Five Portland knife brands– Benchmade, CRKT, Gerber Gear, Leatherman and Steelport Knife Co.– serve as founding members. With more knife companies headquartered in Portland than any other city in the United States, the Portland Knife Center of Excellence (PKCoE) aims to establish the Rose City as a destination that connects and celebrates a passionate knife community, while building pride in American craft, education and innovation.

Over 50-percent of knives sold domestically are manufactured in the Portland Metro area, and the region boasts the highest concentration of knife and hand-tool companies in the country. The founding members have joined together in an unprecedented show of collaboration and community building to uplift their shared craft, supporting both local and global economies with job creation and demand for high-quality utility products.

In support of the initiative, Congressman Earl Blumenauer, representing the 3rd District of Oregon, says, “I am proud of the fact that Portland is America’s knife manufacturing center of excellence. Too few people know that half of America’s highest quality knives are manufactured right here. Coupled with our amazing culinary scene is a unique opportunity to showcase some of the very finest pieces of an emerging story.”

“As the founding members, we recognize the significance of our collective craftsmanship and the legacy of our brands. We represent more than 200 years of combined experience in knife design and manufacturing here in Portland, where the competition is fierce. We’ve long admired each other’s dedication to excellence and innovation. Now, we are proud to unite and uphold a spirit of collaboration that will spotlight Portland’s impact on the knife industry,” shared Jon deAsis, CEO, Benchmade; Mark Schreiber, President, CRKT; Keith Carrato, Vice President and General Manager, Gerber Gear; Ben Rivera, CEO, Leatherman; and Ron Khormaei, Founder and CEO, Steelport Knife Co.

As its first public engagement, the PKCoE will come together on National Knife Day to host the inaugural Portland Knifemaker Showcase. Consumers are invited to visit the Steelport Knife Co. Factory on Saturday, August 24 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. PST to engage with PKCoE founding brands. Portland Government officials will deliver an official proclamation at the event, declaring the date as the Portland Day of Excellence in Knife Manufacturing. In addition, event attendees will be able to experience a live knife forging demonstration and a historical artifacts exhibit showcasing Portland’s knifemaking history. Additional support for the collaborative is being provided by Evolve, White-Summers, Stack Metallurgical Group, SurfacePrep, Travel Portland, Travel Oregon, Prosper Portland, and Oregon State University.

Engineered to be lighter without sacrificing durability or weatherproof capabilities, NanoTough technology uses a unique fabric and coating process that offers increased strength, abrasion resistance, water resistance and improved overall performance. The all-new fabric also meets bluesign’s strict environmental and worker safety, and uses a water-repellent treatment made without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Osprey’s entire Transporter family will be redesigned to feature NanoTough fabric, including all updated Transporter Duffels (with expanded capacities now ranging from 30 to 150 liters), Transporter Wheeled Duffels and Transporter Carry-On travel bags. NanoTough also debuts on brand-new Transporter designs for the spring 2025 season, including the first Transporter Squffel. Available in 44- and 70-liter volumes, the Squffel takes organization to the next level with a split-case packing design, fold-away mesh dividers, wet and dry compartments, a pit zip-vented pocket to help air out contents and a square shape for more efficient packing. With the Squffel’s unique and versatile design, users have the ability to mix-and-match different organizational elements to achieve the optimal packing experience for their specific travel needs.

Other new travel and lifestyle additions to the Transporter family will include two spacious, split-case Travel Packs (36L and 44L), all-new Gear Totes that feature detachable shoe change mats and several organizational pockets (28L and 60L), a roomy Roll Top backpack with Osprey’s AirScape backpanel, a versatile Zinch backpack with both zip and cinch closure capabilities and a crossbody Sling bag designed with a dedicated phone pocket, comfortable AirScape backpanel and room for a 14-inch laptop.

Osprey Pack’s new Transporter offerings and full spring 2025 collection will be available beginning in February 2025 at osprey.com and at specialty retailers in over 60 countries worldwide.

Pro-Level Features
The redesigned Talon | Tempest packs will borrow standout features from the Pro Series model offering an improved structure and fit in a lightweight design for fast-moving demands of multi-sport athletes. With these borrowed features, the new packs provide a ventilated, close-to-body design through an innovative injection-molded framesheet and torso adjustment system. A micro-adjustable sliding yoke allows for more accurate fine-tuning, while a proprietary AirScape suspension brings an improved fit and exceptional comfort. The packs are rounded out with NanoFly fabric to add strength and durability.

Sustainable Material Enhancements
In spring 2024, the Talon I Tempest packs achieved Certified bluesign Product designations, and the updated models will see even more sustainable materials with added recycled content. These new recycled materials, informed by the brand’s Earth Program, include 100% recycled nylon webbing; 50% recycled EVA foam in the backpanel and waist belt; 100% recycled polypropylene injection-molded framesheet; and mesh fabric made from minimum 87% recycled content used on the backpanel, harness, and water bottle and shove-it pockets.

Carry Options
In addition to specialized fits for male and female bodies, the Talon I Tempest Series comes in five capacities, from 11 to 44-liters, adaptable for day hikes, bike rides, light-and-fast overnights, and multi-day trips. The collection also debuts a versatile 6-liter lumbar pack that can be used as a standalone piece for quick excursions and or as an attachment to the other Talon | Tempest packs for overnight or multi-day trips.

As part of the redesigned offering, the 6-liter and 33-liter Talon I Tempest models will be offered in Extended Fit sizing, joining the existing 22-liter EF pack to provide more options for inclusive fit and uncompromised, optimal performance for bigger bodies.

The upgraded Talon I Tempest Series will be available in a variety of new seasonal colors, including bold blue, vibrant red, and cool mint hues. The packs will be available beginning in February 2025 at osprey.com and at specialty retailers in over 60 countries worldwide.

Authentically designed for the outdoors, Osprey’s new Poco Soft Child Carriers are the first of their kind with specific features meant to prioritize comfort, safety, and carrying support while enhancing families’ time spent outside together. A comfortable 3D ventilated mesh fabric is used on the carriers’ extra-wide padded hipbelt, shoulder straps and child seat, for an all-around breathable wear for both parent and child. Additional features designed with child comfort and safety in mind include a breathable, padded headrest that folds away when not needed, removable drool pads along the shoulder straps, and a fail-safe tab on the inside of the hipbelt to help ensure a secure wear.

The standard Poco Soft Child Carrier is designed using bluesign approved, 100% recycled 210 high tenacity ripstop nylon in the main body, making it ideal for the trail and longer, tougher outdoor adventures, while the Poco Soft Child Carrier LT features bluesign approved, 100% recycled 210D dobby nylon for more versatile and everyday wear. Both carrier models offer a custom fit with dual adjustments for the shoulder straps and hipbelt, are machine-washable, and can hold up to 33 pounds in the seat.

Both Poco Soft Child Carrier models offer three carrying positions to accommodate a child’s growth: facing in for newborns, facing out for infants, and back carry for older children. The introduction of these new carriers, alongside Osprey’s framed Poco carriers, and the Poco Changing Backpack, Poco Changing Tote, Poco Changing Mat, and Poco accessories launching in fall 2024, create a full suite of carry solutions for growing families, and seamlessly fit each stage of a child’s life.

The Osprey Packs Poco Soft Child Carriers and full Spring 2025 collection will be available beginning in January 2025 at osprey.com and at specialty retailers in over 60 countries worldwide.

In an official release from the co-op, Osprey was recognized as an “outdoor industry leader renowned for consistently creating innovative, high-quality gear that stands the test of time.” The retailer further recognized the company as a leader in sustainability practices, citing nearly 90-percent of Osprey sales at REI came from products that met the co-op’s preferred sustainability attributes, like Bluesign approved products and recycled materials. Additional company initiatives that contributed to this renowned recognition included Osprey’s support of the REI Cooperative Action Fund, the company’s engagement in the Outdoor Industry Association Climate Action Corps, and the expansion of the Extended Fit collection to provide more pack options with inclusive fits and uncompromised, optimal performance for bigger bodies.

“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our many collaborators at REI for selecting Osprey to receive the prestigious Vendor Partner of the Year award,” said Brian Mecham, vice president of sales at Osprey Packs. “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year, our relationship with REI has been a pivotal part of our journey, and we look forward to continuing to serve co-op members with high-quality, sustainably-designed products to enhance their outdoor pursuits.”

Osprey has had a decades-long partnership with REI and this award marks the second time the brand has received the overall vendor award honor from the co-op. The brand previously earned the overall award in 2007 and has been the camp category winner eight times since 2006. 

Media Contact: Turner PR osprey@turnerpr.com

“Leatherman multi-tools have become trusted companions in people’s lives for four decades and the Leatherman Insider Rewards Program is our way of saying ‘Thank You’ to our fans,” said Ben Rivera, CEO of Leatherman Tool Group. “For forty years, we’ve taken pride in delivering unparalleled products and customer experiences, and we’re excited to deepen our relationship with our Insiders through this crafted loyalty program.”

The Leatherman Insider Rewards Program awards customers points for their interactions with the brand, such as making purchases and leaving product reviews on Leatherman.com. As Insiders earn points for their purchases and engagement, they progress through three program tiers– Select Insider, Premier Insider and Elite Insider– each with a growing set of distinct benefits. All Insiders enjoy elevated everyday experiences, including free shipping for orders over $40 (no minimums for Premiere and Elite Insiders), an extended 40-year warranty on qualifying products, and 30-day hassle-free returns and exchanges. Throughout their journey, Insiders can also expect to receive surprises and exclusive gifts.

The Leatherman Insider Rewards Program is a natural extension of the company’s commitment to exceptional customer experiences, complementing a longstanding warranty program. The Leatherman Warranty program is beloved by brand fans, and the popular service is known for its 25-year repair or replace policy. In case the expert team cannot repair a tool, customers will receive a replacement with a comparable refurbished model. With the new loyalty program, Insiders can take advantage of an extended warranty policy on leatherman.com purchases. The extended warranty upgrades from 25 years to 40 years for eligible products, matching how long the company has been in business.

To learn more or enroll in the Leatherman Insider Rewards Program, please visit https://www.leatherman.com/leatherman-insider-rewards-program.

“Since day one, sustainability has been part of our core values,” said Mark Galbraith, VP of Product. “When you’re at it as long as we’ve been, you either stand by and watch the industry change around you, or you become a leader in its progression. We’ve never been content as spectators. We strive to be not only innovators of high-quality products, but responsible citizens who tread lightly as we cherish the world we live, work and play in.” 

As a whole, Osprey’s approach to sustainability draws on each element of the brand’s guiding values: innovation, integrity, quality, respect, stewardship and community. They are the “why” behind Osprey’s efforts. In 2018, to help answer the “how,” Osprey introduced its three pillars of sustainability: materials, chemistry and social responsibility. Each continues to guide Osprey’s mission to become a more conscientious and progressive outdoor hardgoods brand now and ever-forward.  

By spring 2024, Osprey will have nearly reached all of its Phase 1 sustainability goals, having accomplished the following:

• 98% of textile products will have 100% recycled content in main body fabric.
• 96% of textile products will have bluesign® approved main body fabric. 
• 100% of DWR coated textile products will have treatments made without PFAS.
• 98% of lined textile products will have 100% recycled content in the liner fabric. 
• 99% of lined textile products will have bluesign® approved liner fabrics. 

bluesign Products

Consumer products carrying the certified bluesign® Product label meet strict safety and environmental requirements. The products are made of bluesign approved materials and are produced in a resource-conserving way with a minimum impact on people and the environment. With the spring 2024 collection launch, 19 Osprey pack families, nine accessory categories and four special edition pack series, will carry the bluesign Product designation, including best selling technical packs: Aether | Ariel, Talon | Tempest, Atmos | Aura AG, and Exos | Eja, among others.

Earth Program

Osprey’s new Earth Program promotes more renewable materials and sustainable processes as the brand continues to innovate. Earth Program packs – Daylite Earth and updated Talon Earth – help support the market for more sustainable materials and – ultimately – decrease Osprey’s impact on the environment. Both of the new packs have earned more rigorous bluesign® Product designation, exceeding the criteria for a minimum of 90% bluesign approved fabrics/yarns, a minimum of 20% bluesign approved accessories and all remaining fabrics, materials or components being sourced from qualified suppliers. Each pack also helps reduce ocean waste with their main body and bottom fabrics that are woven from ocean-based or ocean bound plastic — 100% recycled polyester made primarily from ocean-bound PET bottles, or 100% recycled nylon made primarily from discarded fishing nets, both are post-consumer fabrics that reduce ocean plastics reduce ocean plastics.

Daylite Earth

Embodying simplicity and versatility, the introduction of Daylite Earth applies thoughtful sustainability to everyday decisions as it’s Osprey’s most sustainable lifestyle pack to date. Daylite embodies the value of versatility: technical enough for the trail, casual enough for everyday use and familiar enough for travel. The crossover of technical, lifestyle and travel means it can be used every day, everywhere. 

Osprey Packs Daylite Earth

Talon Earth

The special edition Talon Earth is Osprey’s most sustainable technical and everyday daypack to date. A lightweight, ventilated and close-to-body fit moves with you on the most technical terrain due to a BioStretch harness, continuous-wrap hipbelt and AirScape backpanel, while urban touches, like its large padded laptop sleeve, help it blend in from trail to town. 

Osprey Packs Talon Earth

The Osprey Packs spring 2024 collection will be available beginning in February at osprey.com and at specialty retailers in over 60 countries worldwide.