InsideOutdoor | SUMMER 2022 37 Gone are the days of having to pack a separate water filter or cumbersome filtration gear. PurTrek is a firstof-its-kind outdoor product that combines a trekking pole with a built-in pump-style water filtration system that provides instant access to hydration. The concept initially formed about six years ago when company founder and inventor Kyle Stringham was leading a 21-mile backpacking trip and had an epiphany while dreading the task of needing to filter gallons of water for his Scout troop. Shortly after that backcountry adventure, Stringham began designing what eventually became the PurTrek after years of research and refining. Inside PurTrek’s 7075 aircraft aluminum telescopic poles, as well as a series of seals, valves and O-rings, sits a hollow fiber filter that removes 99.999 percent of waterborne bacteria (including E.coli and salmonella) and 99.99 percent of waterborne protozoa (including giardia and cryptosporidium). The system also can remove possible microplastics. Utilizing a two-stage filter system with a large particulate prefilter located at the lower-filter inlet, PurTrek delivers almost two times more water per pump than its competitors, said Stringham. Foam-molded grips and carbide/ rubber tips complete the package, all weighing in at a mere 19 ounces. LIVSN Designs, a young outdoor apparel brand focused on creating durable outdoor clothing, announced the grand opening of its first retail location in Bentonville, Ark. The new store is designed to convey the brand’s core values of sustainability, durability and purpose-built outdoor apparel, said the company. Located next to LIVSN Design’s global headquarters, the location features LIVSN’s growing range of outdoor apparel for men and women, including pants, shorts and the new trail tight, as well as prototypes of products under development. “As an Arkansas company, we’re of course thrilled to be opening our doors in Bentonville and welcoming the community to the new flagship space,” said Andrew Gibbs-Dabney, founder and CEO of LIVSN. “The retail location features the full range of our products and provides a deeper understanding of who we are as a brand and a team and will also be great for events and gatherings, especially with the pump track right next door.” The new LIVSN Designs retail shop is located at 1019 SE 8th St, Bentonville. Start 'em Up Puretek Pumps Out New Product Category LIVSN Designs Opens Bentonville Flagship Kokopelli, the Colorado-based creators of lightweight and packable inflatable packrafts, has been awarded as one of the 2022 Colorado Companies to Watch. This award honors high-performing second-stage companies from across the state for their performance in the marketplace, innovative products, unique processes and philanthropic actions. The honors were announced at a Gala Awards Dinner on June 17, 2022. Second-stage companies are those that have moved past the startup stage and into a period of steady state growth. They make an impact on the state’s economy by collectively providing thousands of jobs and contributing millions of dollars in revenue. Kokopelli is deemed as one of these companies as they continue to make immense strides within the diverse Colorado economy while also having a massive positive impact on the outdoor industry. “This award is a reflection of all the hard work put in and obstacles that we have overcome as a company over the past 10 years. I’m extremely proud of our team and this award is well deserved,” said Kokopelli founder, Kelley Smith. Kokopelli Named ‘Company to Watch’
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