Sierra Designs-sponsored athlete Eric Larsen achieves global first

BOULDER, COLO. (For Immediate Release) – The Sierra Designs-sponsored athlete Eric Larsen successfully summited Mount Everest on October 15, making him the first person ever to reach both poles and the top of the world in one continuous 356-day period. Collectively known as Save the Poles, Larsen’s expedition ventured to three of the coldest, most extreme places on the planet to raise awareness about global climate change.

Sierra Designs supplied much of the gear used on the expedition, working closely with Larsen to design and construct the apparel and equipment that would help keep him warm and comfortable during his 150 days of skiing, snowshoeing, and climbing to reach his goal. The new for 2011 Sierra Designs Revival backpack went to the summit of Everest with Larsen, and Sierra Designs Mountain Meteor and Polar Tunnel tents were also used throughout Larsen’s adventures.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of such a worthwhile and historic undertaking,” said Sue Edmiston, Sierra Designs marketing director. “As a company that relies on the outdoors for its very existence, Sierra Designs has a keen interest in protecting the environment. Sponsoring Eric was a great way for us to get involved and help make a difference.”

The Save the Poles expedition marks the beginning of a long-term relationship between Larsen and Sierra Designs, with several events, presentations, and public appearances scheduled over the course of the next two years.

Larsen’s Save the Poles expedition was born of a desire to connect people with the last great frozen places on earth while highlighting the environmental issues impacting them. Through a series of written, audio, and video updates posted to the Save the Poles blog (LINK) and numerous interviews with high profile media outlets, Larsen was able to spread his message to the world.

“I have been to the ‘front lines’ of Global Warming during my journeys to the North Pole, South Pole, and summit of Mount Everest,” said Larsen. “We can save the poles and our planet if we act now. The more people learn about global warming and its impact on life as we know it, the more likely they will be to help fight it.”

Larsen’s Save the Poles expedition has helped publicize some of the most alarming news associated with global climate change, including estimates that the Arctic Ocean will be ice-free by summer 2030, a forecast that 80 percent of Himalayan glaciers could disappear in 30 years, and the recent collapse of Antarctica’s 1,250 square mile Larsen B Ice Shelf into the Southern Ocean.

About Eric Larsen

As a modern-day explorer and expedition guide, Eric Larsen’s life epitomizes adventure. A polar adventurer, dog musher and educator, he has spent the past 15 years of his life traveling in some of the most remote and wild places left on earth. Eric travels extensively giving motivational and educational lectures to schools, universities, nonprofit organizations and corporate groups. He is currently planning a book and documentary about the Save the Poles expedition. Eric splits his time between Boulder, Co and Grand Marais, MN. To see more about this modern-day explorer, visit www.savethepoles.com.

About Sierra Designs

Founded in 1965, at the beginning of the golden age of backpacking and climbing, Sierra Designs is one of the original brands for the eco-conscious outdoor enthusiast. We have always had a passion to protect where we play, and our tents, sleeping bags, and apparel have been to every corner of the world, from the highest peaks in Tibet to your local greenway around the corner. We model and design our products for high performance adventurers, but make it attainable for you. Sierra Designs’ gear and apparel fits in with your daily life, no matter where it takes you. Visit us online at SierraDesigns.com or see us on Facebook.

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