“I was traveling for work all over the place in September, and after returning to Beijing at the end of October, I heard from a few fellow hikers that Gore had launched a national consumer hiking experience campaign in Taiwan, and that I could even hike there with Lei Diansheng. I was really excited at the time — this has been my dream for ages!”
Zhang Yiming now recalls how the initial excitement quickly faded: “But because I came back so late, when I went to the brand store to submit my application, I found out that the deadline had already passed. I felt so disappointed!”
The “Lasting Protection, Leading Three-Layer” three-layer Gore-Tex?fabric launch event on September 13, 2012, where Gore officially announced the nationwide consumer Taiwan hiking experience campaign running from September 15 to October 31, 2012.
Since the launch, staff at various brand retail stores have been receiving dozens of inquiries or applications every day. A staff member from an Ozark?(Ozark) brand retail store told reporters: “Because all consumers who own Gore-Tex?products are eligible to apply, we’ve had a constant stream of inquiries. But many feel the application period is too short. Since the deadline, just at our store alone, over forty consumers have asked for an extension.”
After gathering feedback from various brand retail outlets, Gore conducted an on-site investigation and ultimately decided to respect consumer opinion by extending the application period. They issued the following statement: “Starting September 15, 2012, Gore launched a national consumer Taiwan hiking experience campaign. Any consumer owning clothing products made with Gore-Tex?fabric can apply at designated retail locations of brands such as Ozark?(Ozark), BLACK YAK?(BlaeYak), and NORTHLAND (Norshan). Selected participants will join Lei Diansheng on a hiking journey across Taiwan, experiencing the island’s outdoor trails. Gore will select participants based on their outdoor activity history, especially their mountain hiking experience and ability. To give more consumers the chance to take part and explore Taiwan’s hiking trails alongside Lei Diansheng, Gore has extended the campaign deadline from October 31, 2012, to November 20, 2012.”
Lei Diansheng, who hopes more outdoor enthusiasts will join the Taiwan hiking experience
Lei Diansheng, the outdoor hero of the Gore-Tex?brand and China’s foremost long-distance hiker, expressed his delight upon hearing the news: “Recently, many outdoor enthusiasts have been reaching out to me on social media, saying they hope the deadline can be extended to give them more chances to participate. Now that Gore has listened to everyone’s requests and extended the application period, I hope more outdoor lovers can truly embrace the outdoors, join me in Taiwan, and fulfill their dreams while experiencing the island’s hiking charm!”