Black Diamond

LEKI doesn't want to be associated with Walmart either.The skiing and trekking pole maker today announced that it has withdrawn its products from the big box discounter's premium outdoor store curated by Moosejaw. The brand is the fourth we've confirmed to drop out behind Katadyn ...read more

Hikers who use trekking poles swear they save their knees and improve their balance. Nowadays, poles are lighter, more compact and durable, and molded to fit gender-specific hands. If trekking poles are part of your hiking kit, which brand do you like best? ...read more

Black Diamond Equipment today sent a cease and desist notice to Walmart, in response to the giant retailer's launch of a new premium outdoor store curated by Moosejaw.“We did not see or approve the statement which Walmart released Monday and have never sold to Walmart,” said John ...read more

When recreationists shop for outdoor gear, the sustainability of a product—from farm to factory to shelf—is becoming as important as the quality. The majority of U.S. consumers expect companies to act on social and environmental issues, and outdoor brands are moving that needle, ...read more

Back in the 1970s, climbing harnesses were nothing more than a few straps. Now, buyers consider the weight, material, number of gear loops, durability, and so on. Our friends at Climbing Magazine put together a little history on the essential piece of gear.Vote now for the brand ...read more

For many of us, camping during our childhoods fueled our pursuits of careers in the outdoors. But for many others, those precious times spent huddled in tents with our families were less frequent, if trips to the campgrounds happened at all.To give first time campers a positive ...read more

Maybe you've heard of Norrøna, but it's probably not your first choice when it comes to outdoor apparel. At least not yet. The Norwegian brand is in its 90th year of making technical outerwear for a wide range of mountain athletes—from polar explorers to downhill mountain bikers. ...read more

Presented by Black Diamond, Climbing Out of Disaster is a compelling 8-minute film about how a climbing guide from Puerto Rico helps his community in the wake of Hurricane Maria in September 2017.Bryant Huffman—a 39-year-old climbing guide from Cupey, Puerto Rico—along with his ...read more

How good of an investment is the outdoor and recreation industry on Wall Street?A SNEWS analysis shows the sector has outpaced broader market indices such as the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average with healthy gains during the past five years, albeit still lagging behind ...read more

When the sun goes down and the stars come out, a headlamp is essential to your camping and backpacking kit. These nine brands have come out with new and improved versions that are brighter, lighter, and more battery efficient, helping you either wash dishes and clean up camp or ...read more

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve checked and double checked that all the leg loops and straps of my harness were untangled and untwisted, only to pull it on and realize that was not the case. Yeah, I’m that climber. For me, simplicity is as important as comfort. I’ve been ...read more

Black Diamond Equipment’s parent company is expanding in Utah over the next decade, adding high-paying jobs and nearly $50 million in value, according to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).Needless to say, the growth of Clarus Corporation bodes well for Utah in ...read more

Don't go a day without reading Industry Buzz or you might miss something. Here are today's top headlines:#ClimbTheHill: The American Alpine Club (AAC) and Access Fund teamed up this week in Washington D.C. for the third annual campaign to meet with law makers and advocate for ...read more

Start your week off right with Industry Buzz. Here are today's top headlines:Have a news tip? We've created a new form where you can submit tips and story ideas. We'll be checking it often to ensure we don't miss anything.Everest update: Mountaineers Willie Benegas and Matt Moniz ...read more

Whether you hit the rock climbing gym every once in a while or you're constantly rushing out of work to get in as many routes at the local crag before the sun goes down, we know you have a favorite pair of shoes. Some brands have been cobbling for decades and others are new to ...read more

When Backcountry Hunters & Anglers President Land Tawney reflects on the history of land and wildlife preservation in the U.S., he notes how great things have been accomplished during times of darkness.In the early 1900’s market killers were wiping out big game to put food on ...read more

One of Diana Seung’s favorite pieces in the new Backcountry.com line is a pair of knickers, light enough to fit under a ski bib but designed to keep women warm all day in the mountains.It was such a hit, men wanted them too, she said.Seung, the executive vice president of ...read more

As one of the biggest ticket items in your kit, a good tent is a serious investment. And, it’s your home-away-from-home, so it's also a wicked important decision. There are a ton of great brands out there, but we want to know: Which tent brand is your favorite?Vote now to see the ...read more

Self-described “brand turnaround guy” John Walbrecht has spent his career pushing innovation at companies like Timberland, Spyder Active Sports, Fenix Outdoor, and Mountain Hardwear. So when he took the helm at Black Diamond in fall 2016, it’s no surprise that his goal was to ...read more

As part of the Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy, each participant works on a final project to help improve the outdoor industry. This year, five participants have teamed up with the Sierra Club to the River Leaders Initiative, a program to help industry brands hire veterans. ...read more

We all know one of them: the guy who whittles his toothbrush in half to save weight, the gal who drops an extra $7 to upgrade her camping spoon to titanium. They’re gram weenies, or “people who are so obsessed with keeping everything as light as possible that everything counts,” ...read more

The increasing popularity of climbing gyms isn’t a new story, but gym-specific gear is finally starting to catch up to the particular demands of the indoor setting—and the climbers who are flocking there in ever-larger numbers. “Gyms attract newer climbers, so simplified ...read more

The final Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City is behind us. And while the attendees we spoke with felt that the aisles of the Salt Palace were less crowded that usual (no official numbers have been released by the show), energy was high around the industry coming together to ...read more