Ignik Offers New Refillable Rec Fuel Solutions

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. – Ignik, a Seattle-based brand known for its innovative and solution-based outdoor heating products, has announced in a press release the continued growth of its first-to-market refillable fuel line with the new compact Gas Growler 3.8 and new colorways for the flagship Gas Growler Deluxe and Gas Growler X

With over 40 million 1-pound not-so-green, single-use propane bottles ending up in landfills each year, Ignik, the leader in refillable fuel for outdoor recreation, is committed to providing easy solutions that make an impact by offering even more refillable Gas Growler options for outdoor adventure, travel, and more.

Ignik’s Gas Growler 3.8 is the newest Growler to redefine the outdoor experience by allowing users to cook and stay warm without the waste. Gas Growler 3.8 is highly portable, easy to pack, and makes using refillable propane easier than ever. With each refill, users get nearly four times the fuel compared to a single-use bottle and at the same price. It’s designed with high-quality construction and extra durable rubber edging and is the optimal size for all camp stoves, lanterns, and small portable heaters (hose adapter sold separately). Tanks are pre-purged, ready to fill at any commercial propane filling station, and are DOT-approved with a 12-year valve certification. Gas Growler 3.8 is perfect for car camping, rooftop camping, compact overlanding rigs, RVing, boating, and tailgating.  MSRP: $79.95

Later this spring, Ignik will introduce Gas Growler 3.8 Deluxe, which will include a 4-foot adapter hose that’s compatible with all single and double-burner camp stoves and portable heaters. It will also include Ignik’s signature protective, rugged, and easy-to-carry case. MSRP: $99.95

“Producing sustainable outdoor heating products has always been at the core of Ignik’s mission,” says Peter Pontano, Ignik’s VP of Brand & Product. “Since we launched our flagship Gas Growler Deluxe in 2019, we’ve sold over 75,000 Gas Growlers, which has helped to keep over 700,000 single-use propane bottles from our landfills – and that’s just off of one fill. The best part about our Gas Growlers is that those numbers will continue to double, triple, and so on with more refills. By providing outdoor enthusiasts with more options, like the incredibly compact 3.8, we are truly excited to see a shift in behavior by ingraining the idea of refillable propane into the outdoor adventure lifestyle.”

This spring, Ignik will also debut additional colorways for both Gas Growler Deluxe and Gas Growler X. Gas Growler Deluxe will be available in the new Arctic Camo colorway (MSRP: $129.95). Gas Growler X will be available in the new Black colorway (MSRP: $169.95). Gas Growler Deluxe provides up to 5 pounds of fuel for cooking and portable fire pits, and Gas Growler X provides 10 pounds of propane, ideal for heating and cooking on longer outdoor excursions.

Ignik’s refillable Gas Growlers are available now at ignik.com and major outdoor retailers including REI, Backcountry.com, Bass Pro Shop, L.L. Bean, and more. To learn more, visit Ignik.com or contact Stacy Kline at stacy@darbycommunications.com.

Wiley X to Assemble All Eyewear Products in US

FRISCO, Texas – Wiley X, a global pioneer and leader in premium protective eyewear, has announced in a press release that the brand will now assemble all new products from its 2024 lineup and beyond in-house at its Frisco, Texas headquarters. This move signifies a commitment to creating additional jobs at the company’s Frisco location, ensuring quality control, and streamlining production processes.

“As a Veteran-founded and second-generation American business, this has been a dream of ours for quite some time,” said Dan Freeman, CEO and Co-Owner of Wiley X. “We are proud and excited to continue building our business by not only designing but also assembling products in Frisco. We look forward to the opportunities it will create for our hardworking teams in the U.S. that made this all possible.”

Wiley X has built a reputation for providing world-class eye protection for those who serve, work, and play in life’s harshest environments. With the decision to assemble its new products at the Frisco headquarters, the company aims to further expand its manufacturing capabilities with additional product options and services for customers. Streamlined U.S. production will lead to quicker response times, faster product availability for customers, and an accelerated warranty and replacement program.

“For over 30 years Wiley X has provided the best possible protection and performance for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike,” says Myles Freeman, President and Co-Owner of Wiley X. “By bringing assembly of new products under our own roof we’re taking even greater control of the manufacturing process, guaranteeing the highest quality standards while creating exciting opportunities for our team here in Frisco.”

The decision to assemble new products at the Frisco headquarters also brings economic benefits to the local community. By creating more job opportunities in the area, Wiley X continues to contribute to the growth and development of Frisco, making it an even more vibrant hub for innovation and opportunity.

For more information about Wiley X and its range of eyewear products, visit www.wileyx.com.

Cowboy Camping is Camping Without a Shelter

When it comes to camping, there are many options, from car camping to backpacking with a tent. You can camp with a hammock or a tarp to keep your base weight down. However, the simplest form of camping is cowboy camping, according to an article at Outdoors.com.

In short, cowboy camping is sleeping without any form of shelter. You’re out in the elements. As the name implies, think of a classic Western movie with a bunch of cowboys sleeping around a campfire. However, there is some gear you can use.

Recently, a backpacking influencer shared her basic setup for cowboy camping.

In the post, Bee’s Wild Life lists basic items, including a ground tarp, a sleeping pad (or two), and a sleeping bag. She appears to be sleeping somewhere in the desert and reminds viewers to camp this way, “You can’t be afraid of critters and wildlife coming up to say hello in the middle of the night.”

Click here to read the complete article.

Here’s a Look at How AI is Revolutionizing Camping

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redefining the way we travel, and camping trips are no exception, according to an article at BNNBreaking.com. According to the 2024 Travel Trend Report from RVshare, 62% of Americans have expressed interest in using AI-based tools for planning their camping vacations. By harnessing the power of AI, travelers can enjoy a more personalized, efficient, and safer experience.

Leveraging AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot, travelers can streamline the often tedious and time-consuming process of researching and planning holidays. By inputting their preferences and context, users can receive tailored recommendations for accommodations, flights, and restaurants, making the planning process smoother and more efficient.

These AI-driven platforms analyze data at lightning speeds, providing users with a wealth of information in a fraction of the time it would take to do the research manually. This enables travelers to spend less time organizing their trips and more time enjoying their vacations.

Click here to read the complete article.

La Sportiva Out with Fall 2024 Footwear Collection

BOULDER, Colo.La Sportiva, makers of the world’s finest mountain gear, has announced in a press release its new fall 2024 footwear collection. The standout of this new collection is the Ondra Comp, a climbing shoe designed, developed, and tested with the world’s strongest climber, Adam Ondra. The Italian brand is also releasing the Trango Pro GTX, an innovative three-season mountaineering boot, and the Akyra II, an update to the popular lightweight hiker.

The Ondra Comp is designed to tackle modern bouldering movements and is set for a limited release before the 2024 Olympics. This cutting-edge shoe incorporates La Sportiva’s new SenseGrip™ rubber technology, a unique compound that offers enhanced grip and sensitivity, which is crucial for challenging holds.

“Our design team worked closely with Adam Ondra to develop a model that fits the needs of the elite climber,” said Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America. “The sport of climbing is continuing to evolve, and these athletes need new products that allow them to perform moves that are increasingly more complex and technical. The Ondra Comp’s innovative design is a step forward for climbing footwear and highlights how much the sport has progressed in recent years.”

In modern bouldering, three movements challenge the performance of a climbing shoe: smearing, toe hooking, and heel hooking. Every detail of the $219 Ondra Comp was developed to help climbers perform these crucial moves and send complex problems. The shoe uses a custom shortened half-sole and an innovative heel construction to provide climbers extra support and flexibility to perform technical moves in difficult situations. An adjustable hook and loop closure and LaSpoFlex midsole further enhance the shoe’s functionality, offering climbers a perfect balance of fit and performance.

The new Trango Pro GTX is a testament to La Sportiva’s deep history in mountaineering. This three-season boot is exceptionally lightweight and allows for precise movements in demanding terrain. La Sportiva carefully designed this model down to the smallest detail to create a product that fits the needs of mountain professionals and advanced climbers. A new Trango-Ergo accommodates a variety of different foot shapes, while the Vortex Gaiter with quick closure keeps the boot protected in extreme conditions. La Sportiva equipped this boot with a Vibram Cube Evo outsole with Springlug technology, which provides extra cushioning and comfort without sacrificing durability or performance. The Trango Pro GTX is priced at $499 and weighs 640 grams.

The new Akyra II combines the lightness of a running shoe with the sturdiness of a hiking boot, offering the perfect blend of agility and durability. This lightweight hiker has been retooled for 2024 with a new upper that provides an improved fit and increased breathability. A well-cushioned midsole is paired with a TPU stabilizer and a custom midfoot wrapping system, which allows for comfort and support during long hikes on uneven terrain. The FriXion® Red outsole provides excellent traction, while the Trail Rocker2 system helps to facilitate a natural rolling gait. The Akyra II weighs 10.7 ounces for the women’s model and retails for $149. This lightweight hiker is also available in a GORE-TEX version, which retails for $169.

The new collection will be available at select specialty retailers and at www.lasportivausa.com in the fall of 2024. Select samples for media will be available prior to the release of the line. Contact La Sportiva PR representative Sean Van Horn at sean.vanhorn@backbone.media for more information.

Mammut Teams with Elite Climber Lindsey Hamm

WILLISTON, Vt.  – Leading performance mountain equipment manufacturer for more than 160-years,  Mammut annnounced in a press release adding Lindsey Hamm to its roster of elite mountain athletes. Hamm, an American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) certified guide, has traveled the world establishing routes in Zanskar, India and Pakistan.

In addition to her passion for the mountains – and good jokes – Lindsey has goals of changing the culture of climbing to be more inclusive, and to help create inroads for people from all backgrounds to get into climbing. Hamm is preparing for a third season in Pakistan’s Charakusa Valley. The upcoming expedition, aimed at achieving an ambitious alpine objective, will also see the creation of a short film dedicated to friends she has lost to the mountains, and to a close friend and guide who lost his battle to cancer. This project is a testament to Hamm’s commitment to not only pursuing her climbing goals but also inspiring and motivating the wider climbing and outdoor community.

“We are delighted to welcome Lindsey to the Mammut team. Her passion for mountain sports and the outdoors reflects our values. Lindsey inspires us to appreciate the beauty and challenges of the mountains and to surpass ourselves in the process. Lindsey completes the Mammut athlete team, where she will also contribute to product development together with other professional alpinists such as Stephan Siegrist, Jonas Schild, Nico Hojac and Marek Holecek.” _Harald Schreiber, Head of Corporate Communications at Mammut

Lindsey will be deeply involved in shaping the future of Mammut’s gear, bringing her on-the-mountain experience and technical knowledge to the product development team. Her feedback will be instrumental in ensuring our equipment meets the highest standards of performance and safety. Beyond product development, Lindsey will be a key figure in Mammut’s community engagement, participating in events and contributing to visual campaigns while helping to inspire a growing mountain community in North America.

“Partnering with Mammut is an honor and an exciting progression in my career,” said Lindsey Hamm, Mammut Athlete. “I chose to partner with Mammut because of its deep roots within the mountains. Their team consists of hardworking humans who have engineered the best products with functionality and performance in every piece.”

For additional information about Mammut, their partnership with Lindsey and their award-winning collection of technical apparel and gear for the mountains, visit Mammut.com and follow them on Instagram @MammutNA.

Truck Bed Camping For Beginners: Gear, Tips, Tricks

There are many different styles of camping, according to an article at SlashGear.com. For example, you can walk out into the middle of the wilderness and hang a hammock to sleep in for the night, or you could invest in a cool camping RV that can be used year-round in all kinds of weather. However, both of those camping styles are extremes in the camping spectrum. Instead, you can use an asset you may already have — your truck.

Truck bed camping has become wildly popular in the overlanding and off-grid camping world. It allows you to take your truck and create a camping shelter that you feel comfortable with. Camping in your vehicle also gives you the opportunity to camp in more secluded areas because you’re not dragging a camper with you, and it also makes you pack lighter, giving you a more nature-oriented experience.

There are many types of gear and tips to help you curate the best personal truck bed camping experience for you. This article contains several recommendations for types of gear and advice for camping based on personal experience and honest reviews from buyers. A more in-depth explanation of our methodology for these suggestions can be found at the bottom of this article.

Click here to read the complete article.

TentBox Roof Tents Give New Meaning to Car Camping

It’s not peak camping season just yet, but now is the perfect time to look around for new gear, as many outdoor retailers and manufacturers have started announcing their collections for the new season, according to an article at T3.com. British roof tent brand TentBox is one of these, launching not one but two new models in 2024.

Rooftop tents such as these have the advantage of being further away from the ground than standard tents, meaning it gets less cold inside the tent overnight. Roof tents are generally less hassle to put up and collapse – similar to pop-up tents, but with a ‘proper’ bed and plenty of organisational options.

Click here to read the complete article.

Best Camping Grills of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Whether it’s over briquettes or open flame, a camping grill can take your outdoor dining menu from ho-hum to gourmet, writes Ashley Thess at OutdoorLife.com.

Like most campers, I’ve used the camping grills pre-installed at established campgrounds for years, to varying degrees of success. A lot of times it works just fine, but more than once I’ve been stymied by a grate that was too far off the ground to be effective or covered in so many layers of rust as to be a health hazard.

To help you find the best camping grill for your next adventure, I checked out options from Coleman GSI, UCO, Vargo, and more.

Click here to read the complete article.

Kmart Shoppers Going Wild Over New ‘Backseat Mattress’

Kmart shoppers are going wild over a new camping buy which means you can turn the back seat of your car into an “instant bed,” according to an article at 7News.com.au.

The retail giant is now selling a Multifunctional Travel Air Mattress for $35 and it’s been described as a game-changer by camping enthusiasts.

Sharing on social media, one Kmart shopper – who uses the handle @earthtokesh – described it as the “best Kmart camping purchase”.

“If you like camping, then you need this Kmart inflatable car mattress,” she said. “I feel like car camping is all the rage right now. And I love that.”

Click here to see the complete article.