A syndicate of five outdoor brands is expanding their sponsorship of through hikers next summer to include those attempting the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), following their success with through hikers that attempted the Appalachian Trail (AT) this summer.
Seven of 10 AT through hikers supported by the Thru-Hike Syndicate this summer, completed the Georgia-to-Maine trek, compared with less than three in 10 who usually do so. The syndicate includes Vasque, Osprey Packs, NEMO Equipment, Leki Trekking Poles and Darn Tough.
We were extremely impressed with the success of the 2014 Thru-Hike Syndicate initiative,” said Julie Quinn, Marketing Manager at Vasque footwear. Having brand ambassadors on the trail who were knowledgeable about the
product and putting Vasques performance footwear to the ultimate test
was outstanding. Additionally, Vasques 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 benefited 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 percent 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 Nov. 30, 2014. Final candidates will be announced on Dec. 15, 2014. Thru- hikers who would like to apply to be part of the 2015 Thru-Hike Syndicate should visit: http://svy.mk/1udTE0U.
