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

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.