JanSport and Rainier Mountaineering have inked a partnership agreement in which JanSport will be the “Official backpack of RMI” for the calendar years 2004 – 2005.. JanSport will provide 70 RMI Guides with product to be used while guiding on all RMI trips. With this relationship JanSport will receive feedback on product tested and be provided product ideas.

JanSport and RMI have had a long-standing relationship since 1971 when Skip Yowell and Murray Pletz, JanSport co-founders, signed up for the first winter seminar on Mt. Rainier, guided by Lou Whittaker. Impressed with Lou Whittaker’s abilities and knowledge, Skip and Murray hired Lou in 1972 to help promote, design and test gear. In addition to the long-standing relationship, RMI is also the premier guide service in North America. RMI employs more guides with high elevation mountaineering experience than any other guide service, including the highest peaks in Nepal, Europe and South America.

1972 was also the year JanSport began its Mt Rainier annual dealer seminar. It has been an on going JanSport event for 31 years and still going strong. For the past 31 years JanSport has taken 700 + outdoor enthusiasts on a lifetime adventure up Mt. Rainier. There will be a 32nd annual trip in June of 2004.