Founded in 1966, Vango’s mission is simple: to bring the “Spirit of Adventure” to life and inspire more people to embrace the great outdoors.
Based at the edge of the Scottish Highlands, Vango designs innovative, high-performance gear for every kind of adventure, from family camping trips to extreme mountain expeditions. With a legacy of pioneering technology and a deep commitment to sustainability, Vango continues to lead the way in reliable, responsible outdoor equipment.
The Challenge
Following the success of Vango Into the Wild earlier this year, we once again teamed up Vango with CampWild to deliver an immersive activation that championed the brand’s core belief: that adventure should be accessible, empowering, and shared.
This time though, the team ventured to the rolling hills of the South Downs to host a female-only retreat designed to inspire confidence, creativity, and connection in the outdoors.
After the success of the first Into the Wild activation, our challenge was to evolve the concept, maintaining authenticity while focusing on a new audience and theme. The brief was clear: design a meaningful outdoor experience that would empower women to explore freely, fostering self-belief and community through adventure. The activation needed to feel personal, safe, and inspiring, showcasing Vango’s technical gear in a real-world setting while sparking genuine stories and emotional connection.
The Result
Over 24 hours, guests arrived at Petersfield Station with no idea where they were heading. Led by Carla Khouri, they set off on a guided 15K hike through the South Downs, learning how to navigate the hills with walking poles and uncovering the rich history of the area along the way. On arrival at Vango Basecamp, the group pitched their tents, before winding down around the campfire as the sun set, sharing meals, relaxed conversations under the stars and incredible food from NOMM by Maddie.
At dawn, they woke to a sunrise over the South Downs, a picture-postcard moment that set the tone for the day ahead. Lacing up their trainers, the group headed out for a chatty shakeout run, led by Black Girls Do Run, before packing up their and returning to London, feeling recharged and inspired.
The event achieved exceptional engagement and community impact, reinforcing Vango’s position as a brand that empowers exploration and connection.
541,000
Combined followers
199
Total content pieces
37,5000
Earned media value in dollars
641,500
Total engagements & impressions
14,200
Total reel plays
199
Stories & posts
”It was inspiring to witness women come together, forge new connections, embrace challenges, and share experiences in a supportive environment. The activation not only showcased Vango’s brilliant gear but also celebrated the sense of community, connection, and enjoyment that adventure can bring.
Vikki McGillPR Director - Brandwave
Beyond the metrics, Vango Into the Unknown cultivated a genuine sense of community and empowerment among attendees. The activation amplified Vango’s commitment to inclusivity in the outdoors, proving that the most meaningful adventures happen when people and brands step into the unknown.
”I couldn’t be happier with the Into the Unknown event planned by Brandwave. They brought together a fantastic mix of female content creators for a challenging yet rewarding hike and an unforgettable wild-camp experience in the South Downs. Their coordination and support ensured it was a tremendous event to not only attend but also promote the philosophy of the Vango brand.
Ryan AldridgeBrand Manager - Vango
Photography credit – Shot by Swan