Hyperlite Mountain Gear Partners With Maine-Based Athlete to Support Paddlequest 1500

April 11, 2016

Former US Canoe & Kayak Team member John Connelly embarks on 75-day wilderness adventure

Biddeford, ME – Hyperlite Mountain Gear recently partnered with former US Canoe & Kayak team member and Maine resident John Connelly to support his 1500-mile solo river/sea odyssey.

“We’re thrilled to be supporting a Maine-based adventurer of John’s caliber,” said CEO Mike St. Pierre. “The Northeast is filled with the mountains, forests, trails and rivers that initially formed our passion for the outdoors. It’s critical to us that we design and build our gear here, and also that our most prominent local adventurers use it here.”

Connelly’s 75-day trip starts on April 16, and will take him through two countries and four states and over 22 streams and 58 lakes. The journey will be the first to link four major waterways: The Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Saint John River, Bay of Fundy and Maine Island Trail.

“I’m making this trip for anyone who’s ever stared into the night sky and yearned for a deeper connection to the world beyond ourselves,” says Connelly. “The planetary powers that are so evident in nature are the birthright of us all. I’m honored to participate in a venture that seeks to celebrate them with others who might be motivated to enjoy and protect them as well.”

Hyperlite Mountain Gear is providing Connelly with a full ultralight backpacking set up, including their expedition 5400 Porter Pack, to be released later this year. Read more about Connelly’s adventure on the Hyperlite Mountain Gear blog.

Connelly will be providing regular video and text updates on his trip at paddlequest1500.com. For more information, please contact Lizzy Scully at lizzy@hyperlitemountaingear.com.