Eddie Bauer Launches Outerwear Brand First Ascent

Seattle-based specialty retailer Eddie Bauer has returned to its roots, re-launching a line of outerwear and gear under the label First Ascent.

The new apparel consists of base and insulating layers, as well as softshell and hard shelf outerwear pieces. First Accent will also offer backpacks, tents, knives and other essential gear.

Peter Whittaker created the label after a successful climb of Mount Rainer. Whittaker is the son of iconic climber Lou Whittaker and nephew of Jim Whittaker, who wore Eddie Bauer gear on his first historic American climb of Everest. Whittaker's First Ascent team includes other climbers such as Ed Viesturs Dave Hahn, Melissa Arnot, Chad Peele and Seth Waterfall.

Guide company Rainer Mountaineering (RMI) will outfit its more than 80 guides worldwide with the new gear, beginning in April.

"Our approach to First Ascent is to keep the product pure, focusing only on what you need," says Viesturs. "The guiding mantra has been about simplification, functionality and performance. That's why we say it's everything you need, nothing you don't. It's that simple. And simple is better."