BOULDER, Colo. [July 16, 2026] — Paradox Sports, a non-profit organization that makes rock and ice climbing accessible to people with physical disabilities, is partnering with Razom for Ukraine, a prominent U.S.-based nonprofit, to help launch a new adaptive climbing program for Ukrainian veterans.

Working towards a better future for Ukraine and its people, Razom for Ukraine invited Paradox Sports to help develop the new adaptive climbing program, and host an in-country adaptive climbing training August 2–6, 2026. During the training, Paradox Sports will share adaptive climbing systems and equipment strategies, disability awareness best practices, volunteer and instructor training models, and approaches for growing climbing communities that welcome people with disabilities. In Ukraine, the ongoing program will be supported by local climbing community leaders and nonprofits Second Wind and Petros.

“Paradox is deeply honored that Razom for Ukraine asked us to work with Ukrainian veterans, climbers, and partner organizations to help develop this critical resource,” said Alex Kosseff, Executive Director of Paradox Sports. “Ukraine is facing a massive scale of war-related injuries and trauma including amputations, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and PTSD. The need for rehabilitation, reintegration, and community is profound. This project shares what Paradox has learned over nearly 20 years of adaptive climbing and veteran programming with Ukraine.”

Adaptive climbing is a proven way to rebuild strength, manage PTSD, and regain confidence after life‑altering injuries and the trauma of war. It helps veterans redefine what’s possible with a disability, and reconnect with a sense of purpose, and a supportive community of peers. The program and training come as Ukraine faces a rapidly growing need for community-based support for veterans with disabilities. A recent New York Times article noted that there are now estimated to be at least 100,000 amputees in the country, and highlighted the growing role of sports in helping wounded soldiers rebuild strength, confidence, and connection.

“Nature has a remarkable ability to help people heal, regardless of the depth of their wounds and trauma,” said DJ Skelton, Paradox Sports co-founder, retired U.S. Army Major, and advisor to Ukrainian leadership on veterans’ affairs. “Climbing transcends boundaries, borders, nationality, and language. It brings people together through challenge, trust, and belonging. This work in Ukraine represents the best of what adaptive sports can offer: resilience, recovery, community, and hope.”

Razom for Ukraine has committed $8,000 to help make the training and program possible. Paradox Sports is raising funds to match that support, and expand the impact of the project. Petzl, the manufacturer of premium outdoor and climbing gear, is donating climbing equipment for the program and ongoing use in Ukraine.

For more information about the program and upcoming training, visit Paradox Sports Ukraine Adaptive Climbing Initiative.

About Paradox Sports

Paradox Sports is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives and communities through adaptive climbing opportunities that defy convention. For nearly 20 years, Paradox has helped make climbing more accessible through national trips, community programs, adaptive climbing trainings, Veteran programs, and partnerships with climbing gyms, guide services, volunteers, and adaptive athletes across the United States.

About Razom for Ukraine

Razom for Ukraine was founded in 2014 by Ukrainian and Ukrainian American volunteers inspired by the Revolution of Dignity and united by a shared commitment to Ukraine’s freedom and democratic future. Razom has grown from a grassroots volunteer initiative into an international organization supporting Ukraine through humanitarian aid, health care, advocacy, civil society, culture, and long-term recovery efforts.

Media Contact

Alex Kosseff
Executive Director, Paradox Sports
alex@paradoxsports.org

Washington, D.C. (Jul. 15, 2026) — President Trump has signed proclamations dramatically reducing the boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments, stripping protections from nearly three million acres of America’s public lands. These proclamations are more dramatic than the administration’s 2017 monument reductions and reopen a fight that millions of outdoor enthusiasts believed was settled when the monuments were restored in 2021.

Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante are world-renowned landscapes that offer exceptional opportunities for hiking, climbing, mountain biking, camping, paddling, and exploring Utah’s spectacular canyon country. National monument protections have helped conserve intact backcountry that make these landscapes extraordinary places to recreate and support the recreation economies of surrounding communities. Rolling back these protections to open up these areas for development and extraction puts conservation values and the outdoor experiences they support at risk.

Outdoor Alliance and our member organizations, particularly Access Fund, have spent nearly a decade advocating for these extraordinary public lands. We stood behind Access Fund in supporting the original designation of Bears Ears and fought alongside Tribal Nations and partners across the outdoor community after the monuments were dramatically reduced in 2017.

Outdoor Alliance is particularly concerned by the proclamations’ treatment of Tribal Nations. The proclamations describe Tribes as “stakeholders,” which fails to recognize the relationship between Tribal Nations and the federal government or the groundbreaking Tribal co-stewardship frameworks that guide the management of these landscapes. Those partnerships have strengthened the stewardship of these places while ensuring they remain places where all Americans can connect with history, culture, and the outdoors.

“National monuments reflect what we choose to protect as a nation,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance. “Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante tell a story of remarkable landscapes, living cultures, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. Shrinking them by more than 90 percent sends exactly the wrong message about the future of America’s public lands.”

The proclamations leave little doubt about their purpose: to remove monument protections so these landscapes can be opened to mining, drilling, and other industrial development. The Grand Staircase-Escalante proclamation argues that shrinking the monument will “better align the use of these public lands with the public interest.” The Bears Ears proclamation goes even further, directing that much of the land removed from the monument be reopened within 60 days to new mining claims and other forms of development. Outdoor Alliance rejects the notion that this serves the public interest.

The public interest is served by protecting the world-class public lands that millions of Americans hike, climb, camp, hunt, paddle, and explore every year—not by sacrificing them to short-term industrial development.

The outdoor community has a key role to play right now. Outdoor Alliance has provided a tool that helps the public tell lawmakers what they think of these rollbacks. Use this link to write your members of Congress.

To learn more about Outdoor Alliance and their work, visit www.outdooralliance.org.

About Outdoor Alliance

Outdoor Alliance is a nonprofit coalition of organizations that includes American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, The Mountaineers, American Alpine Club, Colorado Mountain Club, and Surfrider Foundation. For more than ten years, Outdoor Alliance has united the human-powered outdoor recreation community to achieve lasting conservation victories. Our work has helped to permanently protect 40 million acres of public land, secure $5.1 billion in funding for the outdoors, and convert more than 350,000 outdoor enthusiasts into outdoor advocates. For more information, visit www.outdooralliance.org

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SEATTLE, Wash. (July 15, 2026) — Since 2002, Astral has been designing high-performance wilderness equipment in the least toxic, lowest impact ways. Today, Astral announced its upcoming Fall 2026 footwear collection, building upon its all-season waterproof collection, with the Loyak All Weather 2.0, and color updates to its amphibious sneaker, the Brewer 3.0.

“For over two decades, we have been studying Nature to develop unique and necessary innovations at the intersection of wilderness athletics, artistry and craftsmanship,“ said Philip Curry, CEO and Head of Product. “First introduced in the summer of 2024 as a multi-season upgrade to our popular original Loyak minimalist water shoe, this next iteration of the Loyak All Weather is waterproof and enables people to Trust Nature in style, and with comfort and performance, all year round.”

Loyak All Weather 2.0 – minimalist, waterproof performance and style

Astral expands its best-selling Loyak series with the Loyak All Weather 2.0, a waterproof, all-season evolution of an iconic minimalist silhouette. Built on the same barefoot-inspired, natural foot shape that made the original Loyak a fan favorite, the All Weather 2.0 delivers exceptional durability, grip, breathability, and ground feel in any condition. G.15 Rubber and Flex Grip outsoles provide non-marking traction on both wet and dry surfaces, while Astral’s signature Balanced Geometry keeps the foot in its natural position for improved balance and stability thanks to its zero drop profile, Level Footbed, and wider toe box.

This All Weather version is lined with a PFAS-free waterproof and breathable membrane that allows for everyday comfort, no matter the weather. It is constructed using a 100% recycled (rPET) upper shell, and has a 3.5mm lined removable sockliner.

Launching in five colors (Space Black, Hellbender Brown, , Mist Green, and Salty White) along with a refreshed lateral pattern on the upper, Loyak All Weather 2.0 will be available for all genders  (Men’s US sizes 4-14 and Women’s US sizes 6-16) for $140 USD.

The brand also introduces color updates to its amphibious sneaker, the Brewer 3.0. This versatile sneaker with exceptional step-in comfort brings stable, ultra-grippy performance to the water. Adding to its current color lineup of Typhoon Navy, Aurora Purple, Lunar Gray, and Fern Green, the Brewer 3.0 ($150 USD) now welcomes two new, ultra-wearable colorways: Light Black and Salty White. Designed for everyday versatility, these accessible neutrals open the Brewer up to a broader audience by making it easier than ever to pair the shoe’s amphibious performance with everyday style.

Astral’s Fall 2026 footwear collection will be released throughout the second half of 2026 at astraldesigns.com and through participating retail partners. These footwear updates add to Astral’s earlier 2026 footwear launches, which included a new organic fiber version of the Loyak, the Loyak EZ HT, the high performance classic run silhouette, the TR1 Sensi HT and the expedition-grade amphibious river boot, the Pusha.

For more information about Astral and its latest collection, please visit astraldesigns.com.

ABOUT ASTRAL
Established in 2002, Astral designs high-performance wilderness equipment created in the least toxic, lowest impact ways. Built on decades of experience and experimentation, Astral has assembled athletes, artists, and craftspeople to build the cleanest, most beautiful, and highest performing gear. Astral has significantly reduced toxic PVC foam from the PFD industry, invented breathable life jackets, won awards for their paradigm-changing footwear designs, and developed the stickiest rubber ever worn on wet rock. In 2024, Astral launched its first line of HempTech apparel, utilizing Nature’s highest performing fiber that is naturally breathable, odor resistant, durable and cooling in warm weather, while protecting the maximum amount of soil and water. Visit www.astraldesigns.com for more information.

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Media Contact:
Alexa McRoberts | Verde Brand Communications | (717) 808-9653 | astral@verdepr.com

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BOULDER, Colo. (Jul 15, 2026) — La Sportiva, maker of the world’s finest mountain gear, today announced its Spring 2027 equipment collection, adding new running vests, hiking backpacks, lightweight accessories, and the Challenger 18 alpine pack to its growing mountain equipment line.

The collection gives runners, hikers, and mountain athletes a full range of carry options for moving through the mountains. The Aeris 6 and Aeris 12 Trail Vests are built for running, with breathable, close-to-body storage for hydration, nutrition, layers, and small essentials. The Aeris 26 and Aeris 34 Backpacks offer additional capacity for hiking, mountain travel, and overnight use, while the Challenger 18 pack brings comfort, stability, and technical carry options to more demanding alpine objectives.

“La Sportiva’s equipment line is rooted in the same mountain-first approach that guides everything we do,” said Jonathan Lantz, President of La Sportiva North America. “For Spring 2027, we focused on creating carry systems that feel light, secure, and natural in motion, giving runners, climbers, and hikers the freedom to move efficiently and confidently in the mountains.”

The Aeris 6 Trail Vest is a lightweight running vest for training runs, race efforts, and shorter mountain outings. With six liters of storage, two 500 ml HydraPak soft flasks, quick-access front pockets, and a minimal rear storage layout, it keeps hydration and essentials close without adding unnecessary bulk. A Spacer AirMesh back panel, adjustable sternum straps, and compatibility with the Aeris Poles Quiver round out the design. The Aeris 6 weighs just 240 grams and retails for $119.

The $149 Aeris 12 Trail Vest is made for longer runs, ultra-distance efforts, and alpine objectives that require more food, water, and gear. It carries 12 liters while maintaining the secure fit and easy access runners expect from a vest, with two included 500 ml HydraPak soft flasks up front, multi-pocket rear storage, a zippered front pocket, and reinforced PowerMesh zones for organization that stays close to the body. Spacer AirMesh and breathable stretch mesh help keep air moving when the effort climbs or the day heats up.

The Challenger 18 brings running-inspired comfort and stability to an ultralight alpine pack. Designed for fast alpine traverses, technical mountain routes, and minimalist objectives, the 18-liter pack uses a vest-inspired harness, dual sternum straps, and breathable 3D mesh to create a secure, comfortable fit while traveling across rugged terrain. A fully seam-sealed roll-top main compartment provides weather protection when conditions change, while an integrated ice axe carry, internal mesh organization, and HydraPak flask-compatible pockets for two 500 ml soft flasks keep gear secure and accessible when the terrain gets more technical.

Built with Challenge Ultra TX50 Sailcloth, UHMWPE-reinforced nylon stretch mesh, and a 3D polyester Spacer AirMesh harness, the Challenger 18 balances ultralight weight, abrasion resistance, and weather protection. The new pack weighs 380 grams and retails for $199.

For hiking, alpine traverses, mountain travel, and overnight use, the Aeris 26 and Aeris 34 Backpacks offer higher-capacity storage in a streamlined design. Recycled 100D high-tenacity nylon, taped main compartments, and expandable roll-top construction help protect gear while keeping the packs light and adaptable. Running vest-inspired shoulder harnesses, thermoformed back support, and hydration-compatible sleeves bring comfort and stability to longer days, while reinforced outer storage, stretch side pockets, waistbelt pockets, and external attachment points keep essentials organized and easy to access.

The $169 Aeris 26 Backpack is a compact option for hikes, summit pushes, and mountain travel, with 26 liters of storage, a 650-gram weight, and a low-profile design that moves well through challenging terrain. The Aeris 34 Backpack is made for longer days, bigger loads, and nights out, with 34 liters of storage, a 750-gram weight, and the capacity to carry extra layers, food, and overnight gear. It retails for $189.

The collection also includes the Aeris 2 Trail Belt and Aeris Poles Quiver. The $49 Aeris 2 Trail Belt provides low-profile storage for shorter runs, training sessions, and race-day essentials, with 2 liters of capacity, reinforced PowerMesh pockets, a front flask sleeve, and rear bungee retention. The $25 Aeris Poles Quiver gives runners and hikers a lightweight, streamlined way to carry trekking poles and is compatible with all Aeris vest systems.

The new line will be available at select specialty retailers and at www.lasportivausa.com in the spring of 2027.

About La Sportiva
With over 90 years of heritage, La Sportiva has unrivaled experience in building the world’s finest performance mountain footwear. Creating innovation through passion, La Sportiva now offers the most versatile technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking shoes on the market, along with a full line of ski mountaineering hardware and apparel. For more information on La Sportiva, visit www.lasportivausa.com or follow @Lasportivana on Instagram.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden – July 14, 2026 – RECCO, a global search and rescue technology, recently announced that the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in Nevada has equipped its RAVEN (Regional Aviation Enforcement) helicopter program with a RECCO SAR Helicopter Detector, making it the 11th organization in the United States and the 54th worldwide to deploy the aerial system.

The RECCO system operates on a passive radar principle. The helicopter-carried detector emits a radar signal that bounces off a RECCO reflector which is a small, lightweight, battery-free device integrated into outdoor clothing, helmets, backpacks and boots, and echoes back to the detector, guiding the aircrew directly to the person’s location.

First developed in the 1980s for avalanche rescue, RECCO technology has grown from a localized winter tool into a year-round global standard for search and rescue. The helicopter-mounted detector allows aircrews to scan larger areas of forest, mountain, and snow-covered terrain, often reducing searches that would take hours or days on foot.

“The addition of the RECCO helicopter system is a significant step forward for search and rescue across our region,” said Sheriff Darin Balaam. “As just the 11th organization in the United States and the 54th worldwide to deploy this life-saving aerial technology, we’re investing in capabilities that significantly narrow the window of time it takes to find someone who is lost or injured, ultimately saving lives. This technology strengthens our commitment to providing the highest level of service to our community and regional partners.”

The RAVEN program will provide RECCO-enabled search-and-rescue coverage primarily across Northern Nevada and Northern California, including the rugged terrain of the Sierra Nevada. The aerial capability will supplement the region’s many search-and-rescue teams already trained on RECCO handheld detectors, adding a coordinated air-and-ground search capability throughout the area.

“Washoe County’s terrain, from dense forest to high alpine backcountry, is exactly the kind of environment where a helicopter detector can make the biggest difference in search time,” said Fredrik Steinwall, CEO of RECCO. “We’re proud to welcome the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office to our network and to keep expanding this technology to regional partners who are on the front lines of search and rescue.”

To get the most out of the new capability, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents and visitors, whether skiing, hiking, mountain biking, or backcountry camping, to carry or wear gear equipped with a RECCO reflector, ensuring they are searchable to both air and ground crews. Many outdoor brands integrate reflectors directly into their gear, and stand-alone reflectors can be attached to backpacks or helmets.

Photo Link: https://reccoab.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/RECCOExternalSharing/IgAfQY6TkPTuQar2MNcFpK60AYUMHubHQQAaL6xH0QxUpME?e=plhpQy

About RECCO

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

More info at recco.com.

Media Contact

Verde Brand Communications

(970) 235-0268

recco@verdepr.com

Seattle, Wash. — [July 14, 2026] — Nikwax, the global leader in PFAS-free waterproofing and aftercare solutions, is proud to announce that it has achieved the highest possible rating; Level 4  “Aspirational” following its latest bluesign Company Assessment. Bluesign evaluates production sites and suppliers on a scoring system consisting of four specific levels, with tier 4, or “Aspirational” being the highest achievable tier.

This achievement recognises nearly five decades of environmental leadership from the UK-based, employee-owned company, whose products have always been free from intentionally added PFAS and are designed to extend the life of outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment.

Conducted by bluesign technologies in March 2026, the audit of Nikwax’s UK production facility recognised the company’s outstanding performance across environmental, management and operational criteria.

The independent assessment highlighted several key achievements and the attainment of an overall Aspirational rating with a score of 90%.

Perhaps most significantly for a company founded on environmental responsibility, the auditors concluded:

“The production site in Wadhurst generates almost no environmental impact.”

Nikwax achieved exceptional scores across multiple assessment categories, including:

• Environment: 100% (Aspirational)
• Management System: 96% (Aspirational)
• Emergency Preparedness: 90% (Aspirational)

The audit found no environmental non-conformities or findings, awarding Nikwax a perfect score in this category.

The bluesign rating system is one of the textile and chemical industry’s most rigorous sustainability standards, assessing environmental performance, occupational health and safety, resource efficiency, product stewardship and responsible chemical management. The highest level, Aspirational, is reserved for companies that not only comply with mandatory requirements but also demonstrate best-practice performance and a commitment to continual improvement.

Commenting on the result, Tim Pickering, Director of Product at Nikwax, said:

“Achieving the highest bluesign Aspirational rating is a significant milestone and reflects the dedication of our entire team.

For nearly 50 years, Nikwax has challenged the idea that product performance has to come at an environmental cost. Our PFAS-free, water-based technologies were developed to provide effective waterproofing while reducing environmental impact, and becoming employee-owned has further strengthened our ability to make long-term decisions that support people, the planet and the outdoor industry. This assessment provides independent recognition of that commitment.”

The assessment also recognised the maturity of Nikwax’s management systems and the company’s proactive approach to sustainability. As an employee-owned business, Nikwax continues to invest in environmentally responsible innovation and manufacturing practices that support both consumers and the outdoor industry in reducing their environmental footprint.

Founded in 1977, Nikwax pioneered water-based, PFAS-free waterproofing products and remains committed to producing high-performance solutions that extend the life of outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment while minimising environmental impact.

About bluesign®

The bluesign SYSTEM is a globally recognised sustainability standard for the textile and chemical industries. It provides a comprehensive approach to reducing environmental impacts, ensuring consumer safety, responsible use of resources and improved occupational health and safety throughout the supply chain.

About Nikwax

Nikwax is the global leader in environmentally responsible aftercare and waterproofing solutions that extend the life and elevate the performance of outdoor footwear, clothing and equipment. Never using PFAS or aerosols and not testing on animals since its foundation in 1977.  Its product line is water-based and non-persistent, and all product bottles and lids are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic that can also be recycled. Nikwax has carbon balanced all of its operations since foundation in 1977 and became an employee-owned trust in 2022.

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Portsmouth, N.H. — July 13, 2026 — Kästle USA today announced that Steven Poulin has resigned as Chief Executive Officer, effective August 27, 2026, concluding a successful period of organizational transformation that established a strong operational foundation for the company’s future.

Since joining Kästle USA in August 2024, Poulin led a comprehensive transformation of the company’s U.S. operations, strengthening organizational infrastructure, streamlining business processes, and positioning the company for long-term growth.

During his tenure, Kästle USA successfully relocated its corporate headquarters from Vail, Colorado, to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, transitioned warehouse operations from Houston, Texas, to Merrimack, New Hampshire, and implemented new organizational systems and processes that significantly improved operational efficiency, collaboration, and customer service. Together, these initiatives created a centralized operating platform that better supports the company’s growing network of specialty retailers throughout the United States.

Statement from Steven Poulin

“It has been an honor to lead Kästle USA during this important period of transformation. I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished together—from rebuilding our operational foundation to creating a stronger platform for future growth. I have every confidence that the company is well positioned for continued success, and I look forward to watching Kästle continue to thrive.”

Building on a Strong Foundation

To lead the company’s next phase of growth, Kästle USA announced that Jed Duke has been appointed Managing Director, effective July 1, 2026.

As Managing Director, Duke serves as the senior executive responsible for the overall leadership and strategic direction of Kästle USA. He oversees all aspects of the business, including corporate strategy, financial performance, brand leadership, product strategy, marketing, and organizational development. Duke also works closely with Kästle International to ensure alignment between the company’s global vision and the continued growth of the North American business.

Working alongside Managing Director Jed Duke, Justin Heanue has been appointed U.S. Sales and Operations Director, effective July 1, 2026. Heanue leads the company’s sales organization, dealer development, customer service, logistics, and operational execution, translating the company’s strategic vision into consistent execution throughout the U.S. business.

Together, Duke and Heanue will work collaboratively to strengthen specialty retail partnerships, deliver exceptional experiences for retailers and consumers, and execute a long-term strategy that reinforces Kästle’s position as North America’s premier premium ski brand.

Duke and Heanue bring decades of combined leadership experience within the ski and outdoor industries. Their complementary expertise in executive leadership, product strategy, sales, operations, and brand development positions Kästle USA to accelerate sustainable growth while remaining firmly committed to specialty retail, premium products, and exceptional customer service.

Statement from Jed Duke

“Steven and the entire team accomplished something incredibly important over the past two years by building the operational foundation that positions Kästle USA for long-term success. We sincerely appreciate Steven’s leadership and the many lasting contributions he made to the organization.”

“Kästle has entered an exciting new chapter in North America. Our focus is to build upon the strong operational foundation that has been established by accelerating sustainable growth, deepening our partnerships with specialty retailers, delivering exceptional products and service, and continuing to strengthen the Kästle brand for the long term.”

“We have an exceptional team, outstanding retail partners, and tremendous support from Kästle International. Together, we are committed to honoring the heritage of this iconic brand while positioning it for an even stronger future throughout North America.”

Kästle USA extends its sincere appreciation to Steven Poulin for his leadership and dedication during a pivotal period in the company’s development. His vision and commitment helped establish a strong operational and organizational platform that will support the company’s continued success for years to come.

As Kästle USA enters its next phase of growth under the leadership of Managing Director Jed Duke, the company remains committed to delivering premium products, strengthening partnerships with specialty retailers, investing in innovation, and providing an exceptional experience for skiers across North America.

About Kästle USA

Founded in 1924 in Austria, Kästle has earned a global reputation for precision engineering, exceptional craftsmanship, and uncompromising performance. For more than a century, the company has developed premium alpine, freeride, touring, and nordic equipment for skiers who demand the highest level of performance on snow. Today, Kästle USA partners with specialty retailers, athletes, and mountain professionals throughout North America to deliver world-class products backed by exceptional service and support.

Amsterdam, Netherlands (July 9, 2026) – Today, VALLON, the eyewear brand known for creating performance eyewear at its best-looking, introduces Arlo. These frames are a fresh take on one of eyewear’s most iconic hexagon silhouettes, reimagined for people who move seamlessly between city streets, weekend escapes, and the outdoors.

For decades, ‘panto’-style frames – a design featuring round lenses with a geometric frame – have been worn by artists, writers, musicians, and explorers alike, prized for their balanced proportions, understated character, and timeless appeal. With Arlo, VALLON brings that creative heritage into the modern outdoors, combining a classic silhouette with lightweight, technical performance for today’s adventures.

VALLON has refined the classic crown panto shape for Arlo, and the result is a versatile, lightweight frame with subtle structure, and a distinctive personality that feels equally at home in the city, on the coast, or high in the mountains.

“Arlo is a frame with creative roots and an adventurous spirit,” said VALLON co-founders, Richard and Marcus Franck. “We were inspired by the eyewear worn by the artists, musicians, and explorers of previous generations, but built it with the comfort, durability, and performance people expect today. They are the kind of sunglasses you reach for every morning, no matter where the day takes you.”

Arlo’s frames are handcrafted from premium cellulose acetate for exceptional comfort, durability, and enduring style. VALLON’s proprietary V52® polarized lenses deliver outstanding optical clarity with an ABBE value of 52, exceptional glare reduction, impact resistance, and natural color perception. A detachable sports headstrap transforms Arlo from an everyday lifestyle frame into performance eyewear built for movement, keeping the sunglasses secure whether hiking, cycling, paddling, or travelling.

In keeping with VALLON’s naming scheme, taking inspiration from rock, folk, soul and country musicians of decades past (Watchtowers, Howlin’, Waylons, the Revivals), this new frame is named after American folk singer-songwriter, Arlo Guthrie.

In addition, VALLON partners with CleanHub to clean up and recycle 1 kg of plastic waste for every pair sold, to offset material consumption during production. Beyond protecting coastal ecosystems, this partnership helps to create local jobs, promote gender equality, and empower communities to safeguard the environment.

Arlo is available in a unisex fit in Black, Horn, Green, and Brown colorways and is available now at vallon.com and select retailers worldwide.

MSRP: 145 EUR / 169 USD / 249 CAD / 130 GBP

Downloadable assets.

About VALLON | Classic Style, Maximum Performance

Original eyewear that combines classic style with maximum performance. We design highly technical and innovative eyewear infused with a whole lotta soul, offering great value gear that also cleans up plastic waste with every pair sold. Trusted by explorers, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts around the world, VALLONs have crossed the oceans, traversed every continent, and reached the world’s highest peaks. Protect your eyes in style #theVALLONway. Visit www.vallon.com for more information.

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Media contacts

NAM

Verde Brand Communications

Becca Katz: vallon@verdepr.com

Verde PR Durango, Colorado, USA

EMEA & All other regions

VALLON Senior Marketing and Communications Manager

Victoria Bushnell: victoria@vallon.com

VALLON B.V. Amsterdam, Netherlands