Backpacker’s Pantry Archives - ϳԹ Online /tag/backpackers-pantry/ Live Bravely Wed, 10 Apr 2024 19:39:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://cdn.outsideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/favicon-194x194-1.png Backpacker’s Pantry Archives - ϳԹ Online /tag/backpackers-pantry/ 32 32 5 Ways to Help the Planet on Earth Day /outdoor-adventure/environment/5-ways-help-earth-day/ Thu, 22 Apr 2021 04:15:58 +0000 /?p=2567951 5 Ways to Help the Planet on Earth Day

A few easy ideas for getting involved this year

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5 Ways to Help the Planet on Earth Day

Earth Day is upon us once more. Ahead of the big day tomorrow, brands small and large across the industry are spreading the word about ways to get involved. As outdoor enthusiasts and businesspeople, our home planet, as Patagonia calls it, supports us in everything we do. Consider taking a little extra time tomorrow to look after that planet in whatever way you can. If you need some inspiration for doing good this Earth Day, here are five ways you can pitch in.

Donate Shoes to Divert Them from the Landfill

Footwear is notoriously under-recycled and terrible for the environment when it ends up in landfills. ϳԹ, our parent company, has launched a shoe drive in cooperation with the Tennessee-based organization this Earth Day to collect used footwear and make sure it doesn’t end up in the dump. Each pair donated will either be recycled or shipped to micro-enterprises around the world with the aim of alleviating poverty in developing countries.

Give Your Old Socks Second Life

ultra-thin running socks
(Photo: 101 Degrees West)

While you’re at it, you might as well deal with all those ratty, worn-down socks taking up space in your dresser drawer, too. Smartwool has launched an initiative called the Second Cut Project that takes old socks and upcycles them into new products like dog beds.

Starting today through May 2, consumers can celebrate Earth Day by recycling any brand or material of sock in any condition (as long as they’re clean) at drop-off bins at more than 250 participating specialty retailers nationwide. A pre-paid postage recycling bag that fits ten to 15 pairs of socks is also available through the Smartwool website when a purchase is made.

Go Earth Day “Plogging” with Fjällräven

Plogging is the Swedish activity of picking up trash while walking or jogging. It’s a great way to get out of the house with a purpose tomorrow. To celebrate Earth Day this year, Fjällräven will be offering plogging kits free for pickup at any North American brand center. Anyone who picks up a kit will also get a coupon for $50 off their next in-store purchase.

Shop Online to Support Wild Spaces

Starting today and running through April 27, the Conservation Alliance’s annual #WeKeepItWild campaign is bringing together outdoor brands that will donate five percent of online sales to support wild spaces. Participating companies this year include Backpacker’s Pantry, Gregory Packs, Helly Hansen, Royal Robbins, Ruffwear, Toad&Co, and more. If you’re planning some online shopping this week, make sure it’s with a brand that has signed up for the campaign.

Make a Pledge to Clean up Public Lands

#PickUpAmerica, an initiative from the RV brand Thor, is challenging outdoor lovers to hold themselves accountable for cleaning up public lands. The campaign includes a pledge measured in garbage bags: “I pledge to be the difference and clean up: X garbage bag(s) of trash from public lands,” the promise states, asking users to fill in a number of bags. Participants are prompted to give their name and email address to hold themselves accountable.

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate the planet and make our shared spaces a little cleaner this Earth Day, head over to the website and commit yourself to a few bags.

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Backpacker’s Pantry President Rodney Smith Dies After Ski Accident near Boulder /business-journal/issues/obituary-rodney-smith-backpackers-pantry/ Tue, 07 Jan 2020 22:44:32 +0000 /?p=2570117 Backpacker’s Pantry President Rodney Smith Dies After Ski Accident near Boulder

The 57-year-old outdoor industry longtimer died on January 1 after colliding with a tree while skiing at Eldora Mountain

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Backpacker’s Pantry President Rodney Smith Dies After Ski Accident near Boulder

The outdoor community is mourning Rodney Smith, the president and owner of American Outdoor Products who died on January 2 after a tragic ski accident at Eldora Mountain, just north of Boulder, Colorado. He was 57.

“He left us all too soon but spent his final days doing what he enjoyed the most, appreciating the outdoors and all it has to offer,” Backpacker’s Pantry wrote in a statement. The brand is under the umbrella of American Outdoor Products.

While the Boulder County Coroner’s Office has not publicly released his identity, Backpacker’s Pantry said in a Facebook post that Smith, of Boulder, died in a ski accident.

Eldora spokesman Sam Bass confirmed that ski patrol responded around 10:30 A.M on December 30 to a skier who had apparently collided with a tree. The unconscious skier—who had been wearing a helmet—was eventually airlifted from the mountain.

Bass said Eldora learned on January 2 that the skier had died from his injuries. “The Eldora team is deeply saddened by our guest’s passing and extends sympathy and support to his family and friends during this difficult time,” Bass said.

An employee at Colorado-based American Outdoor Products (AOP)—parent of Backpacker’s Pantry, Astronaut Foods Ice Cream, Chef Soraya, and Colorado Spice—said Smith’s unexpected death has been a surreal start to the year.

“American Outdoor Products has been owned and operated by the Smith family since 1971,” the company wrote. “Along with building on the success of American Outdoor Products and bringing the company where it is today, Rodney also had an incredible admiration for the outdoors and was a strong advocate for the planet.”

Smith was deeply committed to environmental sustainability and supported the Conservation Alliance, Leave No Trace, Outdoor Industry Association, 1% for the Planet, Terra Cycle, Access Fund, and several other organizations.

1% for the Planet Membership Manager Liz Whiteley said that while she didn’t know Smith very well, she was impressed by his kind and welcoming demeanor. “A good soul, as they say,” she said. “He was so visibility committed to doing business the right way. AOP’s 1% for the Planet membership is just one example of Rodney’s leadership and commitment to doing right by our planet. The team at AOP will proudly carry on his legacy, I have no doubt.”

Smith was also a sponsor of BACKPACKER’s Get Out More Tour, led by tour and brand ambassador Randy Propster.

“Rodney was so passionate about his brand and the outdoor industry as a whole,” Propster said. “He was always pushing to do more to ensure every aspect of his business was as environmentally friendly and as sustainably sourced as possible. Every time I was lucky enough to discuss the future of the outdoor industry with Rodney, I walked away filled with hope and inspired to evaluate my own impact. Rodney will be missed.”

Industry veteran Malcolm Daly remembers Smith as a supportive entrepreneur. Daly said that when his company Trango was a small three-person operation back in the day, he ran into Smith and teamed up with him in his small kayaking accessories company—another example of his commitment to the outdoor industry and partners.

“Rodney was always there to help out other small businesses and seemed as interested in growing his business as much as helping us grow ours,” Daly said.

Whether it was environmental advocacy or just being a good guy, Smith strove to make the world a better place.

“American Outdoor Products will continue to keep his mission alive through creating sustainably sourced products and doing everything we can to support and save our planet in his honor,” the company wrote.

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