We have 20 new press releases today. Have some news to share? Click here for more details and take advantage of our 15 year anniversary. 

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🏔️ Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest in 1963 and former REI CEO from 1971 to 1979, died at age 97.

🚧 Border wall construction has blocked access to the final mile of the Arizona Trail (AZT), a popular thru-hike, at its southern terminus, Border Monument 102. The Arizona Trail Association is working with the National Park Service to establish a new southern terminus.

🤖 Independent specialty retailers are increasingly adopting AI to streamline ordering, buying, and merchandising. By leveraging AI for automated forecasting and upgrading e-commerce product descriptions, retailers are finding new ways to save time and boost profit margins.

The Dyrt announces its 2026 Best Places to camp With Kids presented by Kelty, recognizing 10 top campgrounds across the U.S. that cater to families with kid-friendly amenities. The Dyrt

La Sportiva has opened a 5,100-square-foot retail store in Salt Lake City featuring its full product line and the first North American ReSoul Lab for climbing footwear resoling services. La Sportiva

Backcountry launches the Backcountry Garage innovation platform to support emerging outdoor brands, with Coalatree as the first acquisition and former CEO Todd Magrizi appointed as Director to oversee growth. Backcountry

Norwegian outdoor brand Norrøna is opening a flagship store on London's Regent Street at Cunard House, offering its complete collection of outdoor apparel and equipment. Norrøna

Schwan-STABILO Outdoor, USA, parent company of deuter and ORTOVOX, announced the appointment of Tom Mason as interim general manager. Additionally, Olivia Mayhew has been appointed sales manager for deuter USA and April Sawyer has been appointed controller for Schwan-STABILO Outdoor, USA. Schwan-STABILO Outdoor, USA

Switchback Spring 2026 in New Orleans on June 16-18 has registered more than 200 outdoor brands covering 37,600 square feet of exhibition space, surpassing last year's total by over 30%. Early retailer registration is also contributing to brand commitments, as buyer numbers are already 38% ahead from one year ago. Switchback

Outdoor Industry Association will host its annual Capitol Summit on April 28-29, 2026, bringing together outdoor recreation industry leaders for advocacy training and meetings with lawmakers on public lands, trade policy, and tariffs. Outdoor Industry Association

DEKA YOUTH has partnered with EXCLSR to bring youth fitness racing to UK schools, with an inaugural event for ages 14-18 scheduled for September 11, 2026 at Derby Arena & Velodrome. DEKA

We listened to you and lowered our prices for press release distribution. Then we lowered it even more to celebrate 15 years. And then we added on some must-have bonuses. Click here for more details.

Craft Sportswear and Marathon Sports will activate Boston Marathon weekend with a multi‑day pop‑up shop at the Marathon Sports Brand House, highlighted by the debut of the Rivs Run Club limited‑edition apparel collection. Craft Sportswear

RECCO and SCOTT Sports partner to launch the SCOTT Endurance SL Waterproof Jacket, the first summer apparel with RECCO reflector technology for trail runner safety. RECCO

PEARL iZUMi launches PI PRO/BLACK, a five-piece cycling apparel system developed with elite athletes that is 30% lighter than its existing PRO line with aerodynamic construction. PEARL iZUMi

MyOutdoorTV will stream the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Shops REDCREST 2026 championship April 17-19 from Table Rock Lake, featuring 35 professional anglers competing for the REDCREST Championship. Outdoor Sportsman Group

Santini Cycling launches the AERO RACE jersey featuring Polartec Power Dry with Recycled Carbon technology, which converts industrial CO₂ emissions into recycled polyester yarns and reduces carbon footprint by up to 66%. Polartec

adidas Sport Eyewear launches the POWERVIZN Lens System, now integrated into every eyewear model, featuring High Contrast Technology, precision mirror coatings, and protective treatments for enhanced clarity and visual control. adidas Sport Eyewear

The North Face launches its Universal Collection of camping and outdoor equipment designed with insights from the adaptive and parasports community, featuring accessible gear including a zipperless sleeping bag, tent, daypack, hat and slippers. The North Face

Crazy Creek Products relaunches its Smokey Bear Original Chair exclusively at REI, donating 10 percent of proceeds to the U.S. Forest Service for wildfire prevention education. Crazy Creek Products

FORLOH founder Andy Techmanski launches Wildbound, an adventure series documenting hunting and fishing expeditions across remote global locations including Alaska, South Africa, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Alabama. Wildbound

Altra has partnered with Los Angeles label PLEASURES on a limited-edition Experience Flow 3 running shoe in “Satellite,” a metallic silver-blue inspired by the tone of satellites in orbit. Altra

Smartwool has announced a major sponsorship agreement with Life Time to provide high-performance Merino wool socks and apparel across 190 athletic country clubs and serve as the official sponsor for the Leadville Race Series, Chicago Race Series, and the Life Time Grand Prix. Smartwool

Travel platform 57hours reports that three-quarters of hiking adventure inquiries now come from Gen X and Baby Boomers, reflecting a demographic shift toward older Americans seeking outdoor adventures. 57hours

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