A group shot of the 1980 Rainier Climb Seminar Team

JanSport has kicked off its 2012 Rainier Climb Seminar, bringing together associates, retail and industry partners to summit one of the world's most technically challenging mountains. This year marks JanSport's 40th year on Mount Rainier, making the seminar the longest consecutive group climb on the Washington state peak.

Since 1972, JanSport has hosted the one-of-a-kind climb, which brings together a team to summit the 14,411-foot Rainier. This year marks JanSport's third annual partnership with world-renowned guiding service International Mountain Guides (IMG). The partnership is designed to leverage the experience of IMG's mountaineering guides, as well as providing JanSport with an ongoing means of testing its newest technical outdoor gear.

Sixteen individuals are participating in the 2012 JanSport Rainier Seminar, including retail buyers, JanSport domestic and international associates, media members and outdoor industry friends. This year's participants arrived in Ashford, Wash., on June 10, where they were split into two teams of eight to embark on their adventure up Rainier's famed Emmons and Disappointment Cleaver. The expedition is being led by partner and chief guide, George Dunn, and seven other IMG guiding experts divided equally among the two climbing teams.

"For 40 years now, JanSport associates, retail partners and industry partners have come together for an on-mountain experience that is invaluable for product testing and brand camaraderie," said Steve Munn, President of JanSport. "We're excited to celebrate the 40 years of history and tradition that JanSport has built on Rainier and look forward to continuing our relationship with International Mountain Guides for years to come."

The JanSport Rainier Climb Seminar has introduced many new climbers to the world of alpine mountaineering. Participants hike nearly 18 miles roundtrip and gain 9,000 vertical feet over the course of the journey, at the same time creating memories and forging friendships that will last a lifetime.

"I have always had a special place in my heart for the JanSport Seminars," said George Dunn of International Mountain Guides. "I remember many trips on the mountain with JanSport co-founder Skip Yowell, Lou Whittaker and the JanSport team, and I'm delighted that IMG has been able to help carry on the tradition. What a great way to celebrate JanSport's heritage, right here where it all started - Mt. Rainier!"

Both groups are of 2012 participants are scheduled to reach the summit of Rainier on June 14. All IMG Seminar participants will be outfitted with the JanSport Pro Series Tahoma backpack, a versatile, lightweight, technical pack engineered exclusively for International Mountain Guides' team of expert climbers.

Follow JanSport's 2012 Rainier Climb team as they make the journey to the summit of Mount Rainier via the brand's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jansport or visit jansport.com/rainier for behind-the-scenes footage from previous years.