Vasque Press Kit Winter OR 2016
Transcription
Vasque Press Kit Winter OR 2016
Fall & Winter 2016 vasque.com facebook.com/vasque Darby Communications @vasquefootwear Contact: Angie Houck @vasquefootwear [email protected] O: 828.254.0914 | C: 828.337.6455 Booth # 12001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Angie Houck Darby Communications [email protected] 828.254.0914 o / 828.337.6455 c Vasque’s Fall ’16 Winter Hiking Boots Promise Warmth in the Gnarliest Winter Conditions Red Wing, MN – December 9, 2015 – Tested in the harsh cold winters of Northern Minnesota where average temperatures hover around 6 degrees Fahrenheit, Vasque’s newest additions to the Winter Hiking Collection are designed to handle the gnarliest winter conditions. Making it easier for outdoor enthusiasts everywhere to enjoy the great outdoors throughout winter, Vasque is introducing a modern day mukluk and an athletically nimble insulated hiker. Named for the rugged wilderness area in Northern Minnesota that is home to one of the last stands of virgin, old-growth red and white pine in the state, the Lost 40 is an extreme cold weather boot. Vasque’s design team applied their expertise of spending winters in Minnesota to the design of this modern day Mukluk. With a mix of modern and traditional materials, this boot is designed to withstand extreme cold temperatures when out hiking on the trail. A softshell and suede leather upper with a removable 7mm felted wool liner with 200g of 3M Thinsulate™ and an internal midsole of AeroGel foam ensure feet will be warm and wellcushioned. The Lost 40 assures a snug fit with a unique 2-part zonal lacing system. A quick-lace toggle tightens at the bottom, while a separate lacing at the top with a snap-down garage keeps laces secure. For unparalleled traction and stability on frozen surfaces, Vasque used a Vibram Overland outsole with an antislip IceTrek compound. MSRP $179.99 “Our inspiration for these boots come from the fact that our customers appreciate functional, stylish boots that are made for a specialized purpose,” states Director of Product Development, Brian Hall. “By offering them slimmer profiles in our insulated collection that offer warmth, stability and traction, we fulfill their needs for technical winter footwear that is nimble, lightweight, and perfect for the coldest days.” The most nimble insulted product in Vasque’s collection, the Coldspark UltraDry™ has a light, athletic profile. Using 200 grams of Thinsulate and Vasque’s proprietary waterproofing, UltraDry™, this boot will keep feet warm on long winter hikes. A ColdHold Compound comprised of a dual density rubber sole ensures traction in cold, slick conditions. Harder, sharper lugs line the perimeter of the outsole offering a positive bite into snow and frozen turf while the center lugs remain pliable in cold temperatures, enabling them to conform to irregularities in the terrain for the ultimate in traction. The Coldspark UltraDry™ is Vasque’s fastest, lightest, most athletic winter product to date. MSRP $139.99 To see the Fall ’16 collection, stop by the Vasque booth 12001 at the Winter Outdoor Retailer show January 7 – 10. For more information visit www.vasque.com or email Angie Houck at [email protected]. About Vasque Vasque footwear was established in 1964 in response to a need for performance hiking footwear in the US market. With a passion for performance and fit, Vasque’s mission to this day is to bring the latest in technology and design to outdoor enthusiasts by making quality, rugged footwear for all types of trail conditions. Every shoe in Vasque’s collection of backpacking, performance hiking, insulated and trail running shoes are designed to give adventurers a perfect fit for all day comfort on the trail. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Angie Houck / Darby Communications [email protected] 828.254.0914 o / 828.337.6455 c Vasque Proudly Introduces the 2016 Thru-Hike Syndicate Team Red Wing, MN – December 15, 2015 – Vasque and brand partners, Darn Tough Vermont, Leki, Nemo Equipment and Osprey are proud to announce the 2016 Thru-Hike Syndicate Ambassador Team. The team consists of twenty-nine thru-hikers attempting to complete either the Appalachian Trail (AT), Continental Divide Trail (CDT) or the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). In exchange for gear support throughout the hike, the Thru-Hike Syndicate members will share their thruhike journeys visually through Instagram and other social media sites as well as blog about their attempts to finish these epic trails. Many of the thru-hikers will be attempting to complete a long trail for the first time ever, while two of the thru-hikers will be attempting to complete the third trail in the coveted Triple Crown. Additionally, many of the ambassadors have already completed either the AT or PCT, and this will be their attempt to complete the second of the three long trails in the Triple Crown. “We are very happy with the group of thru-hikers we have selected for the 2016 Thru-Hike Syndicate,” Julie Quinn, Marketing Manager at Vasque footwear states. “This particular group’s ability to share their stories visually and inspire others is exceptional. We look forward to watching them as they attempt to complete their thru-hikes, some for the first time ever and others going for their lifetime goal of achieving the Triple Crown.” The 2016 Thru-Hike Syndicate is comprised of a selection of hikers from around the world, including Denmark, Sweden and Austria, as well as throughout the United States. New for 2016, the Thru-Hike Syndicate will support six thru-hikers on the CDT, they include: Luis Quintero, Stefani Ryan, Quade Sheehan, Brad McCartney, Francisco Miller and Katie Brown. For the third year, the Thru-Hike Syndicate will be supporting eight ambassadors on the AT, including Ashley Schellhase, Emma Berntheizel, Heather Machelle Smith, Tyler Socash, Nathan Bauman, Aaron Ibey, Nicollette Legac and David Shiling. The Syndicate will also support fourteen thru-hikers on the PCT including Lydia Armstrong, Tyler Underwood, Danielle Clark, Jaleesa Houle, Nick Cornell, Jeppe Kuld, Peter Hochhauser, Jordan Peters, Graham Hodge, Morgan Hodge, Edward Ruiz, Jonathan Payne, Danny Murphy and Linda Aakerberg. To follow the 2016 Thru-Hike Syndicate ambassadors’ adventures along the trails, visit the Thru-Hike Syndicate page at vasque.com or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/thruhikesyndicate. For more information on the Thru-Hike Syndicate, please contact Angie Houck at [email protected]. About Vasque Since 1964, Vasque has been making performance hiking footwear that is trusted on the trail. Bringing the latest in technology and design to outdoor enthusiasts, Vasque’s collection of backpacking, performance hiking, insulated and trail running shoes are designed for all day comfort regardless of conditions. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Angie Houck / Darby Communications [email protected] 828.254.0914 o / 828.337.6455 c Vasque’s Thru-Hike Syndicate Adds the CDT in 2016 Brand Partner-fueled Thru-Hike Syndicate Continues to be a Collaborative Success Red Wing, MN – November 2, 2015 – As final 2015 Thru-Hike Syndicate members finish their adventures on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Appalachian Trail (AT), Vasque and Thru-Hike Syndicate brand partners Osprey Packs, NEMO Equipment, Leki Trekking Poles and Darn Tough Vermont, are excited to announce the addition of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) for 2016. Since 2014, the Thru-Hike Syndicate has supported a select group of thru-hikers each year who are attempting to complete either the AT or the PCT, and they are excited to open that up to thru-hikers attempting the 3,100 mile CDT. With the popularity of the movie Wild, in 2014, the PCT saw an influx of thru-hikers attempting the trail. As a result of this ‘Wild Effect’, the other trails in the Triple Crown are seeing an increase in thru-hikers. “Once people have thru-hiked the PCT, they often attempt the AT and then continue on to complete the Triple Crown, by thru-hiking the CDT.” Says Peter Sustr of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. Due to the influx, both the AT and PCT are encouraging thru-hikers to register their start date in order to spread out start times, so as to not put undue stress on the natural environments of the trail. Additionally, the CDT is running a shuttle service to help hikers get to the start of the trail at the New Mexico border during high peak times. “Vasque is looking forward to the expansion of the 2016 Thru-Hike Syndicate to the CDT, working with our new ambassadors on Leave No Trace principles and encouraging them to register their start dates to help these trails manage the influx of hikers,” states Julie Quinn, Vasque Footwear Marketing Manager. “Our 2015 team of 20 thru-hike ambassadors were talented storytellers on Instagram, and many of Vasque’s fans enjoyed watching their journeys via the Thru Hike Syndicate’s Instagram page. These hikers put our shoes to the ultimate test, day after day, which allowed us to gather invaluable feedback on our products for future performance hiking designs.” In 2015, 80% of the PCT thru-hikers and 50% of the AT thru-hikers in the Syndicate completed their respective trails for a total cumulative distance of 32,105 miles. Each hiker used lightweight, thru-hiker approved gear from brand partners and supplied social media content throughout their hike. “Osprey is very pleased with the success of the Thru-Hike Syndicate and it is fun to be involved in these fantastic partnership efforts, both with the long distance Ambassadors and exemplary outdoor brands,” Sam Mix, Conduit of Corporate Outreach for Osprey shares. “The Thru-Hike Syndicate has been of great value to us as it provides a unique storytelling aspect via the Ambassadors’ many adventures and thorough product testing opportunities on our packs. We look forward to the addition of our backyard National Scenic Trail, the CDT, to the Syndicate in 2016.” “The Thru-Hike Syndicate initiative is like nothing else we are seeing in the industry,” says Courtney Laggner, Marketing Manager of Darn Tough Vermont. “Sharing the excitement, thrills and views from the ambassadors’ journeys with our fans is something we value here at Darn Tough Vermont, and hope it inspires others to get outdoors and push their limits.” The application process to become a member of the 2016 Thru-Hike Syndicate for thru-hiking the AT, PCT or CDT is open now through November 13, 2015. Final candidates will be announced on January 11, 2016. Those interested in being a 2016 Thru-Hike Syndicate member should apply here: http://bit.ly/THS2016. To learn more about this successful brand collaboration and see the photo journeys of various thru-hike ambassadors, visit the Thru-Hike Syndicate’s site or contact Angie Houck at [email protected] for more information. About Vasque Since 1964, Vasque has been making performance hiking footwear that is trusted on the trail. Bringing the latest in technology and design to outdoor enthusiasts, Vasque’s collection of backpacking, performance hiking, insulated and trail running shoes are designed for all day comfort regardless of conditions. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Angie Houck Darby Communications [email protected] 828.254.0914 o / 828.337.6455 c Vasque Expands Classics with Introduction of the Iconic Skywalk GTX Red Wing, MN – July 1, 2015 – Vasque outdoor performance footwear is expanding its Classics boots that have been trusted on the trail for over 30 years, to include the Skywalk GTX. Originally released in 1984, the Skywalk GTX was one of Vasque’s most popular selling boots for over 20 years and customers still search for it by name, even though it hasn’t been available since the early 2000’s. A faithful incarnation of the original that debuted alongside the popular Sundowner GTX, the new Skywalk GTX has a PU midsole and TPU shank for support and stability, and a Vasque Pyrenees outsole for solid traction on the trail. The upper is comprised of rough out U.S.-tanned leather and an abrasion resistant mesh with a Gore-tex® liner for waterproof breathability. “The Skywalk GTX was a natural extension to our Classics,” states Director of Product Design, Brian Hall. “It’s a comfortable backpacking boot and can be trusted for long days on the trail.” Check out the Skywalk GTX at the Vasque booth #12001 at Summer Outdoor Retailer August 5th – 8th. For more information, please visit www.vasque.com or email Angie Houck at [email protected]. About Vasque Since 1964, Vasque has been making performance hiking footwear that is trusted on the trail. Bringing the latest in technology and design to outdoor enthusiasts, Vasque’s collection of backpacking, performance hiking, insulated and trail running shoes are designed for all day comfort regardless of conditions. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Angie Houck Darby Communications [email protected] 828.254.0914 o / 828.337.6455 c Vasque’s Spring ‘16 Offerings Accommodate All Levels of Adventurers Red Wing, MN – July 1, 2015 – Vasque’s Spring ’16 collection of performance footwear can take you from locally-loved trail to backcountry mecca. This new performance footwear line-up includes, the Monolith, Inhaler II and a premium backpacking boot, the Talus Pro. An all-around waterproof hiking boot with step-in comfort, the new Monolith series is built upon the Perpetuum last like the popular Talus UltraDry™ and Mantra. The Monolith has the look and feel of a fast hiker, with a molded EVA midsole and dual density EVA footbed for stability and protection on rocky, rooty trails. The Monolith Mid utilizes Vasque’s proprietary UltraDry™ membrane for waterproofing. Bold colorways and stitching details complete these performance hikers. The Monolith UD retails for $130 and Monolith UltraDry (mid) – Men’s Black/Chili Pepper the Monolith Low retails at $110. Monolith Low – Women’s Gargoyle/Everglade The lightest, most breathable, waterproof performance hiking boot to date for the brand, the Inhaler II has air permeable toe and heel counters and a leather and mesh upper. An athletically inclined midsole of molded EVA and a dual density EVA footbed make this shoe particularly comfortable underfoot and fast and nimble on the trail. The exceptionally sticky Vibram® Megagrip outsole ensures hikers can rock hop and stream cross with confidence. Available in a Mid with Gore-tex® (1lb 14oz - men’s 9) at $160 and a Low without Gore-tex® (1lb 11oz - men’s 9) for $120. “We think our customers will be excited about the technology and creative design put into this Spring ‘16 collection,” states Brian Hall, Vasque’s Director of Product Development. “From low cut hikers to full leather backpacking boots, this collection offers something for daytrippers, to thru-hikers and multi-day backcountry adventurers.” Inhaler II GTX – Women’s Gargoyle/Everglade Built on the same platform as the popular Talus Ultradry, the Talus Pro GTX is a premium full-leather backpacking boot that gives comfort and support for extended trips into the backcountry. This performance-driven boot has a molded PU midsole giving hikers the cushioning and lateral stability they need when carrying a 40-pound pack for multi-day wilderness excursions. Feet stay dry with a Gore-tex® liner and a Vibram® Nuasi outsole with ultra-grippy XS Trex compound make this boot nimble and trustworthy when navigating talus and slickrock. Available in men’s only for $180. Talus Pro GTX – Men’s Slate Brown View the new Spring ‘16 Collection at the Vasque booth #12001 at Summer Outdoor Retailer August 5th – 8th. For more information, please visit www.vasque.com or email Angie Houck at [email protected]. About Vasque Since 1964, Vasque has been making performance hiking footwear that is trusted on the trail. Bringing the latest in technology and design to outdoor enthusiasts, Vasque’s collection of backpacking, performance hiking, insulated and trail running shoes are designed for all day comfort regardless of conditions.