Vasque Announces 2015 Thru-Hike Syndicate Expansion to the Pacific Crest Trail

Red Wing, MN – Following a successful launch of the 2014 Thru-Hike Syndicate, Vasque is excited to announce the expansion of the 2015 Thru-Hike Syndicate to include the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). 2014 was the inaugural year for this multi-brand initiative, which included Vasque, Osprey Packs, NEMO Equipment, Leki Trekking Poles and Darn Tough, and supported 10 thru-hikers as they made an attempt to complete the Appalachian Trail over the summer.

“We were extremely impressed with the success of the 2014 Thru-Hike Syndicate initiative. Having brand ambassadors on the trail who were knowledgeable about the product and putting Vasque’s performance footwear to the ultimate test was outstanding,” states Julie Quinn, Marketing Manager at Vasque footwear. “Additionally, Vasque’s fans enjoyed following the Thru-Hike Syndicate members on social media and learning more about the gear they were using throughout their journeys. Due to the success and demand we saw this year, we knew it was time to open up the program to the PCT.”

Thru-Hike Syndicate Members benefitted from gear support from brand members as well as support from a community of social media followers as a result of the Thru-Hike Syndicate Facebook page where stories and photos were shared. Many members stated that in addition to the gear support, the encouragement from the fans of the Syndicate helped them when they were struggling to stay on the trail. According to the Appalachian Trail Club, an average of 26 percent of all northbound thru-hikers complete the entire trail within a season. With the help of the Thru-Hike Syndicate, members were able to beat those odds with seven of the ten completing the trail this year, starting in Georgia and ending in Maine – a 70% completion rate.

“NEMO Equipment is extremely excited to again be a part of Thru Hike Syndicate. These individuals put NEMO’s commitment to quality and innovation to the test while telling the public about their unique and rewarding thru-hike adventures,” states Ben Saunders North American Sales Manager for NEMO Equipment. “To be a part of such a great group of gear manufacturers is an additional benefit for NEMO as well. Each of these brands are well respected in the industry and we are thrilled to be teaming up with each of them.”

The application process to become a member of the 2015 Thru-Hike Syndicate for thru-hiking the AT or PCT is open through November 30, 2014. Final candidates will be announced on December 15, 2014. Thru-hikers who would like to apply to be part of the 2015 Thru-Hike Syndicate should visit: http://svy.mk/1udTE0U.

The Thru-Hike Syndicate can be followed via Vasque’s site, www.findoutwhatswithin.com and on Vasque’s Facebook page.

For more information on the Thru-Hike Syndicate, please contact Angie Houck at angie@darbycommunications.com.

About Vasque

Vasque footwear was established in 1964 in response to a need for performance hiking footwear in the US market. With a passion for performance and fit, Vasque’s mission to this day is to bring the latest in technology and design to outdoor enthusiasts by making quality, rugged footwear for all types of trail conditions. Every shoe in Vasque’s collection of backpacking, performance hiking, insulated and trail running shoes are designed to give adventurers a perfect fit for all day comfort on the trail.

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