SOLE Sport Flips Receive I.D. Magazine Annual Design Review Award
Posted: 06/26/2009 In Category: Outdoor New Products
Posted By: Ian Anderson
Print Email Save This RSS Post a release

SOLE, the maker of performance footbeds, socks and sandals, received an honorable mention in I.D. Magazine's 2009 Annual Design Review in the 'Consumer Products' category. I.D. Magazine selected the SOLE Sport Flips for this award based on the product's comfort, fit and orthopedic support.

Since 1954, the I.D. Magazine's Annual Design Review has recognized the best in design, from the iconic to the obscure. Throughout the years, this annual showcase has chronicled the evolution of design and highlighted its impact on today's material and visual culture. Contest winners are chosen by a panel of distinguished design professionals and the I.D. Magazine editorial team, and demonstrate a clear survey of the state of design.

According to the design review, the SOLE Sport Flips are, “perfectly comfortable, you can run in them, they don’t smell. They’re just totally rad--the best flip-flops ever.”

"We are incredibly pleased to be recognized by a prestigious design publication such as I.D. Magazine," said Mike Baker, president of SOLE. "This award is a true honor as it acknowledges the innovation and design that is possible in a seemingly simple product like flip-flops."

About SOLE:
Founded by a group of elite runners, coaches and inventors in Boulder, Colorado in 2007, Newton Running shoes use patented technology inspired by Sir Isaac Newton’s elemental laws of motion. Newton Running shoes feature patented Action/Reaction Technology™ that absorbs more impact than traditional running shoe foam and converts this energy into forward propulsion to help runners go farther and faster with less fatigue. Newton’s propulsion technology, combined with a running technique that focuses on a midfoot-forefoot strike rather than heel striking, helps runners achieve maximum efficient performance. Newton Running shoes are available at specialty retailers and at www.newtonrunning.com
________________________________________

SOLE Platinum Sandals reviewed in the NY Times
On Thursday, our Platinum Sandals were reviewed in the NY Times! Here's an excerpt from the review:

"This sandal bears the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of acceptance, meaning that the shoe was put through a series of tests to verify its manufacturers' claims, and it passed. "The footbed molds to the foot, and the sandal is much more supportive than a typical flip-flop," Dr. Christina said. "In fact, it was the most supportive sandal in the test." He noted that while he doesn't like thong-style sandals, he didn't find the toe strap of this one "overly irritating." The placement of the strap toward the rear of the footbed also means the sandals don't slap when you walk."

Read the review at nytimes.com

Marmot Athlete Fabrizio Zangrilli
Set to Lead Unprecedented Expedition to K2

Boulder, CO: Top alpinist Fabrizio Zangrilli – a recent addition to Marmot’s global athlete team – will lead what might be the first-ever commercially organized expedition of its kind to K2. Australian/US-based outfitter, Field Touring Alpine developed this unprecedented expedition and tapped Zangrilli for his extensive high-altitude climbing background and knowledge of the mountain – to lead the climb. K2 is the world’s second highest peak (8611 meters / 28,251 feet) and is considered by climbers to be one of the most challenging mountains in the world.

The K2 expedition which will depart this June for Pakistan ushers in a new era of Himalayan mountain-guiding or “Super Guiding” and is unparalleled in scope: seven seasoned high-altitude climbers will employ a commercial guide service and the leadership skills of Zangrilli -- one of the strongest alpinists in the world – to attempt one of the most difficult mountains ever.

“This is a total departure from the mountain guiding that we’ve traditional seen on Everest or on some of the smaller 8000-meter peaks” explains Colorado-based Zangrilli. Because K2 is such a difficult and high mountain, Zangrilli’s clients all need to be competent at 8000 meters and be keenly aware of how their bodies respond to the extreme altitude (8000 meters / 26,250 feet or higher is commonly referred to as the “Death Zone”). “All of my clients have previously climbed on 8000 meter peaks – some of them have even climbed four 8000 peaks in preparation to handle K2,” he adds from his home in Boulder.

Zangrilli’s experience with K2 is extensive and unique. On his first expedition to the mountain in 2000 he rescued Mohammed Ali Junjoba from 8350 meters – a Pakistani high-altitude porter who had collapsed from exhaustion and extreme altitude – deciding to turn around just 250 meters from the summit. “I saw the challenge of getting him down to be far more important than the pending summit which I knew was well within my reach,” he explains. Zangrilli brought Ali Junjoba back down though the infamous “bottleneck” to Camp IV at (26,250 feet). He spent three subsequent days bringing the affected climber down the mountain through technical terrain to Base Camp.

In 2005, Zangrilli returned to K2’s south face, reaching 7700 meters just below the southwest spur on the famous Magic Line. In 2007, Zangrilli received the American Alpine Club’s Zach Martin Breaking Barriers Award – a humanitarian and climbing grant. In a single light and fast push on the Cesen route, Zangrilli and his partners completed a 36-hour round trip ascent from 5100m to 8000m in under than 36 hours. At the end of the expedition Zangrilli completed a feasibility study to build a girl’s school in Khane village in the Hushe Valley, where many of the Balti high altitude porters live.

Zangrilli (36) is a full-time, professional climber based in Boulder, Colorado. He has led over 20 successful commercial expeditions to 8000, 7000 and 6000 meter peaks in Nepal, Tibet and Pakistan. Some of the expeditions he has either previously guided or climbed on include: Everest, K2 (3 times) Makalu, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Gasherbrum II, Nuptse, Ama Dablam (5 times) and Pumori. His mountaineering resume, which spans over 22 years of experience with high, alpine climbing, includes new alpine, ice, rock, big wall and mixed routes around the world -- from Queen Maud Land (Antarctica) to the Alaska Range.

“We’re extremely proud to have Fabrizio representing Marmot as an athlete. He is a gifted high-altitude climber who inspires alpine climbers everywhere” explains Andy Meyer, Marmot’s Athlete Team Manager. “The guy also embodies the spirit of ‘Marmot’s At Work’, which is a big part of our company’s heritage” Meyer adds.

35 year-old Marmot Mountain LLC is one of only a handful of outdoor companies in the world offering a full-service product line to serious alpine climbers and ski-mountaineers: from skin-to-shell apparel, extreme-temperature down goods to expedition tents, packs and sleeping bags. Because of Marmot’s vast and technical offering, the company has been able to support professional mountain guides and guide services in North America and Europe for nearly two decades. Marmot has also sponsored international expeditions and world-class athletes.

To learn more about Fabrizio Zangrilli visit http://marmotPro.com or check out his blog: http://fabriziozangrilli.blogspot.com. Fabrizio Zangrilli’s sponsors: Marmot Mountain LLC, CAMP-USA, SCARPA North America and BlueWater Ropes. To follow the K2 expedition: fabriziozangrilli.blogspot.com



Marmot Athlete, Fabrizio Zangrilli near his home in Boulder, Colorado (April, 25, 2009)
Photo: Courtesy, Claudia Lopez -- www.claudialopezphotography.com



K2 (8,611 meters / 28,251 feet) from Base Camp
Photo: Fabrizio Zangrilli -- fabriziozangrilli.blogspot.com

Point 6 socks ski the Birkebeiner!

I just finished the 54K classic race on Saturday and I used a brand new pair of Point 6 socks. I wore a pair of Active lights and they worked beyond expectations! My feet were never cold for the entire race (something that has happened before) with a starting temp around 10F. They wicked moisture away from my feet throughout the entire day, and felt great with the full wool contact all the way around my feet . My feet never developed a single blister or a hot spot, and there was plenty of cushioning all around my feet for added comfort. I would have to say, these socks kick butt and I will definitely be using these socks again for events of this caliber!

The Nature Vacation
Money might be tight, but 2009's summer vacation is still circled on the calendar. A recent study from TripAdvisor, an online traveler review site, found that adventure vacations and National Park visits will see a spike this year, and as a result camping's on the rise too. After all, the wonders of nature don't (usually) have a high cost of admission, you cook your own food, and a tent's the cheapest lodging around.

Trend Tip: Explore local state parks and campgrounds on sites like nps.gov and camping.com to find the best places to pitch your tent. If sleeping on the ground doesn't appeal to you, try "glamping" (short for glamour camping) by seeking out campgrounds with cabins and electrical power hookups.

Marmot’s Ultra-light Mica Jacket wins
National Geographic’s “Best of Adventure Gear” Award

Santa Rosa, CA – Marmot’s ultra-light Mica Jacket has been awarded the 2009 “Best of Adventure Gear” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure Magazine. This highly functional and elegantly designed jacket is part of Marmot’s growing category of lightweight waterproof, breathable shells for men and women. It also is the cornerstone of the company’s new MemBrain® Strata™ -- a new 2.5 layer laminated technology.

At just under seven ounces for a men’s medium (6.8 oz), the Mica (USD $130) is a breakthrough garment in waterproof, breathable technology for weight and value-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. The stylish, transparent nylon face fabric and unique MemBrain® Strata™ 2.5 lamination, give the Mica an incredible, supple hand. “When we began selecting fabrics, we saw the opportunity to build something remarkably lightweight and exquisite looking” explains Brian LaPlante, Marmot’s Outerwear Category Manager. “The combination of the see-through nylon face fabric and .5 micro-patterning (visible inside the jacket) creates a remarkable aesthetic,” LaPlante points out, holding the jacket up to the light at Marmot’s design offices in Santa Rosa, California.

Style-points aside, the Mica’s functionality is at the outdoor industry’s apex. The award-winning jacket is also fully seam-taped with a water-resistant front zipper, an adjustable hood and two hand pockets, making it a perfect shell for ultra-light outings. Greg Houser, Marmot’s Vice President of Design who leads the company’s in-house design team explains, “We’re building more and more lightweight options without sacrificing Marmot’s dedication to long-term durability. The Mica addresses our customers’ demands for a fully-featured, ultra-light garment that performs and functions well for a number of outdoor applications.”

Marmot’s 6.0 oz Crystalline Jacket – the women’s version of the Mica – recently won the OutDoor Industry Award at the international European OutDoor Show in Friedrichshafen, Germany. “Ten years ago we made an enormous impact on the outdoor industry with the PreCip® Jacket ($99.99 USD). Today we have created a 2.5 layer waterproof/breathable laminate, MemBrain® Strata™ – an outstanding value proposition for the consumer,” explains Randy Verniers, Marmot’s Director of International Sales and who for 15 years served as Director of Fabrics and Technologies for the brand. “With MemBrain® Strata™ we’ve once again revolutionized performance shell gear by providing lightweight, waterproof garments with higher breathability and comfort at price points previously unattainable” adds Verniers.

On November 20, 2008 at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington DC, the Mica was given the “Best of Adventure Gear” award during the 2009 Best of Adventure Celebration. While the Mica will not be available in retail stores until spring 2009, the award-winning jacket will be featured in the December 2008 / January 2009 issue of National Geographic Adventure Magazine.

END Footwear: The Beginning of Sustainable Footwear (Part 2)

Back in July, iRunFar featured Part 1 of its profile of End Footwear nee Outdoor. At the time we thought we'd post Part 2 a mere week later.... but that didn't happen. The upside to the delay is that we've since had a chance to meet with the key players at END in person, got to try two forthcoming Spring '09 END models, and can point you to END's fancy, dancy new website and the products it features. So here we are with Part 2 of iRunFar's END Footwear company profile. Below we give you the skinny on END's website, running outreach, current shoes, and future products.

END's Website
The consideration that END puts into its shoe design and manufacturing extends to its marketing efforts. First off, over at END's flashy new website you won't read anything about END "greening" this or being the "greenest" that. Nope. END simply and succinctly states what the company's principles are (i.e., Our Commitment, Design Ethos, The Four Rs, and Corporate Responsibility) and how they implement those principles in particular shoe models (i.e., the Stumptown 12 oz page).

Running Outreach
Despite being an affordable brand that could limit its early activities to trendy environmentally conscientious folk, END is reaching out to the trail running community. For one, they've contacted numerout top ultrarunners with opportunities to try END's shoes. They've also brought on ambassador's like Canadian tough man, Bruce Grant, who ran the 2008 Hardrock 100 in the Stumptown 8.5 oz. Recently, END Footwear also began its involvement in the racing scene ...

Please find the rest of the article at www.blog.irunfar.com!

SCARPA N.A. to unify offices, warehousing,
warranty/repair at new centralized headquarters

New North American facility designed to increase
efficiencies, provide better all-around customer service.

BOULDER, Colo. (October 28, 2008) – Bolstering its ability to react more quickly to its customer’s needs, SCARPA North America this week announced that it will unify its offices, warehouse, shipping/receiving facilities and warranty/repair division in a new headquarters located in Boulder, Colorado. The new facility will be up and running by the first of the year.

Currently, SCARPA North America’s headquarters are located in Boulder, but it contracts with a third-party warehouse to ship, receive and store its products. In addition, SCARPA’s warranty and repair division is located in an annex separate from its main offices. The new office will centralize all these operations in one headquarters.

“SCARPA North America is a product driven company, and having our product closer to us and all of our operations in one place makes us better in a number of ways,” said CEO Kim Miller. “Most significantly, this will allow us to react more quickly to our customer’s needs, whether that’s getting an order out the door more efficiently or turning around a repair as quickly as possible. Internally, it also means we can communicate more effectively and optimize work flow.”

The new headquarters is being built with distinct areas for the internal teams that work together at SCARPA, so that they can collaborate more effectively, as well as a research and development center to help create new products for the North American market.

According to Miller, when SCARPA North America was formed in 2005 to oversee the SCARPA brand in the U.S. and Canada, one goal was offering the best customer service possible. This is one more step in that direction, he said, and one made possible by the company’s success in expanding its distribution over the past three years.

From a quality of life standpoint, Miller added, “It’s got a beautiful view of the Flatirons and it’s right around the corner from The Spot.”

The new facility will be located at 3550 Frontier Ave. Unit E, Boulder, CO 80301. The phone number will remain the same: 866.998.2895. And existing web presence will also remain at www.scarpa.com.

News of the new North American headquarters follows quickly on SCARPA North America adding to its team. In the last six months, SCARPA hired Mark Mathews as Director of Sales and Summer Product Development and also hired additional staff in its sales-service and warranty departments.

For more information about SCARPA, visit www.scarpa.com.

About SCARPA and SCARPA North America

Founded in 1938, SCARPA builds performance footwear for climbing, hiking, skiing, mountaineering, trail running and other outdoor pursuits from its headquarters in Asolo, Italy. SCARPA has been owned and operated by the Parisotto family since 1956. In 2005, SCARPA opened its North American headquarters in Boulder, Colo., staffed and directed by veterans of the North American outdoor industry, to oversee sales, marketing and distribution in the U.S. and Canada.

Check out a copy on newsstands today!!

Midwest Mountaineering Names Grant Recipients
SportsOneSource Media Posted: 7/15/2008

Midwest Mountaineering of Minneapolis has announced recipients of their environmental Grants Program.

The Minneapolis-based retailer has long donated 10% of pre-tax profits to environmental causes that they support, but this is the first year its employees voted to decide on recipients.

Owner Rod Johnson said of the grants this year, “We support their efforts and enjoy the benefits of their programs and hope you will, too!
These are the people who make sure we keep our outdoor treasures for future generations.”
Recipients of this year's Midwest Environmental Grants are:
• The Conservation Alliance – http://www.conservationalliance.com
• Eco-Education – http://www.ecoeducation.org
• Kinnickinnic River Land Trust – http://www.kinniriver.org
• Lonnie Dupre – http://www.lonniedupre.com
• Mississippi Whitewater Park – http://www.whitewaterpark.canoe-kayak.org
• North Country Trail Association –http://www.northcountrytrail.org
• U of MN Raptor Center – http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu
• Superior Hiking Trail Association – http://www.shta.org
A member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance or outdoor retailers, Midwest has a long record of promoting outdoor recreation. Each year Midwest host’s two Adventure Expos (April & November) and many clinics, sales and trips to support outdoor enthusiasts in Minneapolis. The most recent Spring Expo yielded 60 Exhibitors, over 60 Presentations, and a screening of the Banff Film Festival.

Beyond special events, Midwest has its own climbing cave, open daily and encourages climbers with special programs like Bouldering Divas!
At the Winter Adventure Expo in November, Midwest is proud to announce that they will have Dr. John Francis as a key speaker. Dr. John Francis, is an environmentalist best known as for his actions famously lived without car transportation for over 17 years and started Planet Walk in 1982. He was recently profiled in Backpacker Magazine, and spoke at The Conservation Alliance Breakfast this past winter.

Gore and REI Present Dressing for the Outdoors Women's Workshops
Posted: 09/22/2008 In Category: Outdoor Manufacturer
Posted By: Jaclyn Bailey, CGPR
Press Release Content


W.L. Gore & Associates, inventor of GORE-TEX® and WINDSTOPPER® fabrics, announces today it’s teaming up with REI and many of their premiere outdoor partner brands to deliver a fun and informative Dressing for the Outdoors Workshop Series at twenty REI stores across the country this Fall. The workshops participants will be among the first to hear the latest in comfort science, and learn how to dress for adventure in any weather, including expert instructions on the latest technical fabrics and layering techniques. The workshop will be hosted by top female outdoor athletes and showcase products from Arc’teryx, Marmot, Merrell, Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research and Vasque.

“Gore is committed to growing the womens’ market along with the great partner brands we work. We all understand the importance of this dynamic business to the industry and how crucial the right clothing and footwear makes on womens’overall outdoor experience,” said Diane Davidson, Gore strategic market development.

GORE-TEX® and WINDSTOPPER® fabrics are a key part of managing comfort in the outdoors. GORE-TEX® fabric is waterproof, windproof and highly breathable. All GORE-TEX® products are manufactured according to strict quality and performance standards and carry the Guaranteed To Keep You Dry® promise even in the toughest of conditions. WINDSTOPPER® fabric offers total windproofness and maximum breathability for comfortable warmth and protection across a wide range of weather conditions. Both fabrics provide comfort and protection so you can enjoy all your outdoor activities with confidence.

The Dressing for the Outdoors Women’s Workshops kick-off on the east coast at the Boston REI store on September 30, 2008 and finish on the west coast at the REI store in Santa Ana, California on December 4, 2008. Workshops start at 7:00pm and are approximately one-hour long, followed by personal shopping with the experienced REI staff – also a great opportunity to holiday shop for the outdoor enthusiasts on everyone’s list. Participants will each receive an amazing goodie-bag and have a chance to win great raffle prizes from Arc’teryx, Marmot, Merrell, Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research and Vasque.

Workshop participants will also receive a special offer from Gore. When participants purchase any WINDSTOPPER® Jacket (from the workshop) at REI or REI.com by Dec. 18, 2008, Gore will make a $20 contribution in their name to a Warm & Fuzzy cause. Plus, they will receive a free WINDSTOPPER® scarf.

For more information about the Dressing for the Outdoors Women’s Workshops and a complete workshop schedule visit http://www.rei.com/goretexwomensworkshop.

Lorpen Launch Programs – Spring 2009

Lorpen Launch Programs – Spring 2009

LOVE HOPE STRENGTH
ONE CANCER CENTER IN EVERY COUNTRY, ONE CONCERT AT A TIME.



EVEREST ROCKS PREMIER
SUNDAY, SEPT 7, 10:00PM EST
PALLADIA (MTV's High Def Channel formerly known as MHD)
2 times cancer survivor and musician mike peters (The Alarm) along with fellow musicians (Glenn Tillbrook of Squeeze, Slim Jim Phantom of the Stray Cats, Cy Curnin and Jamie West-Oram of The Fixx, and Nick Harper) , cancer survivors, Everest summiteers and trekkers go on a once in a lifetime journey to Mt Everest. They are on a quest to raise money and awareness for a local cancer hospital in Nepal and set the Guinness Book of World records for the highest concert on land.

Proceeds from Everest Rocks are going to the purchase of the first mammography machine and the first internal radiation machine for the country of Nepal.
Purchase your own copy of this epic journey.

Regular Price: $25
Pre-Sale Price: $20
(Pre-sale offer only valid for 9/4-9/11/08)
OWN IT NOW

*Premier parties being hosted in Denver and Dallas on 9/7/08.
Contact us for more information.

LAST YEAR 30,000 PEOPLE NEEDED BONE MARROW DONORS,
AND ONLY 3,000 FOUND A MATCH.
Stop by a Love Hope Strength Foundation booth to register to become a marrow donor.
Registration requires only a cheek swab, and completion of a donor consent form.

Upcoming concerts where you can help save lives:

UNION COUNTY MUSIC FEST!
JOIN US, RAIN OR SHINE, THIS WEEKEND!!

THURSDAY, SEPT 4: An intimate evening with Mike Peters and the NJ Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players. Learn more and buy tickets.

FRIDAY, SEPT 5: Everclear and Cracker are amongst the line-up of bands in Cranford. Admission is FREE

SATURDAY, SEPT 6: The day kicks off with the ROCK-ON-WALK-A-THON and 5K. We encourage you to Show your Strength and join the masses Saturday morning in Nomahegan Park. Followed by a day of music and fun for the entire family. The B-52's, Tokyo Police Club, Gin Blossoms, Mike Peters and the NJ Symphony Orchestra and many more....do not miss this amazing day!

Learn more about Union County Music Fest and the Rock-On-Walk-A-Thon

CROCS NEXT STEP CAMPUS TOUR
The Crocs Next Step Campus tour is hitting the road and heading out for another great adventure. We are going all over the country - from Nevada to New York - to Florida and Arizona - and many places in between. We are teaming up with the tour, DKMS and Driving for Donors to get students more involved in the cure for cancer.

September 4 Georgia Southern University
September 7 SUNY Oneonta
September 10 PRIVATE
September 11 Kent State University
September 12 PRIVATE
September 13 Georgia State University
September 14 University of Florida
September 16 Kean University
September 18 Bloomsburg University
September 19 Christopher Newport University
September 20 Rochester Institute of Technology
September 21 Ithaca College
September 23 University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
September 26 University of Arizona

Full campus line-up and details!
__________________________________________

SPONSORS
Sponsors are urgently needed to help the Love Hope Strength Foundation continue its mission of bringing cancer care to the world. Please contact us about supporting our concerts, climbs and bone marrow drives.


Cancer will touch each and every one of us in our lifetime.
Join us as we build an army of strength to rid the world of an international killer that knows no borders and sees no color, race, religion, age or socioeconomic demographic. It is a global issue in need of support from a worldwide network. The Love Hope Strength Foundation (LHSF) raises funds and awareness for cancer centers around the world through music-related events and promotions.

Learn more at www.lovehopestrength.org

Truly,
Shannon Foley, Director
Love Hope Strength

Worldwide, cancer causes more deaths than AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined. 1 in every 8 deaths is due to cancer.

EMPIRE ROCKS, SNOWDON ROCKS, EVEREST ROCKS,
PERU ROCKS, LA ROCKS, FESTIVALS ROCK

Love Hope Strength is a registered 501(c)3 organization in the United States. Love Hope Strength is registered as a charity in England and Wales charity number 1117505. Love Hope Strength is a registered charity in Australia.