Vasque Celebrates the Fifth Season of the Thru-Hike Syndicate with 15 New Ambassadors

March 15, 2018

The Thru-Hike Syndicate is supported by Vasque, Osprey Packs, NEMO Equipment, Leki Trekking Poles, Darn Tough Vermont and OtterBox.

Red Wing, MN – March 15, 2018 – Vasque footwear, a family-owned company with more than 50 years of experience in the outdoor footwear sector, is pleased to announce its roster of ambassadors for the Thru-Hike Syndicate’s 2018 season. Now entering its fifth season, the Thru-Hike Syndicate is a brand partner-powered program supporting a select and diverse group of thru-hikers attempting to complete some of the most iconic long trails throughout the United States. The Thru-Hike Syndicate is supported by Vasque, Osprey Packs, NEMO Equipment, Leki Trekking Poles, Darn Tough Vermont and OtterBox.

“We’re so proud to have watched the Thru-Hike Syndicate grow over the past five years. As a founding partner, there’s nothing better than helping these hikers accumulate miles and memories,” said Joe Peters, head of global marketing at Vasque. “The Vasque office follows along closely as these hikers forge new ground, as it’s something we’re all passionate about.  This year, we’ll utilize a few selected members to test some of our advanced technologies that will be brought to market in upcoming seasons.”

The 15 ambassadors chosen for the 2018 season were chosen from a pool of nearly 350 applicants. Each ambassador was chosen based on a combination of factors, including their trail selections, hiking experience (the roster includes a mix of experienced thru hikers and first-timers), passion for the outdoors, photographic and storytelling abilities, compelling personal stories and unique perspectives. In total, the 2018 ambassadors plan to hike over 23,000 miles and 9 trail systems.

The Ambassadors selected have the opportunity to utilize the latest and best gear from each sponsor company on their thru hikes while representing each sponsor brand on the trail.

Thru-Hike Syndicate 2018 Ambassador Roster:

• Alexander Patino – Appalachian Trail
• Ashley Manning – Appalachian Trail
• Cat Curtis – Appalachian Trail
• Jack Jones – Continental Divide Trail
• Grizel Williams – Pacific Crest Trail
• Anthony Ottati – Pacific Crest Trail
• Kirk Sweet – Pacific Crest Trail
• Sara Valley – Pacific Crest Trail
• E & Roe Cummings – John Muir Trail
• Marinel de Jesus – John Muir Trail
• Brittany Leavitt – Wonderland Trail
• Effie Drew – Cohos Trail, Long Trail and the Great Northern Forest Canoe Trail
• Meag & Ben Poirier – Cohos Trail and New Hampshire’s 48 Peaks Direttissima

To learn more about the Thru-Hike Syndicate and follow the journey of each ambassador, visit the Thru Hike Syndicate roster page on the Vasque website.

ABOUT Vasque

Vasque Footwear has delivered trust on the trail since 1964. With over 50 years of trail footwear innovation, our dedication to on-the-trail performance excellence has never been stronger. Our men’s, women’s and kids’ hiking boots, backpacking boots and trail running shoes deliver trusted miles on any trail, in any condition, around the world.

We design and produce trail footwear with a single-minded purpose. Every technical innovation and breakthrough starts with elevating your experience on the trail. The foundation, of being honest, original and true to who you are and your customers is what keeps millions of people coming back to Vasque.

Vasque Footwear – Trust on the Trail Since 1964. Visit us as Vasque.com.