The Thru-Hike Syndicate Kicks Off its Eighth Season Supporting Hikers On Their Adventures

April 5, 2021

San Francisco, CA – April 5, 2021 – JAM Collective, a dynamic and versatile public relations and communications agency with 20 years of experience in the outdoor space, is pleased to announce the roster of ambassadors for the Thru-Hike Syndicate’s 2021 season. Now entering its eighth 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 North America. This year, however, the Thru-Hike Syndicate will look a bit different. Due to ongoing covid restrictions and recommendations from trail organizations, the Thru-Hike Syndicate will support backpackers attempting long distances, both on infamous thru-hikes and trails local to them. This year’s sponsors are Darn Tough, Ledlenser, LEKI USA,  NEMO Equipment, Osprey Packs, Peak Refuel, Sawyer, and Vasque Footwear.

“After the pandemic year, we know people are more excited to hit the trail than ever before,” said Julie Atherton, founder of JAM Collective.  “This year, alongside our past and new brand sponsors, we’re really proud to support a group of individuals that represent a variety of hiking categories; from thru-hikers on the Continental Divide and Wonderland Trails to those seeking rugged solitude in the Sierras, and individuals accomplishing long-distance feats without venturing too far from their home base. The long-distance hike has evolved.”

This year, 18 ambassadors were chosen from over 250 applicants. Collectively, the 2021 ambassadors are attempting to hike over 8,200 miles across more than 10 trails. 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. This year also marks the first time that the Thru-Hike Syndicate will support a family of six. They will be attempting the Continental Divide Trail this year on their journey towards completing the coveted Triple Crown of thru-hiking as a family.

The ambassadors selected will utilize the latest and best gear from each sponsor company on their adventures,  representing each brand on the trail.

Thru-Hike Syndicate 2021 Ambassador Roster:

• The Bennet Family – Continental Divide Trail
• Daisy Kirby – Continental Divide Trail
• Laura Pancoast – Superior Hiking Trail
• Francisco Silva – Toiyabe Crest Trail & High Sierra Trail
• Miles Ryan – Wonderland Trail
• Troy Buglio – Wonderland Trail
• Therese Hullinger – Wonderland Trail
• Kendra Slagter & Kenneth Slagter, Father/Daugh- West Coast Trail, BC
• Gabaccia Moreno – Arizona Trail
• Twyla Sampaco – Sierra High Route
• Tasheon Chillous – Backpacking 100 Miles in 2021
• Emily McDonald – Weekend Warrior Backpacking

“We’re both grateful and so excited to support such a powerful group of hikers this year,” said Andrew Glenn, marketing and creative consultant at Sawyer Products“They’re creative with their routes and visionary with their purpose, which means we have quite an exciting season ahead. Sawyer has been supporting adventurers since 1984, so partnering with the Thru-Hike Syndicate has felt organic, to say the least.”

To follow the journey of each ambassador on the Thru-Hike Syndicate Instagram Account @thruhikesyndicate.

About JAM Collective

Founded by Julie Atherton and based in San Francisco, California, JAM Collective focuses on strategic planning, effective social media networking, and influential product placement to generate brand visibility and further connect its clients with consumers. Over the past 20 years, JAM Collective has evolved into a versatile and accomplished boutique public relations and media agency with an impressive roster of nationally and internationally recognized clients, all the while maintaining a deep level of client involvement.