KEEN Inc. Sponsors REI Outessa to Offer Women Outdoor Experiences, Inspiration and Adventures

PORTLAND, OR. (March 29, 2017) – KEEN Inc. (KEEN) today announced its sponsorship of REI Outessa, three immersive, three-day outdoor adventures designed to connect women with the outdoors in a supportive learning environment. Now in its second year, these women’s getaways are filled with activities and inspiration, offer access to coveted gear and products, serve up great food and wine, and create the environment for making new friends and lasting memories. Registration is now open at www.REI.com/Outessa.

Through the partnership, KEEN will be offering fun guided hikes with REI Instructors, informational sessions on injury prevention and how to pick the proper shoe size for a glove-like fit on the trail. These hikes will be the perfect place to test KEEN’s newest lightweight hiker for women, the Terradora. From off-the-grid trails to urban hiking on city streets, adventure-seeking women on a journey know that the right shoe makes all the difference, which is why KEEN built the Terradora specifically for a woman’s foot.

“We are thrilled to partner with REI Outessa,” said David Munk, brand events Marketing Director at KEEN. “As a brand, we are committed to connecting women with the outdoors, and our shoes empower women to get outside. We look forward to the hikes, fireside conversations, fresh air and breathtaking views we will share with the Outessa participants.” 

“Last year, REI Outessa was a transformational experience for hundreds of women. We are excited that KEEN has signed on as the hiking footwear sponsor of Outessa. Together with KEEN, we will help women tap into an emotional and profound connection to nature in her journey to live a life outside,” said Sally Johnson, the events manager for REI who helped create the Outessa series.

More than 20 of REI Outdoor School’s top female instructors will partner with leading outdoor brands to host a full range of adventures, including hiking, trail running, mountain biking, rock climbing, trail photography, paddle boarding, kayaking, climbing, yoga, backpacking, wilderness survival training, outdoor cooking and more. 

2017 REI Outessa events will be held at three breathtaking mountain playgrounds. Destinations were chosen for their inspirational alpine environments, sweeping views, pristine lake, and adventure-ready terrain with miles of trails for running, hiking and mountain biking. Each offer resort hospitality and proximity to major airports, making travel is easy for participants. The dates and locations are:

• July 14-16: Kirkwood Mountain Resort in Kirkwood, California near South Lake Tahoe
• August 18-20: Mt. Hood Skibowl in Government Camp, Oregon and 12 miles from the Mt. Hood National Forest
• September 22-24: Waterville Valley Resort in Waterville, New Hampshire in the White Mountain National Forest

Registration is $799 per person, which includes classes led by REI’s professional guides, use of on-site gear, chef-prepared meals, wine and beer, evening entertainment, inspirational speakers, and a goodie bag packed with products and gear. Attendees will customize their weekend from start to finish. They will choose accommodations from three options and their daily schedules from more than 200 activities based on personal interests, outdoor goals and skill levels. 

To learn more about the retreats and locations of the epic weekends, visit www.REI.com/Outessa. 

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About KEEN:KEEN Inc. is a values-led, independently owned outdoor footwear brand from Portland, Oregon with a mission to responsibly create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN ignited a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport sandal, launching the concept of Hybrid footwear into the market and setting KEEN on a path of driving consistent product innovation that exists today. KEEN strives to live by its values, from its products to its actions, and by activating communities and individuals to protect and preserve the places where we work and play. KEEN passionately endeavors to live fulfilling lives, challenge the status quo, do good, give back, and inspire others. Learn more at www.keenfootwear.com. 

For additional details about REI Outessa, contact:

Deborah Pleva, JAM Collective for REI
503-250-4750
deborah@jamcollective.net

For additional details about KEEN, contact:

Greg Fitzsimmons, rygr
970-924-0704 ext. 156
greg.fitzsimmons@rygr.us