Sierra Designs ushers in new era of excellence in backpacking gear, relaunches brand for 2014

Offering “better and different” tents, sleeping bags, and apparel, Sierra Designs introduces truly innovative backpacking gear

BOULDER, COLO. (For Immediate Release) – Going well beyond a simple rebranding effort, Sierra Designs is redefining the entire brand with completely rethought gear and apparel offerings for 2014. Providing backpackers with true innovation and real solutions for backcountry comfort and performance, the iconic brand is set to usher in a new era of excellence in outdoor gear.

Committed to only making gear and apparel that is both “better and different,” the new Sierra Designs is reexamining how outdoor gear should be designed for maximum performance. Forgoing traditional mummy-style bags and double wall tents while introducing some of the most innovative apparel advancements yet, Sierra Designs is set to change the way the world looks at backpacking gear.

“We feel the outdoor industry is stuck in an old paradigm, relying mainly on outdated designs and technologies. Despite all the hype, there has been very little new thinking in backpacking gear and clothing,” says Michael Glavin, VP and Brand Manager for Sierra Designs. “We wanted to create something really unique here, something better and different than what’s currently on the market. We wanted to see what we could do when we threw old thinking out the door and boldly challenged the status quo. We are really excited about the results.”

Sierra Designs is dedicated to the idea that comfortable and lightweight can and should coexist. By carefully selecting materials, manipulating designs, and always keeping an eye on the end goal, Sierra Designs is able to simultaneously shed excess weight while offering roomy tents, comfortable sleeping bags, and apparel that exceeds performance expectations.

Truly committed to a fresh product offering and original ideas, Sierra Designs’ 2014 line-up is 90% new and includes a total of three tent styles, three new sleeping bags, and a tight assortment of technical apparel pieces. All gear and apparel is designed exclusively for backpacking but can be used in a variety of situations.

Sierra Designs challenged every bit of conventional wisdom as it relates to shelters, introducing three new tent models each offered in standard and ultralight versions. Common features include gear ‘storage closets’ instead of vestibules, oversized doors and awnings for dry cooking outside the tent when the weather turns bad, external pitch for speed and light weight, and maximized ventilation for a more comfortable experience.

New sleep solutions include the zipperless Backcountry Bed that allows you to sleep as you would in a bed at home and the wearable Mobile Mummy with zipperless armports and a fold-up design for walking around camp. Both of these bags are offered in 2-season (30⁰) and 3-season (15⁰) versions, each available in either 600 or 800 fill powers. Sierra Designs is also offering the minimalist 800-fill Backcountry Quilt for the true ultralight fanatic. All Sierra Designs bags will feature hydrophobic DriDown™ insulation instead of synthetics for superior warmth, weight, and compressibility.

Sierra Designs’ apparel line includes new materials and technologies such as DriCanvas, stretch down jackets, and silicone-treated Nylon for excellent weather protection, superior breathability, performance, and comfort. All new apparel pieces are designed for backpack compatibility with strategically placed stitching, pockets, and vents. High performance materials and construction ensure comfort, durability, performance, and comfort for any backpacking adventure.

Sierra Designs is proud to introduce a new logo to accompany the new brand direction. This logo is a tribute to the brand’s extensive outdoor heritage, blending graphic elements from two previous Sierra Designs logos with a new, more modern font.

The new Sierra Designs will make its first public appearance at the Outdoor Retailer Trade Show in Salt Lake City, July 31st to August 3rd in booth #28017. For more information, please email scott.kaier@americanrec.com.

About Sierra Designs:
Founded in 1965 at the beginning of the golden age of backpacking and climbing, Sierra Designs draws on an extensive heritage to create innovative, technologically-advanced outdoor equipment to compliment any active, outdoor lifestyle. With years of experience designing best in class tents, sleeping bags, and apparel, Sierra Designs has been to every corner of the world, from the highest peaks in the Himalaya to the campground down the road. Whether you’re an ultralight hiker, world-class mountaineer, or recreational camper, Sierra Designs has you covered. (www.SierraDesigns.com).

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