MINNEAPOLIS — July 9, 2026 — UDisc, the leading disc golf course directory and smartphone app, has released its list of the 50 Best Short Disc Golf Courses for 2026. These locations put disc golf’s value as an accessible outdoor activity front and center, with data-driven rankings that showcase the top places for families and people of all ages to get outside and active in under an hour.

Short disc golf courses are built at twice the rate of their longer counterparts, but they aren’t usually recognized for their impact on community-level recreation. This list seeks to change that.

Celebrating short disc golf courses is also a key component of UDisc’s mission to empower the world to play more disc golf. Headlined by Maine’s Sabattus Disc Golf Center, the list includes venues in 10 countries and 19 U.S. states and comes amid a surge in the game’s global growth: Disc golf participation has jumped roughly 86% since 2020, with over 17,000 courses now spanning nearly 100 countries worldwide, according to UDisc’s 2026 Disc Golf Growth Report. Notably, beginner disc golfers who get their start on a short course are 10% more likely to come back for a second round.

“Short disc golf courses lower the barrier to entry for anyone wanting to experience one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in the world,” said UDisc Co-Founder and CEO Josh Lichti. “We hope this list does more than just inspire people to go play disc golf – we also hope it shows municipalities everywhere that high-quality disc golf can fit anywhere.”

Download the UDisc app to record your rounds, discover more short courses, and experience disc golf near you.

About UDisc

UDisc is the world’s #1 disc golf app, trusted by millions of players to record 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’s Disc Golf Health Index focuses on the places where new courses can be most impactful. Learn more at UDisc.com.

SALT LAKE CITY (July 7, 2026) — Gregory Mountain Products, a leader in purpose-built systems to organize and carry your gear, today announced the launch of the new Terros collection, a versatile series of unisex backpacks that seamlessly blend outdoor performance with everyday style and functionality. Available in 20, 25, and 28-liter sizes, the Terros collection is ideal for students, commuters, travelers and adventurers alike.

“We built Terros for people who move between worlds, whether it’s mountains one weekend or city streets the next,” said John Sears, General Manager of Gregory Mountain Products. “It carries the durability and comfort we’ve proven in the backcountry, but it’s built for everyday life. No compromises on either end.”

Built using innovation proven in the mountains and engineered for longevity, Terros packs are lightweight yet rugged, offering all-day comfort, smart organization, and durable construction. The collection reflects an active outdoor lifestyle while providing versatility for daily use at school, work or travelling.

At the core of every Terros is Gregory’s commitment to comfort and fit. A multi-density foam back panel with center cooling channel and full-length support promotes airflow and stability, while the contoured, padded shoulder harness provides breathable cushioning for all-day wear. Reflective details enhance visibility for commuting and evening adventures, and thoughtful storage solutions, like stretch-mesh side pockets for water bottles and dedicated laptop storage, keep essentials organized and accessible.

The Terros collection incorporates reinforced materials and dependable construction throughout. A dual-layer bottom panel featuring durable 900-denier fabric enhances abrasion resistance, while reinforced haul handles, sturdy shoulder straps, and bluesign® approved hardware contribute to long-lasting performance.

Organization is equally central to the Terros design. The 25 and 28-liter options include side compression straps for load stabilization, and an exterior-accessed laptop sleeve. The 20 and 28-liters have a  front bungee system that securely carries extra gear, while the 25-liter features a front centered zippered pocket with interior mesh pockets.

Left to right: Terros 20 in Ink Blue, Terros 25 in Mineral Green, Terros 28 in Black Lichen

The collection also reflects Gregory’s continued focus on sustainability. Exterior pack fabrics are made from 100% recycled content. The body fabric utilizes 500D x 600D recycled polyester, while the base incorporates rugged 900D recycled polyester. Both materials feature a PFAS-free durable water repellent finish. Through its use of recycled materials, Gregory reduced the carbon footprint of each new pack by more than 60%, compared to similar packs made with conventional nylon.

The Terros collection will launch in three core colorways — Black Lichen, Ink Blue, and Mineral Green, with seasonal offerings including Desert Ochre and Dark Berry. Designed to reflect an active outdoor lifestyle while meeting the demands of everyday life, the collection delivers the durability, comfort, and functionality needed to explore without limits.

The Terros collection is available now at REI, specialty retailers and on Gregory.com.

About Gregory Mountain Products

Gregory Mountain Products designs and engineers outdoor gear for life in motion—from expeditions and backpacking to active travel, gear organization, and everyday carry—creating thoughtfully built products that support meaningful experiences wherever the journey leads. Learn more at Gregory.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Becca Katz I Verde Brand Communications I becca@verdepr.com

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COSTA MESA, Calif. [July 7, 2026] —  Most creator programs follow the same pattern: a brand runs a campaign, creators post, the relationship ends. Next season, they start over.

That’s why Popfly, the creator marketing platform that connects brands with vetted adventure creators, is launching Evergreens. Rather than rebuilding from scratch every campaign, brands can now manage long-term creator relationships as a continuous, always-on channel.

The idea behind Evergreens reflects how the creator economy is maturing. What started as transactional has evolved and the brands winning are the ones building ongoing partnerships, where creators become genuine advocates rather than one-time spokespeople.The challenge has always been operational: long-term programs are hard to manage at scale.

Evergreens fixes that. Brands set up a program once — defining budget, requirements, and tiers — and it runs month after month. Popfly handles the operational layer: submissions, review windows, payouts, and tier promotions. Creators move up or down tiers based on posting cadence and performance, with impressions, engagements and affiliate conversions tracked in one dashboard. For brands, it means a program designed to compound rather than restart. For creators, it means consistent income and clear expectations.

“The creator economy has focused on one-off transactions for too long,” said Taylor Hoekstra, Founder & CEO of Popfly. “We’re focused on relationships—giving creators recurring revenue, long-term brand partnerships, and the tools to build sustainable careers.”

Evergreens lives up to its name: for every program created, Popfly plants a GPS-tracked tree through its partner EcoMatcher. The first three trees have already been planted in Ecuador, with Osprey, GoPro, and Wilderdog among the first brands to launch programs in beta.

The setup is straightforward by design. Brands set custom deliverables, defining exactly what they need —  whether that’s a TikTok post, UGC assets, affiliate sales, or a mix — and see estimated reach, cost per engagement, and expected content volume before they launch. Bonus thresholds let brands automatically reward overperformers based on metrics like views or affiliate sales, because when creators win, brands win too.

“Running paid social is table stakes for most brands but the ROI is getting harder to prove,” said Maren Hamilton, Senior Director of Marketing & Growth at Popfly. “Costs are rising while targeting has gotten less precise. Evergreens is what the alternative looks like: an always-on channel where your spend goes toward real relationships and owned content, not renting attention and being at the whim of the algorithm.”

For any brand looking to reach outdoor, travel, and adventure audiences that alternative has never been more relevant. Evergreens is designed for the brands that are done rebuilding every season and ready to build something that lasts.

For more information, visit popfly.com/platform/evergreens.

About Popfly

Popfly is redefining digital storytelling in the adventure space, empowering creators and brands to thrive in the rapidly evolving creator economy. The platform connects brands with creators to collaborate on authentic content at scale. From discovery and creator storefronts to payments and performance tracking, Popfly streamlines every step of your brand‑creator collaboration so you can scale brand momentum and revenue.

For press inquiries, contact popfly@verdepr.com.

BERKELEY, Calif. (July 7, 2026) – Today, Royal Robbins is proud to announce that its Expedition III Shirt, featuring the brand’s proprietary Mosquito Protection Technology (MPT), has been named a winner of the 2026 Red Dot Award for innovative product design.

Established in 1955, the Red Dot Awards are one of the most prestigious and internationally recognized design honors in the world. It recognizes excellence in design innovation across three core disciplines: Product Design, Brands & Communication Design, and Design Concept.

The Expedition III Shirt utilizes an ultralight, proprietary fabric that pairs the brand’s Mosquito Protection Technology™ (MPT) with UPF 40+ sun protection. Unlike traditional bug-repellent apparel that relies on chemical treatments, MPT uses an engineered, tight weave fabric to create a robust barrier against mosquitoes — one that won’t wash or wear away over time. Crafted from 100% recycled poly ripstop, the shirt is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, wrinkle- and stain-resistant, and weighs just 4.5 oz, making it as packable as it is protective. An adjustable fold-up collar and cuffs allow wearers to fine-tune coverage as conditions change, while two zip-secured chest pockets round out the shirt’s adventure-ready design.

“MPT solves one of the most persistent frustrations in the outdoors — mosquitoes! We did this without resorting to toxic chemicals and repellents that can harm both people and the environment,” said Erik Burbank, Brand President of Royal Robbins. “Seeing this innovation recognized by Red Dot is a  meaningful milestone for the brand and for the small but mighty team behind it.”

This recognition builds on MPT’s growing list of accolades, including being named to Popular Science’s Greatest Innovations of 2024, TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025, and the inaugural CNN Underscored Innovation Award earlier this year.

The Expedition III Shirt will be featured for one year in Red Dot’s special museum exhibition in Essen, Germany, with official awards presented at Red Dot’s ceremony on Tuesday, July 7, at the Aalto Theatre in Essen. For more information, visit Red Dot’s website.

The men’s and women’s MPT line spans a range of products across the Expedition, Amp Lite, Salathe, and Wilder styles, all delivering effective, long-lasting protection from mosquitoes without the use of chemical repellents. For more information, please visit royalrobbins.com.

About Royal Robbins® 

Born in Yosemite, the brand was founded in 1968 by world-renowned climbers and adventurers Royal and Liz Robbins. Royal Robbins is a leading designer, manufacturer, and retailer of versatile, durable, and stylish apparel for the next generation of adventurers. The brand maintains a commitment to environmental and social responsibility by prioritizing natural fibers and maintaining carbon neutrality in Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Royal Robbins gear can be found in outdoor and specialty retail partners throughout the world. We believe nature and adventure are good for the soul. To learn more, please visit royalrobbins.com.

Longmont, CO – July 6, 2026 – HydraPak, the global leader in performance hydration, announces the launch of its new Fuel Collection, a reusable ecosystem of fueling tools designed to simplify the increasingly complex demands of endurance nutrition.

As runners and cyclists consume more carbohydrates, embrace bulk nutrition products, and personalize fueling strategies based on race distance, intensity, and environmental conditions, preparing and carrying nutrition has become a performance challenge in itself. Narrow-neck bottles and flasks can be difficult to fill, spilled nutrition creates unnecessary waste, and single-serve packaging often leaves athletes managing sticky wrappers and empty packets during training and racing.

Developed with elite athletes, the HydraPak Fuel Collection was created to solve these everyday challenges. From measuring and mixing to carrying and consuming, the modular system helps athletes fuel with greater accuracy, less mess, and reduced reliance on single-use packaging.

“Fueling has evolved dramatically over the past several years,” states Jennifer Krupey, Vice President of Marketing at HydraPak. “Athletes are taking in more carbohydrates than ever before, using everything from drink mixes and gels to chews and real food. They are adapting fueling strategies based on the workout, race, and conditions. But the tools for preparing and carrying nutrition haven’t kept pace. We saw athletes spilling expensive nutrition into narrow flasks, improvising systems that created waste and frustration, and struggling to stay organized on race day. We created the Fuel Collection to remove friction from the entire fueling process—making it easier, cleaner, and more adaptable so athletes can focus on performance.”

Built around the reality that there is no one-size-fits-all fueling strategy, the collection offers modular solutions that adapt to different nutrition formats, product viscosities, and changing performance needs. The collection includes:

• FuelKit – A complete fueling organization system featuring a Fuel Scoop™, Fuel Funnel™, two large FuelPaks™ and a catch tray, all housed in a durable zippered case with room for bulk nutrition products and race-day essentials. Designed to keep fueling systems organized at home, in transition, and on the road.
• FuelPak – Reusable, roll-top storage pouches designed for powders, chews, and mixed nutrition products. Wide openings, measurement markings, and leakproof construction make preparation and transport simple. Available in two sizes, small and large.
• Fuel Funnel & Fuel Scoop – Precision tools engineered to eliminate spills and guesswork. The Fuel Funnel threads directly onto HydraPak bottles and flasks, while the adjustable Fuel Scoop delivers accurate measurements across a variety of fueling products.
• FuelFlask™ – 150 and 250ml Softflasks equipped with interchangeable caps for both liquids and high-viscosity nutrition products, allowing athletes to customize their setup based on fueling preferences.

The collection also supports a growing shift toward more sustainable endurance nutrition. By enabling athletes to purchase and organize nutrition in bulk, the Fuel Collection reduces dependence on single-serve packaging while preserving the convenience, precision, and portability required on race day.

Built to withstand the demands of daily training, travel, and competition, the HydraPak Fuel Collection delivers a more organized approach to endurance fueling, helping athletes spend less time on logistics and more on performance. The HydraPak Fuel Collection is available online at HydraPak.com. Media inquiries can email Tim Nooney at tim@darbycommunications.com.

About HydraPak

HydraPak® is the leading original equipment manufacturer of soft flasks, reservoirs, and water storage solutions globally. Founded in Northern California, the company is dedicated to producing flexible and durable hydration products tailored for recreational, athletic, and military use. HydraPak and its proprietary brand, Bottle Bright® cleaning tablets, are category leaders. Over the past 20 years, HydraPak has not only pioneered new product categories, but has also become a trusted partner for hundreds of renowned global brands and athletes.

DENVER, CO (July 1, 2026) — Today Altra launched the Torin 9, a road shoe for runners who don’t run the same route twice. Wet crosswalks, broken asphalt, sewer grates, cobblestone—the terrain changes by the block, and the Torin 9 is built to handle all of it.

At the center of the shoe is an all-new exclusive Vibram XS DURA compound designed “for whatever the road throws your way.” The result: 8.5% more grip than the Torin 8 and a level of traction unlike any other.

For years, the Torin has been the pick for runners who want plush, balanced cushioning without giving up Altra’s natural-running roots. The Torin 9 keeps that promise—same Altra Fit, same zero-drop platform, now paired with a new dual-density midsole built for a more stable ride.

Altra ran the Torin 9 through its paces on the streets of Mexico City—smooth pavement one block, rugged cobblestone the next. It’s the kind of terrain shift every city runner knows, and exactly the test the shoe was built to pass: new city, new terrain, same comfort.

“The Torin built its reputation on one promise: comfort that doesn’t quit,” said Kylee Barton, Head of Global Product and Merchandising at Altra. “The 9 is us making good on that promise again––same room for your toes, same plush ride, just better than ever.”

What’s new in the Torin 9:

• Vibram XS DURA Outsole: An entirely new compound from Vibram, exclusive to Altra for six months — the only place runners can get this level of road traction right now.
• New look, same feel: A reshaped heel, elevated tongue and breathable mesh upper, with the same Altra Fit that leaves room for toes to splay and a zero-drop platform that encourages natural movement.
• P35X™ Dual-Density Foam: A new midsole, firmer on the outside and softer on the inside, built for a comfortable, stable ride.

“The Altra Torin 9 marks another important milestone in our partnership, introducing Vibram XS DURA for the very first time. Together, we developed a new outsole compound engineered to deliver the durability, grip, and confidence runners need for whatever the road throws their way,” said Fabrizio Gamberini, Global Chief Brand Officer at Vibram. “It’s a great example of how close collaboration and material innovation can elevate the everyday running experience.”

Altra is also launching the Torin ST alongside the Torin 9, featuring Altra’s signature GuideRail™ technology for added stability and Altra EGO™ MAX midsole foam for a light, smooth feel.

The Torin 9 and Torin ST will be available beginning July 1, 2026, at $160 MSRP, at altrarunning.com and select retailers globally.

About Altra

Altra isn’t just a shoe. It’s a promise. It all started when we hacked the typical running shoe, challenging industry convention by opening the toe box so feet could splay naturally. Born from a passion for innovation and natural running, Altra designs footwear in Colorado that helps runners move more naturally. The Altra Fit allows toes to spread for enhanced comfort, balance and strength, so you can Stay Out There™ for more miles and more years.

#altrarunning #stayoutthere

ASHEVILLE, N.C., July 1, 2026— Darby Communications, a leading East Coast PR and digital marketing agency for outdoor, hunting, fishing, and endurance brands, announces today three strategic promotions on its leadership team, reflecting the agency’s continued investment in its people as it approaches its 20th anniversary.

The promotions of Cory Van Auken to Chief Operating Officer, Suzanne Hermann to Vice President of Client Services, and Katie Richter to Director of Outdoor PR come on the heels of significant agency growth. This growth includes continued expansion into the hunt and fish industries, a deepening of its outdoor and endurance portfolio, and a recent brand refresh that reflects the agency’s evolution and maturity.

“Along with my agency partners, Angie Robinson and Cory Van Auken, we’re excited to usher in this new leadership structure to ensure the agency is set for continued expansion and to position us to keep innovating across the outdoor, hunt, fish, and endurance industries,” says Coral Darby, Founder of Darby Communications.

Cory Van Auken, Chief Operating Officer

Cory joined Darby Communications in 2018, building his career at the agency from Account Executive to Digital Marketing Director to VP of Operations and Partner. In his new role as Chief Operating Officer, he will take full ownership of the agency’s financial health, strategic planning, business development, and the operational systems that keep the agency running at its best. Cory’s thirst for knowledge and innovation will continue to drive the agency’s growth and offerings across all services.

Suzanne Hermann, Vice President of Client Services

Suzanne celebrated her 10th anniversary with Darby Communications this year. Before joining the team, she spent nearly a decade as a broadcast news producer at WLOS News 13 in Asheville. Drawing from that experience, Suzanne has developed expert editorial instincts and leadership qualities that have defined her career in PR at Darby Communications. As Vice President of Client Services, she will oversee the health of client relationships across the agency, lead and mentor the client team, guide media strategy across all departments, and ensure the quality and consistency of work delivered agency-wide.

Katie Richter, Director of Outdoor PR

Katie has been with Darby Communications since 2018, growing through every level of the account team from Account Coordinator to Senior Account Executive to Assistant Media Relations Director. As the project manager on Darby Communications’ flagship outdoor accounts, this move into Director of Outdoor PR is a natural next step for her. In her new role, she will lead the outdoor department, provide strategic oversight and senior media relations support across outdoor accounts.

“Cory, Suzanne, and Katie have each played a defining role in shaping this agency into what it is today. As we head into our 20th year, I couldn’t be prouder of this team or more confident in where we’re headed.”states Angie Robinson, President of Darby Communications.

Strategic Growth Across Outdoor, Hunt, Fish, and Endurance Brands

The agency has grown by 20+% YoY over the past three years, buoyed by its strong client and staff retention, a development-minded internal culture, service innovation, and collaborative approach. In this time, demand for cross-industry expertise has skyrocketed, with outdoor brands increasingly targeting hunt/fish audiences and hunting and fishing brands pursuing outdoor enthusiasts as a clear example. This market shift has made the agency’s deep competency across verticals a competitive differentiator. This expansion and client complexity underpin why these leadership promotions position Darby to continue innovating and growing across the outdoor, hunt, fish, and endurance industries.

For more information on the agency, its services, and its staff, visit Darbycommunications.com.

About Darby Communications

Darby Communications is an East Coast-based public relations and digital marketing agency dedicated to supporting leaders within the outdoor, endurance, and hunting and fishing industries. We blend technical expertise and creative storytelling across a full range of services to grow awareness, strengthen reputation, and turn media and customers into brand advocates. Darby Communications is a trusted partner of respected brands such as KUIU, LOWA, Shimano, Jetboil, Old Town, Skratch, and HydraPak. Named Outdoor Media Summit’s 2025 Agency of the Year and AvantLink’s 2025 PR Agency of the Year Runner-Up, the agency is an AvantLink Certified Agency Partner and Living Wage Certified Employee. For more information, visit www.darbycommunications.com