The mountain sports brand Sherpa Adventure Gear lives by authenticity, social commitment and last but not least, by its experience. Who knows best how to meet the demands of mountaineers and expeditions under the most difficult of conditions? Sherpas are the best mountaineers, high altitude climbers and alpine mountain guides to adventurers from all over the world. The word Sherpa originates from the Eastern inhabitants of Nepal, i.e. the area around Mount Everest, in the Himalayas. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is also where headquarters to Sherpa Adventure Gear clothing manufacturer can be found.
Sherpa Adventure Gear: Tashi Sherpa and the beginning of an idea
Sherpa Adventure gear was inspired by pure chance. Tashi Sherpa, a direct Sherpa family descendant, living in the USA noticed a cover story in a magazine commemorating the 50th. anniversary of the first ascent of Mt. Everest by New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary, together with the Nepalese Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay. While reading the article, Tashi Sherpa recognized his uncle Ang Gyalzen Sherpa, who belonged to the expedition group from 1953. As he continued to read the sad story of the many unsung Sherpa heroes who live in total anonymity – and often utter poverty on the flanks of Everest and surrounding peaks, he felt a powerful urge to share the Sherpa story with a wider audience. With the establishment of the brand Sherpa Adventure Gear, his aim was to honour the Sherpa people by giving something in return for their tremendous efforts. In 2005 in Kathmandu he started responsible and fair production of mountain garments and accessories such as the production of knitted hats and wrist warmers.
Mountain garments with the know-how of the best climbers in the world
Tested by Sherpas themselves, with their expert input, they know what is required of this clothing with regard to function, features and fit. The result is high-quality functional clothing. The participation of the Sherpa-skilled men and women also reflects in the naming of Sherpa Adventure Gear products: The three-layer Lakpa hardshell jacket with a waterproof, highly breathable eVent membrane joins a range of highly functional products which have the latest technology and are made for demanding alpine sports.
Sherpa Adventure Gear collaborates with renowned partners and suppliers: The Gombu jacket from the Mountaineers Collection, for example, is insulated with PrimaLoft® synthetic. Within the product range, fleece jackets and sweaters made from Polartec® materials can be found, such as with the Tchimi hoody. There is a strong emphasis on sustainability value, a prime example of this being in the use of insulation down. The extremely light Cho Oyu jacket is made from Pertex® Quantum® European goose down and sealed with the high standard of “Allied Shield of Approval” for the responsible ethical treatment of animals.
Not only technical clothing can be found in the collection. Everyday wear, such as the Sita sweater is an ideal companion for hiking or travel. A proportion of recycled polyester has been used in its making and like many other products from Sherpa Adventure Gear, has been bluesign® certified. bluesign® is an environmentally friendly, health-friendly and non-polluting manufacturing process. In Sherpa t-shirts such as the Himalayas tee and the Athlete tee, pure organic cotton is used.
Made in Nepal: The social responsibility of Sherpa Adventure Gear
Sherpa Adventure Gear is now one of the largest employers in Nepal. In 2014, 90% of the Sherpa Adventure Gear products were manufactured on-site, the goal is set for 100%. What the company is doing for the residents of the Himalayan state is reflected in the motto “We are Sherpa” – by no means, are these empty words. Many members of the Sherpa community are employed within the company, everyone acts as a Sherpa ambassador and is involved in the turnover of the company. From each product sold a portion goes to the “Paldorje Education Foundation” to provide education and training programs for the Sherpa children. Education is the only way that entrepreneur Tashi Sherpa sees a chance to provide an escape from the poverty trap in the underdeveloped country.
Another major share of future jobs in the region has been offered to Sherpa women with the production of hats and wrist warmers. Approximately 800 women, and rising, knit in the Khumbu Himalayan valley and its side valleys for the company. Knitting at home, meeting up as a group, taking along children and pets. In this region of Nepal, it is most unusual for women to earn an income. But it is not only the financial gain that gives a perspective. Often, these women belong to low castings within their community and with their income, the prestige within the family and community is significantly increased. One reason why travellers within the Khumbu Valley often see these women with a smile on their face. Outdoor fans will also have a smile on their face when they stock up on colourful woollen Sherpa hats and wrist warmers. A small Sherpa hat has a great effect – not only in terms of personal comfort but also for the livelihood of the Sherpa families.