Rab Equipment, a company that merges the development of outdoor gear and apparel with sustainability and environmental awareness, was named an official member company of The Conservation Alliance (TCA). This outdoor advocacy group is committed to investing in protecting wild places and outdoor spaces through community-focused grantmaking.
Founded in 1989 by Kelty, Patagonia, REI and The North Face to increase outdoor industry support for conservation efforts, TCA encompasses over 270 member companies from outdoor and related industries. It has also contributed more than $31.9 million to grassroots conservation groups, helping protect more than 82 million acres of wildlands, 4,570 miles of rivers, stopped or removed 38 dams, designated five marine reserves and purchased 22 climbing areas.
“We are thrilled to join the membership of the Conservation Alliance and support their work with grassroots organizations on conservation projects that matter to our communities of mountain people,” said Adam Chamberlain, Rab U.S. country manager. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this year’s Earth Day and continue to energize our values than committing to partnership with TCA.”
Rab, meanwhile, has more than four decades of existence, drawing inspiration from the untamed spirit of the mountains, the friendships climbers forge on the peak and one enduring mission: To awaken the climber in everyone and equip them for the ascent. Rab also combats climate change, reduces waste and protects the environment to progress its journey to net zero emissions in line with SBTi.
As a member company, Rab will help support TCA on projects such as group initiatives and priority campaigns.
The Conservation Alliance has awarded a total of $330,000 to seven nonprofits working to protect America’s largest national forest from road construction and timber harvesting, thereby preserving critical habitat for rich biodiversity, unmatched outdoor recreation opportunities and critical climate resiliency from storing carbon.
It has also recently succeeded in helping to protect 225,000 acres of Colorado land from mineral withdrawal and expand the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge in southwest Washington by fifteen percent, adding 2,366 acres to the incredible landscape.
“Rab represents an iconic brand with a rich legacy in the outdoor industry,” said TCA senior director of membership and partnerships, Conor McElyea. “The Conservation Alliance is honored to welcome them as a member and we look forward to working with them to protect the outdoor landscapes where their customers recreate.”