Issues
Archive
The president-elect has selected former Secretary of State John Kerry to lead the nation's climate efforts
One year after Backcountry apologized for an aggressive, behind-the-scenes legal campaign that some outdoor brands called corporate bullying, the online retailer is trying to make amends
U.S. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt has issued an order that will allow states to veto projects financed by the Land and Water Conservation Fund
This week, Outdoor Industry Association hosted a call to examine the implications of the election results. Here's what went down
The Adventure Travel Trade Association lays out key findings regarding Black, Asian, Latino, Indigenous, and other travelers of color
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released its annual report that lays out the importance of the outdoor recreation economy in hard data
Outdoor Gear Exchange, the widely loved independent retailer in Vermont, has hired a full-time diversity professional to manage the company's inclusion practices
The Conservation Alliance has ended its business with longtime financial partner Bank of America, divesting all funds over concerns about the bank's lack of environmental commitment
The brand's new Explore Fund Council—led by Jimmy Chin and actor Lena Waithe—will oversee the allocation of $7 million in DEI-focused grant funding
With a focus on sustainability, transparency, and inclusivity, here’s how the Canadian outdoor brand Alder Apparel is nailing women’s outdoor clothing
Host Denisha Jenkins kicks off the second season of Her Voice talking with Monet Hambrick, a traveler, author, and a founding member of the Black Travel Alliance
If you’re serious about eliminating single-use packaging from your company and the outdoor industry, these five companies can help
Sit in on a video conversation with snowboarder and climate activist about his new "impact documentary," Purple Mountains, the upcoming election, backcountry safety, and skiing in the woods as a kid
LOWA’s general manager reflects on the business lessons he’s learned during the coronavirus crisis
Last month, a federal judge ordered William Perry Pendley to vacate his post at the Bureau of Land Management. The decision had "no impact whatsoever" on his position, Pendley said.
These creatives share their Native heritage with the outdoor industry through smart footwear, stunning prints turned into blankets, and sustainable warmers
A new coalition of brands, retailers, and participants is giving a stronger voice to people of color in the running community
“The outdoor industry is the only industry I know of where Black folks have to beg to be advertised and marketed to,” says Earl B. Hunter Jr. His company aims to change that
After running the Bureau of Land Management for more than a year without Senate confirmation, Pendley has been ordered to surrender his position
The retailer has realized its 14-year plan of transitioning to carbon neutral operations by 2020
The mastermind of a wildly popular, stereotype-busting Instagram account offers advice for companies hoping to diversify and deepen their influencer campaigns
Ryan Gellert, who has presided over the brand’s business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, will now run the company
Over the course of half a century, industry legend Bob Gore built a multi-billion-dollar company known for its innovation and democratic treatment of employees
Join us as we chat with Kristin Carpenter, Founder and CEO of Verde PR, to talk about their new Multi-Channel Marketing Academy
From a diehard work ethic and inclusive design theories to decadent colorways and outside-the-box thinking, the methods of these industry experts draw inspiration from their cultural heritage
The parent company of Smartwool and The North Face has decided to make internal data about its diversity and inclusion practices public
With lofty goals to be more inclusive, the outdoor industry is at a crossroads. Some say the key is lower-priced gear.
In the outdoor industry, it’s especially important to pay respect to the land and the Indigenous who are part and parcel of it
Today’s consumers expect complete transparency from the companies they support. Sometimes, that means being so honest it hurts.
10 ways to make outdoor specialty shops more welcoming to all people, regardless of race, size, gender identity, or expertise
If you’re serious about sustainability, nothing is more eco-friendly than products that don’t need replacing
The coronavirus is wreaking havoc on the outdoor industry’s typical timelines—and “normal” looks to be a long way off. Here’s how the domino effect will change the manufacturing and retail calendar for years to come.
Most brands require reps to pay for their sample lines, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Is it fair?
On September 4, the queer outdoorsman will begin his Run Across Minnesota, promoting diversity in outdoor culture and his Outside Safe Space initiative
Like nature, the outdoor industry needs change, renewal, and adaptation—and disruptors to challenge and supplant the way we do things. Here’s a peek into what’s coming around the bend. Because under the law of evolution, if you don’t adapt, you don’t survive.
Sit in on a video conversation about how independent retailers are coping with the pandemic, new Grassroots Outdoor Alliance tools designed to support retailers and brands, and why pro deals proliferation is killing our local gear shops
The pandemic shutdown devastated the world’s manufacturing center—and many of the companies that rely on it. And there were already plenty of reasons to get out.
Are pro programs a legitimate perk for industry professionals or a discount sales channel run amok? Some insiders are calling the whole scene a complete farce. Here's why.
OBJ' new parent company has committed itself to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former NFL linebacker Dhani Jones has joined the board.
For more than a decade, Miho Aida has been an outspoken advocate for equity, inclusion, and diversity in the outdoors
The landmark conservation bill guarantees $900 million per year for the Land and Water Conservation Fund
Satkiewicz was a gifted athlete, an inspiring and passionate leader, a champion of women, and mentor to many
One of the country's oldest and most important environmental laws faces grave threats. The Winter Wildlands Alliance and the American Alpine Club have joined forces with 18 other groups to bring the fight to the courts.
HydraPak’s RECON is the world’s first bottle made from 50 percent post-consumer recycled plastic
Unless you do the work, you’re just contributing to the problem. Start here.
Next spring, in collaboration with the group Unlikely Hikers, the Salt Lake City brand will release 20 products aimed at plus-size outdoor enthusiasts, with new marketing efforts to match
The Workplace Anti-Racism Action Agenda is a free guide for companies seeking to back words with action
"I believe that a run, a climb, a hike, or a day skiing can change your day and change the world"
Inclusion has come a long way, but we still have a long way to go
We all know outdoor companies are way too white. But the numbers don’t lie: Data shows that by diversifying leadership and workforce, they stand to become more profitable.
In honor of Juneteenth, we'd like to shout out some of the most impressive and impactful leaders of color working to make the outdoors more inclusive for all
Sit in on a video conversation about the surge in interest in Baker's Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge, how it could reshape the outdoor industry, and how your company can lean in
If signed into law, the bill will permanently finance the Land and Water Conservation Fund and address maintenance backlogs on federal public lands
The marketing veteran joined Merrell's leadership team last week. She's already thinking about big things to come.
Four outdoor industry professionals discuss how they feel about the amount they're paid
After leading the company for 12 years, Marcario decides it's time to pass the torch
In response to the murder of George Floyd, outdoor leaders have released statements condemning racial injustice and institutional violence against the Black community in the United States. Here's a running list.
Sit in on a video conversation that covers sell-through in the wake of coronavirus, creative ways brands are marketing new products, trade shows, and pajama pants
The apparel line founder discusses the waste and headache of spec inventory, and why quick-response production is the way of the future
In these unprecedented times, the issue of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoors has never been more relevant
National parks will likely resume operations in coming weeks, but there's more to consider than merely opening the gates
As states begin to reopen, three independent outdoor retailers reflect on changes made to their businesses during the closure and what comes next
LOWA general manager calls for brands to refocus on lifestyle products to expand the base, and for retailers to stay closed on Sundays to encourage outdoor activities
In honor of Earth Day, the brand has released a new collection of products that prove circular design can be truly beautiful
The nonprofit has announced its inaugural class of Climate Neutral Certified businesses
The beloved 65-year old climber, entrepreneur, and retail expert suffered a stroke yesterday and remains in ICU
Tapping the creative power of its entire team, the apparel company worked outside of the box to rethink packaging
Her first month as OIA's executive director has tested her leadership in ways no one could have anticipated. But Lise Aangeenbrug is rising to the challenge.
We need to let go of aspirational content and reflect the reality of our consumers
With the Nepalese side of the mountain now closed, Everest is entirely shut down for the spring
As the organization celebrates five years in existence, Cohen reflects on the space VOP has created, both emotional and cultural, for outdoor participants in the LGBTQIA+ community
As China restricts access to the north and east faces of the mountain, climbers and guide companies see their summit plans dashed
After a long and successful career—including years spent as CEO of Patagonia and president of KEEN—Sheahan knows a thing or two about celebrating and protecting the outdoors
The new initiative partners with community leaders and activists to make the outdoors a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive space for all
By investing in real estate, adventures, youth, and its fellow retailers, evo founder Bryce Phillips is building a cohesive and complete adventure community
How can the industry help everyone get the gear they need?
True inclusivity takes movement on both sides: people of color developing their leadership skills and outdoor brands giving them the runway