There is a new market. The outdoor junkies have been spreading the word, and people are buying into it. The outdoor market is booming demanding high perfomance quality gear that can withstand natures harshest environments. The EddieBauer brand provides casual outdoor wear, but wants to tap into the market of extreme outdoor functional apparel and gear. EddieBauer wants to take their game to the next level by providing to a younger, more adventurous demographic. In doing so, the Gilkey Collection was born.
The 1953 American Karakoram expedition was a mountaineering expedition to climb K2 , at 8,611 meters the second highest mountain on Earth. It was the fifth attempt since 1909 to climb the beast. The team reached a high point of 7,750 meters, but were trapped by a storm where team member Art Gilkey became seriously ill. In a desperate attempt to climb down Gilkey lost his life to an avalanche. The expedition has been widely praised for the courage shown by the team in their attempt to save Gilkey, and for the team spirit and the bonds of friendship it fostered. Gilkey’s body was lost until 1993 when it emerged from the glacier about a mile from camp. Gilkey was still wearing his red Eddie Bauer parka. In honor of the American Karakoram team the Gilkey Collection offers a line of clothing and gear for the serious outdoorsman. The Gilkey Collection offers a wide arrange of high performance gear to help protect and assist those who want to push the limits.