Black Diamond’s Spring 2019 Mountain Collection Helps Redefine Brand POV and Broaden Distribution Channels

July 20, 2018

The brand’s spring 2019 collection includes new designs in headlamps and trekking poles as well as a new wind shell program and hybrid-mountain packs.

SALT LAKE CITY (July 20, 2018) – Black Diamond Equipment^®, a global innovator in climbing, skiing and mountain sports equipment, is introducing a collection of spring 2019 products in its mountain category that reflects its knowledge as a leading equipment manufacturer for over 30 years. Black Diamond’s spring 2019 mountain collection, to be showcased at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, honors the company philosophy of creating the best climbing equipment in the world, while redefining its brand POV and opening broader distribution channels with new product designs that push the limit of what’s possible for the mountain sports’ enthusiast.

“We are excited to expand our footprint in a market that clearly resonates with the Black Diamond brand,” explains John Walbrecht, President of Black Diamond Equipment.

New for spring 2019, Black Diamond adds the Distance 8L Pack, a product award winner in June at OutDoor Friedrichshafen, in Germany. From trail runs that bleed into rocky scrambles, to alpine adventures that cover a wide spectrum of mountain terrain, this hybrid pack blends running vest technology with Black Diamond’s intimate knowledge of alpine pack systems to carry the gear you need, while remaining featherweight and comfortable enough to move at a fast clip. The Distance is built from UHMWP 10x Ripstop yarns, and the shoulder strap harness system utilizes Black Diamond’s stitch-less Edge Taping Technology. Also, the harness system is constructed with an adjustable, elastic-cording side compression system, which gives you a more secure ride while running, scrambling and climbing. On the pack’s exterior, the Distance 8 includes dual piolet/ice axe holsters, and dual Z-Pole (or other trekking pole brands) quiver sleeves to stash your trekking poles when the terrain changes. Dual front stretch pockets are an extra place to stash nutrition or gear, making the Distance 8 an ultra-versatile pack for moving light and fast in the mountains.

“We worked very closely with BD Athlete Joe Grant on the designs of our spring 2019 Distance products,” states Trent Bush, Black Diamond’s vice-president of apparel. “While we know that his performance needs are substantially higher than most, our approach focused on Joe’s style of mountain movement, which universally aligned these products with fast and light mountaineering more than just trail running.”

For midweek dawn patrols, all-night approaches, or just big climbing objectives that push beyond daylight, the Black Diamond Spot325 has 325 lumens of power. The updated headlamp now features a smaller housing and a more efficient design. With a new, compact body, the Spot325 has been redesigned with a lower profile for better balance and is more ergonomic for added comfort. Black Diamond also updated its headlamp user interface by adding a second switch for easy lens mode selection. In addition, the updated optical efficiency not only provides brighter light with more peak intensity but also saves battery life that you can now easily track with a six-setting, three-LED battery meter. The Spot325 also offers peripheral lighting for close-range activities like sorting gear, cooking, or reading in camp, all while sporting an IPX8 waterproof housing. The Brightness Memory feature allows you to turn the light on and off at a chosen brightness. Plus, the Spot325’s PowerTap Technology makes for instant brightness adjustment settings.

With a huge range of adjustment and a well-balanced, durable design, the Trail Pro is a reliable, high-performance trekking pole for everything from day hikes in the Rockies to multi-day treks in Nepal. The redesigned FlickLock Pro adjustability is now lighter, stronger, and easier to use while featuring a more durable aluminum construction, making for fast, secure and easy adjustments to suit the terrain. This adjustability is combined with Black Diamond’s new SmashLock quick release technology, which is a quick-release mechanism that allows you to quickly deploy the telescoping pole and lock it into place with an easy-to-hear click (keep FlickLock Pro closed during deployment). Then, with the FlickLock Pro open, swiftly and firmly press the tip of the pole into the trail to release the SmashLock for a quick collapse. The Trail Pro’s updated grip is now softer and more ergonomic, while the strap draws inspiration from Black Diamond’s harness technology and includes more surface area for better security around the wrist and better handling when tackling steep terrain. Interchangeable carbide tech tips grip a variety of trail surfaces, from desert slickrock to tacky dirt.

Lastly, Black Diamond adds six new styles plus a patent pending venting technology to an award-winning tent category that is known for its highly protective four-season shelters. Of note, the new Distance Tent, a compact two-person, three-season tent, is an ultra-light, single-wall shelter built for weight conscious backpackers, thru-hikers and mountain adventurers. The structure is created using two Black Diamond Distance Carbon AR (Accessory Ready) trekking Z-Poles and a small DAC cross pole that inserts into the accessory ready grip and connects the trekking poles. Four stake out points anchor the tent to create the ultimate fast pitch shelter – simple to set up and robust in windy conditions.  Black Diamond’s new Flow Manifold technology will be incorporated in four new styles for spring 2019. The Flow Manifold allows interior heat convection and exterior airflow to draw moisture vapor and stale air out of the tent.

Walbrecht continued, “BD equipment is built to help the mountain athlete redefine his or her line, whether climbing, hiking, running or alpine scrambling, one step at a time.”

Black Diamond Equipment’s complete spring 2019 collection, including its apparel, climb and mountain categories will be on display next week, July 23-26, 2018, at booth #42081-UL at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Denver.

About Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.

Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. is a global leader in creating innovative outdoor-engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, skiing and a wide range of other year-round outdoor activities. Black Diamond Equipment, and its sister brand PIEPS™, are synonymous with performance, innovation, durability and safety in the outdoor consumer community. Headquartered in Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, our products are designed and exhaustively tested by an engaged team of discerning entrepreneurs and engineers. The Black Diamond Equipment culture of precision and excellence enhance the authenticity of our brands, inspire product innovation and strengthen customer loyalty. Black Diamond Equipment’s products are sold in approximately 50 countries around the world. For additional information, please visit our website at www.blackdiamondequipment.com or www.pieps.com.