Oboz hits the CDT with the CDTC and Derick Lugo

April 18, 2022

Bozeman, Mont., (April 18, 2022) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ Oboz, the True to the Trail footwear brand, is teaming up with the Continental Divide Trail Coalition and thru-hiker and author of The Unlikely Thru-Hiker: An Appalachian Trail Journey, Derick Lugo for the coming thru-hike season. In addition to supporting Lugo on his thru-hike of the CDT and sponsoring this year’s Continental Divide Trail Coalition’s Trail Days, the company has planned multiple other initiatives related to the trail this year.

“With a trailhead only about an hour from our office, the CDT holds a special place for us,” said Regan Betts, Oboz Footwear Marketing Manager. “We hope that our support of the trail will ensure thru-hikers, section hikers, and day hikers can continue to enjoy its majesty and challenges each year.”

Oboz is the title sponsor of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition’s Trail Days, April 22-24, in Silver City, NM. The three day event features guest speakers, a gear expo, community hikes, and a conservation celebration in partnership with Gila Earth Day on April 23. Oboz will be providing O-Fit insoles and footwear support to thru-hikers and sponsoring Derick Lugo’s attendance at the event.

Lugo, an Oboz ambassador, is thru-hiking the CDT this season and has timed his hike to attend Trail Days. Along with providing Lugo with its new Sawtooth X boots for his hike, Oboz will be sending a videographer with him for several sections of the trail. Lugo will also be providing trail updates via Oboz social channels and appear at Oboz events and retailers on some of his “zero days” (days when a hiker doesn’t gain any mileage towards the

end of the trail).

In 2012, as an inexperienced hiker from New York City, Lugo thru-hiked the Appalachain Trail and published his memoir of the experience in The Unlikely Thru-Hiker: An Appalachian Trail Journey.  Known as Mr. Fabulous on the trail, Lugo plans to complete his thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail in six months.

“We met Derick in North Carolina while hiking with our friends Black Folks Camp Too and when we learned of his plans to take on the CDT this year, we knew we wanted to be involved,” added Betts.

Last year as a company, Oboz began section hiking the CDT.  The company provides employees paid time off, gear, and trip planning support to participate in the program. They plan to complete the Montana section of the trail by the end of this year and the complete trail in the next five years.

“While Derick is in Montana we’re going to have several of our employees join him,” said Betts. “It’ll be a great opportunity for us to provide some additional support for him while checking off some more sections of the trail.”

To learn more about Lugo, his book, and follow Mr. Fabulous’ progress on the CDT visit www.dericklugo.com and follow him on Instagram (@dericklugo) and Twitter (@derick_lugo).

To learn more about Oboz and its line of hiking and lifestyle footwear visit www.obozfootwear.com.

About Oboz Footwear

Founded in 2007, Oboz Footwear builds ‘True to the Trail®’ outdoor footwear inspired by the vast 18 million-acre Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem surrounding the company’s Bozeman, Montana home. This rugged wilderness inspires Oboz to build shoes and boots that deliver unmatched fit, unrivaled feel and exceptional performance on any trail, anywhere. Oboz plants a tree for every pair of shoes sold. For more information, visit http://www.obozfootwear.com.