Latest news with #outdoorgear
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Forbes
Columbia Sale: Save Up To 40% On Almost Everything From The Gear Brand
Columbia is known for its high-quality outdoor gear and apparel, and this weekend, you can save up to 40% on nearly everything on its site. The Columbia sale features hundreds of discounts on a variety of items, from ski and snow essentials to summer necessities, including UPF clothing, sunny accessories, hiking shoes and more. During this weekend's Columbia sale, you can save up to 40% on almost everything on its site. To help you navigate the sale, I compiled a list of Columbia items our editors already own and love, picks they're looking to purchase and other top-rated pieces worth checking out. The sale ends just before midnight PDT June 15, so be sure to fill your cart before then. And for more chances to save, check out these Columbia promo codes. Columbia 'The Rush OutDry Shoe is ideal for trails that are prone to be muddy and slick, as the outsole's lug pattern is aggressive enough to provide good traction, while that upper keeps your foot dry and also helps with heat release thanks to a breathable mesh,' says gear and tech writer Steve John. And the weather-proof design hasn't let John down yet: 'I've trusted Columbia's OutDry membrane technology everywhere—from rainy Northeastern forests and Western peaks to the jungles and mountains in Colombia.' Columbia When it comes to summer getaways, assistant deals editor Jordan Thomas loves having packable hats. 'You can literally just cram the hat into your bag, pull it out when you need it and voilá: sun protection,' she says. This option from Columbia has a faux straw design that comes with a chin strap to secure its fit. 'It's always a nice bonus when I don't have to choose between form and function,' says Thomas. Columbia Whether you're using this backpack daily, for traveling or for hiking, you'll have plenty of room to store all your essentials. The interior of the bag features two main compartments, each with pockets for storage and organization, as well as a padded laptop and tablet sleeve. Reviewers appreciate how comfortable the pack is, thanks to its padded handles and shoulder straps. Columbia If you're headed into unpredictable weather, you want a jacket that can keep up. The Columbia Glenbrook Bend Rain Jacket is waterproof and packs down into its own pocket so you can easily tuck it into your day pack when you don't need it. 'You could even keep one stashed in your glove box to be prepared for rainy weather at all times," says John. Columbia An item Thomas has on her wishlist during the sale is this midi dress—a comfortable and easy-to-wear piece she can throw on after spending the day at the lake or on the trails. It's made of a cooling and sweat-wicking material that reviewers say is flowy and comfortable. Plus, it looks chic enough to wear out to dinner this summer. Columbia Columbia says this durable backpack cooler can hold ice for up to three days with the help of a reflective barrier that blocks heat instead of absorbing it. It has a leak-resistant lining that is easy to clean, multiple exterior pockets and gear straps to store all your essentials for a day out. Although the cooler can carry a lot—up to 30 cans—it remains comfortable due to its padded straps and a padded back with breathable mesh panels. Columbia These adjustable and pocketed shorts are suitable for casual wear, fishing and cooling off in the water. Each pair features a quick-drying material with UPF 50 protection, ensuring you stay shielded from the sun and comfortable all day long. These water shorts are available in 15 colors, 11 sizes and two inseam options, so you have plenty of styles to choose from. Columbia A good pair of cargo pants is excellent to have on hand year-round, and Thomas has this adjustable, insect-repelling option in her cart ready for checkout. 'With this pair, you get plenty of pockets, sun protection and a loose but not overly baggy fit that looks good,' she says. Many reviewers note that these run slightly large, so keep this in mind when selecting your ideal size. Columbia This adjustable hat is one that John will wear throughout the summer, as it offers UPF 50 sun protection and actively keeps you cool. It absorbs moisture, dries quickly and helps you stay comfortable through those long, hot summer days.
Japan Times
09-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Times
Montbell founder went from a feeble boy to a renowned mountaineer
Mountaineer Isamu Tatsuno, the founder of outdoor gear and clothing manufacturer Montbell, generalizes climbers as 'wimpy' people who are cautious by nature — not the swashbuckling adventurers people might have in mind. 'You don't agree — most people don't agree,' said the charismatic 77-year-old in a recent interview at his office in the city of Osaka. 'But it's really true, climbers are wimpy, always worrying about the future, always worrying about risk — what if the rain starts? What if the snow starts?' Tatsuno has applied a similar logic to his own business from its early days, planning ahead for survival. It paid off, with the company recently celebrating its 50th anniversary. In fact, it's almost going too well. Today, Montbell operates more than 140 stores in Japan and its gear is the de facto uniform for hikers and climbers in the country. It has also developed a large fan base outside its domestic market with shoppers from Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China flocking to its stores. 'Montbell is very well received, especially by the Asia market,' he said, noting that in the Namba City Osaka retail space alone, sales were up 300% due to inbound tourists flocking to the store. 'A little scary, but you don't want to stop it.' Back when the company was founded, the value of the mountaineering and outdoor market was said to be around ¥50 billion ($349 million). Thirty years after, the company made ¥10 billion. Now, 50 years on, Montbell's total sales worldwide have reached ¥162 billion. 'It's out of control. The company has grown automatically,' he laughs, joking that he had little to do with its rocketing success. Tatsuno's business plans for Montbell, which he drafted in 1980. Since the start of the business, Tatsuno has applied mountaineering logic, always planning ahead for its survival. | Elizabeth Beattie Tatsuno, a lifelong adventurer, enjoys surpassing limits — whether it be breezing past retirement age and continuing to work hands-on on the business he founded, completing record-breaking climbing feats or exceeding fiscal expectations. In the multistory Montbell building in Osaka, Tatsuno's office foyer is full of flowers from well wishers as the company celebrates its half-century anniversary. The scene is a long way from the company's humble origins with no capital. Tatsuno quipped that this meant he began the business with nothing to lose. Tatsuno hails from the city of Sakai, south of Osaka, which is known for its residents' business-savvy, outward-looking, curious attitude — traits that he too possesses. He was born in 1947, right after Japan was defeated in World War II. Sakai, which had been flattened by air raids, remained in a state of rubble for some time, while the end of WWII was economically and socially tough for Japan. 'The people are looking down, they lost their confidence,' he said of those postwar years. But intrepid mountaineers and pioneering Japanese adventurers encapsulated an emblem of hope for the country. In 1956, when climber Yuko Maki led the first successful expedition up the summit of Manaslu in Nepal — the eighth-highest mountain in the world — the achievement offered a sense of pride to the people of Japan. Maki co-authored a gripping account of the 8,163-meter climb, describing the thrills and challenges of scaling the often-deadly mountain, published the following year. 'That created the first mountaineering boom. People were so excited about the success. I was a little child, but I was very influenced by this,' Tatsuno said. Tatsuno climbs the north face of the Eiger in Switzerland in 1969 at the age of 21. | Courtesy of Montbell 'You see the mountain over there, very far away, that's Kongo mountain in Sakai City,' he said as pointed out the window of his palatial office, recalling the testing memories of his childhood. When Tatsuno was still in primary school, he was a physically weak child, which he put down to poor nutrition following WWII and growing up in a family of eight siblings. So when the teacher took students on a hike up Mount Kongo, he was not allowed to join them — which left a scar in his memory. But his health conditions didn't stop him from realizing his dream of becoming 'a mountain man.' He threw himself into hiking and camping, exploring with friends or undertaking solo treks, and grew stronger and more able over time. When his school reading included Heinrich Harrer's 'The White Spider,' an account of scaling the north face of the Eiger mountain of the Swiss Alps, Tatsuno set his sights on something more ambitious — becoming the first Japanese climber to scale the Eiger himself. At the age of 21 and along with climbing partner Sanji Nakatani, he ascended the mountain. They spurred each other on throughout the 'exhausting' climb with the notion of rewarding their efforts with delicious food and the warmth of the Mediterranean climate. They made it to the top, and, more importantly, made it down unscathed. 'We were the first Japanese to reach the top of the north face, and came back with both lives,' he said. While Mitsumasa Takata is the first Japanese person to summit the mountain via the north face, his partner was killed in the process. A Montbell store in Tokyo. Today, Montbell operates more than 140 stores in Japan, and its gear is the de facto uniform for hikers and climbers in the country. | Elizabeth Beattie Today, 88-year-old Nakatani is still puttering around, working at Montbell. Despite having achieved his lifelong goal in his early 20s, Tatsuno continued climbing. He considered for some time working as a guide, but eventually took on a job in the textile department of a trading company in Osaka. The expertise he gained in the types of materials available and his existing knowledge of the ideal equipment for mountaineers combined to become the basis for his future business. 'At the time, everything was so heavy and bulky, and not easy to dry,' he said. Tatsuno was certain that fabric innovations could vastly improve outdoor gear. 'We were the users, we knew what we needed and what was not available,' he said. In 1975, at the age of 28, Tatsuno along with a group of friends founded Montbell as a company to provide the answer to all that he wanted in mountain gear as a climber. He chose the name Montbell — a play on mont belle, which means 'beautiful mountain' in French. The image of the bear, which serves as the mascot for the brand, is a sign of respect for the natural environment and the creatures who live there. The company became successful fairly quickly, with a reliable yet affordable sleeping bag becoming one of its early breakthrough products. The company also saw a niche in developing gear for rainy weather, which is essential for climbers. The years that followed saw it branching into product categories ranging from camping equipment to calligraphy sets. Tatsuno climbs Mount Gozaisho in Mie Prefecture in the 1960s. | Courtesy of Isamu Tatsuno The growth of the business, which he describes as organic, stems from the traditional Japanese business model that Tatsuno views more favorably than any other. 'I strongly still believe that for us, the best business case is Japanese style,' he said of the company's approach, which continues to favor a lifetime employment model for its 1,300-strong workers. This creates a talent pipeline, a long-term vision, and opportunities for young employees, he said. 'You have to hire young people every year,' he said, noting that the company will expand naturally over time as a result of the system, rather than one run by a CEO chasing growth. Regardless of the system, for the founder, the rules are somewhat different. Tatsuno feels like a Willy Wonka figure in the company he founded, dabbling in everything from editing magazines to developing new product concepts, to collaborating with local governments. 'I have so many ideas. I want to do this, this and this. I love it, I really enjoy it,' he said. This year, Tatsuno will be 78, an age at which the average Japanese businessman would have retired already. 'But I don't want to,' he said, adding that he still has verve to continue. His son, Takeshi, who serves as Montbell president, might wish he would retire, he said, laughing. Montbell became successful fairly quickly, with a reliable yet affordable sleeping bag becoming one of its early breakthrough products. | Elizabeth Beattie Tatsuno takes pleasure in his life, his work and in nature. While his youth was all about reaching the pinnacle, he's now far more interested in enjoying the journey. 'So many people ask me the same question, 'What is your next goal?' But I don't have one,' he said. Tatsuno has already succeeded in making the ideal outdoor clothing under his own brand, and now he wonders where the brand will take him next. 'It's like climbing a mountain; you should enjoy the way. I'm already satisfied walking on this trail. I don't know which way we'll go in the future. 'We just follow the road. And enjoy today, and tomorrow,' he said.
Associated Press
06-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
VSSL Expands Global Footprint with Strategic Partners and New Product Launches
VSSL strengthens its presence in key international markets while continuing to lead innovation in adventure-ready coffee gear ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, June 6, 2025 / / -- VSSL, the design-driven brand known for its innovative outdoor gear and premium coffee essentials, is proud to announce major strides in its global growth strategy. The company welcomes new global distribution partners, will be participating in the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Marketplace, and expands their presence into the United Kingdom and Australia—laying the foundation for a breakout year in 2025 and beyond. This summer, VSSL expands their retail presence overseas as the brand begins partnership with Sheldon and Hammond in Australia and Housed and Harnessed in the UK. These strategic partnerships expand access to key outdoor, lifestyle, and coffee retailers. The expanded reach is designed to better serve VSSL's growing customer base and support the brand's mission of delivering reliable, purpose-built gear that's trusted in the wild—and at home. In the United States, VSSL deepens its commitment to specialty retail through expanded sales representation. VSSL has strategically partnered with seasoned sales agencies to bolster its presence across North America, ensuring that its innovative outdoor gear and premium coffee essentials reach a broader audience through trusted retail channels. These new sales partners across North America include CJ Rep in New England and Rodriguez Sales in the Southwest. CJ Rep brings twenty plus years of experience in the outdoor sales industry while Rodriguez Sales brings an enhanced focus on both outdoor and lifestyle products. Complementing its expanded sales strategy, VSSL will participate in the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Marketplace—a premier collective of independently owned outdoor retailers committed to quality, service, and sustainability. Based in North Carolina, the alliance represents over 80 of the most trusted specialty retailers across the U.S., making it ideal for VSSL's community-driven approach. This partnership aligns with VSSL's mission to support independent retail, foster authentic relationships, and reach customers who value durable, design-forward gear. By joining Grassroots, VSSL taps into a network that prioritizes meaningful brand storytelling, experiential retail, and long-term collaboration—values that mirror VSSL's own philosophy. VSSL expands its product portfolio with gear designed for both core adventurers and travelers. Launching in June, the Expanded AeroPress Assortment brings a full suite of brewing bundles—like the AeroPress Go Plus + Java Grinder, AeroPress XL + Java Grinder, and a range of filters in both paper and stainless steel—reflecting VSSL's continued commitment to elevating the outdoor coffee experience. In July, the new Tailgate Mat debuts as a rugged, portable surface ideal for campsite cooking, gear prep, or post-surf coffee sessions. These new additions continue VSSL's broader effort to build a versatile brewing ecosystem, offering more ways for customers to make great coffee anywhere—whether they're deep in the backcountry or brewing in the backyard. With a growing community of loyal users, strategic retail partners, and a focused commitment to product innovation, VSSL is set to make a significant impact in both outdoor and coffee categories worldwide. For partnership inquiries or product samples please contact: London Krapff Chair 6 Collective +1 432-934-2018 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Forbes
02-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Dick's Sporting Goods Sale: Save Up To 50% On Yeti, Nike And More
If you're looking for deals on fitness equipment and outdoor gear, Dick's Sporting Goods' sale section is worth browsing. The current assortment of markdowns includes everything from summer essentials to golf gear to Hoka sneakers. But with over 21,000 deals available at the moment, the selection is a little overwhelming. Save up to 50% on outdoor and fitness gear in Dick's Sporting Goods' sale section. To help you find the best offers, our assistant deals editor rounded up 16 standout discounts on clothes, outdoor gear and footwear—including deals on some of our gear editors' favorite products. Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods Dick's Sporting Goods
Globe and Mail
26-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Globe and Mail
Globe Climate: How to fix instead of waste
If you're reading this on the web or someone forwarded this e-mail newsletter to you, you can sign up for Globe Climate and all Globe newsletters here. Good afternoon, and welcome to Globe Climate, a newsletter about climate change, environment and resources in Canada. Welcome to the summer of tariffs. Just in time for golf and fishing seasons, the Canada-U.S. trade war is set to increase costs for pretty much all outdoor gear. Catch up on our recent story about how the latest developments will hit your camping trips and barbecues. Now, let's catch you up on other news. For this week's deeper dive, in the middle of prom season, we talk about reducing fashion waste and fixing things up around your home. The climate crisis demands that we adjust buying habits, but already many people are trying to limit purchases. The need to shop less has become even more pressing given the trade war and the recent volatility of the stock market. Canadians are strapped for cash and avoiding American goods at the same time. So why not repair or upcycle what you already own? The Globe and Mail spoke with Canadians about how they honed their skills in mending and DIY, and their tips for holding on to belongings just a little bit longer. Mend items by hand Arounna Khounnoraj is a multidisciplinary artist, author and co-owner of Bookhou, multidisciplinary studio. She believes a growing awareness of the harms of fast fashion have triggered a rising interest in clothing repairs. 'When people actually mend their knits, they start to connect with that item because they spent all this time fixing it, and then they have a whole different view of it,' she said. Maintain your footwear Lorena Agolli is the owner of Sole Survivor and a cobbler with Cirque du Soleil. As the years have gone by, she has learned what materials make a good shoe and relayed that knowledge to her customers, encouraging them to buy quality items that will last and can more easily be repaired. She also regularly shares tips and tricks with her more than 10,000 Instagram followers. 'The longer I've been in the business, the more it's really sat with me that we are doing important work here without even realizing how important it is,' she said. Make your clothes last longer Anna-Marie Janzen is a seamstress and owner of Reclaim Mending. For her, fixing up clothing was a normal part of taking care of her cloths growing up. In high school, Janzen learned how the garment industry was contributing to climate change – an understanding that only deepened her passion for mending clothing. The biggest issue is overproduction, Janzen says, and the belief that we need a new outfit for every occasion is part of what's driving it. 'You go back even just one generation and people would have their Sunday best and then maybe two regular outfits. We have this idea that we need a lot more than we really do.' Also read: Eric Reguly: Trump's lunge for critical metals could come at a huge environmental cost by churning up the seabed Jennifer A. Quaid and Julien O. Beaulieu: Ottawa's anti-greenwashing rules aren't radical. Companies are just overreacting Seafood magnate John Risley leads venture to build infrastructure in Canada's Arctic Nova Scotia billionaire John Risley says Canada has neglected the Arctic for far too long, which has undermined the country's economic prospects and put its sovereignty at risk. He's betting he can light a fire for change. 'We haven't really stepped up as a country,' Risley said. Public underinvestment in the Coast Guard has left Northern waters exposed while corporate Canada 'hasn't woken up to the opportunity.' We've launched the next chapter of The Climate Exchange, an interactive, digital hub where The Globe answers your most pressing questions about climate change. More than 300 questions were submitted as of September. The first batch of answers tackles 30 of them. They can be found with the help of a search tool developed by The Globe that makes use of artificial intelligence to match readers' questions with the closest answer drafted. We plan to answer a total of 75 questions. We have ways to make your travelling more sustainable and if you like to read, here are books to help the environmentalist in you grow, as well as a downloadable e-book of Micro Skills - Little Steps to Big Change. We want to hear from you. Email us: GlobeClimate@ Do you know someone who needs this newsletter? Send them to our Newsletters page.
