Latest news with #Exped
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Material Facts Collective unveils sustainability data toolkit
The data toolkit is an extension of the Material Facts Collective methodology, originally developed by British outdoor brand Rab. It includes contributions from several brands and retailers in the UK, Europe, the US, and Canada. Among the public brands involved are Exped, Go Outdoors, Oberalp Group, Rab, Red Equipment, and Tiso. Equip Outdoor Technologies' subsidiary Rab first launched the Material Facts methodology in October 2023. It provides a framework for sharing standardised and transparent product data with consumers and retailers, aiding in informed sourcing and purchasing decisions in line with forthcoming ESG regulations. Material Facts delivers point-of-sale sustainability information to consumers, covering aspects such as recycled content percentage, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) status, and production location. Plans to expand the criteria are underway, which may encompass material types, certifications, origins, repairability, and longevity. The Collective emerged in September 2024 following Rab's lead and with backing from the European Outdoor Group. It aims to unify product sustainability data from across the industry. Members of The Collective have refined and field-tested the methodology across both apparel and equipment sectors to create a scalable solution adaptable to new categories and data points. The new toolkit includes a methodology document that outlines procedures, calculations, and underlying assumptions; a calculations template to assists brands in verifying their calculations when applying the methodology. Additionally, it has a new criteria that describes potential future enhancements to the criteria set; communications guidelines to establish how brands should present Material facts data and a business case to aid in gaining organisational support and resources. Tiso Group CSR manager Joanna O'Flynn said: 'A simple data table, in a standard format, with a clear and transparent tested methodology, is becoming vital. We can share this data with our consumers and reassure ourselves that we are working with brands that take the challenge of communicating sustainability metrics seriously. Playing an active role in the working group has allowed me to present the needs of a retailer firsthand as we have shaped the communication, methodology, and outputs of the Material Facts Collective.' Following the completion of the initial phase of Material Facts Collective, the working group will reconvene later in the year to enhance the methodology based on feedback from participating brands. The Collective invites interested parties to join or learn more about the second phase of The Material Facts Collective or seeking details on the methodology and toolkit are encouraged to contact designated representatives. Equip Outdoor Technologies CEO Richard Leedham said: 'When launching Material Facts back in 2023 as a market-first, we knew that we did not want to keep it to ourselves but share it with the industry. Together, as a network of leading brands, we can efficiently develop sustainability data in a clear and transparent way, that drives efficiencies, meets consumer and retailer needs, and prepares us all for the upcoming legislation. The Collective has provided this methodology and the tools to succeed. We now need the industry to take this to the next level and move it forward.' "Material Facts Collective unveils sustainability data toolkit" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Material Facts Collective unveils sustainability data toolkit
The data toolkit is an extension of the Material Facts Collective methodology, originally developed by British outdoor brand Rab. It includes contributions from several brands and retailers in the UK, Europe, the US, and Canada. Among the public brands involved are Exped, Go Outdoors, Oberalp Group, Rab, Red Equipment, and Tiso. Equip Outdoor Technologies' subsidiary Rab first launched the Material Facts methodology in October 2023. It provides a framework for sharing standardised and transparent product data with consumers and retailers, aiding in informed sourcing and purchasing decisions in line with forthcoming ESG regulations. Material Facts delivers point-of-sale sustainability information to consumers, covering aspects such as recycled content percentage, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) status, and production location. Plans to expand the criteria are underway, which may encompass material types, certifications, origins, repairability, and longevity. The Collective emerged in September 2024 following Rab's lead and with backing from the European Outdoor Group. It aims to unify product sustainability data from across the industry. Members of The Collective have refined and field-tested the methodology across both apparel and equipment sectors to create a scalable solution adaptable to new categories and data points. The new toolkit includes a methodology document that outlines procedures, calculations, and underlying assumptions; a calculations template to assists brands in verifying their calculations when applying the methodology. Additionally, it has a new criteria that describes potential future enhancements to the criteria set; communications guidelines to establish how brands should present Material facts data and a business case to aid in gaining organisational support and resources. Tiso Group CSR manager Joanna O'Flynn said: 'A simple data table, in a standard format, with a clear and transparent tested methodology, is becoming vital. We can share this data with our consumers and reassure ourselves that we are working with brands that take the challenge of communicating sustainability metrics seriously. Playing an active role in the working group has allowed me to present the needs of a retailer firsthand as we have shaped the communication, methodology, and outputs of the Material Facts Collective.' Following the completion of the initial phase of Material Facts Collective, the working group will reconvene later in the year to enhance the methodology based on feedback from participating brands. The Collective invites interested parties to join or learn more about the second phase of The Material Facts Collective or seeking details on the methodology and toolkit are encouraged to contact designated representatives. Equip Outdoor Technologies CEO Richard Leedham said: 'When launching Material Facts back in 2023 as a market-first, we knew that we did not want to keep it to ourselves but share it with the industry. Together, as a network of leading brands, we can efficiently develop sustainability data in a clear and transparent way, that drives efficiencies, meets consumer and retailer needs, and prepares us all for the upcoming legislation. The Collective has provided this methodology and the tools to succeed. We now need the industry to take this to the next level and move it forward.' "Material Facts Collective unveils sustainability data toolkit" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
WIRED
22-05-2025
- Health
- WIRED
The Best Sleeping Pads For Campgrounds—Our Comfiest Picks
The following sleeping pads didn't impress us as much as the ones above, but we'd still recommend them if none of the others strike your fancy. Kelty Kush Queen Airbed for $100: This PVC-free queen-sized airbed from Kelty includes a pump that makes inflating a snap (make sure you charge it before you go), and the 6-inch-thick pad is plenty comfortable. It is not an insulated air mattress like the REI above, so it's best for warmer months, but it can double as a spare bed at home. Sleeping Pads to Avoid Not every sleeping pad is a winner. We've tested and run into issues with the following models. Exped Flexmat Plus: What if the cheap, light, and indestructible closed-cell foam mats like the iconic Z-Rest and RidgeRest were … giant? It's a fun idea, but the Exped Flexmat Plus is a noble failure. The problem with this extra-thick, 1.5-inch, closed-cell mat is that, while relatively light, cheap, and indestructible, the foam is hard and spikey. And by 'spikey' we mean that it's literally just spikes that stab you while you sleep. Fans say it requires a break-in period. After six nights on it, reviewer Martin Cizmar begged the dungeon guard for release. Big Agnes Q-Core: Q-Core pads are comfortable out of the box, with impressive R-value and weight stats for the price. However, you should avoid them. The unique offset I-beam construction that makes this pad so light and comfortable is somewhat notorious for failing—which is exactly what happened to Cizmar after about a year of use. In our experience, which other reviews back up, the welds that hold the top and bottom together are prone to popping apart. After adding air, you'll have a large lump that grows over time, and duct tape cannot fix it. Exped DeepSleep: If you're thinking about an inflatable Exped but are not fully committed to shelling out for the MegaMat 10, you may be inclined to try the thinner and cheaper DeepSleep. Don't do it. The DeepSleep is 3 inches thick instead of 4, but you'll feel that inch in your bones. The DeepSleep has rugged 75-denier fabric on top and bottom instead of the soft and stretchy 50-denier polyester you find on the top of the MegaMat and some competitors. The DeepSleep is a sturdy mattress and probably fine for some people, but it's not the Exped experience most sleepers are looking for. Stick with the MegaMat. —Martin Cizmar Klymit Static V2: Klymit's budget inflatable pad is popular with unfussy weekend warriors because of its price point (around $50) and impressive weight (1 pound). In fact, this is why I bought one for my now 10-year-old daughter when we ventured into the backcountry for the first time, with her stuff on my back. She didn't complain, but when I used it for a night, I found it was flimsy and offered comparable cushion and less heat retention than a closed-cell foam pad like the Z-Lite. The Z-Lite weighs a couple of ounces less, and you won't have to worry about puncturing it. The more expensive inflatable beds above are great, but if you're you're looking for a lightweight budget pick, I'd stay with closed-cell foam.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Camping season is here! Turn your backseat into a basecamp for under $100
We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals . Camper vans have been having a moment — and by "moment," I mean a years-long parade of Instagram posts showcasing tiny stoves, hidden toilets and fairy lights that somehow make sleeping in a parking lot look magical (I've done it. It's not). These builds are beautiful. They're also wildly expensive. Some cost as much as an actual house. Van life used to be for people who were down on their luck. Now it's aspirational. But here's the thing no influencer tells you: At some point, you're going to wake up at 2 am and desperately need a bathroom. Good luck with that. So no, I'm not converting my everyday cars into full-time campers. They carry groceries, car seats, friends, family and my dog. There's no room for a built-in bed or a tiny farmhouse sink. Instead, we've landed on a way to camp in the car for under 100 bucks. There are no cedar-paneled ceilings, but we sleep just fine, and in the morning, the car goes right back to being a car. It gets the job done — and it leaves us with more money for, you know, actual adventures. Sleeping Setup Amazon Intex Air Mattress - Twin Size $15 $20 Save $5 Before you buy anything, grab a measuring tape, fold those seats flat and see what size mattress you're working with. In my case, a twin fits snug in the back of my Subaru. My larger vehicle has room for something bigger, but I kept it simple and stuck with the twin since I wanted one setup that works in both. It's not fancy, but considering I've paid more for a six-pack, it does the job just fine. Posh upgrade: Exped MegaMat Auto Sleeping Pad $15 at Amazon Amazon Inflatables Air Pump for Air Mattress $10 $15 Save $5 A plug-in air pump feels like a luxury I shouldn't need — and yet, every time I use one, I wonder why I ever did it the hard way. Maybe I used to think camping meant earning your sleep by nearly passing out blowing up a mattress. But these days, when all vehicles have a 12V and/or an AC outlet, why not let the car do the work? $10 at Amazon Amazon Mesh Car Window Shades, 2-Pack $12 $14 Save $2 Stagnant air in the car at night is the worst. Well, second worst. Mosquitoes are the worst. Thankfully, these window screens solve both of those problems. They slide over the entire window, so you can open them completely if you want to. I only roll them down a few inches so that they're open enough for quality air flow, closed enough that if a bear or other creature with teeth wanders by, they can't easily get into the car before I wake up and get the heck out of there. If you're sleeping in the great outdoors, there's no reason to wake up to the smell of morning breath and sweaty feet — not when fresh mountain or lake air is just a window crack away! $12 at Amazon Amazon Car Window Sun Shades Covers $15 $18 Save $3 Just like the windshield shade, these magnetic shades cover your side and rear windows to keep things dark and cool — or warm, depending on how you use them. They stick right to the metal window frame, so setup takes about two seconds. If it's cold out, I flip them black-side-out to soak up a little extra warmth from the sun. Not exactly high-tech, but it works. $15 at Amazon You might be wondering where the blankets and pillows are. Answer? In your home! Just grab what you already use, maybe an extra blanket or two, and bring them along with you. There is a caveat, though: if you're going to be camping somewhere colder, you should bring a sleeping bag rated for cold temps with you, not only for your comfort, but for your safety as well. Sleeping bag temperature ratings are for survival, not comfort, so go 15-20 degrees lower than you think you'll need. Here are a few of my favorites: Kitchen Setup Amazon Portable Camping Stoves Backpacking Stove $7 $11 Save $4 Sleeping's important, sure — but so is eating. And while a lot of campsites come with fire pits or grills, the last thing you want is to arrive somewhere and find out you don't have a way to heat your food or water. This little ultralight stove was designed for backpacking, but it works just as well at a car campsite. It barely takes up any space; I keep one stashed in the car year-round. That way, even on a random road trip, I can fire it up for a hot cup of coffee when the nearest café is 60+ miles away. Posh upgrade: Coleman Peak1 Portable 2-Burner Camping Stove $7 at Amazon Amazon Folding Camp Table $20 $22 Save $2 This is another item that you'll probably find if you're spending the night at an established campsite, but if not, it is so much easier to prepare dinner on a table than try and balance everything in the back of the car without spilling it. It's also the most expensive item on this list, so if you're looking to save cash, this is what I'd get rid of. Posh upgrade: REI Co-op Camp Prep Table $20 at Amazon Amazon WaterStorageCube Water Container with Spigot $13 While it may be last on the list, water is the most important thing you'll bring on any camping trip. You can find jugs for cheaper, but the spigot is the real game-changer here — no more awkwardly lifting and tilting a sloshing 40-pound container just to fill a cup. This one makes it easy, and when you're using water for cooking, cleaning, drinking and doing dishes, easy matters. Posh upgrade: Rtic Halftime Water Cooler $13 at Amazon The total for all of that? $97. Not bad at all. That leaves you three bucks for a coffee and you'll be ready to hit the road for a camping adventure. Is your budget a bit higher than $100? Check out some splurges below. Nice extras if you have the cash Amazon All-Top Vehicle Awning $148 $160 Save $12 Awnings are great. They protect you from the sun and weather and, depending on your car, are way easier to set up than a tailgate tent. This one from All-Top isn't the cheapest one out there, and far from the most expensive, but it is a good middle ground of ease-of-use and features. Just throw a few camping chairs underneath, crack a cold drink and you're golden. $148 at Amazon $100 can go a long way into turning a run-of-the-mill camping trip into a relaxing weekend you'll remember forever. (Getty) If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
