Latest news with #BlackDiamond
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Destination Toronto Expands Global Presence with New Offices in the U.K. and Germany
Canada's largest meeting of international travel buyers confirmed for Toronto in 2026 TORONTO, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Destination Toronto today announced the opening of international offices in the U.K. and Germany, advancing the city's global tourism strategy and expanding its reach with international leisure and business travellers. The strategic expansion comes at a time when shifting travel dynamics present a powerful opportunity for growth. Together, the U.K. and Germany delivered over 220,000 visitors and more than $320M in direct spending to Toronto's visitor economy in 2024. "Diversifying our international markets has always been a priority—but now it's more critical than ever," said Andrew Weir, President and CEO of Destination Toronto. "This is a pivotal moment for Canada on the world stage and Toronto is taking deliberate steps to seize that opportunity and attract more international travellers." Destination Toronto has engaged four complementary agencies in the U.K. and Western Europe to support distinct pillars of its strategy. The expanded presence will enable Toronto to tap into adjacent markets such as Ireland from the U.K., and Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands from Germany, amplifying the city in a bold and strategic way with visitors seeking a welcoming and diverse urban experience. In the U.K., Black Diamond will leverage their in-market media knowledge to secure diverse stories about the city, MMGY will drive visitor demand and leisure sales through travel trade distribution channels, and AbleMaxx Limited will source corporate leads to support future business events. In Germany, MMGY Lieb will support both media relations and leisure sales. "What draws people to Toronto—and keeps them coming back—is the energy of our neighbourhoods, the diversity of our people, and the richness of experiences we proudly share with the world," said Mayor Olivia Chow. "International visitors contribute to the vibrancy and global character that define Toronto, and this is our moment to attract and welcome them in even greater numbers, bringing the benefits of visitor spending to local businesses and residents alike." Marking the latest step in a global strategy to drive growth from diversified markets, the announcement builds on a series of international partnerships designed to strengthen Toronto's position with key markets and customer segments globally. Last year, Destination Toronto appointed PR Central as its Mexican in-market representation for leisure sales and media relations. Having the highest concentration of luxury hotels in the country, Destination Toronto renewed its status as a preferred destination with Virtuoso® —the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel. Destination Toronto is also the only Canadian destination to secure an active partnership with the Event Leaders Excha nge (ELX) community, a premier network for corporate event leaders. Hosting global travel buyers in Toronto Coinciding with the expansion of Toronto's international presence, Destination Toronto has confirmed that Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) will return to the city in 2026 marking another major opportunity to drive global tourism growth. Last held in Toronto in 2022, RVC brings more than 400 qualified buyers and media to Toronto to meet with destinations and tourism suppliers from across Canada. "Hosting Rendez-Vous Canada is a live audition for more than 400 international travel buyers, enabling them to experience our city, build packages and market Toronto to their clients in the U.K., Germany, Mexico and other global markets," said Mr. Weir. "Fresh off the enormous success of Rendez-vous Canada 2025 in Winnipeg, we're welcoming the world to Toronto in 2026," said Marsha Walden, President and CEO of Destination Canada. "With tourism contributing $130 billion to our economy last year, Rendez-vous Canada plays a vital role in showcasing our legendary experiences and providing a marketplace platform for deal-making worth tens of millions in business. It's key to delivering the high growth and rapid returns in tourism export revenue building communities all across Canada." Additional Quotes "With the UK being one of Toronto's most resilient overseas markets, this is a significant moment for Destination Toronto to strengthen its presence on the international stage and expand into Western Europe. As a famously multicultural and diverse city, Toronto is uniquely positioned to capture the hearts and travel plans of the UK audience. Through innovative PR strategies and creative consumer activations, we're excited to help establish a compelling brand presence and capture share in key markets during this pivotal period." - Jonah Whitaker, Managing Partner, Black Diamond "Toronto's dynamic, multicultural character—encompassing world-class entertainment, a thriving culinary landscape, and unparalleled sporting experiences—positions itself as an attractive proposition for the UK. With strong air connectivity and manageable flight time, Toronto is strategically poised for growth, particularly with key calendar moments ahead, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Our focus will be on collaborating with valued travel trade and airline partners to deliver targeted initiatives that inspire, inform, and ultimately drive bookings to the destination. We are committed to enhancing Toronto's visibility and growing visitation to Toronto and Ontario." - Caroline Moultrie, President, MMGY EMEA "Right now Canada, characterized by stability and a strong commitment to international cooperation, makes it an ideal destination for large-scale events. Toronto has a real opportunity in this moment, its unparalleled infrastructure and vibrant cultural scene will meet the evolving needs of events planners and attendees alike. This is a pivotal time for Toronto to leverage its strengths and seize the moment in the UK market. AbleMaxx is positioned uniquely, with a global account portfolio, to leverage its expertise and connection to drive growth and success for Destination Toronto." - Maxine MacPherson, Managing Director, AbleMaxx Limited "There is strong momentum for Toronto in key Western European markets, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands. Travellers from these markets are increasingly seeking destinations that offer depth, authenticity, and cultural diversity. With its vibrant neighborhoods, rich cultural landscape, and welcoming, cosmopolitan spirit, Toronto speaks directly to what travelers from this region value most: genuine experiences and meaningful connections. Interest in the city is rising—and with this growing demand, Toronto is truly poised for growth as a destination. This is a unique moment to inspire purposeful travel and position it as the must-visit Canadian destination for those seeking something truly meaningful." - Detlef Freiherr von Weitershausen-Haner, EVP, MMGY Lieb About Destination Toronto Toronto's visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, generating nearly $9 billion in visitor spending in 2024. Destination Toronto's purpose is to ignite the city's visitor economy to enrich and empower its communities. Operating in partnership with the City of Toronto and the tourism and hospitality community, Destination Toronto promotes the city to attract visitors and major meetings and events, and supports local businesses in maximizing the opportunities of the visitor economy. For more information, please visit
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Destination Toronto Expands Global Presence with New Offices in the U.K. and Germany
Canada's largest meeting of international travel buyers confirmed for Toronto in 2026 TORONTO, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - Destination Toronto today announced the opening of international offices in the U.K. and Germany, advancing the city's global tourism strategy and expanding its reach with international leisure and business travellers. The strategic expansion comes at a time when shifting travel dynamics present a powerful opportunity for growth. Together, the U.K. and Germany delivered over 220,000 visitors and more than $320M in direct spending to Toronto's visitor economy in 2024. 'Diversifying our international markets has always been a priority—but now it's more critical than ever,' said Andrew Weir, President and CEO of Destination Toronto. 'This is a pivotal moment for Canada on the world stage and Toronto is taking deliberate steps to seize that opportunity and attract more international travellers.' Destination Toronto has engaged four complementary agencies in the U.K. and Western Europe to support distinct pillars of its strategy. The expanded presence will enable Toronto to tap into adjacent markets such as Ireland from the U.K., and Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands from Germany, amplifying the city in a bold and strategic way with visitors seeking a welcoming and diverse urban experience. In the U.K., Black Diamond will leverage their in-market media knowledge to secure diverse stories about the city, MMGY will drive visitor demand and leisure sales through travel trade distribution channels, and AbleMaxx Limited will source corporate leads to support future business events. In Germany, MMGY Lieb will support both media relations and leisure sales. 'What draws people to Toronto—and keeps them coming back—is the energy of our neighbourhoods, the diversity of our people, and the richness of experiences we proudly share with the world,' said Mayor Olivia Chow. 'International visitors contribute to the vibrancy and global character that define Toronto, and this is our moment to attract and welcome them in even greater numbers, bringing the benefits of visitor spending to local businesses and residents alike.' Marking the latest step in a global strategy to drive growth from diversified markets, the announcement builds on a series of international partnerships designed to strengthen Toronto's position with key markets and customer segments globally. Last year, Destination Toronto appointed PR Central as its Mexican in-market representation for leisure sales and media relations. Having the highest concentration of luxury hotels in the country, Destination Toronto renewed its status as a preferred destination with Virtuoso® —the leading global network of agencies specializing in luxury and experiential travel. Destination Toronto is also the only Canadian destination to secure an active partnership with the Event Leaders Exchange (ELX) community, a premier network for corporate event leaders. Hosting global travel buyers in Toronto Coinciding with the expansion of Toronto's international presence, Destination Toronto has confirmed that Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) will return to the city in 2026 marking another major opportunity to drive global tourism growth. Last held in Toronto in 2022, RVC brings more than 400 qualified buyers and media to Toronto to meet with destinations and tourism suppliers from across Canada. 'Hosting Rendez-Vous Canada is a live audition for more than 400 international travel buyers, enabling them to experience our city, build packages and market Toronto to their clients in the U.K., Germany, Mexico and other global markets,' said Mr. Weir. 'Fresh off the enormous success of Rendez-vous Canada 2025 in Winnipeg, we're welcoming the world to Toronto in 2026,' said Marsha Walden, President and CEO of Destination Canada. 'With tourism contributing $130 billion to our economy last year, Rendez-vous Canada plays a vital role in showcasing our legendary experiences and providing a marketplace platform for deal-making worth tens of millions in business. It's key to delivering the high growth and rapid returns in tourism export revenue building communities all across Canada.' Additional Quotes 'With the UK being one of Toronto's most resilient overseas markets, this is a significant moment for Destination Toronto to strengthen its presence on the international stage and expand into Western Europe. As a famously multicultural and diverse city, Toronto is uniquely positioned to capture the hearts and travel plans of the UK audience. Through innovative PR strategies and creative consumer activations, we're excited to help establish a compelling brand presence and capture share in key markets during this pivotal period.' - Jonah Whitaker, Managing Partner, Black Diamond 'Toronto's dynamic, multicultural character—encompassing world-class entertainment, a thriving culinary landscape, and unparalleled sporting experiences—positions itself as an attractive proposition for the UK. With strong air connectivity and manageable flight time, Toronto is strategically poised for growth, particularly with key calendar moments ahead, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Our focus will be on collaborating with valued travel trade and airline partners to deliver targeted initiatives that inspire, inform, and ultimately drive bookings to the destination. We are committed to enhancing Toronto's visibility and growing visitation to Toronto and Ontario.' - Caroline Moultrie, President, MMGY EMEA 'Right now Canada, characterized by stability and a strong commitment to international cooperation, makes it an ideal destination for large-scale events. Toronto has a real opportunity in this moment, its unparalleled infrastructure and vibrant cultural scene will meet the evolving needs of events planners and attendees alike. This is a pivotal time for Toronto to leverage its strengths and seize the moment in the UK market. AbleMaxx is positioned uniquely, with a global account portfolio, to leverage its expertise and connection to drive growth and success for Destination Toronto.' - Maxine MacPherson, Managing Director, AbleMaxx Limited 'There is strong momentum for Toronto in key Western European markets, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands. Travellers from these markets are increasingly seeking destinations that offer depth, authenticity, and cultural diversity. With its vibrant neighborhoods, rich cultural landscape, and welcoming, cosmopolitan spirit, Toronto speaks directly to what travelers from this region value most: genuine experiences and meaningful connections. Interest in the city is rising—and with this growing demand, Toronto is truly poised for growth as a destination. This is a unique moment to inspire purposeful travel and position it as the must-visit Canadian destination for those seeking something truly meaningful.' - Detlef Freiherr von Weitershausen-Haner, EVP, MMGY Lieb About Destination Toronto Toronto's visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, generating nearly $9 billion in visitor spending in 2024. Destination Toronto's purpose is to ignite the city's visitor economy to enrich and empower its communities. Operating in partnership with the City of Toronto and the tourism and hospitality community, Destination Toronto promotes the city to attract visitors and major meetings and events, and supports local businesses in maximizing the opportunities of the visitor economy. For more information, please visit SOURCE Destination Toronto
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Buzz Feed
33 Affordable Camping Essentials From REI
A four-function whistle that's a compass, magnifying glass, thermometer, and, of course, emergency whistle all in one handy-dandy little tool. Perfect to clip onto your pack just in case. Promising review: "Good multitool I like to have on my daypack. Clipped onto my sternum strap for easy access. Very lightweight." —Luis MPrice: $6.50 A Cotopaxi bucket hat to keep that beautiful face of yours shielded from the sun, especially on hikes or at campsites where you're especially exposed. I never thought I was a Big Hat then I started camping in the desert! Now, it's rare to see me without one when I'm outside, and boy, am I happy about it. Price: $40 (available in five colors) A four-person Coleman tent with a full-fly vestibule so you and your besties can enjoy the great outdoors side-by-side *and* have room for safe gear storage outside of your sweet digs. The tent has a roomy 8x7-foot interior and a 4.6-foot ceiling height. A good rule of thumb for how many folks can fit in a tent is the number of people listed squished all together *or* that number minus one with room to spread out and for gear. In this case, if you plan on using the vestibule for gear, you probably *can* fit four people. The more the merrier! Yes, the price is above $100, but rest assured, this is about as low of a price point as you can find for a tent that will actually keep you shielded from the elements! But take good care of it and it'll give you years of enjoyment. And hey, campsites are (usually) pretty inexpensive, too!Price: $189.95 A Kelty Catena 30 Sleeping Bag if you're building out your car-camping kit and want an affordable (under $50!) option that doesn't skimp on cozy. The 30-degree rating makes it suitable for three-season camping and its roomy rectangle sleep makes sure you can stttrrreeeetttch out to get comfortable, just the way you like. Promising review: "Super warm, affordable sleeping bag! I was skeptical because of the price, but now I regret not getting it sooner! Definitely a new staple in my camping setup." —EnigmaPrice: $49.95 (available in two colors) An REI Co-Op Sahara Shade Hoodie to keep your skin protected without having to get all kinds of greasy. UPF 50+ protection keeps your arms happy and the hood means you can cover up that neck, too, especially when you tuck it under or over a hat or helmet. Promising review: "I LOVE this hoodie! I burn quite easily, and I can't believe I've gone this long without a long-sleeved UV shirt. I love the thumb holes. It fits true to size. I wore it for a four-day trip to Miami, in and out of the ocean, hiking in the Everglades, and out to eat for dinner. It works for everything!" —SarahPrice: $49.95 (available in women's sizes XS–XL and 1X–3X in six colors and men's sizes XS–XXXL, including some tall sizes, in six colors) An under-$20 Black Diamond headlamp so you can light your path hands-free at camp and bring *just in case* on long hikes. It even has dimming and strobe settings. Huzzah! The headlamp requires 3 AAA review: "I needed a new headlamp as my other just wore out. I looked at the super expensive ultra-bright ones but took a chance on this good one as it was more reasonably priced. I'm glad I chanced it. This headlamp is comfortable, durable, and very bright. This is exactly what I was hoping for. I've never been disappointed by Black Diamond." —P HyattPrice: $19.95 (available in three colors) A portable outdoor bidet — you heard me right — to get that tush of yours squeaky clean even if the nearest bathroom is miles and miles away. Just fill the chamber with water, squeeze it, and you're good to go. Promising review: "I've been using a peri-bottle I once got at the hospital, but this thing is a seriously great upgrade. I bought it to go on a trip that requires wag bags and I didn't want to backpack out a bunch of used TP. The bulb and spout direct a cleansing stream of water right where you want it. After six days of using this and a Kula Cloth to pat dry, I was fresh as a daisy, as they say. Everyone who was on the trip wants one now." —Amy BPrice: $14.95 An 18-liter folding cooler so you can keep your car camping dinner and breakfast items nice and chilly overnight. Going to bed after a hot meal and a cold drink and waking up to a cold glass of OJ all in the middle of the woods is one of the great joys in life. Price: $34.95 (available in three colors) A mini multi-towel you'll find basically endless uses for while you're out on the trail. Trust me. And after you're done using it as a sweat rag, for cleaning your dishes, or drying your hands it folds up super tiny in its stuff sack ready to get machine washed when you get home. Promising review: "Great sweat towel. I clip this on the strap of my backpack. Lightweight and easy to carry. If you get a little sweaty, just pull it out. After wiping the sweat off my face, it just hangs and the breeze dries it off, ready for the next time." —LeePrice: $9.95 (available in three colors) An iconic Nemo Chipper seat pad so you can join the veritable army of outdoor enthusiasts who swear by this simple and elegant little "chair." Use it to keep your bum clean while you take a rest, give yourself a little more padding wherever you need it when you sleep, as a list goes on and on. Plus it's made out of reclaimed and remolded foam scraps, hence the funky, cool colors. Promising review: "This is a luxury item but the kind you can easily justify because of its compact size, lightweight, and versatility. I'll throw it in both a backpacking pack and a day pack. I've used it under my sleeping pad to add a little more padding under my hips, to make a picnic bench cleaner and softer, to sit on in a parking lot while changing shoes, to widen the top of my hammock so it's not closing in on my head, and of course just to sit on when taking a break. I rest my pack against a tree and use it and the Chipper to make a nice recliner in the woods." —GorillaJasonPrice: $19.95 A wide-mouth Nalgene because once you make the switch to this lightweight, affordable bottle it's hard to go back to bulky metal ones, especially for outdoor adventures. My love for Nalgenes is well-documented. They're everything you need and nothing you don't, and indestructible to boot. Promising review: "These things are practically indestructible (cap attachment excluded, but I have a solution for this). I have to repurchase these because I lose them, not because they break. I've tried knock-off brands and have experienced them breaking in some bad places — a few miles into a hike, etc. My Nalgene? Rolled off a cliff ledge and was still intact when I hiked down to get it. I recently purchased a stainless steel ring separately that fits on the Nalgene with a carabiner loop. This should hopefully fix the reason I lose them: I clip it to my bag by its lid, and after a few years, the lid strap breaks, no longer able to do this, *then* I leave it places. I will purchase these again and again! Love this purple color!" —NNYOutdoorsPrice: $17 (available in four colors) A Patagonia hip pack so if you venture out from camp for a day hike short enough that all you really need is your phone and a snack bar, you don't need to bring a whole pack if you don't want to. There's something to be said for staying lightweight! It's also just a cute bag to use in town in your regular life, not gonna lie. Promising review: "This hip bag is so cute! It reminds me of an upgraded version of the black hole hip pack that Patagonia makes. The waist strap is longer — finally, Patagonia made the strap longer! I got the luminous pink one. It's a beautiful bright pink color. There are other color options, too, which are nice. It has a small key clip in the small zipper section, packs into itself, and the fabric is such that you can fit a lot into this tiny pack. I plan to use it for short walks with the dog, small day hikes or running errands. It can fit a phone, small wallet, lip balm, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and tissue. Shipping was fast, too. Thanks, REI." —CaitlynPrice: $35 (available in six colors) A Black Diamond Momentum Harness Package for any new climbers looking to get an amazing deal on all the gear they need to get started. It comes with a harness, ATC belay device, locking carabiner, chalk bag, and chalk, all for $100. Woohoo! Your mother would be proud you got such a score, but mayyyybe don't tell her you're super into dangling off cliffs yet. $$$ can be a real barrier to entry for starting to climb since you need some gear to get started, but I really do think this is a sweet deal! Just nab some shoes and you're good to go for literal YEARS. One and done until the gear gives out, which should be a long while when you're buying from a trusted brand like Black review: "A great all-around harness! I've been using it for about three months now for several outdoor all-day climbing trips and at the gym three to four times a week. It's been comfortable for everything from rappelling to crack climbing. It's easy to fit in my bicycle bag and can tuck nicely into any of my backpack pockets. The gear loops are well-designed, and the placement was clearly thought through. The right side loops are great for my chalk bag and anchor kit, as they are easy to access! My left-side gear loops work great for carrying quickdraws, ATCs, or anything else I need! Great harness for climbers of every level while sport climbing. I would love to see a bit more adjustability in the leg loops, but other than that, wayyy better than the gym rentals I had been using before!" —AndyPrice: $99.95 (available in men's sizes XS–XXL and women's sizes XS–XL) A camp spork so you're ready for scoopin', stabbin', and eating an all-around delicious backcountry meal. Promising review: "I bought two of these, one for each of my kids, for a backpacking trip we took together. They loved the novelty of this spork and how light it was in their pack. I had one of these 15–20 years ago, and it was one of my favorite pieces of equipment. My kids are hard on gear, and I can tell that these are going to hold up well. They clean easily with soap and a little brush, and the tines are wide enough apart that you can get any "stuck in there" food out easily. I do regret getting the dark blue as it would be hard to see if you dropped it. The pale teal one was easier to spot." —Kristy SutinPrice: $4.95 (available in three colors) A small medical kit because it's a good idea to have first aid supplies on hand when you're out in the wilderness, full stop. This one has everything you need and is quite well-organized, which is actually very important in a real emergency. This kit always comes with me on most longer hikes and definitely on all backpacking trips. It's small, light, and completely unobtrusive! It has many different kinds of bandages, a splinter and tick remover, bug bite relief wipes, aspirin, and more!Promising review: "It is exactly what I was looking for. It has everything expected. It is properly sized for backpacking or moto-camping with my dog." —Josh LPrice: $29.95 (available in three styles) A Nathan QuickSqueeze Plus Insulated Handheld Water Bottle with a phone pocket and adjustable strap so hydration is always at your fingertips on trail runs. Promising review: "Perfect size for an hourlong run! Holds car keys, credit cards, and a gel or two, and is super easy to hold." —MCTPrice: $35 A pair of collapsible trekking poles for aiding your climbing (and making you look super legit). Yes, they help you get up the mountain, but we're not talking enough about how useful they are for getting down. Step with certainty and do your knees a favor by getting yourself a reliable pair! You don't want to skimp on quality with a piece of gear you're putting your weight on, uhhhhh next to a cliff edge. Under-$100 is a nice little price point for a high-quality set that's much cheaper than the alternatives while still making sure they're going to be safe and last you a long while. Promising review: "For the price, these are excellent trekking poles. I've brought them on day hikes and multi-day camping trips which prop my tent up. They're significantly cheaper than carbon and weigh nearly the same. If you're getting into hiking and aren't sure what to get, go for these, they're the best all-around introduction to trekking poles." —EKTPrice: $79.95 A self-inflating sleeping pad so you don't have to huff and puff into your pad after hiking all day and setting up your campsite. I recommend this pad for car campers or backpackers looking to get their feet wet and start to build out a kit. It's not the lightest, *but* at under $100 it's a great deal for the quality and on the low end of the price spectrum of what the typical backpacking pad costs. Promising review: "I love this pad so much. It keeps me warm in the winter, is the most comfortable pad I've ever slept on, and the material doesn't stick to you. 10/10 recommend. I love it so much I just deal with the weight and take it on my backpacking trips too." —HarryAHPrice: $84.95 (available in short, regular, regular wide, and long wide sizes) An ultra-classic enamel camp mug because sometimes doing the cartoon version of camping is the best. Look at this thing! It's The Camping Mug dreams are made of. Promising review: "Very nice. Used this for drinking tea while camping, and it worked great. Looks good too." —RemiPrice: $4.95 A pair of Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion Socks that are a little bit of moolah up front but last forever and famously come with a lifetime guarantee — they're THAT confident they'll serve you well. I finally got my first pair of Darn Toughs this year, and I LOVE THEM! The heels and toes are perfectly cushioned, the merino wool blend isn't scratchy at all, and they're, tough! Look at me walkin' around on that campground gravel! Hot tip for my hiking girlies with muscular calves: My life changed the day I started just ordering socks in men's sizes! I'm a shoe size 8.5 and find that a men's M in these socks sits great. Not too big in the foot while leaving ample room for my legs as I FLEX UP THAT MOUNTAIN, BABYYYYYYY! Promising review: "Amazingly comfy and durable! These socks are like walking on clouds in comparison to cheaper options. The price, I feel, is justified not only by how comfy they are but the lifetime warranty as well. Just don't lose them!" —JakePrice: $26 (available in men's sizes M–XXL in seven colors and in women's sizes S–L in eight colors) An REI base layer because layering is the name of the game when it comes to getting dressed for the outdoors. These make the perfect under-jacket short for cold hikes or a perfect PJ top, even on cool summer nights. But regardless, it'll help you retain some heat without feeling scratchy. Thanks, flat-seam construction. Promising review: "I was looking for some base layers for running and hiking, and this has been perfect! It's comfortable, fits true to size, and wicks moisture nicely. Would definitely recommend!" —jsearlPrice: $54.95 for women's (available in sizes XS–3X and five colors) and $54.95 for men's (available in sizes XS–XXXL, including some tall sizes, and five colors) A cute little camp table so you have a place to rest your drinks, play cards, you name it! You'll never be mad to have a spare surface around that's not uhhhh the cold, hard ground (no offense to the cold, hard ground). Promising review: "We had one of these tables, liked it so much, we bought a second. Extend the legs, then flip it out to set up. Takes 15 seconds. It's very stable and great for a side table or a table for two. Very nice quality." —Camp4smorePrice: $43 A Traverse 60 backpacking pack so you can finally take that backpacking trip you've always dreamed of. Experiencing nature night after night is such a unique and beautiful experience, and this pack will help you do it. It should be just the right size for a medium-length trip, so you can really get a taste for the trail. Boy, oh boy, can backpacking packs be expensive, but under-$300 is a great place to end up with your first. It really is an essential piece of gear since it's what allows you If a pack rubs you the wrong way (literally) it can be a real trip ruiner, so investing in one that's comfortable to wear and fits everything you need without tipping over into too big territory is the first gear decision every backpacker needs to make. Promising review: "I was hoping for a smaller pack, but after trying out four packs with 40 lbs, this pack checked the most boxes for me. I love the front access zipper to the main compartment. The two-way water bottle pouches on both sides that I can actually reach are great. The waist belt pockets open and close easily compared to other packs I've used. It's pretty comfortable even after many miles with lots of weight. So far, I dig it." —Quig in the PNWPrice: $249 (available in men's sizes S–3XL and two colors and in women's sizes XS–3X and two colors) A pair of La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoes for anyone who's ready to make the leap from rental gym shoes to a pair of their own. Tackle gym climbs or head out on outdoor climbing adventures with confidence that your feet are gonna stick, stick, stick. Leather uppers will form to your foot in no time, and at under $100 they're a great deal for a technical shoe from one of the most trusted climbing brands around. If you've been bitten by the climbing bug, getting your very own pair of shoes is an exciting next step! They're definitely not a cheap piece of gear, but under $100 is REALLY the sweet spot for getting a shoe that will actually help you improve your footwork without it being a total $$ hemorrhage. And hey, it means you can finally stop paying for shoe rentals!These lace-up Sportivas should be the perfect beginner pair: Not too arched and comfortable for long-term wear while still giving you a nice edge to get onto teeny-tiny edges with confidence. Remember that climbing shoes should ideally fit pretty snugly, and the leather will stretch with time. Promising review: "These were my first pair of climbing shoes, and I absolutely love them! No pun intended, but they left big shoes to fill. I'm currently breaking in a pair of more aggressive La Sportiva and find myself reverting back to these to send the harder climbs. For an entry-level shoe, these are just great. The laces can be a little bit cumbersome, but not a huge dealbreaker. As these were my first climbing shoes, I actually bought them true to size and found that they worked well for me, even on tricky routes where you have to really trust your feet. These are good." —Cnst730Price: $89 (available in women's EU sizes 34–42 and men's EU sizes 38–47.5) Some salted caramel latte-flavored energy gel to give you a nice little boost of energy just when you need it! Mmmmm tasty. Price: $1.95 A pair of Tifosi sunglasses if "sleek" is your trail name. Apparently, it's mine since these are actually the sunglasses I wear for all of my outdoor activities. From backpacking to white water rafting and climbing, they've gone everywhere with me for almost a year, and boy oh boy, have they saved my eyeballs from some glare. Promising review: "I purchased the black polarized version. I like that you can rest the frames on a hat rather than directly on your ears. I use these often when golfing — they don't slip or bounce when you swing. Very comfortable and stylish." —AnonymousPrice: $34.95+ (available in three colors and polarized or non-polarized lenses) A Stanley 14-Piece Wildfare bowl prep and cook set that has everything you need to prep, cook, and eat simple campground meals. Stanley may have recently gotten popular for their big ol' cups, but never forget they started in the rugged, reliable camp gear game. The kit comes with a 1.5-liter saucepan with a fold-and-lock handle, a lid with vent and strain holes, cutting boards, removable trivets, two bowls, two two-piece sporks, and a two-piece spatula. And it's all dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is super easy once you get home from your adventure. Price: $45 A Rumpl Camp Pillow if you refuse to go even one night without a snuggly pillow but don't want to sacrifice your home pillow to the wilderness gods. I *love* this pillow for its double-sided fabric (one cooling, one soft), perfectly plush feel, and ability to fold in half into this little stuff sack. I thought I was done with outdoor pillows for good until this one from Rumpl walked into my life. Wanting something outdoor-specific but disappointed by inflatable models, my backpacking brain transitioned me fully to just using my clothes bag, even when car camping! But thank goodness I've finally found an outdoor pillow I dig so I can get a good night's sleep when on trips with a little more gear! It really is so plush and comfy, and at the end of the day, that's all I really want from a pillow! I use the fleece side because I tend to sleep cold, but it's nice to know the cooling side is around for the next time I'm on a humid trip. Is the pillowcase machine-washable? You bet! That's the Rumpl $49 A Kula Cloth, aka the most amazing reusable pee rag money can buy. It has a waterproof external layer (that's the pretty printed one), an antimicrobial ~wiping~ side, and snaps that keep the cloth closed when you're not using it. If you're tired of doing a weird pee dance or straight-up damp underwear after going in the woods, here is the long-awaited solution! If you didn't know, now you know. Yeah, the Kula Cloth is life changing if peeing in the woods gets you down. It's also super useful for general travel if you're traveling anywhere with an unreliable TP situation. There's also a little loop on the corner so you can just carabiner it to the outside of your pack if you're backpacking. Ya know how people who drive Jeeps nod at each other on the road. People with Kula Cloths on their packs nod to each other on the trail. It's a thing. Promising review: "I've had one for years now and it has been such a game changer from backpacking, camping, or just hiking. We take them everywhere outdoors, and I consider this one of the best outdoor inventions ever. If you don't want wet panties or have to be packing toilet paper into a baggie to pack out, this is the ticket! I wouldn't be without one outdoors!" —outdrgrlPrice: $20 (available in seven patterns) An REI Co-op Flash 22 pack so you have a simple, well-designed daypack ready to go if you want to go on hikes from camp. It's on the budget-friendly side of high-quality gear, and it's money well spent. REI brand gear tends to really hold up, so get ready to reach for this bag for years and years to come. Promising review: "Took this down to the Smoky Mountains last week, and it was great! It is well-made, has lots of pockets, and is super lightweight. It even has a built-in whistle! Highly recommend." —LesleyPrice: $59.95 (available in four colors) A Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil roll-top dry sack because keeping your camp clothes and electronics dry is absolutely essential for any fun, safe camping trip. My love for these lightweight waterproof bags can't be stifled. On my camping trips, I always bring two of these bags that each work double time. One serves as my clothes bag, and the other is my food bag since it's easy to hang as a bear bag as well. Sometimes I bring another for my electronics, but sometimes they just go in with my clothes. But enough of my packing specifics — the point is, they're incredibly reliable, actually waterproof, and being able to pack them down nice and small as you take things out of them is amazing out in the wilderness and for storing at home. Promising review: "Bought this last minute for a three-day backpacking trip (3L size) to stuff my day food in the outside mesh pocket of my pack, so I wouldn't have to go inside my pack to find my food while on the trail. It's a great size for various items and fits easily in the outside pocket. Stayed dry during the rain, it is easy to fold over and keep secure. Love this little bag. Might get more for other items." —JenniPrice: $22.95+ (available in six sizes and four colors). A reflective vest to make sure drivers see you in the dark when you're running super early or late at night. This vest isn't restrictive and is very adjustable, so throwing it on under whatever layers you have, depending on the season, won't be a problem. Promising review: "I feel much safer riding after dark now that I have this. The reflective bands are really bright. It is easy to adjust its size so I can wear it over a heavy or light jacket (or no jacket at all) depending on the temperature." —GeorgePrice: $35 A pack of Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes so you can freshen up a little bit between showers, much to the satisfaction of your campmates' noses. These specific wipes never dry out my skin, and the resealable packaging really does stay closed in my experience, keeping the remaining wipes moist and ready to use whenever you need 'em. I looooove these wipes, and you'll usually find at least a few in my backpacking and camping setup!Promising review: "I couldn't have gone without these, five days with no running water (or baths) and these got pine tar off super easily AND helped keep the BO to a minimum. 10/10 would bring again." —kbhobbyhikerPrice: $5.95+ (available in two sizes)
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Black Diamond Group Limited Issues 2025 Corporate Responsibility Report
CALGARY, Alberta, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Diamond Group Limited ('Black Diamond' or the 'Company') (TSX: BDI, OTCQX:BDIMF), a leading provider of space rental and temporary lodging and accommodations, issued its 2025 Corporate Responsibility Report (the 'Report') detailing the Company's commitment to environmental, social and governance matters, while highlighting the positive results and value delivered through the Company's shared efforts. 'We know that business is a powerful driver of economic benefit and a trusted partner in creating a positive impact in the communities and networks served,' said Trevor Haynes, Chairman & CEO. 'This year's Report showcases how we at Black Diamond approach this through our values-based culture, the principles that guide our decisions, and our commitment to Creating a Better Way – a foundation that guides us as we strive to continuously improve as an industry leader.' The Report highlights meaningful progress made, while achieving a competitive advantage leading to continued growth and profitability. Within we provide detailed information on emissions data, safety metrics, revenue generated through our Indigenous partnerships and context around our commitment to community investment, engaging our high-performing, diverse teams and preserving our highest standards of operational integrity. Black Diamond's corporate responsibility approach focuses on key strategies and initiatives that drive tangible outcomes and value and is subject to the same rigour and accountability that apply to all facets of the Company. 'We are proud of what we're building together and remain committed to being best-in-class,' said Trevor Haynes, Chairman & CEO. 'We will continue operating with intention and in a way that all those within our network – customers, suppliers, communities, shareholders and team members alike – contribute to and receive value from everything we do.' The Report is guided by The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, or SASB, Standards and Black Diamond is most appropriately situated within the Engineering & Construction Services Industry. The Company also reports additional sustainability metrics given our robust and unique approach to social responsibility and community engagement. View Black Diamond's Corporate Responsibility Report at Black Diamond Black Diamond is a specialty rentals and industrial services company with two operating business units - Modular Space Solutions (MSS) and Workforce Solutions (WFS). We operate in Canada, the United States, and Australia. MSS through its principal brands, BOXX Modular, CLM, MPA Systems and Schiavi, owns a large rental fleet of modular buildings of various types and sizes. Its network of local branches rent, sell, service, and provide ancillary products and services to a diverse customer base in the construction, industrial, education, financial, and government sectors. WFS, through its principal brands owns a large rental fleet of modular accommodation assets of various types. Its regional operating terminals rent, sell, service, and provide ancillary products and services including turnkey operated camps to a wide array of customers in the resource, infrastructure, construction, disaster recovery, and education sectors. In addition, WFS includes LodgeLink, which operates a digital marketplace for business-to-business crew accommodation, travel, and logistics in North America. The LodgeLink proprietary digital platform enables customers to efficiently find, book, and manage their crew travel and accommodation needs through a rapidly growing network of hotel, remote lodge, and travel partners. LodgeLink exists to solve the unique challenges associated with crew travel and applies technology to eliminate inefficiencies at every step of the crew travel process from booking, to management, to payments, to cost reporting. Learn more at Investor and Media Inquiries Emma Covenden at 403-888-1666 or investor@ To sign up for news alerts please go to Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsCertain information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements. Although Black Diamond believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, and the assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are made are reasonable, there can be no assurances that such expectations or assumptions will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Black Diamond. These risks include, but are not limited to: the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, fluctuation of commodity prices, the Company's ability to attract new customers, failure of counterparties to perform on contracts, industry competition, availability of qualified personnel and management, timely and cost effective access to sufficient capital from internal and external sources, political conditions, dependence on suppliers and stock market volatility. The risks outlined above should not be construed as exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Black Diamond's operations and financial results are included in Black Diamond's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other reports on file with the Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities which can be accessed on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and Black Diamond does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, except as may be required by applicable securities 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
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tariffs Force Goon Gear to Stop Making Boards
Businesses of all sizes are being impacted by the looming threat of tariffs. Goon Gear, the family owned and beloved board brand from pro rider Lucas Magoon and his wife Tonya, is the latest to announce Gear will not produce snowboards for the 2025-2026 season. An Instagram post from the official account, however, stated that the brand will get back to doing so sometime in the future. There will still be some fresh product drops in the fall of 2025, but snowboards will not be among them. Previous products have included t-shirts, hoodies, beanies, dice, can coolers, replica baseball jerseys, and phone cases.'After a lot of thought, we've made the tough call not to produce boards next season,' the post said. 'With unpredictable tariffs and rising costs, it's just too risky for a small business like ours.''Running Goon Gear has never been about money—it's about passion for snowboarding and this community.' The post went on to call for people to support small businesses. Whether that's the local farmer's market, mom-and-pop deli, or coffee from a local store, skipping the corporate machine can help the small businesses rolling during times like Gear has extended its reach into the community through its Goon Jam tour, which has aimed at connecting friends together for a day of snowboarding. There's no judging and a whole lot of fun. The past season saw the tour start in New York at Snow Ridge in December, make its way all the way to Lee Canyon Ski Area in Las Vegas, and back to the northeast, with its finale at Saddleback in Rangely, Maine. The Goon Gear love can be seen throughout the snowboarding world, but particularly in Vermont, Magoon's home state. The family-owned businesses are not alone in being impacted by the tariffs. At the end of April, Black Diamond came forward to tell customers to expect increases in the cost of already-exiting products.'Beginning May 5, 2025, prices on most of our products will increase 10–25% due to the recent wave of global tariffs introduced by the Trump Administration,' an email to customers said. 'Tariffs have dramatically increased the cost of producing our gear - by more than double in some Snowboards and J Skis, both companies that are based out of Vermont, are also navigating similar circumstances. Burton CEO John Lacy told the Bennington Banner that prices could increase between 46 and 145 percent.
