HIGH-ALTITUDE CLIMBING ROOTS
An idea or a dream inspired many outdoor companies. Some were created under the Yosemite cliffs and named after Half-Dome, a great mountain range. Others were inspired by wildlife and elements of nature that embody the spirit of the outdoors. Sea to Summit is a unique outdoor industry product. It was born from a single, extraordinary adventure and a historic mountaineering achievement.
Tim Macartney-Snape was conceived in Tanzania in 1956. His parents, of Australian and Irish descent, moved his family to Australia in 1967. Macartney-Snape became a rock climber in Tanzania and later gained experience as a mountaineer in the Southern Alps, New Zealand. Macartney-Snape braved the Himalayan winter of 1978 to climb Dunagiri (7.066m). The ascent was the first major Himalayan Summit achieved by an Australian. Macartney-Snape continued climbing in the Himalayan mountains. He climbed Ama Dablam (6.856 m in 1981) and Annapurna II (7.937 m in 1983). Macartney-Snape, inspired by the view of Everest’s massive bulk from the North ridge at Ama Dablam, began to dream up an expedition to climb the highest mountain in the world.
Macartney-Snape, and his climbing partner Greg Mortimer, planned and executed an alpine-style light ascent of Mount Everest using a new route on North Face in 1984. They also avoided the use of Sherpas and climbed without oxygen supplemental. After his mountaineering boots got lost in an avalanche, he wasn’t discouraged. Macartney-Snape reached the Summit and became the first Australian to reach it.
Macartney-Snape continued his climbing career as he completed the second ascent of Gasherbrum II (7.925 m). He always had in mind a return trip up Everest. He dreamed of climbing Everest in a new way, which would be the inspiration for the name and spirit that he would create. Macartney-Snape hoped to climb Everest by completing the entire distance from the ocean to the Summit.
Everest climbers have always started in Kathmandu (1400m) since the beginning of Everest expeditions. Macartney-Snape instead wanted to ascend from the Indian Ocean at sea level, travel the long but gradual distance to base camp and then climb the mountain. Macartney-Snape began his trek from the Bay of Bengal in February 1990. He traveled 745 miles through India and Nepal to reach the Everest base camp. After 4 months of trekking, he arrived at Everest base camp and began acclimatizing. He wanted to climb the peak via West Ridge. This would enable him to avoid the South Col route’s high traffic. Macartney-Snape made a change to his plans due to weather conditions and dangers. He climbed to 8,000m on the South Col route, carrying a tent, fuel, and supplies. Macartney-Snape, exhausted and sick, rested for a few days before setting off on his summit attempt, which he attempted on May 10, 1990. He battled nausea, stomach cramps, and exhaustion to climb the mountain at 9:45 AM on May 11, May 11. Tim Macartney-Snape had climbed all 8,848m or 29,029ft from sea level to the highest point of the Earth.
AN INNOVATIVE BRAND BORNE OUT OF OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
Tim Macartney–Snape was faced with a variety of environments and required gear that was specialized to an extraordinary extent for his amazing expedition. Roland Tyson, Macartney-Snape’s friend, was able to provide the gear he needed for his trip. Macartney-Snape met Tyson in Perth during a lecture about mountaineering. Tyson was planning a trip to the Himalayan mountains and approached Macartney–Snape for advice. This led to them becoming close friends. Tyson is an avid climber and outdoor lover. As a teenager, he started sewing his own gear and eventually opened his own outdoor gear shop in Perth. Macartney Snape was planning his second Everest climb when he reached out to his friend to ask him to build lightweight expedition gear. Some of these items Macartney-Snape still uses today.
After Macartney Snape’s Everest ascent was a huge success, he returned home to Australia to team up with Roland to create Sea To Summit. The name is a tribute to Macartney Snape’s expedition. They have created high-quality, innovative outdoor gear that withstands the most severe conditions. Sea to Summit, which is still an independent business, is managed by Macartney-Snape and Roland. They continue to operate with the same spirit of exploration, innovation, and inspiration that motivated Macartney-Snape’s Everest expedition.
SEA TO SUMMIT TODAY
Sea to Summit has a strong reputation for manufacturing lightweight dry and stuff sacks. The waterproof protection offered by the Sea to Summit Lightweight dry sack and eVent compression dry sack is a favorite among paddlers. Backpackers and campers love the ease of packing their Compression Sacks. They also like the portable Delta Plate and kitchen sink used for cooking at camp. To keep their essentials organized and safe, the Sea to Summit neck pockets, money belts, and packing cell and toiletry bags are a favorite.
The brand has built a loyal customer base and a reputation for quality and durability, and they continue to produce new gear for outdoor markets. Sea to Summit recently tapped into the lightweight knowledge and materials expertise gained over many years of designing and manufacturing outdoor products to create ultralight tents and sleeping bags. Sea To Summit continues creating ground-breaking products that offer unparalleled quality, reliability, and performance.
Sea to Summit was born from the greatest outdoor accomplishments. Sea to Summit has the right gear to satisfy your requirements, whether you need a tent or sleeping pad, a waterproof stuff bag, or a towel for your camp.