It’s the one day of the year when we editors have to greet every press release and product announcement with a dose of skepticism. No one wants to get caught out with an April Fool. Some are pretty obvious, but others are getting harder and harder to spot, especially with realistic social media campaigns. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite April Fools’ Day announcements from the outdoor industry and sporting goods brands this year.
New name for Saucony
Settling what could be decades of arguments, Saucony announced on social media it was changing its name to help end mispronunciation. After 125 years, it will now be known as Sock-a-Knee. We’re grateful for the clarification.
Ultra crew jacket from Salomon
“Crewing someone like Mathieu Blanchard during an ultra is all about two things: how much patience you have and how many snacks your jacket can hold.” So says the press release for the new S/LAB Hydration Crew Jacket from Salomon x Greater Goods.
Made from upcycled Salomon products from across the company to create the perfect crewing jacket, it was designed with Greater Goods, a London-based design project which is dedicated to sustainability and the nature of upcycling.
The jacket boasts 3 x 2l reservoirs, 7 x 500ml soft flasks, 3 x soft cups, 10 x additional nutrition pockets and 1 x first aid kit/survival blanket.
Although a joke, Salomon is actually giving one lucky person the chance to win the one-of-a-kind jacket and raise money for Opening Up The Outdoors (OUTO); a non-profit association that focuses on the continued inclusion, education, and enjoyment of outdoor spaces. To win, donate a minimum of €10 from April 2nd to April 10th.
Bergzeit’s latest energy product for mountain days
You don’t need to be a German speaker to appreciate the genius of this one, released as a video on LinkedIn. Munich-based retailer Bergzeit announced its new Bavarian Energy expedition snack, featuring some classic alpine snacks. Watch the whole video to see the Bavarian Energy Plus, featuring an energy drink add-on.
New climbing nut from DMM
Welsh-based climbing gear brand DMM enlisted the help of pro-climber Angus Killie to announce to the market its new line of protection: the CocoNut. They even provided a video of the 30,000g piece in use.
Rebrand for Outside
Another British institution amongst climbers and hikers, the Derbyshire-based shop and online retailer Outside announced it was changing its name to Inside.
In a social media post, the retailer added: “With the rise of indoor climbing, we have made the difficult decision to rebrand and completely dedicate ourselves to indoor gym training…Welcome to Inside.co.uk!” One of the many changes shoppers can expect is, “Loud techno to be played at all times so you’re always ready for the send.”
J Skis new zippable skis
American-based J Skis also took April 1 as the perfect day to launch its latest product: the zippable ski. CFO Buck Krueger: “Consumer product costs are skyrocketing, and ski gear is no exception. We’ve got a huge opportunity here to make skiing more affordable for everyone by enabling people to own one pair of skis and adjust the length, flex, and even the rocker on the fly instead of purchasing multiple skis. Imagine owning skis that literally grow with your kids!”
J skis also intends to leverage its dominance in this new product category to enter the European market, where a large number of skiers are traveling to the mountains by train or other public transportation and need a compact, packable option to transport their ski gear.
Nikwax expanding into oral care
Best known for manufacturing PFC-free aftercare products for outdoor materials, the UK’s Nikwax announced it was expanding into oral care with two new products.
Tooth Wash and Plaque Proof will be available as both stand-alone products and together in a convenient DUO-Pack. The two products together offer a revolutionary advancement in oral care that replaces brushing – just one wash with each is equivalent to brushing with an electric toothbrush five times, according to Nikwax. With Tooth Wash and Plaque Proof, you can maximize your time on the trail and minimize your time brushing while simultaneously brightening your smile by 112 percent!
And of course, as with all Nikwax products, the new products are water-based, PFAS-free, and come in bottles made from 100 percent recycled and recyclable plastic and use Nikwax’s color-coordinated packaging – green for clean, purple for proof.
World first from Völkl
In another surprise April 1 new product announcement, Völkl launched its new eVölkl line. The German ski manufacturer celebrates its 100th anniversary with the world’s first solar-powered electric touring ski, featuring a battery that can be charged in two hours via the integrated solar panels or via a wireless charger (sold separately).
“The trend towards electrification does not stop at skiing. We want to give all recreational athletes the opportunity to experience touring ascents directly and purely – and with sustainable, green electricity,” says “Anderl Ampehr,” head of engineering at the ski manufacturer’s newly established “Development for Electronic Skis.”
It’s the rear number plate that does it for us.
Trailforks launches new database
Biking trail database, Trailforks teased TrailTinder 2.0. This could definitely be one of those product pranks users wish were true.
Floating tent from Olpro
UK-based outdoor equipment brand, Olpro, announced the release of the Olpro Float Tent, enabling campers to float in the air while sleeping under the stars. The tent is made from lightweight and durable materials, including an advanced helium gas system that keeps the tent afloat in the air. It is designed to be easily inflated and deflated, can hold up to four people and features a comfortable sleeping area that can be separated into two compartments.
Rumpl rethinks blankets business model
In a move which seems distinctly contra to their core product, Rumpl – an American B-Corp brand specializing in sleeping bag blankets designed for the outdoor life, and a favorite of campers and van-lifers everywhere – revealed their new product: the Rumpl Slumber Sack.
Askov Finlayson announces insulated swim shorts
And finally, the Minnesota makers of The Winter Parka, Askov Finlayson, used April Fools’ to make us laugh but also to remind us of the climate crisis and the start of Earth Month. It introduced a new line: North Swimwear.
“From polar plunges to ice baths, it’s no secret that cold is the new hot. So we’ve taken the same insulation technology we use to make our winter outerwear and applied it to swimsuits. The result of this breakthrough innovation? That frozen lake will feel more like a jacuzzi.”
