climb every mountain ...

Over the bank holiday weekend I watched another couple of climbing films.

The irony is not lost on me. It’s the same when I watch the glorious Australian Masterchef. I’m never setting foot on a mountain or cooking a pretty plate of food but I enjoy watching other people do it.

K2: Siren of the Himalayas is a 2012 American documentary film directed by Dave Ohlson. The film follows a group of climbers during their 2009 attempt to climb K2, chronicling the climbers' attempt to surmount the peak on the 100-year anniversary of the Duke of Abruzzi’s landmark K2 expedition in 1909. The film also delves into the history and geography of the Karakoram mountain region. 

Like The Summit, Messner, Meru all of these films allow you to marvel at people’s tenacity to push themselves to the limit.

I was much more uncomfortable watching 40 days at Base Camp which for the first time also shined a light on how much rubbish these expeditions create and basically leave at their arse especially on Everest.

A mountain of waste if you will…

Some expeditions are doing everything that they can to clean it up, while others continue to make a mess of it.  What was horrifying was how often human remain are finding their way into base camp.
As the glacier moves and recedes, it's churning up things that have been left higher on the mountain.  Many who die on the mountain are left where they perish as it is too dangerous or expensive to recover the bodies.

This all served to remind me to share the happier news that The North Face has teamed up with British designer Christopher Raeburn for a collection of eco-friendly accessories. the collection of bags includes three different designs all made from a recycled TNF tent.

The collection is comprised of a drawstring backpack, packable tote bag and a large holdall-style tote bag. Each constructed from recycled tents in an effort to reduce man-made waste, the bags will all feature unique patinas and finished depending on which tent was used. Color, detailing, crinkling and signs of wear will all differ, ultimately making for a responsible and unique collaboration.

The bags are finished with “RÆBURN/RECYCLED” branded straps with words relating to the RÆMADE program. Finally, each features patches and prints celebrating the legendary TNF artwork and logo. 

Christopher Raeburn said of the collection, “At RÆBURN we’re motivated to work with brands, other designers and individuals to drive positive change in our industry and it’s been fantastic to work alongside the talented team at The North Face.”

You can find them on The North Face’s website and at select TNF stores.


Queen Marie