{DOVER, N.H., June 29, 2026}—Marking 25 years of outdoor gear innovation, NEMO has unveiled its 2027 collection, introducing new products and meaningful refinements across shelter, sleep systems, and furniture, with continued commitments to sustainability, durability, and public lands advocacy. The 2027 line reflects NEMO’s belief that great adventures begin with thoughtful design, and every addition is intended to help more people get outside and stay outside longer.

“Adventure is about letting go of total control,” said Cam Brensinger, founder and CEO of NEMO. “To support those experiences, we put everything we can into the quality of what we create, the care we extend to our customers, and the responsibility we take for the places where adventure happens. Our 2027 line represents the best work in what will soon be 25 years since I founded the company.”

Ultralight Innovation Moves Tent Category Forward 
The updated Hornet OSMO™ and all-new Wildcat OSMO™ strengthen NEMO’s position at the forefront of ultralight backpacking. The in-house material science, industrial design, engineering and testing done by the team at NEMO are unmatched in the category.

Hornet OSMO™ receives thoughtful refinements that improve durability and performance without sacrificing the lightweight experience that has made it a favorite among backpackers. Joining the lineup, Wildcat OSMO™ delivers a roomier, feature-rich alternative built on Hornet’s technical DNA, giving adventurers a new option that balances low weight with increased livability.

Beginning in 2027, every NEMO OSMO backpacking tent except Hornet™ Elite OSMO™ will feature solution-dyed, 100% recycled, bluesign® APPROVED fabrics.

Sleep Systems Designed for Every Adventure 
NEMO’s award-winning sleep category continues to evolve with updates aimed at both seasoned adventurers and newcomers alike.

Disco™, specialty outdoor retail’s top-selling down sleeping bag, expands with a new 0-degree model that delivers cold-weather performance while maintaining the roomy comfort and sustainability-focused design that define the collection.

The Tensor™ All-Season and Tensor™ Trail sleeping pads receive construction updates to the Spaceframe™ baffles that notably reduce weight and improve warmth while preserving the comfort, stability, and quiet sleep experience that have made Tensor an industry benchmark. The new longitudinal trusses maintain a comfortable and stable sleep surface while offering increased warmth. 

Building on the success of Eclipse™ All-Season, the new Eclipse™ All-Season Tent Floor solves the common frustration for tent-sharing backpackers: unused space. Purpose-built with NEMO’s Spaceframe™ baffles, the tent floor matches the tapered footprints of modern backpacking tents, maximizing sleeping area while providing four inches of cushioning and an R-value of 6.2 for year-round comfort.

For adventurers just getting started, the new Solstice™ sleeping pad provides an approachable, dependable platform that delivers trusted NEMO comfort at a more accessible price point. Durable recycled fabrics, longitudinal baffles, and the reliable performance of NEMO’s Spaceframe™ baffles create an inviting entry point for new campers and backpackers.

In a milestone for the brand, NEMO’s popular Switchback™ closed-cell foam sleeping pad will now be manufactured in the United States for North American customers. Foam production, pad manufacturing, and packaging will all take place domestically. The updated pad also features a new Fortress Blue colorway and increased warmth with an improved R-value of 2.2.

A New Era of Camp Comfort 
NEMO’s furniture collection receives significant updates headlined by a fully redesigned Moonlite™ and updated Stargaze™ EVO-X.

The redesigned Moonlite™ delivers a more comfortable and intuitive experience through a refined seat patterning and reclining mechanism, ergonomic corner mounts, forged aluminum hubs, increased seat height, and a higher 350-pound weight capacity. A new stabilizing platform (included) improves performance on soft surfaces such as sand and loose soil.

Stargaze™ EVO-X builds on NEMO’s signature swinging and reclining design with a lighter, more portable package. Updated hardware and streamlined construction reduce packed size while increasing comfort, support, and weight capacity to 350 pounds.

Extending the Life of Outdoor Gear 
Further advancing its Adventure Forever® mission, NEMO will become the exclusive U.S. distributor of Storm Care Solutions, a U.K.-based leader in outdoor gear cleaning and waterproofing products. The partnership gives outdoor enthusiasts access to proven maintenance solutions that help apparel, footwear, tents, sleeping bags, and other gear perform better and last longer. 

The 2027 collection reflects NEMO’s enduring commitment to Innovation, community, and sustainability, the principles that have guided the company since its founding. To learn more about NEMO’s 2027 collection, please click here.

About NEMO 
NEMO is a New Hampshire–based outdoor gear company that designs and manufactures award-winning tents, sleep systems, camp furniture, and accessories built to last, perform exceptionally, and make time outside more comfortable and memorable. With a philosophy to never bring anything to market unless it meaningfully improves the outdoor experience, NEMO has earned hundreds of awards and honors, including multiple ISPO Awards, and recognition as one of Outside Magazine’s and Business NH’s Best Places to Work and a small business environmental leader. Since its launch in 2023, the brand has continued to expand its Endless Promise® fully recyclable product program and publish transparent sustainability reporting that highlights carbon-reduction progress toward its 2030 goals, PFAS-free innovations, and circular design principles. Guided by a passionate team of designers and engineers, NEMO advances performance and sustainability in gear while supporting broader access to and protection of the outdoors, making adventures more possible, inclusive, and enduring.     

Adventure Anywhere. Adventure for Anyone. Adventure Forever.®

LONGMONT, Colo. – (June 25, 2026) Rossmönster, the Colorado-based builder of adventure trucks and vans, today unveiled the all-new Loft, a molded-body Class B that brings more living space to one of the most popular chassis on the road, with an aggressive-but-approachable build and a layout that reconfigures to fit the trip. It’s the first American-made, molded-body 144” Sprinter purpose-built for serious adventure travel.

Loft will debut publicly for the first time at Overland Expo Pacific Northwest. Built on a Mercedes-Benz 3500 AWD chassis with a vacuum-infused camper shell, it combines the maneuverability of the well-loved 144″ Sprinter van with the interior comfort of a much larger motorhome, and a layout that changes on demand.

The queen-size elevator bed lifts clear to open a living area that doubles as a dinette. The dinette converts to a second bed when you need the extra berth, or expands to reveal a full-width garage that opens toward the full height of the van when the haul calls for it. Triple hatches around the rear open it up for maximum access. The expanding shower doubles as a mudroom right at the entry, so wet boots and dripping layers stay out of the living space. It’s one vehicle with multiple settings. Every square foot is built to do more than one job, without giving up the comfort of a simple and beautiful interior.

“Giving one space two jobs is hard to do well, and doing it without making the whole thing complicated is even harder,” said Luke Farny, Rossmönster Co-founder and CEO. “The engineering team nailed both with this seemingly simple design, yet there is far more to this van than appears at first glance.”

The vacuum-infused shell unlocks both increased interior volume and superior insulation, providing the space and thermal efficiency that allow the modular layout to function as intended.

The interior follows the modern, residential-inspired design Rossmönster is famous for and pairs with the systems extended travel requires: white oak cabinetry, four-season insulation, hydronic heating with in-floor heat, a full wet bath, induction cooking, and a 130-liter refrigerator/freezer.

The energy system includes 1,000Ah of lithium battery capacity, a 440-watt walkable solar array, a 3,000-watt inverter, and a digital control panel for extended off-grid travel.

Adventure-focused features include an adjustable suspension upgrade, a super single wheel conversion, exterior storage cabinets, rear MOLLE panels, and Starlink wiring preparation.

Attendees at Overland Expo PNW can tour it in person ahead of initial deliveries, and a docuseries highlighting the build of the new LOFT is available on YouTube.

The Loft starts at $284,987 and is available to reserve for a limited time through the Rossmönster website and purchasing will be available through Rossmonster’s authorized dealer network. For more on Rossmönster and the full lineup, visit rossmonster.com.

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About Rossmönster
Rossmönster redefines the adventure lifestyle, crafting premium trucks that fuel your passion for exploration and discovery. With groundbreaking designs and unmatched craftsmanship, Rossmönster creates vehicles that are more than just a mode of travel — they’re a gateway to the extraordinary. Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and delivering exceptional customer experiences, Rossmönster is shaping the future of adventure vehicles for those who dare to roam further and live boldly.

June 24, 2026 – Salt Lake City, Utah – LOWA USA has appointed outdoor industry veteran Brad Potts as its new Director of Marketing, succeeding longtime marketing leader Lesley Christoph, who retires after 26 years of dedicated service to the brand.

Potts joins LOWA at a pivotal moment for the brand as it expands its North American presence and strengthens its collaboration with parent company Tecnica Group. In his new role, he will oversee brand strategy, marketing initiatives, consumer engagement, and go-to-market efforts across the U.S. market. 

Before joining LOWA, Potts held leadership positions with Salomon North America, Jack Wolfskin Germany, and the Outdoor Industry Association, where he led initiatives spanning brand development, product launches, market expansion, and industry advocacy. 

“Brad’s strategic vision and deep understanding of the outdoor consumer make him an exceptional addition to our leadership team,” added Taylor. “Backed by the strength and resources of Tecnica Group, we’re entering an exciting new phase for LOWA in North America, and Brad will play a key role in driving that momentum forward.”

Earlier this year, LOWA officially opened its new U.S. headquarters in Salt Lake City and continues to deepen collaboration with parent company Tecnica Group, whose portfolio includes industry-leading brands such as Nordica, Blizzard, Rollerblade®, Moon Boot®, and Tecnica. Together, these investments position the brand for continued growth, innovation, and expanded reach across the United States. 

“LOWA has built an incredible reputation rooted in craftsmanship, performance, and authenticity,” said Potts. “I’m honored to join the team at such an exciting moment in the brand’s history and look forward to helping shape its next chapter of growth in North America.”

Potts succeeds longtime Director of Marketing Lesley Christoph, who retires after 26 years with the company. Throughout her tenure, Christoph helped establish LOWA as a leading premium outdoor footwear brand in North America and played an important role in the company’s growth and industry relationships.

“Lesley’s passion, leadership, and commitment to the LOWA brand have been extraordinary,” said Lance Taylor, General Manager of LOWA USA. “For more than two decades, she has been a driving force behind our success in North America, and we’re deeply grateful for the legacy she leaves behind.”

To learn more about LOWA USA and the latest brand news, visit us.lowa.com or contact Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com.

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About LOWA

With over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, LOWA is a globally respected footwear brand located in Jetzendorf, in Upper Bavaria. Since 1923, LOWA has created premium outdoor boots and shoes featuring beautiful silhouettes, best-in-class quality, and proprietary technology. Its designers adeptly navigate the outdoor performance, trail running, lifestyle, and tactical categories, always nurturing brand integrity. LOWA is one of the only footwear brands to receive ISO 9001 status for the highest quality construction and process standards. LOWA certified tactical boots are also made to comply with the European Union’s PPE standards. For more information, visit www.us.lowa.com. 

About Tecnica Group

A global leader in outdoor footwear and ski equipment, Tecnica Group boasts a portfolio of some of the industry’s most historic brands: Tecnica (ski boots and footwear), Nordica (skis and boots), Moon Boot® (footwear), LOWA (trekking and outdoor shoes), Blizzard (skis), and Rollerblade® (inline skates). Founded in 1963 by the Zanatta brothers, the company has been highly innovative from the very beginning, pioneering the first double-injection plastic ski boot that revolutionized the industry and creating iconic design products such as the legendary Moon Boot.

Today, Tecnica Group is an international company with 10 subsidiaries, along with more than 40 distribution partners, exporting to over 80 countries worldwide. The company employs 3,722 people, around 400 of whom are based in Italy, primarily at its headquarters in Giavera del Montello (Treviso). In 2017, the Zanatta family, still at the helm of the Group, opened the company to external capital with the entry of Italmobiliare as a minority shareholder. For more information, visit www.tecnicagroup.com.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (June 23, 2026) — Outdoor Retailer, the platform for connection, learning, and outdoor innovation, today announced continued expansion of Wild Reach, its built-in creator initiative powered by Popfly that gives exhibitors turnkey access to outdoor creators and audience reach beyond the show floor. Participating Wild Reach creators now reach more than 11.7 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, turning creator marketing into an integrated exhibitor advantage rather than a separate lift for brands to manage on their own.

Wild Reach helps exhibitors turn show participation into audience reach. Through a coordinated system of creator matchmaking, on-site activations, and product storytelling, the program enables brands to generate authentic coverage tied directly from the event and extend that impact well beyond the booth. Wild Reach gives exhibitors a centralized way to activate trusted outdoor creators on-site and turn show moments into brand content in real time.

“Trade shows can no longer rely on selling booth space and hoping brands find their audience,” said Matthew Mathiasen, group show director for Outdoor Retailer. “Wild Reach gives exhibitors direct access to trusted outdoor creators who can bring products, experiences, and innovations to life through authentic storytelling. As marketing teams are increasingly asked to do more with fewer resources, brands need event platforms that create measurable value. Wild Reach makes creator engagement coordinated, accessible, and impactful while helping exhibitors extend the benefits of participating in Outdoor Retailer.”

The latest group of Wild Reach creators contributes an additional 5.3 million+ followers across outdoor adventure, travel, climbing, hiking, photography, family exploration, and lifestyle-focused communities and includes:

Andy Austin – 82K

Emily Richards – 145K

Erica Agran – 25K

Jesica Williams – 42K

Katie and Joe Burtoni – 132K

Lilli Higgins – 100K

Lucas Smissen – 898K

Madeleine Wilson – 125K

Nadah Feteih – 68K

Nicole Hill – 23K

Ronnie Forslund – 212K

Sherise Gumbs – 20K

Xavier Abdullahi – 41K

Yazan Koudsi – 3.4M

The Wild Reach initiative continues to build. Outdoor Retailer and Popfly are currently in discussions with more than 70 additional creators for participation opportunities, while more than 210 applications remain under review. Additional participants will be announced in the lead-up to the August event.

Prior to the event, creators will be matched with participating exhibitors, allowing both parties to arrive with established relationships and a plan for authentic, real-time coverage throughout the show. Wild Reach creators will work directly with exhibitors through curated activations, product demonstrations, and social media collaborations designed to amplify product discovery and audience engagement. Participating exhibitors benefit from creator-generated assets, expanded exposure, and access to highly engaged outdoor audiences across multiple platforms.

Outdoor Retailer 2026 takes place August 19–21 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

About Outdoor Retailer

Outdoor Retailer is where the outdoor industry comes together to move the business of the outdoors forward. Designed in collaboration with brands, retailers, and industry leaders, the event creates space for connection, practical education, and the discovery of products shaping the future of outdoor recreation. Outdoor Retailer is where the industry gathers to connect, collaborate and take ownership of what comes next – #MakeItYours. Learn more at outdoorretailer.com.

Media Contacts
Chris Goddard, CGPR
chris@cgprpublicrelations.com
(781) 640-8387

Mary Beth Gold, CGPR
marybeth@cgprpublicrelations.com

CHICAGO – June 22, 2026 – Opinel, the iconic French knife brand renowned for combining timeless design with practical innovation, is proud to introduce its new Outdoor Collection, a trio of high-performance folding knives engineered for modern adventurers. The collection includes the Néo7 Alpine, N°08 Horizon, and N°09 Ocean, each designed to meet the unique demands of mountain, trail, and marine environments.

Developed and manufactured in France, the Outdoor Collection represents Opinel’s continued evolution of functional design. Bringing together three purpose-built knives, the collection combines lightweight construction, durable materials, and integrated safety features tailored to distinct outdoor pursuits. Whether navigating alpine terrain, exploring remote trails, or taking on the challenges of open water, each model is designed to deliver reliable performance and confidence in demanding conditions.

The Néo7 Alpine was developed in partnership with elite instructors from Chamonix’s National School of Skiing and Mountaineering (ENSA) and is purpose-built for climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and ice climbing. Weighing just 1.45 ounces, it features a serrated stainless-steel blade, a patented Opiflex® ring, integrated bit holder, mini scraper, cork grip zone, and 100 dB whistle, delivering maximum utility in a lightweight package.

For multisport outdoor enthusiasts, the N°08 Horizon offers a versatile solution designed for hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, and everyday exploration. Featuring a smooth 3.15-inch stainless-steel blade, reinforced fiberglass polymer handle, Virobloc® double-safety locking system, and integrated 110 dB whistle, the Horizon is built to handle intensive outdoor use while remaining lightweight and easy to carry.

The N°09 Ocean is engineered specifically for sailing and marine activities, combining strength, safety, and corrosion resistance. Its partially serrated 3.5-inch blade features an anti-corrosion PVD coating, while integrated tools, including a marlinespike and shackle key, support essential onboard tasks. Additional features such as a fiberglass-reinforced handle, double safety system, and 110 dB whistle make it a dependable companion for life on the water.

“At Opinel, we believe the best outdoor tools combine simplicity, durability and timeless design. The new Outdoor Collection reflects that philosophy, bringing together durable materials, practical innovation and the craftsmanship that has defined Opinel for more than 135 years,” said Morgan Ward, U.S. marketing lead at Opinel. “Whether on mountain trails, along the coast or in the forest, this collection is designed to perform wherever it goes, helping people connect more deeply with nature and create meaningful moments outdoors.”

The Outdoor Collection will be available beginning June 22, 2026, at Opinel-USA.com and through select retail partners nationwide.

ABOUT OPINEL USA

Founded in the French Alps in 1890, Opinel has spent more than 135 years crafting knives and tools that combine simplicity, durability, and timeless design. Manufactured in France and trusted by generations of users worldwide, Opinel established its U.S. subsidiary in 2016 to serve the growing North American market. Learn more at Opinel-USA.com or follow @opinelusa on social media.

SEATTLE, WA (June 22, 2026) — MiiR, the Seattle-based lifestyle brand that turned a water bottle into a vehicle for purposeful design and global giving, today announced the launch of its first Apparel and Bag collection, arriving in August 2026. Inspired by years of global travel, cultural exchange, and a belief that thoughtful design can enrich everyday experiences, the collection expands MiiR’s product ecosystem beyond drinkware into apparel and bag essentials. Each piece reflects the same commitment to intentional design, functionality, and enduring quality that has defined the brand for the past 15 years, while supporting a life in motion—from daily routines to journeys around the world.

“The Apparel and Bag Collection is a natural evolution of MiiR and a reflection of what has always inspired us as a brand,” says Bryan Papé, CEO and founder of MiiR. “While we began with drinkware, our vision has always been bigger than any single product category. We’re inspired by the people, places, and cultures we encounter through travel—from spending time with non-profit partners around Lake Kivu in Rwanda to exploring mountain communities in Nozawa, Japan, and beyond. Those experiences have shaped how we think about design and the role products play in our lives. This collection is built around the idea of ‘Travelers, Not Tourists’—creating thoughtfully designed essentials that help people engage more deeply with the world around them. Whether you’re heading across town or across the globe, these products are designed to support a life of curiosity, movement, and meaningful connection.”

MiiR’s apparel line of refined, everyday pieces spans polos, zip pullovers, soft shells, fleeces, insulated layers, and performance outerwear designed for life on the move. Each item is engineered with performance elements like UPF protection, 4-way stretch, anti-odor technology, and DWR treatment that increases the versatility of each piece. The Kumo 1/4 Snap Pullover ($110) is a modern take on a classic layer that blends everyday comfort with travel-ready versatility and a clean, elevated look from trail to town. The Sashiko Full Zip Stretch Puffy Jacket ($199) works for travel days, daily strolls, and everything in between with its sleek silhouette and cozy, synthetic insulation. Soft warmth meets laid-back structure in the Sashiko Stretch Puffy Shacket ($179), a functional and effortless layer for cooler days.

The bag line brings MiiR’s design sensibility to everyday bags, organizers and crossbodies that balance form and function. The Kondoh Double Handled Pack ($125) is a clean, versatile 15L convertible pack with stowaway shoulder straps and a laptop compartment that moves seamlessly from backpack to tote. The simple and durable Causeway Travel Organizer ($55) is built with intuitive organization and easy-clean materials, ensuring it’ll last for years. Perhaps the most unique is the Vessel Crossbody ($75), which features dedicated, hands-free storage for a MiiR water bottle, making it a perfect option for travel and everyday exploration.

The collection will be available for direct purchase on MiiR.com and, exclusively through MiiR’s global distribution network.

Every piece in the Apparel and Barry Collection includes a Give Code, connecting each purchase to a transparent giving project that benefits communities and the environment. With this launch, MiiR continues to build a cohesive system of everyday essentials, each one designed around the same four principles that have guided the brand from the beginning: minimal, considered, functional, and enduring.

For more information, please contact Kaitlyn Harvie (kaitlyn.harvie@rygr.us) and Corinne Baud (corinne.baud@rygr.us)

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About MiiR

Seattle-based MiiR creates thoughtfully designed drinkware, bags, apparel, coffee accessories, and everyday essentials that blend function, style, and purpose. A design-forward and generosity-driven brand, MiiR is recognized for its commitment to design, philanthropy, and responsibility. Every product is designed in-house and guided by four core principles: minimal, considered, functional, and enduring. MiiR is a certified B Corporation, a 1% for the Planet member, and a Climate Neutral Certified brand. Each MiiR product features a unique Give Code™, empowering customers to connect directly with the company’s transparent giving initiatives. Celebrating 15 years of design, community, coffee culture, and collaboration, MiiR continues to create products that inspire people to get outside, connect, and make a positive impact.

Media Contact:

Kaitlyn Harvie

rygr, MiiR

kaitlyn.harvie@rygr.us

Corinne Baud

rygr, MiiR

corinne.baud@rygr.us

Amsterdam, Netherlands — Performance eyewear company VALLON today introduces the Ella and Elmore, a distinct reinterpretation of the classic brow bar aviator, designed for today’s outdoor enthusiasts who move seamlessly between city life and outdoor adventures. Named after jazz legend, Ella Fitzgerald and blues guitarist, Elmore James, these models reflect the collection’s blend of timeless style and enduring character.

Originally developed in the 1950s, brow bars, also known as “sweat bars,” were introduced to stabilize early aviator frames by reducing torsional flex in lightweight metal constructions. Over time, brow bars became synonymous with the aviator style. For VALLON, the brow bar aviator represented an opportunity to revisit an iconic design and give it an update that provided both better utility and distinct style associated with the brand.

Rather than using the wire-frame construction associated with vintage pilot eyewear, VALLON chose to build the Ella and Elmore frame fully in premium cellulose acetate. The result is a more substantial and confident aesthetic, increased durability, and a strong visual identity that aligns with the classic aviator shapes that VALLON has come to be known for.

“We wanted to rethink the brow bar aviator – taking it beyond the traditional pilot frame, and delivering something for a 21st century outdoor enthusiast who’s spending their week in the city, and their weekends out hiking and exploring the backcountry,” said VALLON founder Richard Franck. “Elmore and Ella are a nod to the original silhouettes of classic teardrop aviators, but they come with a detachable sports headstrap and performance lenses to deliver the quality, functionality, and versatility that today’s sports-lifestyle enthusiasts demand.”

At the core of the design is VALLON’s V52® polarized lens technology, high-performance, impact-resistant lenses engineered to deliver exceptional clarity. With an ABBE value of 52, V52® lenses offer some of the highest optical performance available in sports eyewear today. With 98-99% polar efficiency, these polarized lenses effectively cut glare, improve contrast, and offer natural color filtration.

The new release includes two sizing options: Ella: Women’s fit (S – M) and Elmore: Men’s fit (M – L). Both styles are available in three signature VALLON colorways: Sage with Green lenses, Dark Tortoise with Smoke lenses, and Horn with Smoke lenses.

Ella and Elmore are available to purchase from the VALLON website, and through select retailers worldwide.

For more information about VALLON and its full collection of performance eyewear, visit www.vallon.com.

About VALLON

Original eyewear that combines classic style with maximum performance. Like Tarantino, we like to pay homage to the past when creating something new. 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.

Follow us on social media

Instagram: @vallon_official

#ClassicStyleMaximumPerformance #theVALLONway

Media contacts

North America

Verde Brand Communications

Becca Katz: vallon@verdepr.com

Boulder, Colo. (June 17, 2026) — Access Fund, the national advocacy organization for sustainable access and conservation of climbing landscapes, is calling on climbers to speak up in response to newly released climbing management guidance from the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture. The guidance—issued by the National Park Service (NPS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS)—stands to shape how America’s climbing is managed for decades to come.

The climbing management guidance is required under the Protecting America’s Rock Climbing (PARC) Act, a bipartisan law passed in 2025 as part of the EXPLORE Act. The PARC Act directs federal agencies to recognize climbing activities, including the placement and maintenance of fixed anchors, as an appropriate use on federally designated Wilderness. It also allows climbing routes established before January 4, 2025, to be used and maintained in perpetuity—ensuring historic climbing areas like El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, the Diamond in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Cirque of the Towers in the Wind River Range, and Rainbow Wall at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area remain accessible.

Before the guidance is finalized, NPS, BLM and FWS are required to accept public comments for 60-days, which opened June 15th. The USFS guidance is open to public comments for 30-days, starting June 18th. To ensure the final guidance keeps America’s climbing areas open, protects historic climbing areas, and retains the integrity of Wilderness areas, climbing and outdoor communities need to come together to show strong and unified support. We’re asking climbers to learn more, and submit comments using our easy letter-writing tool at accessfund.org/take-action.

The draft policies align with the PARC Act and previous federal policies that allow standard climbing safety practices while protecting wilderness character. The NPS, BLM, and FWS draft policies address only Wilderness climbing management, while the USFS draft policy applies to both Wilderness and non-Wilderness climbing areas—roughly 30% of America’s climbing. The four draft policies share the determination that fixed anchors are allowable in Wilderness, but differ in technical elements. The draft guidance is an important course correction from the 2023 NPS and USFS proposals that would have restricted climbing access, created safety risks, erased historic climbing routes, and imposed costly management burdens.

Access Fund supports the draft policies; however, it is recommending several essential technical revisions and clarifications, including consistent fixed-anchor definitions, and practical new climbing route management and fixed anchor maintenance.

“America’s public lands offer a wide range of exceptional climbing experiences. When climbing in Wilderness areas, climbers need to exercise restraint and low-impact practices to maintain the character of the land, and ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience these wild spaces.” said Heather Thorne, Executive Director of Access Fund. “The draft climbing management guidance can be improved, but the spirit of the policies protects America’s climbing legacy, and the spirit of adventure.”

Climbing and outdoor brands that supported the PARC Act through its legislative journey are joining Access Fund in encouraging public comments. Companies like Black Diamond are helping spread the word to their communities about why this moment matters for the future of America’s climbing.

“At Black Diamond, our equipment helps climbers push farther, explore deeper, and experience the full spectrum of climbing opportunities on America’s public lands.” said Jess Powell, Advocacy & Sustainability Manager at Black Diamond Equipment. “We’re pleased to see an approach to climbing management that helps protect access to climbing adventures while supporting the stewardship of the landscapes that make them possible.”

How to get involved

Climbers are encouraged to learn more and submit comments at accessfund.org/take-action.

About Access Fund

Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment. Access Fund represents more than 8 million climbers nationwide in its work to protect and conserve the land, fight for sustainable access, and build a community of inspired advocates. Access Fund staff have more than 100 years of public policy and advocacy experience and have permanently protected nearly 4 million acres of public land across the country, establishing climbers as a powerful voice in the fight to protect public lands. For more information, visit accessfund.org.