The first day of OR and lots of familiar faces. Kicking-off the show, the Outdoor Retailer Association held a state of the industry breakfast sponsored by The North Face. Topics included the environment and programs that encourage youth to get outdoors. Can't wait to see how this all fleshes out in the upcoming months. We announced a new iteration of our popular APEX brand that's specifically designed for outerwear. This new insulation features all the signature traits of continuous filament insulation in a package that is also thin, soft and 100% recyclable. Check out the press release for full details or stop by Booth#39037 to see for yourself. It's a stylishly warm solution for outerwear, footwear and gloves.

At the Rock & Ice Booth (5007), the men battled it out in Climashield Tug of War. Using a rope made of continuous filament insulation, the men competed for a North Face Cat's Re-Meow sleeping bag. Believe or not, the rope made of insulation can hold up to 9,000 pounds! It was a tough competition but Ellis Robinsion was the big winner. Congratulations Ellis! The women's competition takes place Saturday from 3:00 - 3:30 p.m.