we would never have dreamed of is that the person we’ve been looking for was our close friend and neighbor, Duane. He is like family and brings a wealth of food and leadership experience to our team.”
As CEO, Primozich will prioritize Backpacker’s Pantry’s environmental commitment. In the past decade, Backpacker’s Pantry has focused on creating authentic recipes, using healthy and sustainable ingredients, making environmentally sound business decisions, and increasing conservation and philanthropic efforts. With 391 solar panels on its Boulder, Colo. headquarters, the company is 100% solar powered. The company currently partners with 1% For the Planet, The Conservation Alliance, American Hiking Society, SOIL Slow Money, Thorne Nature Experience and Cal-Wood Education Center.
Outside of work, Primozich can be found rafting rivers, woodworking, bowhunting, fly fishing, playing guitar and enjoying remote wilderness areas with his wife and three kids.For more information on Backpacker’s Pantry, please visit: https://backpackerspantry.com
About Backpacker’s Pantry
Backpacker’s Pantry is a Boulder-based, family-owned producer of gourmet adventure meals made with healthy and sustainable ingredients. Since 1951, the company has been delivering high-quality freeze-dried meals with an emphasis on taste. To give back to the community we love, the places we adventure and the planet we must protect, Backpacker’s Pantry donates 1% of every sale, everyday to nonprofits around the world through 1% For The Planet and is 100% solar powered. Today, Backpacker’s Pantry is sold in over 2,000 stores in North America. 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; Chef Soraya grab-and-go plant-based meals; and Colorado Spice, all-natural and organic artisan spice blends. To learn more, visit: https://backpackerspantry.com.