National Geographic and American Rec sign licensing agreement to develop new outdoor equipment and camping gear
Under a multiyear agreement, National Geographic and American Rec will launch a comprehensive line of camping, hiking and other outdoor gear available in retail stores across North America in fall 2012.
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WASHINGTON (March 6, 2012)—National Geographic, one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations, has selected Boulder, Colo.-based American Rec and its wholly owned subsidiary Canadian Recreation Products as its primary outdoor gear licensee under its National Geographic and National Geographic Explorer brands for North America.
Under this multiyear agreement, National Geographic and American Rec will launch a comprehensive line of camping, hiking and other outdoor gear available in retail stores across North America in fall 2012.
“National Geographic explorers and photographers have been in the field gathering compelling stories and stunning images for more than a century,” said Krista Newberry, National Geographic’s senior vice president of licensing, North America. “American Rec is a proven leader and innovator in the outdoor equipment and camping gear category, so its experience is key in developing quality, functional gear that captures National Geographic’s adventurous spirit.”
“American Rec is thrilled to partner with the National Geographic Society,” said Sue Timbo, marketing director of American Rec. “Drawing upon our expertise in recreational and performance gear for the outdoors, we are excited to develop exceptional outdoor gear that reflects the Society’s rich heritage of exploration as well as its standard for superior functionality and design.”
National Geographic’s net proceeds from the sale of these products will support vital exploration, conservation, research and education programs.
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About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society’s mission is to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 400 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; trips; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visitnationalgeographic.com.
About American Rec
American Rec is home to a collection of the best-known and best-loved brands in the outdoor industry, offering a wide variety of equipment and apparel to complement any outdoor pursuit. American Rec’s brand family includes Kelty, Kelty KIDS, Sierra Designs, Royal Robbins, Slumberjack, Wenzel, Ultimate Direction, ISIS, Mountain Standards, Rokk and Instabed. By headquartering these brands in Boulder, American Rec is able to pool both physical and intellectual assets, ensuring the continued growth and success of each individual brand in a highly competitive outdoor marketplace. By drawing upon decades of experience and a love of the outdoors, American Rec develops, tests and produces some of the finest camping, backpacking, outdoor equipment and apparel available.
