Type: Articles

SITKA Gear Introduces: SITKA STUDIO

A Collaboration For Conservation Launches with Martin Guitar and Thomas Rhett

SITKA Gear is thrilled to introduce SITKA STUDIO, a new innovation incubator that aims to expand the boundaries of culture through design exploration, brand collaborations and conservation. To debut SITKA STUDIO, the brand has partnered with one of America’s oldest instrument makers, Martin Guitar, and three-time ACM Male Artist of the Year winner, Thomas Rhett, in a Collaboration for Conservation. “Together we created a custom Martin guitar symbolizing our collective stoke for wild places, craftsmanship and music,” said SITKA STUDIO’s Brand & Creative Leader, Brad Christian.

In honor of these iconic brands, SITKA STUDIO has customized a one-of-one Martin HD-28 to feature a GORE-TEX Fabric pickguard in OPTIFADE Camo and SITKA’s “Darkest Before Dawn” mallard design inlay.

From September 29, 2022 through November 15, 2022, SITKA will auction off the customized guitar, which Thomas Rhett has been playing on his BRING THE BAR TO YOU TOUR, with the goal to fund an ambitious waterfowl research project with partners including University of Arkansas at Monticello, California Waterfowl, Five Oaks Ag Research & Education Center, Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited and other conservation organizations. The monies raised by the sale of this guitar will be used to encourage a national collaboration with on-going projects to establish a continent-wide study of Mallard ducks. SITKA will match auction bids up to $50,000 to help further fund these efforts.

“This guitar has been out with me from coast to coast this summer and I’m pumped to pass it on to the new owner in November,” said Thomas Rhett, a special friend of SITKA and Martin Guitar ambassador. “It makes more than music. It makes a statement that represents my love for the outdoors and our efforts to keep it wild for generations to come.”

“As hunters and harvesters, we have the opportunity, and responsibility, to support the ecosystems that sustain us. It’s this belief that fuels SITKA’s relentless support of conservation efforts and with the Collaboration for Conservation, we couldn’t bemore excited to contribute to this waterfowl research project as a part of our wider effort,” said Lindsey Davis, SITKA’s Director of Conservation

Bid on this guitar or see how you can get involved in making a difference at https://app.galabid.com/thomas-rhett-guitar

About SITKA STUDIO

SITKA Studio is a new innovation incubator, brought to life by SITKA Gear, that strives to press the boundaries of creativity and build unique products and experiences. In 2022, SITKA Studio was founded and built on similar principles and culture through design exploration, brand collaborations, and conservation.

For more information, visit Sitka.com or follow us on Instagram @sitkastudio

About Thomas Rhett

Ten years after signing his record deal with Big Machine Label Group’s The Valory Music Co., arena-packing superstar Thomas Rhett — dubbed “the most reliable maker of No. 1 singles in country music” (Variety) — has 19 multi-PLATINUM and GOLD-certified No. 1 hits, 12 BILLION streams and the longest current active streak of consecutive No. 1s in the format (Mediabase/Country Aircheck Chart). Declared “a prince in the genre” (USA Today), he has been honored with eight ACM Awards including Entertainer of the Year, two CMA Awards, five GRAMMY nominations, plus trophies from the CMT Music Awards, Billboard Awards and iHeartRadio Awards, in addition to being recognized with two CMA Triple Play awards forpenning three No. One songs within a 12-month period. The superstar’s critically-acclaimed sixth studio album WHERE WE STARTED is available now, with single “Half of Me,” featuring Riley Green, currently climbing the charts. Inspired by family, friends and his love of the outdoors, Thomas Rhett is also the co-founder of Dos Primos Tequila and is collaborating with Chaco on an exclusive sandal line. He is currently taking the hits on the road with his BRING THE BAR TO YOU TOUR. For more information, visit https://www.sitkagear.com/guitar

AutoCamp Hospitality Group is launching a new lodging brand, Field Station, an inspiring and inclusive modern lodging brand for the active outdoor community. Designed as the ultimate experience from affordable accommodations to easy exploration, Field Station offers several room types, onsite guides, turnkey outdoor equipment rentals and retail, educational programming, DIY or guided experiences, an espresso cafe, and biergarten. Both guests and the community at large can enjoy lodging amenities and programming.

Field Station is upcycling and renovating existing lodges and motels in prime outdoor destinations to provide inclusive, supportive, and sustainable basecamps for exploring nearby natural areas. The first location will open in Moab, Utah, in early 2023, with non-peak season rates starting from $159 for rooms. One additional location is set to open in 2023 in Joshua Tree, Calif. followed by a Lake Tahoe, Calif. location in 2024.

Neil Dipaola founded AutoCamp Hospitality Group in 2013 to make it easier for people to experience nature by integrating beautiful design and welcoming hospitality in the outdoors. The group’s first brand, AutoCamp, has revolutionized alternative lodging by blending the spirit of the American camping experience with the service and design of a boutique hotel.

“The success of AutoCamp inspired us to create Field Station to make it even easier for everyone to get outside, more often,” said Neil Dipaola, CEO and founder of AutoCamp Hospitality Group.

“We believe the world would be a better place if more people could experience the outdoors, so we’re on a mission to empower all people to get outside with greater comfort, ease, knowledge and support,” added Dipaola. “There are many exciting locations around the country that cater to adventurous travelers yet fall short in the hospitality category. Field Station transforms the outdoor lodging experience in an entirely new way to help connect even more people with nature.” 

An Experience from the Outside In
Upon arrival, Field Station guests are greeted by a Field Station team member who collaborates with them to create the adventure they are looking for, from a fully curated experience to a DIY adventure. Guests can easily access gear from the onsite rental service or the retail shop. Field Station rooms are equipped with ample gear storage from bike racks to Dometic Outdoor coolers.

Libations are at the ready at the onsite Gear + Beer, where guests can pick up or drop off gear while enjoying an array of food and beverages. Outside, both guests and locals alike relax, enjoy a beverage, mingle around the campfires, or enjoy an outdoor film screening together. Guides, fresh from their latest adventures, connect with guests to swap stories, offering up curated hiking and trail recommendations and information from their AllTrails shortlist.

In the evening, Field Station serves as a community outpost for education, both for the local community and its guests. Weekly programming and classes will include topics such as survivalist skills, the local history of Indigenous Peoples, backcountry clinics, on-trail bike tire patching, sustainable stewardship and Leave No Trace principles, and more. From there, guests drift off to bed dreaming of – and totally stoked for – their next adventure.

Field Station Lodge Features:

• Thoughtfully designed rooms for comfort and relaxation with ample and creative space for gear storage. Rooms range from premium king to double queen with bunk room and accessible options. A selection of rooms also feature Black Diamond Portaledges offering guests the experience of what it feels like to sleep in a hanging bed used by rock climbers on cliff faces
• A refreshing pool and deck experience perfect for a pre- or post-adventure plunge.
• Group meeting space for events, curated programming, workshops, and demo days.
• Espresso bar and a fresh food cafe with eat-in or grab-and-go options.
• Gear + Beer for dropping off gear rentals and grabbing a cold one and some bites after a day full of adventure.
• Van Life Spots with access to all communal areas, WiFi, hookups, and communal bathrooms and showers.

Beautifully Designed for Function and Adventure
Inspired by Scandinavian industrial (ScanDustrial) design, Field Station is designed for function while fostering practicality. The lodge embraces clean lines, open environments, and raw materials with a utilitarian approach to enhance outdoor discoveries, including stunning photography from adventure photographer Cliford Mervil. Thoughtful room designs create spaces for gear and extra amenities. In-room food and beverages are available for purchase to fuel guests at any hour.

Brands featured throughout Field Station locations include Dometic Outdoor coolers, Black Diamond outdoor equipment and apparel, Outdoor Research clothing and gear, Picture Organic Clothing, AllTrails onsite recommendations and curated trail lists and Cliford Mervil photography.

Field Station Maps Growth for the Future
Field Station plans growth nationwide, selecting locations adjacent to national parks and well-loved outdoor recreation corridors. Brands interested in partnering with Field Station are encouraged to contact partnerships@fieldstation.com.

“We know that travel and outdoor recreation have a big impact on the environment,” added Dipaola. “We stand for an approach where caring for the places we choose to play is inseparable from the playing itself, and we impart this ethos onto our guests.”

Visit fieldstation.com to sign up for the brand’s newsletter, updates on when reservations open for Field Station Moab, upcoming locations, and exclusive offers.

 

About Field Station
Field Station, a division of AutoCamp Hospitality Group, empowers all people to get outside with greater comfort, ease, knowledge, and support. Field Station lovingly renovates and upcycles old lodges and motels in prime outdoor destinations to create supportive and sustainable basecamps for exploring nearby natural areas. Thoughtfully designed for gear storage and function, Field Station’s utilitarian approach to supported exploration is emphasized throughout its rooms, retail, and interactive lobby experience. Field Station will open its first location in early 2023 in Moab, Utah, with additional locations set to open within the year. Visit fieldstation.com for more information and follow along on Instagram (@field.stn), Facebook (@stayfieldstation) and Twitter (@fieldstn_) for updates.

Swedish outdoor cooking brand presents lineup of outdoor cooking products perfect for two-wheeled adventures 

LOUISVILLE, Colo. (Sept. 27, 2022) — Primus, the Swedish cooking equipment brand, equips cyclists with all the gear needed to cook high-quality meals with its new Feed Zone collection, available in Spring 2023. Highlights from the Feed Zone collection include a compact stove, coffee and tea press and double-walled steel mug. The entire Feed Zone system packs neatly into a rolltop bag that seamlessly attaches to bike frames or handlebars, or fits in panniers.

Feed Zone is the common term used to refer to the location along a bicycle race where participants are allowed to refuel, supported by their crew team. The Feed Zone collection takes refueling to a new level, featuring a tried-and-true outdoor cooking system for bike packing, adventure cycling, gravel riding, or any other two-wheeled outing.

“Meal bars and gels are fine, but why not enjoy some real food out on the bike?” says Primus Head of Product and Supply Chain Niklas Liljedahl. “The Primus Feed Zone Collection enables cyclists to easily enjoy a cup of coffee on the go, or even a full meal, and only weighs 2 pounds including the stove, coffee press, mug, and rolltop bag.”

Feed Zone Collection

Lite Plus Stove
A compact and lightweight stove system that can feed 1-2 people on a bike adventure and offers an extremely efficient heating in an easy-to-use, easy-to-pack footprint. The aluminum 0.5-liter pot attaches and locks to the burner with a simple twist and the Piezo igniter lights the stove with a push of a button. 14.1 oz., $119.95

Coffee and Tea Press
This collapsible press turns the Lite Plus Stove system into a French press for enjoying coffee and tea outdoors. The press effortlessly unscrews to pack flat into the Feed Zone Rolltop Bag with other stove accessories. 1.4 oz., $15.95

Koppen Mug
Designed to maintain drink temperatures whether hot or cold, the Koppen Mug is made from food-grade stainless steel that doesn’t pick up or give off any flavors. The lid keeps beverages in place while a small opening allows drink access and the sleek hinged handles fold flat for easy and compact packing. 7.5 oz., $24.95

Rolltop Bag
A durable storage solution to keep cooking equipment clean and organized when out riding, this waterproof rolltop bag stores the Feed Zone collection perfectly and can be attached directly to the bike frame for convenient access or be inserted into a pannier. 2.8 oz., $39.95

Additional products in the Feed Zone collection include a titanium Trail Spork, Long Spoon, Bike Bottle, Klunken Bottle, and Cycling Cap.

For recipes, tips and tricks for cooking with the Feed Zone collection, please visit https://camp.primusequipment.com/.

For media inquiries, please contact Rob Steffens, rob.steffens@rygr.us.

About PRIMUS: The Swedish company PRIMUS has been creating products for outdoor use since 1892. They have been tested on expeditions by such pioneers as Roald Amundsen and Sir Edmund Hillary. PRIMUS is known for is reliable safe and innovative products, mainly produced in Europe, that make people enjoy their outdoor adventures – both big and small. The focus is on creating environmentally friendly, easy to use and lightweight products. Mainly made in Europe, sold in more than 60 countries worldwide. PRIMUS AB, based in Solna (Sweden), is an independent part of Fenix Outdoor AB.

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The Conservation Alliance is excited to present the recipients of its Summer 2022 Grants. In this cycle, $690,000 in grants were dispersed to 16 organizations working to protect outdoor spaces and wild places throughout North America. To date, they have awarded $1.8 million in 2022 and are on track to award $2.2 million by the end of this year, matching an all-time grant-giving high for the organization.

 

The Alliance evaluated 50 proposals before narrowing the field to the 16 recipients. Grantees were chosen by The Conservation Alliance member companies through a nomination and voting process. Four conservation groups – United Tribes of Bristol Bay, Colorado Wildlands Project, Dolores River Boating Advocates, and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers – are working on priority campaigns.

 

“The strength of The Conservation Alliance comes from our member companies, whose annual dues fund our grant programs. We hope the infusion of capital into these land and water conservation projects, that are so critical to preserving wild places across the continent, paired with our collective advocacy will be the boost these projects need to get across the finish line,” said Shoren Brown, interim Executive Director at The Conservation Alliance.

 

The 16 projects are located across 12 American states – Vermont, Minnesota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Michigan, Colorado, New Mexico, and Washington – and one Canadian province – British Columbia.

 

The Conservation Alliance works with 270 member companies to identify important conservation projects that seek to protect wildlife habitat and access to recreation. Each member company contributes annual dues to a central grant fund, and funding is disbursed twice annually to the grassroots groups working to secure these protections.

 

Projects funded in this grant cycle are as follows:

 

Organization	Project Name	Grant
American Whitewater	Western Rivers Conservation	$50,000
Backcountry Hunters	Boundary Waters Protection	$45,000
Colorado Wildlands Project	Dolores River Canyons Protection Campaign	$35,000
Columbia Land Trust	Nestwood Forest	$40,000
Dolores River Boating Advocates	Dolores River Protection Campaign/Coordination, Leadership, Organizing	$40,000
Environmental Law and Policy Center	Seizing Opportunities to Achieve New and Expanded National Wilderness	$40,000
Grand Canyon Trust	Permanently Protecting the Grand Canyon Region from Uranium Mining.	$40,000
Grand Staircase Escalante Partners	Grand Staircase-Escalante Resource Protections	$49,500
Great Basin Water Network	Save the Swamp Cedars	$45,000
Idaho Rivers United	Salmon River Wild and Scenic Campaigns	$36,500
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation	Seymour Creek Big Hole River Acquisition	$50,000
Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition	Gwininitxw Protected Area	$45,000
The Connecticut River Conservancy	Blake Higgins Dam removal	$34,000
Trust for Public Land	Roaring Branch: Protecting the Appalachian Trail Corridor	$40,000
United Tribes of Bristol Bay	Permanent Protections for Bristol Bay Watershed	$50,000
Wild Salmon Center	Tillamook Legacy Campaign	$50,000

   Total            $690,000

 

About The Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance is an organization of 270 like-minded businesses whose collective contributions support grassroots environmental organizations and their efforts to protect wild places where outdoor enthusiasts recreate. Alliance funds have played a key role in protecting rivers, trails, wildlands, and climbing areas throughout North America. Membership in the Alliance is open to all companies who care about protecting our most threatened wild places for habitat and outdoor recreation. Since 1989, we have contributed more than $27,370,000 in grants to conservation organizations whose collective efforts have helped protect 73 million acres of land and 3,580 miles of rivers; stop or remove 37 dams; acquire 21 climbing areas; and designate five marine reserves. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit www.conservationalliance.com. 

 

Please direct media inquiries to Matt Medendorp at matt.medendorp@backbone.media.

Kahtoola, creator of award-winning footwear traction and performance-driven gaiters, is happy to announce the recipients of its triannual grant program’s summer distribution. Over the past 23 years, Kahtoola has awarded grants to support organizations that fall into one or more of three focus areas: preservation of indigenous cultures (including indigenous mountain cultures in Tibet and Nepal), environmental responsibility and outdoor community.

“As Kahtoola continues to grow and evolve, we are excited that our philanthropic efforts continue to grow as well,” said Danny Giovale, founder of Kahtoola. “The entire company is actively involved in our grant program and we are proud to help a select group of non-profit organizations that align with our values.”

Kahtoola’s summer ‘22 grant recipients include:

• Grand Canyon Youth’s educational outdoor expeditions connect young people to the transformative power of the rivers and canyons of the Southwest. The award will be used to fund indigenous, refugee and other underrepresented youth on the Grand Canyon, San Juan, and Verde River expeditions in 2023.
• Tolani Lake Enterprises’ grant will support agricultural programs in the Navajo Nation including the Sihasin Demonstration Garden project that teaches traditional and contemporary growing techniques for desert environments.
• The City of Flagstaff Open Spaces STEAM program focuses on outdoor education programs for local youth. Grant funds will support an Open Space Educator Position to help educate and encourage students of color and Native American students to explore and steward local lands.
• Elevate Nepal’s grant will bolster efforts to improve access to vital resources in the region with the expansion of water, power, and sewage infrastructure surrounding Makwanpur, Nepal.
• The Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund is dedicated to the maintenance and enhancement of non-motorized National Forest trails. The grant allocation will go towards the Cathedral Rock trail restoration project to restore natural areas around one of the most popular trails in Sedona.

Each year, Kahtoola distributes three rounds of grants: spring (March 31 application deadline), summer (July 31 deadline), and fall/winter (November 30 deadline). For more information or to apply for the fall deadline, please visit Kahtoola.com.

       

About Kahtoola:

Since 1999, Kahtoola has been creating reliable gear that makes the outdoors more accessible and rewarding. Kahtoola’s gaiters, hiking crampons, and flexible footwear traction systems, including MICROspikes®, EXOspikes™ and NANOspikes®, are built to improve safety and performance in wintry locales around the globe. Every product is thoughtfully designed and vigorously tested at the brand’s Flagstaff, AZ headquarters high on the Colorado Plateau. Owned and operated by founder Danny Giovale, Kahtoola proudly grants 1% of annual sales to fund projects that support indigenous cultures and improve communities, healthcare, education, resources and the environment. For more information, please visit Kahtoola.com.

Panorama, B.C. (Sept. 28, 2022) — TransRockies Race Series just completed a successful inaugural TransRockies Gravel Royale presented by Felt Bicycles. The event brought 200 athletes from eight countries and 22 states and provinces to explore the vast gravel roads of the Kootenay Mountains in British Columbia, Canada. The 2023 edition of the event will take place August 28-31 and the TransRockies team hopes to bring out even more athletes to the starting line for this four-day stage race. 

The Gravel Royale Team is grateful to be returning to the four amazing host communities for this event. Panorama Mountain Resort, Nipika Mountain Resort, Canal Flats, and the town of Fernie were all welcoming to the TransRockies gravel community. 

This unique gravel event takes riders on secluded gravel roads through the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the traditional home to the Ktunaxa Nation Indigenous people. With a large variety of terrain from pavement to technical singletrack, the full four-day course covers 400 km (200 miles) and around 7,500m (25,000 ft) of climbing. Riders can expect vast mountain views, native wildlife, crystal clear rivers, and a gravel adventure like no other. 

One of the best aspects of any TransRockies event is the participant experience at camp after each stage. Gravel Royale is a camping stage race with camp set-ups in Nipika and Canal Flats. With 20 years of experience, the TransRockies team has the camp logistics dialed, a true royal flush. Participants don’t have to worry about moving their gear or setting up their tents for each night, it’s all covered by volunteers and the TransRockies team. 

At camp participants enjoy catered meals, lounge chairs, cold beverages, and great conversations with fellow racers. Massage and athletic therapy stations are available along with mechanical support and a bike wash for participants. Each evening ends with a group dinner as well as a slide show and video from the day’s events. 

The 2023 edition of Gravel Royale will have limited spots available, riders will have to ‘double down’ early to get a spot at the table. Registration opens at 9am MT on Wednesday, September 28. The link to register can be found here. 

For more on Gravel Royale follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. For any additional information, please visit transrockiesgravelroyale.com. 

It has been nearly 20 years since the first TransRockies Challenge mountain bike stage race first rolled out of Fernie, BC for an epic 7-day adventure taking riders over the Canadian Rockies to finish in Canmore, Alberta, helping to kick start the global mountain bike stage racing craze and the face of cycling in the Rockies. TransRockies Gravel Royale is the latest event produced by the company that brings endurance athletes the TransRockies Run and Singletrack 6, among other iconic events. 

Arc’teryx Equipment, the global design company specializing in technical high-performance apparel and equipment, today announced a commitment of $5 million CAD over the next five years to community leaders and organizations who are advancing equitable access in climbing, as well as those who support the highest level of the sport. 

Founded by climbers in 1989, Arc’teryx design legacy began in climb with its first product: the innovative three-dimensional, form-moulded climbing harness. Anchored in climbing since inception, Arc’teryx is proud to be supporting both new and experienced climbers with this programmatic investment in the sport.  

The Arc’teryx NextGen Climb Commitment will continue the organization’s existing work funding organizations who are leading the way in creating access for those new to the sport, as well as those who are elite or semi-pro, across North America. 

These funds are given to organizations to determine tactical investment. In the past, organizations and leaders have used these investments to provide access to indoor climbing gyms via day passes, hosting climb nights for marginalized communities, providing individuals monthly and annual memberships to climbing gyms, transportation to outdoor climbing areas and crags, belay tests and certifications, mountaineering courses, and hosting Arc’teryx climbing ambassador events. 

“Over the past five years Arc’teryx has invested over $600,000 CAD in community-based, community-led climbing organizations, as well as elite, professional-adjacent climbing and training clubs,” said Jurgen Watts, Senior Director of Brand Experience at Arc’teryx. “Our origins in climbing are at the heart of what the brand is about. We are committed to supporting ways for new and elite climbers to experience the sport.”  

Through the Arc’teryx NextGen Climb Commitment, Arc’teryx has and will continue to support organizations such as Flash Foxy, Colour The Trails & Brown Girl Outdoor World, whose work aims to promote access for new climbers.  

“Flash Foxy is an organization whose mission is to provide accessible resources, opportunities and welcoming spaces for women and gender non-conforming folks in the climbing community through events and education programs. The climbing community is not static, and Flash Foxy has adapted over the years to meet the needs of its membership as we grow, change, and continue to self-actualize. By partnering with Arc’teryx we have been able to expand our capacity and our reach, and with continued support like that which we receive from Arc’teryx, we will be able to continue to do so over the next five years,” said Shelma Jun, Founder of Flash Foxy.   

“Climbing has always been core to who we are. We firmly believe that the mountains are a special place, and that they make you better. If we can open doors or provide support for more people to get inside a climbing gym, or even better, ultimately get to a rock face, we’ve done our job,” said Karl Aarker, VP Brand.  

On the elite spectrum, Arc’teryx sponsors Climbing Escalade Canada (CEC), investments that will continue, aimed at enabling CEC to invest in the next generation of climbers who will are aiming to reach the pinnacle of the sport. 

When considering funding, Arc’teryx will prioritize organizations committed to delivering equitable access to climb, and in areas where we have an existing community base. This includes established climbing communities such Toronto and Vancouver in Canada, as well as San Francisco, Chicago, and New York in the US. 

If you are interested in learning more, please contact media@arcteryx.com.  

 

About Arc’teryx  
Arc’teryx is a Canadian company based in the Coast Mountains. Our design process is connected to the real world, focused on delivering durable, unrivaled performance. Our products are distributed through more than 2,400 retail locations worldwide, including over 160 branded stores. We are problem solvers, always evolving and searching for a better way to deliver resolved, minimalist designs. Good design that matters makes lives better. 

&Mother, a nonprofit driving change and building equity for mothers in sports, is partnering with Salomon, a global leader in trail running, to kick off a project aimed at standardizing support services for parents participating in recreational athletic events. These support services will be introduced at the Salomon WMN Trail Half Marathon on Saturday, September 24 in the Marin Headlands of the San Francisco Bay Area.

The inaugural Salomon WMN Trail Half Marathon will be the first trail race to pilot support structures that alleviate barriers to participation by new mothers and those caring for small children. With guidance from &Mother, the event will provide free child care for race participants in addition to start-finish line lactation space with full pumping and nursing accommodations. The event has also implemented a deferral process to allow those unable to participate due to pregnancy or postpartum recovery to participate in a future race.    

“As a brand, we’re always thinking of ways to bring more people into the sport and that starts with looking at the barriers that might prevent participation,” said Erin Cooper, Senior Marketing Manager, Run & Outdoor Salomon North America. “With the guidance of &Mother, we’re thrilled to be able to pull off our first of many events that provide top to bottom support for mothers and those caring for children.”

Co-founded by Olympian Alysia Montano, &Mother aims to break the barriers that limit a woman’s choice to pursue and thrive in both career and motherhood. Inspired by Alysia’s own experience as told in the viral New York Times Op-Ed, &Mother’s programs aim to flatten barriers related to participation and success for mothers in professional sports as a way to demonstrate a supportive and enabling path for all mothers in all industries.

“I am thrilled that my story has influenced our work with &Mother and inspired companies within the sports industry to adapt standards that support and allow women to participate and succeed,” said Alysia Montano. “Sports has the ability to change the world and inspire other industries to create opportunities for mothers to thrive in their career and motherhood.”

Setting a new standard for parental support at races also serves to demonstrate the necessary structures for the future of work and recreation when it comes to gender equity and parenting. Access to quality child care allows for the necessary time and space that mothers need not only for career advancement but also for personal development, recreation, rest, and more. Access to lactation space that fully accommodates the needs of those choosing to pump or breastfeed provides flexibility such that choices around breastfeeding and pumping are not limited by the lack of structure outside of the home.

For the latter, the WMN Trail Half Marathon will pilot having breast pumps available at the start and finish lines as well as at aid stations on the race route, giving participants an easy option for pumping and storing their milk. The breast pumps and sets of individually-wrapped, sanitized accessories will be provided by Babyation, a technology company that creates products that meet the holistic needs of parents. The Babyation Pump is FDA-cleared for multi-use and improves the entire pumping experience with the world’s smallest breast shields, ultra-quiet motor, vacuum-boost technology™, and built-in milk storage.

“For too long women in sports have lacked adequate support to train and compete when they decide to become mothers. At Babyation we value women. We value their time, their bodies, and their physical and emotional labor. We are delighted to be partnering with &Mother and Salomon to better support women participating in recreational events and over time, help to dismantle the barriers that continue to hold countless female athletes back from achieving their goals,” said Sam Rudolph, co-founder and CEO of Babyation.

The next stage of the partnership will expand testing to additional race environments and iterate on solutions while demonstrating the impact and importance of event-related services that allow for greater parental inclusion.

“As national issues, access to affordable child care and breastfeeding/pumping accommodations have not moved in the right direction. It’s clear that we need a cultural shift to underlie future progress,” explains Molly Dickens, &Mother co-founder. “Setting a new standard for races provides a platform to showcase what work and recreation should look like. In that way, supporting lactating parents and caregivers at events like the Salomon WMN Trail Half Marathon goes beyond helping individuals, it sets a new tone and expectations for everyone; it demonstrates the simplicity of taking a few extra steps to enable parents to participate without compromise.”

&Mother invites anyone who has experienced or may experience current limitations for parental participation in races to complete this survey.  The WMN Trail Half Marathon is closed to new participant sign ups, but Salomon welcomes anyone to come out and experience the race. Visit the race homepage HERE to learn more.

About Salomon

Born in the French Alps in 1947, Salomon is committed to pushing the boundaries of mountain sports through the creation of innovative equipment that allows people to play, progress and challenge themselves in their chosen outdoor sports. The company produces and sells premium footwear, winter sports and mountaineering equipment, hiking equipment, and apparel specifically designed for all of those disciplines. Products are developed in the company’s Annecy Design Center, where engineers, designers and athletes collaborate to create innovative solutions that continually improve the outdoor experiences of those who see nature as a vast playground.

About &Mother

&Mother is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to breaking the barriers that limit a woman’s choice to pursue and thrive in both career and motherhood. Co-founded by Olympian, Alysia Montaño, our current initiatives focus on creating structural change that will allow full participation and success for mothers in sports to pave a supportive and enabling path for all mothers in all industries. At the intersection of systemic barriers, professional opportunity, and motherhood, our work points towards a future where the value of mothers in the workforce is intrinsic and motherhood is not a limiting factor in how women succeed professionally and personally. Join our community or learn more at www.andmother.org.

About Babyation

Babyation is a technology company that creates products that meet the holistic needs of parents. Our first product, The Pump by Babyation, improves the entire pumping experience with the world’s smallest breast shields, ultra-quiet motor, vacuum-boost technology™, and built-in milk storage — all with 50% fewer parts to clean. Learn more at babyation.com.

Arc’teryx Equipment, the global design company specializing in technical high-performance apparel and equipment, has opened a hybrid retail brand store and ReBIRD™ Service Center – the largest yet of its kind – in Boulder, Colorado. Situated on historic Pearl Street, the store will act as a hub for the mountain athlete and community in Arc’teryx’s first foray into the city.

Arc’teryx’s second US and third global ReBIRD™ Service Center, the Boulder Service Center is the brand’s largest physical commitment yet to circularity. A hub for the ReBIRD™ program’s three pillars of upcycling, resale and care and repair, the Service Center offers a full suite of circular services, including complimentary on-site product assessment, care, education, repairs, GORE wash and re-waterproofing on-site. Following this launch, Arc’teryx has further ReBIRD™ expansion in the pipeline, with Service Center openings planned for Tokyo Marunouchi, Beijing, and Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighborhood before the end of 2022.

“Arc’teryx’s ReBIRD™ platform encourages clients to wear their gear for as long as humanly possible. Our first two Service Centers – in the New York City Broadway and Toronto Eaton Centre locations – have both been incredible success stories for the brand,” said Dominique Showers, VP ReBIRD™, Arc’teryx. “The teams have been able to resolve the majority of repair needs on-site for guests and educate them on how best to care for their gear to give it the longest life possible. Our largest Service Center yet, the Boulder location also offers a GORE washing station – allowing us to provide the simplest but most effective service to help keep the piece in play.”

ReBIRD™ services offered will include: 

• Product assessment: in-store after-sales assessment, including GORE-TEX leak testing. 
• In-store washing: technical wash and DWR-reapplication.
• In-store care & education: hands-on education about product care. 
• In-store repair: zipper repair services including slider, pull cord, pull and bottom box replacement; cord ends, cord locks, and buckle replacement; as well as adhesive patches and heat pressed internal patches. 
• Expert repair: colour choices are offered for GORE-TEX fabric replacement or full zipper replacement for repairs offsite. 

The second Arc’teryx store in Colorado, the Boulder opening also acts as a hub for the local community, connecting likeminded people through events including climbing gym nights, film screenings and group runs.

“Community is at the heart of our retail strategy, and we’re excited to become part of the Boulder community,” said Stephanie Jamieson, Director of North America Community. “We’ve seen major growth in our community experiences across North America over the past few years, from trail running clinics, to climbing events, to film screenings and ReBIRD™ gear care education. There’s been a huge demand for the brand from the Boulder area, via .com, partner retailers and also from ambassadors. This felt like the right time to bring our brand to the community.”

The Boulder Store grand opening will take place on Saturday September 17.

Arc’teryx Boulder by numbers:

• 4,768 sq ft store size including 400 sq ft ReBIRD™ Service Center
• 24th retail store in the US
• Second ReBIRD™ Service Center in the US, third and largest Service Center globally
• First brand store in Boulder, CO and second in CO, with two further stores planned to open in the state by the end of 2022.
• Address: Suite 100 – 1600 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302

 

About ReBIRD™  
ReBIRD™ is an organization-wide commitment to shift away from a take-make-waste economy by continuously seeking to adopt and evolve a circular way of operating. It also contributes to the brand’s Science-Based Targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 65% by 2030.  

About Arc’teryx  
Arc’teryx is a Canadian company based in the Coast Mountains. Our design process is connected to the real world, focused on delivering durable, unrivaled performance. Our products are distributed through more than 2,400 retail locations worldwide, including over 160 branded stores. We are problem solvers, always evolving and searching for a better way to deliver resolved, minimalist designs. Good design that matters makes lives better.