Sierra Designs, a Colorado-based outdoor brand, renewed its partnership with Packing It Out, a team of activists working to raise awareness of litter conditions along America’s trails. Sierra Designs is expanding its sponsorship agreement with the crew this year to include joint participation in a trail clean-up inspired by Packing It Out.
Between 2015 and 2016, the Packing It Out crew thru-hiked the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails, removing more than 1,820 pounds of trash while encouraging those they met to take greater responsibility for the wild places we all enjoy. The 2017 team, consisting of founder Seth Orme and new member Abby Taylor, will embark on a different kind of journey with the same mission.
The “Leave It Better Tour” will take them from coast to coast, mostly via bicycle, to inspire a higher level of stewardship in our communities. Orme and Taylor will kick off their tour in Cumberland Island, GA later this week. Along the way, they will be hosting speaking engagements and clean-ups in National Parks and scenic areas, eventually wrapping up on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula this fall. The trip will also connect them with the Adventure Stewardship Alliance for a series of waterway clean-ups along the Mississippi River.
“The sheer ambition of this year’s tour shows just how committed Packing It Out is to spreading the message of environmental stewardship,” said Sierra Designs marketing manager Candyce Hedlund. “We were so inspired by them last year we organized a clean-up here in the wilderness areas west of Boulder, and can’t wait to continue that tradition this year with them working alongside us.”
The 2nd annual Exxel Outdoors Trail Clean-Up Day, inspired by Packing It Out, will take place in Boulder on Friday, July 21. As part of their sponsorship, Sierra Designs is also providing the crew with lightweight outdoor gear, including tents, sleeping bags and apparel. To follow along with Packing It Out’s journey, check out their website, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Photo courtesy Packing it Out
