Type: Articles

Tailwind Nutrition, the leading provider of simple and complete sports nutrition products for athletes, has made two moves that benefit not only the business, but the company’s hometown of Durango. This year, Tailwind moved to a new production and warehouse facility in La Plata County, and also hired Chris Jacobs as its new Chief Operating Officer. 

“Tailwind Nutrition continues to grow at a fast clip,” said Jenny Vierling, co-founder of Tailwind. “We outgrew our production facility three years ago, and it’s been a game of Tetris since. We’re thrilled to open our new facility with ample space for growth, keeping manufacturing and fulfillment here in Southwest Colorado. At the same time, we’re excited to welcome Chris Jacobs as COO, bringing his organizational expertise to help more athletes achieve their goals as we scale.” 

In his new leadership role, Jacobs will run the day to day functioning of the company – adding processes and systems that enable scalable growth from Tailwind’s Durango office. 

 By leveraging past experience and channeling the expertise he brings from the consumer packaged goods, e-commerce and outdoor industries, Jacobs is pouring his effort into creating scalable processes at Tailwind. With new products and the transition to a new, streamlined production and warehouse facility, Jacobs is focused on placing Tailwind on a continued path to growth.

“Moving to Durango to become part of this team is proving to be a fantastic decision for me,” Jacobs said. “The entire team is made up of active outdoor focused individuals who all simply want to help more people get outside and achieve their respective goals. That’s a great foundation to grow from, a great mission and a team I couldn’t be happier to be a part of.” 

Moving into his new position at Tailwind Nutrition, Jacobs aims to bring the company’s big impact back to its small town roots, starting with remaining committed to manufacturing their products locally in Durango, where they employ 30 people in the La Plata County community. 

Tailwind’s new facility will be located near the Durango-La Plata County Airport. The space is not only larger but optimized to be more efficient. Previously, production and warehousing/shipping were located in two separate buildings, causing employees to have to drive product between the two. Now the new facility will have both production and the warehouse under the same roof. The new streamlined flow and increased storage space will help Tailwind keep pace with growing demand. 

About Tailwind Nutrition

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2022, Tailwind Nutrition has been manufacturing all-natural sports nutrition products that are free of GMOs, dairy, soy, and gluten, are easy to digest, and support an athlete’s fueling and recovery needs during exercise. Owned, operated and manufactured in La Plata County, CO, Tailwind Nutrition’s specially formulated drink mixes help athletes perform and compete at their highest level without the worry of food allergies or sensitivities. Tailwind is all you need. Really™. For more information visit tailwindnutrition.com

New store will be the fourth location in New York and seventh in the Tri-State region 

SEATTLE – Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open a new store in Huntington, New York in summer 2023. The location will offer a wide assortment of apparel, gear and expertise for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, paddling, climbing, snowsports and more. For those who adventure on two wheels, a full-service bike shop will be staffed by certified mechanics. The store will also have a ski and snowboard shop with professional tuning, waxing and repairs.

“We’ve long been interested in better serving the Long Island outdoor community and in complement to our existing Tri-State stores,” said Sean Sampson, REI regional director. “As we do in every community where the co-op has a presence, our local team will seek partnerships with nonprofits to support their efforts in protecting natural places and welcoming more people outside.”

Store Facts         

• Address: Huntington Shopping Center; 350 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington, NY 11746.  The location is a former outdoor store.
• Store Size: Approximately 21,100 square feet
• Special Features: Full-service bike shop and ski and snowboard shop, buy online-pick up in store, and curbside pickup
• REI Co-op Membership: More than 847,000 members in the DMA and more than 665,000 members in New York State
• REI Stores in Tri-State: Carle Place, New York (15 miles away, opened 2011); SoHo in Manhattan, New York (36 miles away, opened 2011); Paramus, New Jersey (43 miles away, opened 2011), Norwalk, Connecticut (60 miles away, opened 2010); East Hanover, New Jersey (70 miles away, opened 2009); and Milford, Connecticut (62 miles away, opened 2016)

“REI is a terrific addition to our evolving line-up at Huntington Shopping Center and brings us closer to our vision of providing a dynamic mix of essential resources to the community as part of our center-wide redevelopment,” said Chris Fleming, vice president at Federal Realty. “Their brand and customer appeal aligns well with the tenants we’ll continue to unveil.”

As the country’s largest consumer co-op, anyone is welcome to shop and tap into the company’s resources in support of an active lifestyle. Members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits, including a used gear trade-in program; discounts on shop services and experiences; a share of the co-op’s annual profits based on qualifying purchases; and more. In addition to discounts at the co-op’s bike and ski shop, REI co-op members receive free flat-tire repair (labor only) and free machine wax for their skis or boards.

REI actively partners with nonprofits across the nation to steward and maintain local trails and public lands to connect more people to the outdoors. Last year, the co-op invested $7.1 million in more than 450+ nonprofits across the country. Over the last five years, the co-op has invested more than $745,000 in New York-based land agencies and nonprofit partners. Tri-State recipients include Catskill Center, Natural Areas Conservancy, Prospect Park Alliance, The Brown Bike Girl, and Transportation Alternatives.

The co-op launched the REI Cooperative Action Fund last year, a community-supported public charity designed to harness the collective power of the co-op’s members and employees to build a more just, equitable and inclusive outdoor culture. Tri-state nonprofits receiving funding in the initial year are Black Girls RUN! Foundation chapters, including Long Island; Fresh Tracks at Aspen Institute in Brooklyn; and Latino Outdoors in New York City.

Join the REI team 
REI expects to hire approximately 50 employees for REI Huntington. Candidates interested in joining the REI team can apply online at REI.com/jobs and a general timeline for hiring is here. Candidates can set up a job alert on the co-op’s career site to be notified when positions are posted. New employees will receive a wide variety of benefits, including generous product and service discounts, competitive pay and retirement contributions. REI employees also enjoy unique perks, such as two paid “Co-op Way Days” each year that allow them to enjoy their favorite outdoor activity and an additional paid day off on Black Friday to encourage all employees to #OptOutside.

About the REI Co-op
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of 21.5 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 178 locations in 42 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.

 

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Vasque Footwear, a family-owned company with more than 55 years of experience in the outdoor footwear sector, is pleased to announce several new hires across its product, merchandising and sales departments. These investments in talent will usher in an entirely new chapter of growth for the brand.

New additions to the Vasque brand include: Brandon Gough as North American Sales Manager, Jess Sandrin as Product Line Merchant and Scott Kendall as Footwear Designer. 

“Brandon’s values, experience and vision for the brand align perfectly with our growth strategy in North America,” said Joel Lee, Global Sales Director at Vasque. “He exemplifies the Vasque way of doing business and we are honored to have him on our team.” 

With 15 years of experience in the outdoor industry, Brandon Gough is a well-known and respected veteran in outdoor sales at companies like ExOfficio and most-recently Cascade Designs. In collaboration with Lee, Gough will launch new growth strategies, targeting ambitious goals in the US and Canada.

“We’ve established a bold vision for the future of Vasque Footwear, one that will see growth in our core hike business as well as introduce our brand to new consumers in new categories,” said Bryce Wernsman, President at Vasque. “Expanding our talent across our product and sales teams represent one of the most important investments we have made to bring this vision to life.  We are thrilled to have Scott, Jessica and Brandon join our team and are looking forward to seeing the long-term impact they will make on the Vasque brand.”

Jess Sandrin comes to Vasque after time at Red Wing Shoe Company and Michael Kors. As Product Line Merchant at Vasque, she will own product category strategy, selecting a core set of products that drive sales and growth while improving margins. Sandrin comes to Vasque with an understanding of opportunity around future customers and a passion for the outdoor industry

Scott Kendall is a proven industry veteran, with more than 25 years of footwear design experience at brands such as New Balance, Wilson and Puma. Joining the Vasque team last year, Kendall has already shaken up the product line. He’s been tasked with modernizing the brand’s design language, driving a move towards more sustainable materials and creating product designs that appeal to both the traditional hiker and a new, more athletic and lifestyle-minded outdoor consumer.

 

About Vasque: Vasque Footwear has delivered functional, durable footwear to millions of outdoor enthusiasts since 1964. We believe that you don’t have to go far to change your perspective. By simply stepping outside we can change how we feel on the inside. When we disconnect, we reconnect. Vasque Footwear – Trail Footwear Since 1964. Visit us at Vasque.com

Lake Oswego, OR (October 18, 2022) – Yakima, the pioneering manufacturer of cargo and gear management solutions, is excited to announce its new partnership with Meyer Distributing, the leading distributor of specialty automotive parts to retailers and dealers. After rekindling the two brands’ former relationship, Yakima products such as the award-winning EXO cargo management system are now available to Meyer’s network of retailers. 

 

Combining Yakima’s innovative mix of cargo management and basecamp equipment with Meyer’s great relationships and top-notch distribution network means Yakima products are more accessible than ever with aftermarket jobbers, RV and Marine dealers alike. 

“We see a growing opportunity across the aftermarket automotive segment to help consumers continue to accessorize their vehicles to support their outdoor endeavors,” says Eric Roesinger,  Channel Director for International and Developing Markets at Yakima. “This is the perfect opportunity to renew our relationship with such a dynamic, trusted distributor like Meyer.”

The new partnership introduces a new option for dealers looking to offer Yakima products, but who are not yet in a position to stock the full product assortment. Meyer makes it easy to add a few Yakima items to existing orders and realize freight savings due to their extensive distribution network and operations.

“Renewing this partnership with Yakima has been at the top of our list for years” states Nicholas Gramelspacher, VP of Brand Strategy for Meyer. “The growth and diversity we’ve experienced in the past several years with overlanding, e-bikes, marine and more make the timing of this partnership never more important. We’re so excited to be back with Team Yakima.”

Yakima and Meyer Distributing will be exhibiting at the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas Nov. 1-4, 2022, at booths #58069 and #60143, respectively. 

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About Yakima: 

Based in the Pacific NW, Yakima Products Inc. has been a pioneer of cargo and gear management solutions since 1979.  We connect people with their passions to bring them closer to nature with our innovative, rugged and dependable products.  Yakima Products, Inc. is headquartered outside of Portland, Oregon. For more information about Yakima products, visit yakima.com. 

 

 

About Meyer Distributing

Meyer Distributing is a leader in automotive specialty products marketing and distribution. Through numerous strategically positioned warehousing facilities, Meyer serves thousands of customers nationwide via Meyer Logistics direct ship.

 

TRENTON, N.J. (Oct. 18, 2022) — Princeton Tec, the family-owned personal lighting manufacturer that has built USA-made products since 1975, named Don Meredith as Vice President of Product. Meredith will lead product development with strategic focus on innovation, vitality, and growth. He joins Princeton Tec with more than 25 years of engineering, portfolio management, and marketing experience. 

Meredith began his career as a mechanical engineer at Bosch designing anti-lock brake systems. Following his time at Bosch, Don led engineering and product teams at Apex Tool Group for a decade. In 2012, he made the transition to Vice President of Product & Marketing for Sunex Tools in Greenville, SC. While in Greenville, he was able to blend his personal passion for the outdoors with his professional life to lead design, engineering, and product management for Confluence, the largest global manufacturer of kayaks. Meredith joined Princeton Tec as the Vice President of Product in June 2022. In this role he will use his extensive product and engineering experience to continue to drive brand innovation and streamline product design. 

Meredith joins Princeton Tec ahead of the launch of six new products in early 2023. In his role as Vice President of Product for Princeton Tec, Meredith will work to continue the innovative trajectory that’s taken the brand from dive products into headlamps, handhelds, tactical and industrial lighting over the past half century. 

“I am excited to take on my new role at Princeton Tec. The brand’s history of innovation in lighting over the past 47 years is impressive,” said Meredith. “I see endless opportunities to launch truly creative products and expand into adjacent markets. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and help Princeton Tec launch breakthrough new products.”

“As the third generation becomes actively involved in the family-owned company, Princeton Tec is at a pivotal point in our business,” explained Courtney Nelson, Chief Strategy Office. “Don’s experience and expertise in product engineering will elevate the brand as we enter into a new era.”

To learn more about Princeton Tec’s extensive line of personal lighting products and commitment to U.S. manufacturing, please visit princetontec.com. 

About Princeton Tec

Since 1975, Princeton Tec has developed products for everyone from the professional to the outdoor sports enthusiast. Now in its third generation of being family-owned and manufactured in the United States, Princeton Tec’s 47-year journey has created light where there is darkness in all corners of the world. The spirit of adventure and history of meeting challenges continue to drive the growth and development of Princeton Tec and its wide range of products.

Encourages further industry collaboration to meet the challenges of creating a circular economy throughout the ski industry

To initiate a more collective industry movement, the Rossignol Group today shared its plans for its new recyclable ski with all stakeholders in the mountain / winter sport segment. The aim is to actively contribute to the launch or development of exchangeable technical solutions that will further facilitate the recyclability of products throughout global mountain and winter sport markets. 

By 2028, the Rossignol Group expects that one-third of its ski ranges will be part of a circular economy approach.

An invitation to imagine the recycling of tomorrow, together 

The Rossignol Group aspires to create momentum and movement around the life cycle and recyclability of skis and winter sports equipment. To accelerate this transformation, the French company is emphasizing the importance of initiating a collaborative approach in order to collectively reduce the environmental impacts of the segment.

Highlighting its commitment, the Group has announced today that it will make the technical specificities of its first recyclable ski, the Essential, available to all, including industry peers and competitors. The details of the construction and composition of the Rossignol Essential ski will be available on an open access basis. Technical plans and nomenclature will be available on the Rossignol Group website here beginning October 18th. 

 Innovation at the heart of collaborative effort 

Following more than three years of investment in R&D, the Rossignol Group developed its first ski with a high recyclability potential of 77% ⎯ around 10 times higher than the average of skis currently manufactured today. By publicly sharing its first eco-responsible innovation, the Group hopes to foster the type of collective engagement that can move all stakeholders toward more sustainable production and a more circular economy.  

“We are very conscious of the current issues related to the recycling of winter sports equipment today. As a historic player in the mountain economy, we have a social and environmental responsibility to address this,” adds Vincent Wauters, CEO of the Rossignol Group. “Our desire is to encourage cooperative interaction amongst all stakeholders by exploring potential improvements in recyclability and the life cycle stages of products. This movement will only be possible together.”  

The desire to initiate a collaborative recycling process

Rossignol has collaborated with MTB. A key player in the field of recycling, MTB has developed a new process for grinding, separating, and re-using materials through a technological process that improves the recycling of conventional skis, and in particular, the new Rossignol Essential recyclable ski.

In addition to sharing the construction plans for the Essential, the Rossignol Group also wishes to promote the development of specific ski recycling channels. To this end, a massification of flows is envisioned that would allow 

the entire winter sports industry to benefit from the Group’s advances in the recycling and recovery of products at end-of-life.

In sharing the innovation and design of its first recyclable ski, the Group hopes to contribute to an acceleration in the global development of collective initiatives across various segments and global markets for the collection, recycling, and repurposing of winter sports equipment.  

 

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About the Rossignol Group

GROUP ROSSIGNOL: The Rossignol Group, headed by Vincent Wauters, manufactures and markets a broad range of mountain sports and outdoor equipment and apparel. The Group and its brands provide a continuous, year-round experience accompanying consumers in every moment of sporting effort and leisure, from elite-level athletes to amateurs, from the mountains to the city. The Group’s global headquarters is located in the French Alps near Grenoble with five different industrial sites across western Europe (Sallanches, Nevers, Saint Etienne de Saint Geoirs, Artès, Montebelluna) and a U.S. headquarters in Park City, Utah. The Group houses a strong portfolio of complementary brands: Rossignol – the iconic mountain sports and lifestyle brand including Alpine, Nordic, and Snowboard, Bike, Apparel and Footwear categories; Dynastar – the specialist ski brand; Lange – the iconic specialist ski boot brand; Look – the long-standing premium manufacturer of ski bindings; Risport – the reference for ice-skating; Kerma – specialized in ski poles and technical equipment; and Dale of Norway, an iconic Norwegian brand known for its high-quality wool-based knitwear. Each has built their own unique identity and draws their inspiration from the mountains. Rossignol is majority owned by Nordic Private Equity fund Altor since 2013.

The Reima x WWF collection is a tribute to Finland’s mysterious lynx and is made of more sustainable materials.

The Finnish kidswear brand Reima believes an active childhood helps kids grow up healthy and ready to take on the world to come – our one and only home planet, which we also must protect. This fall, Reima collaborates with WWF to raise funds for nature.

Reima, based in Finland and operational since 1944, currently leads the global market as a kids-only producer of performance wear for all climates. Reima design reflects the Scandinavian way of parenting, enabling kids’ active development of physical skills and exploration of the surrounding world. To this end, the company produces high-quality, tip-to-toe gear, perfected down to the smallest detail, for children of all ages.

For school start in fall 2022, Reima introduces a special collection the proceeds from which will go towards supporting WWF’s global conservation work. For every Reima x WWF collection item purchased between 15 July and 31 December 2022, Reima will donate €2 to WWF’s global conservation efforts. The total amount of the contribution – a minimum of €100,000 – will be shared on www.reima.com/wwf after the campaign has ended.

Reima is all about caring for our kids and their future. Saving our planet’s precious resources for generations to come is one of Reima’s priorities, which is why the company decided to initiate this cooperation. As Reima Chief Experience Officer Johanna Sarviharju puts it,

”We’re so happy to partner with WWF and create this fun sustainable collaboration, starring the lynx! Reima x WWF collection is a concrete action on how much we Finns love our forests and how important it is to protect wildlife and biodiversity, letting our kids and cubs play freely all around the world – now and in the future.”

WWF International Corporate Partnerships Director David Bloch says, “WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of our natural environment and build a future where humans live in harmony with nature. We do this work for current and future generations. For this reason, we are excited about this first collaboration with Reima which adheres to a high level of durability and environmental standards, aims to inspire children’s love for the outdoors, and also raise funds for WWF’s conservation work.”

Eco-conscious design, inspired by the shy lynx

The Reima x WWF collection design inspiration is the lynx, Finland’s only wild cat: a quiet, mysterious creature that avoids contact with humans. This intriguing animal has inspired Reima designers to create an elegant, classic children’s collection that’s sure to stand the test of time.

All Finns know the lynx lives in our forests, but it’s so wary most of us never get to see it in nature. In fashion, leopard spots are a long-time favorite, so we thought it a refreshing change to introduce our own spots, based on the beautiful fur of the lynx. This is the backbone of the Reima x WWF collection that raises funds for protecting all nature, explains Sari Perttunen, Reima’s Chief Creative Officer.

Reusing our clothes is by far the easiest way to reduce their environmental impact, and kids can grow out of theirs quite quickly. That’s why Reima clothes are always high quality and made to last. Because the designs as well as the color palette in this collection are timeless, these items can be used by several kids, way beyond their first season.

Easy to mix and match

The Reima x WWF collection consists of nine essential pieces: a light quilted jacket with zip-off sleeves, various cotton jersey garments, and sneakers. They are all designed to work together and take kids in style from the late days of summer all the way to fall when it’s time to start school again. Apart from the super sweet, hooded toddler overall in sizes 92-116 cm, all clothes come in double sizes 98/104 – 158/164, matching the average kids’ size range from 3 to 14 years.

Reducing the impact of clothing materials

Recent research shows the textile industry’s environmental impacts are mostly connected to the making of textile materials. When choosing materials, Reima designers always keep environmental factors in mind. For the jacket, they chose 100% recycled polyester that has a much smaller carbon footprint than virgin material. The main fabrics and insulation are all 100% recycled and also bluesign® approved*, and as usual, the surface of the main fabric is finished to be water and repellent without fluorocarbons**. For the innerwear, organic cotton was the obvious choice, as no harmful pesticides or herbicides are allowed in its making. In the sneakers upper, there’s durable hemp and in the grippy Vibram outsoles, there’s a minimum of 30% recycled rubber. 

In cooperation with nature photographer Konsta Punkka

The key image for the Reima x WWF campaign was taken by Konsta Punkka, a Finnish wildlife photographer who has attracted a large fan base for his wildlife photos on social media. During the campaign, Reima will be sharing Konsta’s pro tips on photographing animals and nature for those who are interested in using their own cameras to observe nature’s wonders.

Interesting fact: At the time when this press release was written, despite many years of effort, Konsta still hadn’t managed to capture a portrait of the lynx! So, this beautiful cat continues enchanting him, as it has enchanted and inspired Reima designers.

*Reima is a bluesign^® system partner.

bluesign^® system partners are responsibly acting parties of the textile value chain committed to applying the bluesign^® system. They aim to continuously improve their environmental performance and are focused on a sustainable future. All bluesign^® approved fabrics are produced with safe chemistry and minimum impact on people and the environment.

**Why no fluorocarbons?

Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) belong to a larger group known as fluorocarbons. All fluorocarbon water & dirt repellents are made with PFCs or substances that can biodegrade to PFCs. Their performance is excellent, BUT they:

• are stable – they take a long time to degrade in nature
• accumulate in the environment and in all animals & humans
• appear to be carcinogenic
• may affect reproduction and hormone production in mammals

What does Reima use instead of PFCs?

• BIONIC-FINISH^® ECO by RUDOLF group – based on hyper-branched polymers called dendrimers
• Teflon^TM EcoElite^TM – a renewably sourced, bluesign^® approved plant-based finish

Reima briefly

Reima is a globally leading kids’ activewear brand. Founded in Finland in 1944, Reima employs over 400 people. The company’s turnover was €147 million in 2021. Reima’s products are available in over 50 countries. Reima’s mission is to gear up the next generation of happy, active kids, preparing them for the world to come. Our design principles are innovation, functionality, sustainability, safety, and fresh Finnish design. The clothing is approved by the world’s toughest testers: children. Read more about this special collection at www.reima.com/wwf

Legendary snowboarder adds new board designs, goggles, and winter apparel to evolving Whitespace brand, sold exclusively at Backcountry

Shaun White, three-time Olympic gold medalist and winner of the most X-Games gold medals in history, builds upon his namesake brand with the addition of premium apparel and gear collections designed for on and off the mountain moments. Developed alongside outdoor retailer Backcountry, Whitespace gear combines White’s 30 years of professional riding experience, his unique style, and Backcountry’s industry-leading expertise. 

“For me, Backcountry felt like the obvious first choice for this partnership,” says White. “Besides being a personal fan of Backcountry, they have over 25 years of experience in the outdoor retail business, and it all started with skiing and riding. It’s really important to me that people who use Whitespace products will get the right product personally tailored to their individual needs. Backcountry’s Gearheads are always on call with the knowledge and expertise needed to point you in the right direction. I’m really excited to see what we do together in the next couple years.”

White combines form and function in the brand’s first line of apparel. The concept behind the collection is that everything can be worn on the mountain and in the city. The Whitespace 3L Performance 3 in 1 Sherpa Jacket ($499 USD) can be stripped down to the essential elements, boasting more function out of less gear. The removable high-pile Sherpa fleece jacket provides an additional layer of insulation on the mountain but can be worn as a stylish standalone piece for post-ride drinks. The collection also includes streetwear-style items like the Whitespace SW Signature Puffy Jacket ($299 USD) and the Whitespace Merino Thermal Base Layer Mock Neck ($119 USD). Both are built for bitterly cold days of riding or getting around town. Whether dropping into a halfpipe or facing a snowy commute, the urban style jacket’s high-loft baffles filled with synthetic insulation retains warmth even when wet. Add in a base layer for premium comfort and slip it under a peacoat for a casual dinner look in the evening. Each piece is designed for everyday life, so you’re getting more out of your gear and traveling lighter.

Whitespace has also expanded its line of high-performance hardgoods. Following the success of the inaugural, limited edition snowboard, White has added three new board designs to the collection, including the Freestyle Shaun White Pro ($575 USD), AMF Park Twin ($550 USD), and Powder! ($595 USD). In addition to snowboards, Whitespace introduces its first line of goggles built for advanced eye protection and visibility at every turn. The collection offers three new models with varying features at a price range of $74 – $289 USD.

“Shaun White is a true creative and visionary,” says Melanie Cox, Backcountry CEO. “His passion for snowboarding and streetwear fashion is really brought to life in his new collection. His unique style shines through in each piece, effortlessly blending technical features with contemporary silhouettes. As the exclusive retail partner of Whitespace, Backcountry is proud to partner with Shaun and bring his collection to market.”

As the Whitespace brand evolves, White expects it to transcend snowboarding and expand into other sports, while maintaining its core style and ability to exist on and off the mountain.

The new Whitespace collection is available now at https://www.backcountry.com/whitespace.

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About Whitespace
Founded in 2022, Whitespace is an active lifestyle brand created by Olympic gold medalist, Shaun White. The signature brand inspires focus and motivation that clears the noise, turns doubts into drop-ins, and unlocks the send. Rooted in snowsports, Whitespace makes premium gear and apparel for snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, hiking, training, as well as casual streetwear for everyday life. 

About Backcountry
From the one-on-one expertise of our Gearheads to our epic selection of the best in both style and performance, Backcountry has been a leading outdoor retailer since 1996. Dialing in your gear closet, exploring your backcountry, recharging with après—Backcountry elevates the entire outdoor experience. In 2018, Backcountry began building its own Gearhead-inspired products; the fast-growing Built By Backcountry ski, MTB, climb, hike, fly fish, and après lines include collabs with brands like GORE-TEX Technology, Burton, and Simms. Seek it, find it, send it—the Goat takes you further.

The new assortment combines the confidence of VSSL’s water-resistant, ultra-durable cylinders with the freedom to customize first aid supplies based on needs

ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia – Oct. 17, 2022 – VSSL, creator of premium gear that enables self-reliance in the outdoors, today released the First Aid Stash collection, an assortment of first aid tools that can be completely customized based on user needs. The Stash collection offers VSSL’s signature, water-resistant, military-grade aluminum capsules with multiple endcap options, each housing a combination of sizes of VSSL’s screw-top storage tins.

“This isn’t your typical first aid kit,” said Todd Weimer, founder of VSSL. “One of the reasons I started VSSL was because I didn’t like carrying around gear I didn’t need or use.  The First Aid Stash gives our consumers the ability to customize their first aids kits for whatever adventure they’re preparing for with the compact, durable peace of mind that VSSL is known for. Stash one with your camping gear and one in your glovebox.”  

The build-your-own approach of the VSSL First Aid Stash collection allows users to create intentional first aid kits based on specific activity and intended need. The Stash collection includes four completely customizable kits with varying features, in a variety of sizes:

• VSSL First Aid Stash + Compass/Light [MSRP: $80 USD] – End-capped with an oil-filled compass and a four-mode LED light, featuring three empty storage tins (two extra-large, one small), this Stash offers 40 hours of illumination and the confidence that supplies are safe and dry.
• VSSL First Aid Stash + Utility Light [MSRP: $70 USD] – With four empty storage tins (one extra-large, two large, one small) and a four-mode LED light endcap, this Stash has the power to illuminate a large area for up to 40 hours while keeping first aid supplies dry and ready for the unexpected.
• VSSL First Aid Stash Mini + Utility Light [MSRP: $65 USD] – A compact Stash that’s ready to take on whatever is in store, with four storage tins (three large, one small) and a four-mode LED light endcap – with plenty of room for the essentials, yet compact enough to stash wherever it may be needed.
• VSSL First Aid Stash Mini [MSRP: $45 USD] – With three large storage tins and Adventure Tape within, this ultra-compact first aid kit is a minimalist essential for every adventure-seeker.

The VSSL First Aid Stash collection is now available at select retailers and online at www.vsslgear.com.

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About VSSL
VSSL makes integrated gear systems designed for the outdoors. We’re experts in self-sufficiency and believe good things come to those who are ready. Our essential supplies, purpose-built equipment and compact storage solutions are housed in durable vessels – field-tested in Canada and made to last.

Visit: vsslgear.com or www.instagram.com/vssl for more information.

Outdoor Vitals, the Utah-based performance outdoor apparel and gear brand, today set a new benchmark in breathable insulation with the release of its Vario Jacket. The Vario is a versatile, 9 oz. jacket with breathable insulation and body-mapped ventilation designed for active performance.   
 
Outdoor Vitals utilized innovative technology to make the Vario one of the more dynamic jackets available. Both the 3DeFX insulation and durable ripstop nylon fabric of the jacket stretch while the user is moving; that stretching causes tiny coils, much like trampoline springs, to expand, allowing more heat to escape. When the fabric and insulation are not being stretched with motion, the coils contract, making the jacket insulate more.   
 
The 3DeFX insulation performs well when damp and has a fantastic warmth-to-weight ratio. Outdoor Vitals was able to ensure that 50 percent of the premium insulating material is recycled, reducing the jacket’s environmental impact without sacrificing durability or performance.  
 
“After our success with the Ventus Hoodie, we set out to make a jacket that utilizes the same innovative materials but with more insulation, pockets, and a full-length zipper,” said Tayson Whittaker, founder of Outdoor Vitals. “Those additions make the Vario a highly versatile piece that is perfect for a broad range of active pursuits in cold weather and provides an abundance of warmth in a lightweight package.”  
 
Perforated underarm vents help to shed heat buildup when the heart rate rises, while an unobtrusive insulated hood and lightweight coating on the exterior provide protection from the elements. The ultralight jacket is highly compressible, packing down to the size of a grapefruit, making it a great option for any adventure, from backpacking trips to international travel. Available in men’s and women’s versions, this exciting new offering is available for $209.97. 
 
To learn more about the Vario Jacket, visit www.outdoorvitals.com.  

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About Outdoor Vitals  

Unencumbered by price points or corporate strategies, Outdoor Vitals is passionate about helping others to live ultralight, and its sole mission is to provide gear that makes backcountry travel easier. Outdoor Vitals is committed to designing innovative products that make the outdoors more comfortable, cutting out everything that is unnecessary without impeding function or durability. The result is a line of carefully constructed products that are ideal for backcountry travel. Today, Outdoor Vitals offers a wide array of unique products, including backpacks, jackets, tents, pants, baselayers, sleep systems, and more.