Salt Lake City, UT – August 4, 2011 — Established Brands, the official Outdoor Gear and Footwear licensee, for Wenger, Maker of the Genuine Swiss Army Knife, unveiled a comprehensive line of camping gear for 2012, including a versatile collection of backpacks, tents and sleeping bags inspired by the Wenger Patagonia Expedition Race. The full 2012 line features a series of multipurpose backpacks for every adventure, a family of extremely versatile and comfortable sleeping bags, and a new tent designed to withstand the harshest conditions. The innovative 2012 collection was unveiled here at the 2011 Outdoor Retailer Show.
BACKPACKS
Inspired by the epic Wenger Patagonia Expedition Race (WPER), the new line of 2012 backpacks incorporate lightweight, breathable fabrics, comfortable and adjustable suspension systems, and multiple entry points and pockets to enhance access and stowing of gear and everyday items. The WPER backpack line features the Onex, Zernez and Almer lines, each designed with the high performance and versatility features critical to success in one of the world’s most grueling endurance race events.
Onex
Wenger’s Onex 20 Liter backpack provides all the storage and necessary functions without the added bulk, making it ideal for quicker and less gear-intensive trips. This lightweight backpack features a comfortable suspension system, ergonomic shoulder straps and a dual-density waist belt that can carry up to 40 lb. of equipment. The hydration compatible Onex 20L is equipped with an integrated rain cover and knife pockets for skiing, climbing and mountain biking adventures. The extremely versatile and streamlined Onex 20L backpack is available in Red/Black, Grey or Patagonia Yellow and has an MSRP of $134.99.
Zernez
While still incorporating all the essential features of the Onex, the new Zernez 50 Liter pack is a larger and universal-size pack developed for more gear-intensive adventures. Tagged as the “Swiss Army Knife” of backpacks, this alpine-focused product is fitted with gear loops and suspension technology to carry everything from skis and a snowboard to an ice ax and tent. The Zernez 50L includes sleeping bag storage, side entry access and a detachable top lid that can be used as a fanny pack. The multipurpose, heavy duty Zernez 50L is available in Red/Black and Black/Red with an MSRP of $179.99.
Almer
Designed for use in an adventure race setting, the Almer 20 Liter is a fully equipped lightweight backpack that focuses on performance and comfort. This versatile pack features an aluminum frame and a breathable air mesh back panel that is vented for use in hot environments. Equipped with an electronics pocket with port, a designated Swiss Army Knife compartment and gear loops for additional attachments, the Almer 20L backpack provides extensive pocketing to keep all outdoor supplies organized. Available in Black/Red, Grey and Patagonia Yellow and with an MSRP of $124.99, the Almer 20L is perhaps one the most versatile backpack in the industry for high-endurance adventures.
SLEEPING BAGS
A restful sleep is crucial for any adventure or outdoor excursion. Wenger has designed its sleeping bags with comfort, performance, quality and value in mind. Relaxing on the highest peaks or your local campground can be stress-free in a sleeping bag that features a foot box for increased comfort and anti-snag zippers for a quick and easy entry and exit. The 2012 collection of sleeping bags features a broad range of versatile products, highlighted by the Chaseral 10 to -40F, Goms Patagonia 40 and Visp 45.
Chaseral
Unique to any other sleeping bag on the market, the new Chaseral 10 to -40F provides maximum versatility and comfort when sleeping in nature’s elements. This hot-to-cold-setting sleeping bag is equipped with Climashield XP synthetic insulation for increased warmth as well as a trapezoidal foot box for maximum comfort. The Chaseral 10 to -40F sleeping bag also features a zip-off top layer that can be easily compressed and used as a pillow or detached and used an extra lap blanket while sitting around the campfire. The Chaseral 10 to -40F sleeping bag is available in Silver and retails for $179.99.
Length: 84 in. Girth: 32 in. Weight: 2 lb. 4 oz.
GOMS Patagonia
Inspired by the Wenger Patagonia Expedition Race, the Goms Patagonia 40 is the ultra lightweight sleeping bag for summer backpacking, trekking and camping trips. Insulated with 650 fill power Goose Down and equipped with features such as a two-way locking zipper, trapezoidal foot box and fully contoured hood, the Goms Patagonia 40 has all the durable qualities for the most comfortable night’s sleep. A perfect complementary piece to the Almer backpack, the compactable and lightweight Goms Patagonia 40 sleeping bag is available in Grey and Patagonia Yellow and is exceptionally priced at $124.99. Length: 80 in. Girth: 31 in. Weight: 1 lb. 12 oz.
Visp 45
Staying true to Wenger’s tradition of lightweight and high performance products, the Visp 45 sleeping bag provides comfort and versatility in the most temperate weather conditions. Featuring a semi-rectangular shape and 800 fill power Goose Down, the Visp 45 is engineered to lock in heat and maximize body warmth. A companion piece to the Onex backpack, Wenger’s Visp 45 provides the same outstanding versatility as it compacts to about the size of a loaf of bread. The Visp 45 sleeping bag is available in both regular and long lengths in Silver and has an MSRP of $224.99-$244.99.
Length: 78 in. Girth: 30 in. Weight: 1 lb. 13 oz.
TENTS
Creating a sense of home away from home is a critical component to any overnight outdoor adventure. Wenger’s tents create a homey feeling with fully taped bathtub floors to ensure weatherproof protection and durability. The various gear loops and multiple attachment points provide easy access and security of stowed gear in addition to an integrated pocket for your Wenger knife. Wenger’s tight collection of tents meets the needs of demanding outdoor enthusiasts looking for the ideal combination of lightweight, protection from the elements and convenient features that enhance livability. Perhaps most notable, the new Rathorne 2 tent is designed to outlast the most extreme conditions, including the Wenger Patagonia Expedition Race.
Rathorne 2
Wenger’s lightweight, expedition-worthy Rathorne 2 tent features enhanced technology and sophisticated engineering to defy the laws of mother nature. Built to withstand high wind, heavy snow loads and driving rain, the 4-season Rathorne 2 tent provides essential shelter in every condition. The Rathorne 2 features a nylon exterior with waterproof coating and fully taped seams to keep moisture out. The exterior of the Rathorne 2 is also equipped with reflective accents for increased visibility in the harshest weather conditions. DAC Featherlite NSL Aluminum Poles provide lightweight durability throughout the tent, with clip attachments allowing for hassle-free setup and increased ventilation. With dual vestibules and dual entry doors, the Rathorne 2 accommodates two people comfortably. The Rathorne 2 tent is available in Red and Patagonia Yellow and retails for $449.99.
Floor Area: 38 ft^2 Vestibule Area: 15.5 ft^2 Weight: 9 lb. 13 oz.
About Established Brands
Established Brands is the official outdoor gear and footwear licensee of Wenger, Maker of the Genuine Swiss Army Knife. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Established Brands’ mission is to manufacture and distribute high quality Wenger-branded lifestyle and outdoor performance products. The company is dedicated to upholding Wenger’s tradition of quality Swiss craftsmanship and multi-functionality.
About Wenger
Wenger is the exclusive United States and Caribbean marketer of Wenger Genuine Swiss Army Knives(tm), Wenger Swiss Watches(tm) and Wenger Swiss Military(tm) Watches. The Wenger name is a trusted brand known for its innovation, expert craftsmanship and precision. The company’s web site is www.WengerNA.com.
About Wenger SA
Wenger was founded in 1893, in the Delémont, located in the famous Swiss Jura region. It has developed around a passion for innovation, precision and expert craftsmanship and is best known as the maker of the genuine Swiss Army knife. Today, the company produces approximately 250 styles of their famous pocketknives, as well as butcher’s and professional catering knives known the world over. In 1988, Wenger entered the watch market and in 1997, Wenger Watch SA was founded in the hotbed for Swiss watches, Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. During those 21 years, Wenger Swiss watches have developed a reputation for reliability, multi-functionality and performance.
Since 2000, Wenger has established relationships with a small number of industry leaders who began manufacturing Wenger-branded products that embody the characteristics of the world famous Swiss Army knife in the footwear, tent, backpack, sleeping bag, computer mobility and travel gear categories.