YETI Unveils New Rambler® 24 oz Mug and new Color Collections
Introducing the Rambler® 24oz Mug, Reef Blue, Sand, and Canyon Red
Austin, Texas (February 28, 2019) — YETI® Holdings, Inc. (“YETI†or the “Companyâ€) (NYSE: YETI), a leading premium outdoor brand, announces a new addition to its tried-and-true stainless steel Rambler® Drinkware line—the Rambler 24oz Mug. In addition, the company also reveals three new color collections, Reef Blue, Sand, and Canyon Red.
“We are committed to expanding our product lines while continuing to lead with innovation, durability, and creativity,†says YETI CEO, “From having a cold one with friends, to remote adventures, we aim to elevate experiences in the wild.â€
Designed with cold beer in mind, the Rambler 24oz Mug is for those who have superior taste, and require an unbreakable vessel for every occasion. Featuring elements that YETI fans have come to know and love, the dishwasher safe Rambler 24oz Mug is constructed with traditional Rambler 18/8 kitchen-grade stainless steel, double-wall vacuum insulation, and the brand’s ultra-strong QuadgripTM Handle built for celebratory cheers.
The Rambler 24oz Mug will be available for $29.99 on yeti.com and at official YETI retail partners this Spring in four color options: Stainless, Black, Seafoam and Navy.
The introduction of Reef Blue, Sand, and Canyon Red continue YETI’s tribute to outdoor pursuits with color inspired by true events.
Inspired by the vibrant, tropical waters surrounding the Florida Keys—serving as the gateway to everything from sailfish to grouper—YETI’s new Reef Blue color is symbolic of year-round opportunities that anglers, divers, and recreationalists alike find in the shallow waters.
The new Sand color collection is influenced by the bedrock color of remote adventures, ranging from overlanding through the dunes of Baja, scouting the next best spot for roosterfish, or paddling out when the swell is pumping.
To find Canyon Red, YETI went west, to the rugged, high-elevation terrain of sculpted sandstone. These grand mesas and spire summits of the American Southwest hide in plain sight a wilderness that has for centuries been sacred land and has more recently cultivated a climbing community. The Canyon Red collection is inspired by this natural phenomenon and those who set out to explore it.
YETI products available in Reef Blue include: Camino™ Carryall 35, Roadie® 20, Tundra® 35, Tundra 45, Tundra Haul™, Rambler 10oz Wine Tumbler, Rambler 20oz Tumbler, Rambler 30oz Tumbler, Rambler 14oz Mug, Rambler 18oz Bottle, and Rambler 36oz Bottle.
Flylords presents “Mosquitos & Mayflies,†a short video series by Swedish fly fishing filmmaker Rolf Nylinder. He has been producing unique fly fishing films for some time now. With an extremely creative and oddball approach to portraying this beautiful sport, Rolf has quickly created a name for himself in the fly fishing industry. Here is Episode V Dry Fly Delirium.Â
The Dry Fly Delirium rarely leads to anything else than a very complicated family situation, shame, and regrets. Much like most people caught in an escalating addiction we knew we should quit and go home to our families. But, much like most people caught in an escalating addiction we told ourselves just one more trout.
This is some kind of epilogue of our trip to Finnmark.
You can find Rolf on Instagram @rolfnylinder. And be sure to check out the other episodes of this short series:
Voters in Ohio just voted to give Lake Erie the same rights as citizens, allowing them to sue on behalf of the lake. Since water issues plagued the Toledo area in 2014, a group of citizens believed that the lake was not getting enough protection from the state, so a special election was organized. Since the vote passed, polluters and others who pose environmental threats to the lake can be sued and held accountable.
Getty Images
This is an incredible development and it will be very interesting to see how this new status is put to use to clean up the Great Lake.
The North Atlantic Salmon Fund (NASF) and Salmon and Trout Conservation UK (S&TC) are two European-focused organizations that seek to preserve and enhance wild salmonids and their habitats.
The NASF was founded on continuing the commendable work of Orri Vigfusson, a lifelong Icelandic fisherman and advocate of Iceland’s wild salmon and rivers. Orri, who is credited with preventing the extinction of wild North Atlantic Salmon, passed away in July 2017, but the efforts of NASF–along with its partners–ensures his legacy and mission do not fade out.
Similarly, S&TC is the leading United Kingdom charity that works toward promoting healthy waterways, translating into abundant and healthy wild fish populations. S&TC uses its charitable donations and prominence to influence government policy and industrial practices for the wellbeing of wildlife and waterways.
Both of these well-respected organizations are promoting two important petitions. Keep reading to learn more about them and how you can help.
The North Atlantic Salmon Fund and wild Icelandic salmon need our help! Just like threatened wild salmon in British Columbia, Icelandic salmon face the threat of open-net salmon farming operations. Today, NASF launched their #AgainstTheCurrent campaign, which seeks to prevent unchecked open-net aquaculture from destroying Iceland’s pristine fjords, rivers, and wild fisheries. The Icelandic Government is set to consider a bill, which would grant massive aquaculture operations unfettered access to Iceland’s fjords.
This would have potentially awful effects on Iceland’s wild North Atlantic salmon populations. The petition aims to demonstrate to Iceland’s Government that open-net aquaculture is unsustainable and potentially disastrous, and other forms of environmentally responsible alternatives should be supported. So, if you cherish wild fish and would hate to see them negatively affected by open-net aquaculture operations, sign the petition and go #AgainstTheCurrent–we did!
For over 100 years, S&TC has advocated for the preservation and enhancement of Europe’s waterways and fisheries. S&TC is supporting a petition to ensure strong and responsible water laws within the European Commission (the legislating body for the European Union). This petition was the response to EU member states’ attempts to weaken their water laws.
Currently, 60% of Europe’s waterways are not healthy, a clear indication that something needs to change. This alarming percentage of unhealthy European waterways is the result of decades of irresponsible water use, including dams and unsustainable agriculture. Without healthy waters, wild fish and other wildlife cannot live up to their full potential. Join S&TC, the 100 other organizations, and nearly 350,000 people, who have all pledged to #ProtectWater. If you want to sign the petition or learn more about the campaign, check out #ProtectWater.
Grassroots movements like these are essential for the health of our environments and can achieve remarkable results. Even if you are not from or have never fished in Europe, check out these campaigns. Supporting fishermen and fisheries around the world is an important and respectable aspect of being a responsible and devoted fisherman.
This article was written by Flylords Team Member Will Poston.
Marine biologist, Adam Summers, focuses on the internals of fish species surrounding his lab on Friday Harbour, San Juan Island, Washington State. Sometimes going on late night missions to hospitals with larger fish specimens into their larger CT scanners. After gathering a database of images, Adam started posting them on his twitter, @FishGuy_FHL!
Check out a few of our favorites below, and be sure to check out Adam’s Twitter page as he continues his work scanning more and more marine species!
In the latest Behind the Brand, the Flylords team caught up with Greg Madrigal. Who is the owner, founder, and the sole net builder for Sierra Nets. Greg is an U.S. Army Veteran who takes a passion in handcrafting these nets for his customers. We wanted to learn more about these unique nets and what goes into the production of them. Check out the interview below to learn more about Sierra Nets.Â
Greg Madrigal showing off a resident rainbow in Utah, Photo: Seth Blackamore
https://vimeo.com/314373598/607ffca290
Flylords: Tell us a little about yourself and where your passion for fishing comes from?
Greg: I’ve been married for 23 years to a wonderful woman and no kids-Just my beautiful black rescue labradoodle who is my studio mate. I’m a U.S. Army veteran who grew up in Idaho in a fairly rural and humble household of eight. Fishing was something we could do that didn’t cost much money. Since those early days, I’ve always been captivated by nature. It really doesn’t matter if it’s the beach, the open ocean, the mountains, or just a city park, I’m always seeking out and fascinated by the natural world. Fly fishing just happens to encompass so many of these aspects all rolled into one beautiful sport.
Photo: Gabi Suggs
Flylords:Â What inspired you to start the business?
Greg:Â Throughout my 30s, I had an overwhelming feeling that I was wasting away my life working for others. My wife and I traveled quite a bit and I got a taste of just how much is out there to explore. Along came the great recession and I was laid off. This sparked a three-year search for a new path in this life. I was already an accomplished woodworker with many pieces of furniture and three fly fishing nets under my belt. I knew that if I put my mind to it I could build the best nets the world.
Photo: Gabi Suggs
Flylords: People consider your nets works of art, where do you get the inspiration for your net designs?
Greg: The designs are typically born from a particular piece of handle wood I am dealing with. My nets have evolved over the last nine years with a noticeable difference in design, detail, & aesthetics. First and foremost, the goal of my designs is to meet the customer’s specifications and then to exceed their expectations! So, some of the ideas come from my clients. I really like this scenario because it pushes me to move outside my box and try new things. Other inspirations come from famous workers like the Greene & Greene brothers and Sam Maloof.
Photo: Gabi Suggs
Flylords:Â Tell us about the collaboration between you and your clients?
Greg: This is an interesting part of my business. I have clients from all over the world and from every walk of life. On one end of the spectrum, some want me to create a masterpiece completely of my choice while others specify practically every detail of the net. The latter is more common and I work one-on-one with clients, usually over social media, phone calls, or email, to banter back-and-forth until we come up with a suitable design. Some clients have even sent me their own custom hoop shape or artwork to inlay into the net. I consider this a privilege and an honored to work directly with the client. Their heirloom net becomes more important to them since they help design it and makes the overall process of a custom net commission more enjoyable for both of us.
Photo: Gabi Suggs
Flylords:Â Why do you think the majority of your clients are fly fisherman/women?
Greg: I can count one hand the number of my clients over the years who only fish conventional gear. I believe the reasons behind this pertain to the storied history of fly fishing.  Fly fishing has many traditions and lore which will likely never go away. One of those traditions, alongside catch and release and fly fishers’ conservation efforts, is carrying a wooden net. Also, many of my fly fishing clients tend to be over 30 and are looking for something to pass down to their next generation of fly fishers they’ve been mentoring. Fly fishing is one of those things that tends to run in families.
Photo: Gabi Suggs
Flylords:Â Tell us about some of the other fly fishing accessories you make
Greg: Sierra Nets makes a line of beautiful accessories made from the same gorgeous woods found on our nets. On just about every net, a client asks for one of our handmade latigo leather, wood, and carbon fiber magnetic net releases as well as one of our net safety lanyards. We also offer beautiful handcrafted bison leather or canvas cases to protect the net & to keep it from getting caught on things during transit. I also designed and build my proprietary dual vehicle rod holder that comes in pretty handy when getting on or off the water. I don’t think I know any fly fisherman who hasn’t broken a rod in the car door at least once. I also offer custom turned premium figured stabilized reel seats and stabilized reel seat blanks.
Photo: Jeff Brown
Flylords:Â Your materials are beautiful, where do you source them?
Greg: This is a common question I get. The answer is: From many different places! Some of my woods are locally sourced urban hardwoods that I or friends obtain. Occasionally, I’ll receive calls to pick up trees that are being felled the same day. I also buy wood from specialty wood suppliers both local and online or even on eBay or social media. Some of the woods are even gifted to me by people I meet who don’t know what to do with it or want it to be used for its best and highest purpose. Regardless of where I obtain it, sourcing wood is a passion of mine, and I take both the environmental and aesthetic considerations of it very seriously.
“Fly fishing has taken us to the most beautiful places the states have to offer. When we go fishing we always take our Sierra net, it belongs in these places, netting gorgeous, giant cutthroat. Greg’s Nets are truly pieces of art in their own right. They’re one-of-a-kind beautiful, reliable, and stand the test of time. Our net will last generations. One day we’ll pass it on to our son Sage, along with the countless memories of every fish its held.”-Gabi Suggs (Pictured Left)
Gov. Wolf had proposed using funds from a fund set aside to help fund local grass-root projects to pay for state agency operations.
Allegheny River near Pittsburgh, PA
The Environmental Stewardship Fund (ESF) and the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund support conservation and environmental protection and sporting resources in the state, including aiding state and local parks and recreation.
Last week, the Army Corps of Engineers released its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the enormously controversial Pebble Mine. For those of you not familiar with Pebble Mine, it is a proposed open-pit copper, gold, and molybdenum mine, which—if approved—would become the largest mine in North America. Managed by the Pebble Limited Partnership (PLP), the mine would be located in close proximity to Bristol Bay’s famed headwaters: the Kvichak and Nushagak Rivers—both highly productive salmon spawning grounds. The proposed mine would operate for 20 years, remove 1.3 billion tons of material, and disrupt the wild environments of this Southwestern Alaskan region. PLP claims their mine operation will pose NO risks to this wild region: no risks from pyritic tailings; no failure risks; and, the area’s habitat will be IMPROVED from its natural state. Yet, accidents happen, and mitigation plans fail.
Environmental Impact Statements are an essential component of United States environmental law and policy. They identify for the public the environmental impacts of a proposed project for a given area. In the case of Pebble Mine, a DEIS was released to the public on February 20th. As is standard practice, the DEIS will be subject to a period of public discussions and comment. Those opposing Pebble Mine have only 90 days to submit comments and attend public hearings.
Critics of both Pebble Mine and this specific DEIS argue that this comment period is completely inadequate. Alaskan Senator Lisa Murkowski agrees and has said, “I am looking at (the report) and saying, I think, given the size and scope, and again the Alaskan interest, the public interest in this, it’s probably not going to be sufficient,” in an Anchorage Daily News interview. When you understand the technical nature of both the Pebble Mine proposal and the nearly 1,400-page DEIS, it becomes obvious that the public needs more time. The public comment period will run from March 1, 2019 through May 30, 2019.
Watersheds potentially impacted by Pebble Mine
You can submit comments here. Additionally, comments may be submitted through testimony at public meetings, email them to drafteis@comments.pebbleprojecteis.com, or call Shane McCoy of the Army Corps of Engineers at 907-753-2715 to make your opinion heard. We urge you to submit a comment, as this is an important battle for fishermen, the health of Alaska’s fisheries, and Alaskan communities.
This DEIS is a dense, complicated document, leaving many stakeholders scratching their heads. Based on the complexity of the DEIS, the relatively short comment period should be extended so that the public and interested stakeholders have sufficient time to digest it and provide informed comments. With an extended public comment period, stakeholders can conduct essential independent analyses, identify contradicting data, and achieve complete public understanding. Follow along to better understand the devastating effects Pebble Mine could have on Bristol Bay.
Executive Summary:
It is also important to note that the DEIS looks at the potential impacts of four Pebble Mine ‘Alternatives’. This analysis, however, examines the implications of Action Alternative 1, which is the base Pebble Limited Partnership alternative. The DEIS also identified a No Action Alternative: the comparative baseline where none of the identified impacts would occur. Broadly speaking, the DEIS Executive Summary identifies these expected impacts as:
“Physical loss of stream, lake, estuarine, and marine habitat
Blockage of stream channels preventing fish or other aquatic species passage
Aquatic habitat effects due to instream flow reductions from mine water withdrawal or capture, and redirection of groundwater.”
Keep reading for a more in-depth analysis of the complex impacts identified in the DEIS Executive Summary.
Tailings:
One of the many concerning provisions of Alternative 1 is the production of massive amounts of mine tailings—essentially the mine waste that is not of economic importance to the mine operation. Alternative 1 would require two tailing storage facilities (TSFs): approximately 2,796 acres for bulk tailings and 1,071 acres for pyritic tailings, both of which would be located predominantly in the North Fork Koktuli river (NFK) watershed with a small footprint in the South Fork Koktuli river (SFK) watershed. Both of these TSFs present a significant threat to Bristol Bay’s watershed. The TSFs will be constructed in the form of a massive earthen dam—the largest in the world. This dam would be vulnerable to a breach, given the seismic activity of the region. Additionally, the structural integrity of the proposed earthen dam has been questioned by independent scientists.
A digital simulation of Pebble Mine Alternative 1 from the DEIS, Ch. 2
The pyritic tailings represent the most concerning aspect of the TSFs. Pyritic tailings contain material that—when exposed to oxygen and water—can produce acid mine drainage (AMD). When it enters a watershed, AMD can alter its pH and have degrading effects on the connected environments. The perceived seriousness of the TSFs varies between the DEIS, PLP, and Save Bristol Bay, amplifying the controversy and criticism of the DEIS and Pebble Mine. PebbleScience.org wrote, “preliminary geochemical data indicates significant acid mine drainage potential at Pebble,” and “authorizing a mine where it is known that water treatment in perpetuity will be required poses significant long term financial and/or environmental risks to the public”. The potential for AMD is high throughout the Pebble Mine footprint, threatening the environment and public for hundreds of years.
Hydrology:
Currently, these watersheds are undisturbed, but the DEIS outlines many troubling hydrologic impacts from Pebble Mine. During the initial construction, surface water in the NFK and SFK watersheds would be affected by diversion, collection of groundwater, and influx of ‘dirty’ water. Tributary 1.19 of the NFK, located within the mine site footprint, would be permanently blocked from construction and not restored. Additionally, the Executive Summary identifies long-term impacts to the streamflows of the NFK, SFK, and Upper Talarik Creek (UTC), continuing into the closure and post-closure stages (20+ years) of Pebble Mine.
Goodnews River Lodge, located North of Bristol Bay
The primary goal of water management for Pebble Mine would be, “to manage runoff and minimize surface water contact with disturbed surfacesâ€. While Alternative 1 includes strategies for minimization of environmental impacts—TSFs among other strategies in accordance with state and federal regulations—accidents and failures do happen. Finally, it is inescapable that Pebble Mine’s goals and intentions are inconsistent with sound environmental practice; the hydrology of Bristol Bay would be systematically affected, disrupting the entire connected ecosystem.
Fisheries:
The DEIS Executive Summary goes on to describe the impacts to fisheries. The NFK watershed, including its many tributaries, is valuable habitat for most species of Pacific Salmon. The Executive Summary identifies spawning habitat for chinook, coho, and sockeye salmon within the NFK watershed and directly downstream from the mine site. Additionally, Tributary 1.19 of the NFK, which provides essential spawning and rearing habitat for chinook and coho salmon and resident fish (rainbow trout, dolly varden, and arctic grayling), would be permanently destroyed through mine site construction. Similarly, the open-pit mine and associated facilities will permanently impact two miles of fish habitat on the upper main stem SFK.
A nice Arctic Grayling. These beautiful fish would potentially be harmed by Pebble Mine.
Reduced streamflows for the NFK, SFK, and UTC are fully expected because of mining activities. This reduction represents a major disruption to the area within the mine site footprint—totaling 8,086 acres—but also will inevitably alter downstream levels. According to the Executive Summary, “chinook and coho spawning habitat would be reduced,†during average precipitation years. So, to sum-up some of these expected fisheries effects, the proposed Pebble Mine Alternative 1 will significantly disrupt previously pristine watersheds; permanently destroy salmon and resident fish habitat; and in a worst-case scenario, leach 1,071 acres of potentially acid generating pyritic tailings into the connected waters.
A brute Alaskan Chinook salmon. This species would lose essential spawning and rearing habitat due to Pebble Mine
As recreational and commercial fishing are concerned, the effects identified above would directly impact these Alaskan industries. Due to necessary supporting infrastructure for Alternative 1, “the change in fishing experience could be perceived as a permanent adverse impact for those anglers expecting a wilderness experience,†per the DEIS Executive Summary. Similarly, any diminishment of salmon harvests due to habitat loss would affect Bristol Bay’s essential commercial salmon fishing economy. The Wild Salmon Center wrote, “economic evaluations promoting mine development do not adequately account for the value of healthy ecosystems or the long-term costs associated with large mine clean-up”.
Bristol Bay’s commercial fishing industry produced $493 million in total economic impact (annual average 2013-2017), according to the Economic Benefits of The Bristol Bay Salmon Industry. This economic estimate does not include the many positive impacts from sportfishing, including 102 guiding businesses and many other tourism-related benefits. Conversely, Pebble Mine would result in 1,500-2,000 jobs with an average mining wage of $100,000 for Alaskans, according to PLP. Shouldn’t this sustainable and amazing fishery be protected? Sure, Pebble Mine will bring economic value to the region during its operation, but at some point the potential risks must outweigh any temporary economic benefits.
Goodnews River Lodge from above
If you are still reading, I hope you realize the depth, complexity, and controversy of the proposed Pebble Mine. While there may be a pro-pebble mine bias—as many outlets are claiming—the bigger issue is just how difficult documents like this DEIS are to understand. Stakeholders have to wade through so much muck and technical terminology, before they can even come close to realizing the potential impacts of Pebble Mine.
Yes, the DEIS Executive Summary, all 80 pages of it, contains language attempting to diminish the perceived effects of Pebble Mine. No, I do not think that this was a fair assessment. But yes, the Executive Summary provides readers, who are willing to go the extra mile, important information about how Pebble Mine will disrupt and harm Bristol Bay fisheries and environments.
Be sure to check out SaveBristolBay.org for more information about the fight over Pebble Mine and its potentially devastating impacts.
If this analysis has convinced you that Pebble Mine would devastate Bristol Bay and its salmon, submit a comment to the Army Corps of Engineers by clicking here.
Also, if you are still confused about the implications of the DEIS or Pebble Mine, please leave a comment, and we will attempt to provide adequate answers. We will be posting Pebble Mine updates as they arise.
This article was written by Conservation Editor, Will Poston.
Here are some previous Flylords Pebble Mine articles:
A new, super portable way to stay connected no matter where you travel is now available. Developed by a team of engineers with a passion for the outdoors and travel, Somewear Labs, released their hot spot device after a successful Kickstarter campaign.
“Somewear Labs, an emerging leader in adventure communication technology, is pleased to announce the arrival of the Somewear Global Hotspot: a dependable, simple to use, satellite communication hotspot that pairs with iOS and Android devices to deliver a range of off-the-grid communication services. Somewear provides straightforward and reliable 2-way communication, weather reports, location sharing, and much more when you’re far from home. Somewear is now available for regular online sales and delivers in time for the 2018 holiday season.
The Somewear Global Hotspot utilizes LEO satellite networks to ensure dependable connectivity anywhere in the world. Somewear works with iOS and Android phones via Bluetooth LE connection to provide 2-way communication with SMS text or email via an easy-to-use mobile app. Working off an integrated lithium polymer battery (with micro-USB charge port), Somewear can send up to 1,000 text messages on a single charge. The low profile, IPX7 waterproof device (submersible to 1m for up to 30min), is a quarter of the size and less than half the weight than leading satellite hotspot and phone technologies making it easy to take wherever you go.
Image from Somewear Labs
Somewear is also a stand-alone emergency transmitter that can be activated without connection to a phone. When a user pushes the SOS button embedded directly on the device, a distress signal is transmitted with GPS coordinates and user profile information to local emergency response, so they know who to rescue and where exactly they are located. Somewear also facilitates 2-way communication between emergency response and the distressed users as well as geo-tracking, if the victims are on-the-move or drifting in open water.
For Somewear Labs CEO, James Kubik, the arrival of Somewear represents a leap forward in personal satellite communication devices. “Satellite communication has long been thought of as clunky, slow and downright frustrating, and this launch changes that. Somewear’s software first approach to satellite communication has created the most seamless satcom experience available. We’re starting with the digital essentials of communication, navigation and local information to ensure people are informed and safe no matter where their adventures take them.â€
Each device retails for around $350, and full product specs can be found on the Somewear Labs page, here.
Fly fishing is continuing to evolve into a sport where more unique species are targeted every day. Smallmouth bass are quickly becoming one of my favorite species to target on the fly. This film trailer targets these fish, as well as quite a few other freshwater predators that are changing the way that we catch fish on the fly.
In this video, Robert Thompson shows us the warmwater opportunities that the midwest has to offer. This includes some crazy topwater eats, as well as some fish that fight so hard, you won’t believe you are in a landlocked state. This film is already getting us pumped for summer and we can’t wait to see the full production.
This video was created by Robert Thompson. Be sure to check out his Vimeo for more videos, including another Summer Haze trailer that you can find here.
The video of the week is selected and written by FlyLords team member Conner Grimes.
For over 100 years, 
