“ENO redefined the hammock category and saw amazing growth in 2014,” says Susan Viscon, senior vice president REI Merchandising. “They are the consummate vendor partner. With their highly engaged, collaborative and strategic approach, they worked closely with REI to continue to deliver product and maintained above-market performance through the year.”

ENO, the brain child of brothers Peter and Paul Pinholster, was founded in the summer of 1999. Growing steadily from a two-man, one-van operation, to the leading provider of ingeniously crafted parachute hammocks and outdoor accessories, the company offers the highest quality relaxation products for adventure travellers and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere.

The divisional vendor partner awards recipients are:

• Camp/Travel division: Osprey Packs (Cortez, Colo.)

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2014, and still anchored by the design genius of company founder and owner, Mike Pfotenhauer, Osprey Packs has long set the standard for creating innovative, high quality gear carrying equipment. The collection includes packs and bags designed to help adventurers enjoy their outdoor, biking, active-everyday, and travel pursuits.

• Actionsports division: Thule (Seymour, CT)

The Thule brand was established in 1942. Under the motto “Bring your life,” Thule globally offers a wide range of premium products for active people that allow them to bring what they care most for safely, easily and in style. Thule offers among other things roof racks, bike carriers, roof boxes, computer/camera/sports bags and child related products like child bike seats and multifunctional strollers. The products are sold in more than 136 countries worldwide.

• Outdoorwear division: Kühl (Salt Lake City)

Born in the Mountains®, Kühl is a product driven company combining exclusive fabrics and 3D engineering for timeless style and comfort. For independent, free thinking, Rebels, Renegades and Outlaws.

Past recipients of the REI Vendor Partner of the Year Awards include Atlas Snowshoe (1999), Black Diamond Equipment (1994, 2006), Bell Sports (1997), Brooks (2012), CamelBak Products, LLC (2008), Cascade Designs (2001), Columbia Sportswear (1998), Eagle Creek (2000, 2005), Keen Footwear (2004), Kühl (2013), Osprey (2007), prAna (2003), Smith Optics (2002, 2009), Vasque (1995, 1996), Vibram (2010, 2011) and Yakima (1993).

About REI
REI is a $2 billion national multichannel retail co-op headquartered outside of Seattle. With more than five million active members, REI serves the needs of outdoor adventurers through innovative, quality products; inspiring classes and trips; and integrated customer service that allows shoppers to buy great gear and clothing in any way they want. REI has 138 stores in 33 states and REI.com and REI.com/outlet. Anyone may shop with REI, while members pay a one-time $20 fee to receive a share in the company’s profits through an annual member refund based on patronage. Membership in the co-op also includes special promotions and discounts on REI Adventures trips and REI Outdoor School classes.