June 3, 2008
Eric to Grand Mothership
My dream... To live in a tent. And that dream is one small step closer to reality because I just found the perfect nylon home.
I spent last week in Breckenridge, Colorado for a visit with the Sierra Designs crew. Brand Manager Kristine Carey asked me to come and speak to the sales reps about a year in the life of the Save the Poles expedition.
While its always fun to share my experiences with other people, the main goal of the meeting was to showcase the new SD products. It was during the few hours of describing the tent lines that I found my potential home - The Grand Mothership, an 12 person towering beauty. Dare I even dream? I will.
Being at the meeting was important for other reasons. I met with Melody Miller (another SD great) to begin the design process for the garments I will need for Save the Poles. From bibs to anoraks to down suits and everything in between, the teams will be outfitted in custom gear created to specifically to the parameters that polar and high altitude mountaineering travel require.
In extreme environments, small details can make the difference between life and death. Large zippers that can be operated with mittens on, a full coverage hood, material that breathes but still protects from wind, inner pockets to keep snacks from freezing... These are all key components that will help insure the success of Save the Poles.
And while I may not be sleeping in the Grand Mothership anytime soon, it will most likely go to Everest with me. At the poles, however, will be some other new SD products - a tent and sleeping bag that I am designing with the help of Sierra Design's Phil Mesdaq.
Neither has a name yet, but you'll be the first to see them. Stay tuned.
Oh yea, one last tidbit of news: I just turned 37. Yikes!?! Happy Birthday to me. I wonder what the upcoming year will bring.
I spent last week in Breckenridge, Colorado for a visit with the Sierra Designs crew. Brand Manager Kristine Carey asked me to come and speak to the sales reps about a year in the life of the Save the Poles expedition.
While its always fun to share my experiences with other people, the main goal of the meeting was to showcase the new SD products. It was during the few hours of describing the tent lines that I found my potential home - The Grand Mothership, an 12 person towering beauty. Dare I even dream? I will.
Being at the meeting was important for other reasons. I met with Melody Miller (another SD great) to begin the design process for the garments I will need for Save the Poles. From bibs to anoraks to down suits and everything in between, the teams will be outfitted in custom gear created to specifically to the parameters that polar and high altitude mountaineering travel require.
In extreme environments, small details can make the difference between life and death. Large zippers that can be operated with mittens on, a full coverage hood, material that breathes but still protects from wind, inner pockets to keep snacks from freezing... These are all key components that will help insure the success of Save the Poles.
And while I may not be sleeping in the Grand Mothership anytime soon, it will most likely go to Everest with me. At the poles, however, will be some other new SD products - a tent and sleeping bag that I am designing with the help of Sierra Design's Phil Mesdaq.
Neither has a name yet, but you'll be the first to see them. Stay tuned.
Oh yea, one last tidbit of news: I just turned 37. Yikes!?! Happy Birthday to me. I wonder what the upcoming year will bring.