Expedition Heritage

Welcome to the website for First Ascent, a line of mountaineering clothing, accessories and outdoor gear created by Eddie Bauer, Whittaker Mountaineering and Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. (RMI). First Ascent makes hardshells (hard shells), softshells (soft shells), mountaineering jackets, ski jackets, rain jackets, climbing pants, ski pants, fleece jackets, PrimaLoft jackets, PrimaLoft pants, down jackets and down suits for men and women. We also manufacture and sell Paradise baselayers (base layers), Paradise underwear, merino baselayers (base layers), merino underwear, gloves, hats, buffs and socks. Our gear includes packs, backpacks, duffels, tents and knives. Our online store (www.firstascent.com), select Eddie Bauer retail stores and Whittaker Mountaineering offer men's outdoor clothing and women's outdoor clothing that includes outerwear, insulating layers, baselayers (base layers), shells, waterproof jackets, waterproof pants, vests and windproof fleece for a wide range of outdoor sports including mountaineering, climbing, hiking, skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking. A fundamental part of First Ascent is that we are Guide Built: Our First Ascent Guide Team of Peter Whittaker, Ed Viesturs, Dave Hahn, Melissa Arnot, Chad Peele and Seth Waterfall led the design, development and testing of every piece in the line. They also continue to lead expeditions all over the world, including our Return To Everest expedition this spring. We invite you to follow them through our First Ascent blog, Born Out There, for updates from the highest peaks on every continent. We also invite you to subscribe to the First Ascent catalog and First Ascent emails to get the latest word on our new offerings. We realize there are many routes up and down the mountain, so when people come looking for First Ascent, they might spell it in a variety of creative, challenging and hopefully triumphant ways, including 1st Ascent, 1st Assent, First Assent, 1st Acent, First Acent, 1st Accent, First Accent, 1st Asent, First Asent. Thank you for visiting First Ascent.