San Francisco, CA — April 30, 2026 — JAM Collective, the PR agency known for its deep roots in the outdoor and active lifestyle industries, has announced it has been appointed public relations agency of record for Mountain Hardwear. The partnership marks a significant milestone in JAM Collective’s continued expansion and reinforces its position as a leading communications partner for premium outdoor brands.

JAM Collective will lead strategic communications, media relations, brand storytelling, and integrated PR campaigns for the brand across the U.S. market.

Mountain Hardwear, maker of high-performance apparel and equipment for outdoor athletes, has tapped JAM Collective to elevate brand visibility, deepen media engagement, and connect with core and emerging consumers through culturally relevant narratives.

“This is a defining moment for JAM Collective,” said Julie Atherton, Founder of JAM Collective. “Mountain Hardwear is an iconic brand with a deeply loyal audience and a commitment to innovation. We’re honored to partner with them to build momentum, tell meaningful stories, and drive measurable impact across the media landscape.”

Matt Burbach, Global VP of Marketing at Mountain Hardwear, added: “As we continue to evolve Mountain Hardwear for the next generation of outdoor consumers, it was critical to find a PR partner that understands both the technical performance space and the cultural side of the industry. JAM Collective brings that balance, along with strong media relationships and a clear strategic vision.”

This new partnership adds to a growing roster that includes Snow Peak, LifeStraw, Red Wing Heritage, and others, reflecting JAM Collective’s track record of delivering campaigns that connect at the intersection of product, culture, and experience. Work with Mountain Hardwear begins immediately, with integrated campaigns rolling out in the coming months.

For Mountain Hardwear media inquiries, please reach out to mhw@jamcollective.net.

About JAM Collective
JAM Collective is a boutique public relations agency specializing in outdoor, active lifestyle, and premium consumer brands. With a focus on strategic storytelling, media relations, and culturally relevant campaigns, JAM partners with brands to build awareness, credibility, and long-term brand equity. www.jamcollective.net

About Mountain Hardwear

Mountain Hardwear, Inc., was founded in 1993 and is based in Richmond, CA. We exist to encourage and equip people to seek a wilder path in life. For over 30 years, we’ve built essential equipment for climbers, mountaineers, and outdoor athletes and have supported expeditions on the world’s highest peaks. Relentless precision continues to inspire everything we do — our designers sweat every stitch and detail to continuously improve function, durability, and comfort.

Mountain Hardwear is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company, which distributes its products through specialty outdoor retailers in the United States and 34 countries worldwide. www.mountainhardwear.com

CARRBORO, N.C. — (April 30, 2026) — Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores, and Cooldown, a fast-growing social run community with clubs across the U.S. and in Toronto, today announced a new strategic partnership designed to make running feel more approachable, connected and supported for a new generation of runners.

Fleet Feet will serve as the official retail partner of Cooldown, providing members with a central hub for personalized footwear outfittings and expert gear recommendations. Together, the organizations will collaborate on select in-person experiences, product education and community moments that support runners and grow the running community.

“Cooldown understands something important about where running is headed,” said Joey Pointer, president and CEO of Fleet Feet. “For a lot of younger runners, the first step is not a training plan or a race goal; it’s finding people to show up with. Bailey and her team have built a community that makes running feel social, welcoming and fun. Fleet Feet will help support that energy with local expertise, trusted outfitting and the kind of in-person service that gives runners more confidence once they decide to keep going.”

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this June, Fleet Feet brings a long-standing commitment to personalized service and community engagement across its nearly 290 store footprint. The partnership will enable Cooldown to expand its event offerings and deliver more intentional experiences while continuing to grow authentically.

“Cooldown has always been about bringing people together first,” said Bailey Ness, Cooldown founder. “Running gives us the reason to gather, but the community is what keeps people coming back. Partnering with Fleet Feet helps us give our members more support, better guidance and a stronger local connection as they continue building running into their lives.”

Turning Social Energy Into Long-Term Running Confidence

Together, Fleet Feet and Cooldown will focus on three key areas:

• Access to trusted running supports: Cooldown members will be connected to Fleet Feet outfitters for personalized fittings, gear guidance and resources that help them keep going.
• Shared local experiences: Fleet Feet and Cooldown will collaborate on fit nights, group runs, product moments and community gatherings designed to deepen engagement and help runners feel more confident.
• Community storytelling: The brands will highlight real runner experiences, local events and product moments that support Cooldown members as they continue building running into their lives.

Cooldown has 18 run clubs across the U.S. and in Toronto. The partnership will launch in select markets, including Boulder, Charleston, Denver and New York City, with plans to expand to additional markets over time.

Follow @cooldownrunning for meetup details and @fleetfeet for local store events, outfitting resources and partnership updates.

PHOTOS

###

About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated specialty run stores. With nearly 290 locations in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, North Carolina, Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.

About Cooldown
Cooldown is a nationwide running club with groups in 18 cities across the U.S. and in Toronto. Born from the idea that running should be fun, welcoming and rooted in community, Cooldown brings people together through weekly runs, local events and shared experiences designed to make the sport feel more approachable.

MINNEAPOLIS — April 30, 2026 — UDisc has released its annual World’s Best Disc Golf Courses rankings, a definitive list recognizing the highest-rated disc golf destinations across the globe. Headlined by the Top 100 Disc Golf Courses in the World, this data-driven guide to the sport’s most celebrated courses featuring iconic bucket-list locations, as well as under-the-radar local gems.

Now in its sixth year, UDisc’s rankings have become one of the sport’s most respected honors, celebrating not only elite course design but also the communities and players who sustain them. The 2026 edition draws from a record-setting 6.5 million ratings submitted by more than 1 million unique disc golfers worldwide, marking a major milestone for the platform and underscoring the game’s rapid growth.

“This year’s rankings represent the voice of the global disc golf community at an unprecedented scale,” said Josh Lichti, co-founder of UDisc. “From world-renowned destinations in Sweden and Norway, to standouts in the US and Canada, these courses showcase the very best of what disc golf has to offer.”

The World’s Best Disc Golf Courses serve as a global benchmark for excellence in disc golf, offering players a curated list of must-play destinations spanning continents, climates, and course styles. Additional breakdowns in the awards lineup include:

• Top 100 Disc Golf Courses in the World
• Top 100 Disc Golf Courses in the United States
• Top 100 Disc Golf Courses in Canada
• Top 100 Disc Golf Courses in Finland, Sweden, and Norway
• Top Disc Golf Courses in each U.S. state and Canadian province
• Top Disc Golf Courses across dozens of countries worldwide

These lists aim to highlight excellence at every level, from global standouts to local favorites, helping players discover new places to play. For 2026, the rankings debut in a new, visually rich format on UDisc.com. Winning courses will receive physical awards, including banners and course signage, to recognize their achievements within their communities.

The release comes amid a surge in the game’s global growth: Disc golf participation has jumped roughly 86% since 2020, with more than 21 million rounds played annually and over 17,000 courses now spanning nearly 100 countries worldwide, according to UDisc’s 2026 Disc Golf Growth Report.

Explore the full list of UDisc’s World’s Best Disc Golf Courses and download the app to record your rounds, discover new courses and build your bucket list.

About UDisc

UDisc is the world’s #1 disc golf app, trusted by millions of players to score rounds, discover courses, and measure their progress. UDisc’s mission is to empower the world to play more disc golf by supporting players and organizers worldwide. Now the industry standard for measuring disc golf participation, infrastructure, and reach, the company releases annual rankings of the World’s Best Disc Golf Courses, and its Disc Golf Health Index focuses on the places where new courses can be most impactful. Learn more at UDisc.com.

# # #

April 29, 2026—Milwaukee, WI—TRAVOCA, a brand that crafts elegantly rugged gear for overlanders and outdoor enthusiasts, proudly announces that its Rigel Dual Zone eCooler has been awarded the 2026 Red Dot Award for Product Design, one of the most prestigious distinctions in design excellence worldwide.

Established in 1955, the Red Dot Design Award recognizes the best designs in the world, with a focus on three disciplines: Product Design, Brands & Communication Design, and Design Concept. Every year, an independent jury evaluates thousands of entries from across the globe based on four key principles of good design: the quality of function, the quality of seduction, the quality of use, and the quality of responsibility. Product Design entries span 52 categories, from fashion and accessories to appliances and furniture, with jurors testing, discussing, and assessing every entry in search of overall design excellence.

The TRAVOCA Rigel Dual Zone eCooler is a portable 12V fridge/freezer designed for outdoor use, with a unique aesthetic inspired by nature. Conceived by a professor of outdoor product and industrial design, the Rigel has an elegantly rugged look and a woodsy green exterior crafted from cold-rolled steel. The rounded corners and customizable bamboo panels offer a stylish and functional nod to the classic Woody station wagons and panel vans, evoking the nostalgia of adventurous road trips that are increasingly popular in the overlanding and camping markets.

“It is an honor to receive the distinction that the Red Dot Award has given,” said Dave Gibson, Professor of Outdoor Product and Industrial Design and designer of the Rigel eCoolers. “From the very beginning of this project, we wanted to go beyond just adding another product to the mix, to create something that stands out in an important way within one of the most interesting and emerging outdoor markets. The overlanding category is relatively new and hungry for great design, and we feel Rigel has set a new standard for products in this field.”

Beyond its striking appearance, the Rigel delivers category-leading performance thanks to Vacuum-Insulated Panel (VIP) technology, the same approach used in premium tumblers and double-wall vacuum flasks, and a premium Toshiba technology compressor. Every size in the Rigel lineup includes dual zone cooling, giving users the flexibility to store fresh and frozen goods simultaneously. The insulated lid opens from both directions and can be fully removed, ensuring accessible and convenient food and drink storage in any configuration.

Winners will be celebrated at the Red Dot Gala in Essen, Germany, on July 7, 2026, and award-winning products like the Rigel Dual Zone 12V fridge/freezer will be presented across multiple platforms, including the Red Dot Design Museum Essen, worldwide exhibitions, the Red Dot Design Yearbook, and extensive online and social media channels.

The Rigel Dual Zone eCooler is available now at travoca.com and through select U.S. retailers. For more information, contact Suzanne Hermann at suzanne@darbycommunications.com or info@travoca.com.

 

ABOUT TRAVOCA

TRAVOCA empowers outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers with elegantly rugged products that enhance every journey, from the backcountry to the backyard. Our gear combines timeless design and reliable performance to bring people together, making outdoor living simpler, more connected, and more memorable. At TRAVOCA, we believe the best adventures are the ones that spark connection—around the fire, at the table, or under the stars.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (April 29, 2026) — A new multi-year partnership brings together Swedish protection and apparel specialist POC with Norco adidas Race Division as the team prepares to compete on downhill’s biggest stage this season. POC will equip the team with riding apparel, eyewear and full protection, including helmets and body armor.

A new race kit, technically developed and produced by POC, with visual design created collaboratively by Norco and adidas, will be unveiled at the World Series season debut in Mona Yongpyong, South Korea on May 1.

POC is proud to announce its partnership with Norco adidas Race Division, joining the team as a major partner for the UCI Downhill World Series as part of a multi-year agreement covering riding apparel, eyewear, helmets and body armour. It marks POC’s return to World Cup downhill racing, the discipline where the brand first made its name in mountain biking and one that remains deeply rooted in its DNA and mission.

Downhill mountain biking occupies a unique place in the sport. Performance margins are small, technical demands are high, and the consequences of getting things wrong are real. At the same time, it remains one of the most valuable environments for innovation, where advances in protection, materials and riding apparel can be tested in their most demanding setting, and where close collaboration between athletes, engineers and brands can directly influence product development.

That combination of performance, safety and innovation is what makes downhill such a natural fit for POC. It also creates a strong connection with Norco, a brand that has built its reputation on product development, technical progression and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking. Those shared values form the foundation of this partnership.

The team, Gracey Hemstreet, Danny Hart, Erice Van Leuven, Bodhi Kuhn and Lina Frener, will race in a new kit technically developed and produced by POC, with visual design created collaboratively by Norco and adidas. It will make its first appearance at the opening World Series round in Mona Yongpyong, South Korea on May 1. The full equipment package supplied by POC spans riding apparel, eyewear, body armour and helmets. Many of these products incorporate patented technologies backed by extensive research and development, and will now continue to evolve through ongoing feedback and testing at the highest level of competition.

POC and Norco share a strong technical mindset, and that alignment will be important in helping the team perform at its best. Just as important is a shared approach to building something with intention. Norco is committed to creating a team environment where every athlete is supported to perform at their highest level. With a roster that currently includes more female riders than male, Norco adidas Race Division also reflects a broader commitment to visible representation and meaningful long-term progress within the sport.

Oscar Huss, Chief Product Officer at POC, said: “Returning to the World Cup downhill circuit is something we have been working towards, and doing it with Norco is exactly the right way to do it. We know that downhill is where many of the most important questions in protection and apparel development get their most honest answers. But what excites us most about this partnership is the quality of the collaboration it makes possible. Norco’s approach has the same seriousness and curiosity as we do, and we are very much looking forward to what we can develop together over the coming seasons.”

Elisabeth Petersilie, Brand Director at Norco, said, “We’re excited about this new partnership because it fits with what we’re trying to build with Norco adidas Race Division. At Norco, we care deeply about product and how our bikes are developed, and we want to work with partners who take their category just as seriously. POC has real credibility in protection and apparel, but just as important, they bring an approach to development that feels aligned with how we think and work, and the standard we want around this team. It’s a very natural fit for us.”

Assets are available to download here.

About POC

Born and based in Stockholm, Sweden, POC is a safety and performance pioneer on a global mission: protect lives and reduce the consequences of accidents for athletes and anyone inspired to be one. Creating all types of protection for cycling and snow sports, POC uses research, scientific methods and rigorous testing in its pursuit of innovation.

Contact

Damian Phillips

Global Director – PR, Communication and Partnerships

POC HQ, Stockholm

damian.phillips@pocsports.com

Mobile: +46 702 77 69 44

About Norco

Founded as Northern Cycle Industries in 1964, Norco is a global leader in high-performance mountain bikes, known for its commitment to innovation, quality craftsmanship and the pursuit of industry-leading excellence. The mountains and trails of British Columbia are hard-wired into the DNA at Norco, and they will always be the ultimate inspiration for the character and performance of every Norco bike. Norco.com

Contact

Eva Wyper

Brand Manager

evaw@norco.com

Mobile: +1 778 887 3373

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (April 28, 2026) — Following the success of the 2025 collection, POC, the Swedish protection brand known for its reputation for safety, innovation and design, this week releases the 2026 EF Pro Cycling Edition helmet. Unmistakably EF Pro Cycling, the newest team edition of the Cytal pairs race-ready performance with EF Pro Cycling’s signature 2026 design.

Independently tested and recognised as one of the safest road helmets, the Cytal is now offered in the team’s signature pink colorway, featuring precise silver graphics. This limited-edition release will be available to fans of EF Pro Cycling’s Women’s and Men’s teams on POC.com and at selected online and retail stores.

Introducing the 2026 limited-edition collection, Lina Elfstrand, Chief Marketing Officer at POC, said: “The EF Pro Cycling community has always been a central part of what makes our partnership so special. Fans show up year after year with real commitment and enthusiasm, and this edition is a way for them to access the same performance and protection POC is known for and that the riders rely on. And it’s great to see the same team pink out on the roads all around the world.”

The Cytal is engineered with safety, advanced ventilation, and aerodynamic optimisation at its core, achieving a precise balance with improved protection. The 2026 EF edition uses this technical foundation in the team’s distinctive colourway.

Jonathan Vaughters, Chief Executive Officer at EF Pro Cycling, said: “Doing things our own way is a big part of what defines our team and our fans. Seeing them out there in pink on the roadside is something we truly value. Working with POC allows us to share what makes EF Pro Cycling distinctive, and to give our fans access to the same quality our riders trust.”

Cytal EF Pro Cycling Ed – Product details

Drawing on the aerodynamic and ventilation knowledge developed for the Cytal Carbon, the Cytal brings the same expertise to a helmet designed for road riders, developed to balance performance and protection.

Protection — Safety is the central role of a helmet, and the Cytal was developed with this as its priority. The EPS liner has variable density across the helmet, created by heat map evidence analysed by POC’s in-house tech and research team. It is an approach that produces a lightweight, naturally balanced helmet and enhances protection. The Cytal has been tested by Virginia Tech and has achieved a five-star rating.

Ventilation — The Cytal uses the Venturi effect, POC’s well-established and respected approach to airflow in its helmets. The integrated wing creates superior ventilation and cooling across the whole head. A precise wing shape increases air velocity and enhances cooling, while linear interior channels guide airflow through and out of the helmet, keeping the rider cool throughout.

Aerodynamics — The Cytal has benefitted from POC’s extensive CFD simulation, wind tunnel, and real-world testing. The integrated wing supports larger frontal ports of precise size and angles, allowing air intakes to capture and direct air through the helmet rather than around it. This significantly reduces the high-pressure zone at the front and improves a rider’s aerodynamic profile.

MIPS — A seamlessly integrated MIPS Air Node system enhances protection from angled (non-linear) impacts.

Fit system — The Cytal features a variable adjustment system, including removable front brow pads for enhanced ventilation, adjustable straps (up, down, side-to-side), and a vertical adjustment on the rear cradle, allowing each rider to fine-tune their fit.

Eye garage — Integrated eye garage to keep sunglasses securely in position.

Sizes — Small (50–56), Medium (54–59), Large (56–61).

Weight and certification — CE/EN: Small: 250 g / Medium: 270 g / Large: 300 g

Price — $350 USD

Certification — The Cytal EF Pro Cycling Ed will be available in CE and CPSC certification.

Media resources

Further downloadable assets are available here.

Product details – POC.com – here.

About POC

Born and based in Stockholm, Sweden, POC is a safety and performance pioneer on a global mission: protect lives and reduce the consequences of accidents for athletes and anyone inspired to be one. Creating all types of protection for cycling and snow sports, POC uses research, scientific methods and rigorous testing in its pursuit of innovation.

About EF Pro Cycling

At EF Pro Cycling, we believe the world is better when people push boundaries together. Our men’s WorldTeam squad, EF Education-EasyPost; our women’s WorldTeam squad, EF Education-Oatly; and our development squad, EF Education-Aevolo; compete in the biggest events around the world both on and off-road. From the Tours de France to Unbound Gravel, we race, explore, and push the boundaries of what pro cycling can be. Since our founding in 2003, we have championed ethical competition and sought to disrupt the status quo. Our mission is to become the world’s most-loved team.

Contact

Damian Phillips

Global Director – PR, Communication and Partnerships

POC HQ, Stockholm

damian.phillips@pocsports.com

Mobile: +46 702 77 69 44

Johannes Mansson

Communication and Marketing Director

EF Pro Cycling

johannes.manson@ef.com

 

– X X X –

SEATTLE, WA (April 28, 2026) — MiiR, the Seattle-based design-forward lifestyle brand known for its premium drinkware and commitment to responsible global giving, has partnered with Colorado-based integrated marketing agency rygr to lead its public relations efforts. rygr will lead brand communications and earned media strategy for MiiR across the brand’s core categories of drinkware, coffee and upcoming category expansions.

“At MiiR, we care as much about how we tell our stories as we do about the products themselves,” says Amy Olive, senior director of marketing at MiiR. “Partnering with rygr will help us build deeper connections with the communities at the center of our brand, while continuing to strengthen our presence in core categories and thoughtfully expand into new ones.”

MiiR was founded on the belief that design, business, and purpose can work together. Since its start, the brand has focused on creating thoughtfully designed products that balance form, function, and responsibility.This approach has helped shape a global community of people who value intention in what they use and how they live.

Through its giving model, MiiR has contributed over $5 million to nonprofit partners worldwide, supporting work led by communities across clean water, education, and environmental initiatives. Each product includes a Give Code, offering a transparent way for customers to connect to the broader impact and better understand the work their purchase helps support.

“MiiR is a brand with substance, grounded in design, responsibility, and a clear purpose,” says rygr President, Melissa Hlidek. “At rygr, we specialize in turning that kind of foundation into culturally relevant storytelling by connecting product, purpose and community to drive engagement. We’re proud to partner with MiiR to bring their impact-driven approach to life in a way that feels authentic and enduring.”

For more information on this partnership or MiiR, please contact Corinne Baud at

corinne.baud@rygr.us.

###

About MiiR

Seattle-based MiiR, makers of reusable bespoke drinkware, coffee accessories, and more, is a design-forward and generosity-driven brand recognized by design, philanthropy, and responsibility. Every MiiR product is designed in-house, emphasizing four design principles: minimal, considered, functional, and enduring. MiiR is a certified B Corporation, a 1% for the Planet member, and a Climate Neutral Certified brand. All MiiR products contain a unique Give Code™, allowing customers the power to connect with the company’s transparent giving initiatives. Celebrating 15 years of design, community, coffee culture, and collaboration. 

About rygr

rygr is an integrated marketing agency based in Carbondale and Denver, Colorado. With services in earned and paid media and deep expertise in the active lifestyle, endurance, and performance markets, rygr brings brands closer to their most important communities. Learn more at rygr.us and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

MiiR Media Contact:

Corinne Baud

rygr, MiiR

corinne.baud@rygr.us