Outdoor electronics manufacturer HighGear has teamed with Napster to kick off the introduction of the new TrailAudio digital audio player designed specifically for outdoor entertainment. The new device works seamlessly with the Napster music service and now includes a one-month free trial membership and five free music downloads from Napster.The TrailAudio devices arrive in outdoor specialty stores this week, right in time for the holidays.

The partnership will include co-marketing activities centered on HighGear’s unique TrailAudio device that will be identified as “Works with Napster” on the packaging and inside the box, helping consumers understand that the Napster service and the HighGear device work together seamlessly. The free trial gives consumers one month of unlimited listening to the largest music catalog available online, access to 50 on-demand radio stations and all the community and music discovery features Napster has to offer – at no cost. As an added bonus, consumers receive a gift of five free tracks that can be burned to CD or transferred to the HighGear TrailAudio player.

“Our partnership with Napster is an example of HighGear’s ongoing commitment to providing our customers with innovative products that are simple for everyone to use,” said Mike Hosey, President of HighGear. “It enables us to offer a seamless experience from selecting and downloading legal music from Napster to enjoying that music on the TrailAudio players.”

HighGear’s new flash-based digital audio player is designed to withstand the rugged wear and tear of the outdoors. In addition to being highly durable and splash resistant, the TrailAudio weighs in at a mere 4 oz. and is about the size of a pocketknife. Unique to the TrailAudio player is the patented USB Carabiner Cap, a detachable carabiner clip which attaches onto belt buckles, backpacks, and other clothing/gear and protects the built-in USB connector. An alternative simple end cap is also available. The simple drag and drop feature for music and data files makes the TrailAudio players easy for everyone to use.

“We are pleased to have a Napster offer included with the TrailAudio device from HighGear, a leader in outdoor electronics,” said Larry Linietsky, SVP, Worldwide Business Development for Napster. “HighGear brings into the relationship a highly specialized group of consumers and the combination of this player with Napster’s unparalleled features and catalog helps ensure that they can enjoy the most unique digital music experience exactly where they want to the most.”