OuterU and Everest
The story of Everest is inseparable from the native climbers and porters of Nepal whose strength, kindness, and knowledge have made all Himalayan summit journeys possible.
When Kevin started OuterU 15 years ago, the first 30 faceGloves he made at his mom's sewing machine traveled to Everest with a Sherpa friend he met in North Conway, NH. It was the endorsement from these guides that showed the faceGlove was working in the harshest place on earth. Ever since, supporting those who live and work in the Khumbu Region of Nepal has been close to the heart of OuterU.
Our sole sponsored athlete is Kami Rita Sherpa, who is the foremost authority on Everest, with 32 summits--several as head of the elite rope-setting team. We also send annual boxes of free faceGloves and Balas to be distributed to Nepali guides and porters to help protect those who protect us, and the Himalayas.
The correct use of "Sherpa"
This is also a beautiful opportunity to call attention common misuse of the ethnicity, "Sherpa." The Sherpa people, originally from Tibet, are one of dozens of indigenous nationalities in Nepal, many of whom live in its highest altitude towns and villages. The word you seek for "someone kind, and strong, to help you with a heavy load is, 'porter.'" The use of "Sherpa" to name a job is considered offensive.
TENZING
The new film, Tenzing follows Tenzing Norgay as the center of his own story, tracing his journey toward the historic first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 alongside Edmund Hillary. Although Hillary is the often most-remembered by history, he would insist there would have been no first Everest summit without Tenzing. This film is a a celebration of a mountaineer whose achievement deserves to be honored in its own right, and a moment to highlight the Sherpa, and other indigenous communities' enduring place in mountaineering.
When filmmaker and climber Renan Ozturk, the film’s second-unit (mountain) director, hit us up seeking gear for his production team at Expedition Studios, we were beyond stoked to provide faceGloves and Balas to support the crew bringing Tenzing's story to life. With Tenzing now streaming #1 on Apple TV, we’re excited to share a look behind the scenes.
Gear for the Expedition Studios
Filming in the mountains brings a nuanced set of challenges. In order to focus on finicky camera equipment while simultaneously hanging off a cliff, or getting pummeled by wind, ice, and sun, the optimal function of ones personal gear must be a foregone conclusion. That’s where OuterU comes in. We make face protection for people who spend serious time outside--whether they’re skiing, climbing, or working behind a camera in the Himalayas. We focus on the protecting the most sensitive parts of your face, and uncovering your breathing. These two things keep you dry, your goggles clear, and your vulnerable extremities protected. Some say our 2-piece system looks funny, but climbers like Renan know what you're seeing is thoughtful ergonomics, which creates reliable function.
above: photographer: Renan Ozturk @renan_ozturk subject: MattLeslie @mattaleslie
below: photographer: Renan Ozturk @renan_ozturk Subject: Matthew Irving @irving_matthew
A HUGE thank-you to @renan_ozturk for asking OuterU to protect his crew while filming in Nepal and New Zealand, and for sharing some peeks behind the curtain of filming a mountain blockbuster! As a small outdoor gear company that hand-makes each faceGlove and Bala, it means everything to see our products helping extraordinary people do meaningful things in challenging places.
above photographer: Renan Ozturk @renan_ozturk subject: Renan Ozturk @renan_ozturk
Tenzing is currently streaming on Apple TV.
Excited to see you there!
The OuterU Team