When asked by a reporter what his first thoughts were when standing on the summit of Everest, Gombu responded with four now-famous words: “How to get down.”

Five decades ago, on May 1st, 1963, American Jim Whittaker stepped side by side with Sherpa Nawang Gombu onto the summit of Mount Everest and became the first American to summit the world’s tallest peak.

Fifty years ago today, Jim Whittaker climbed shoulder to shoulder with Nawang Gombu to the summit of Mt. Everest. He did it in Eddie Bauer down.

In 1963 Jim Whittaker, in partnership with Sherpa Nawang Gombu, became the first American to climb to the roof of the world and summit Mt. Everest. He did it outfitted in Eddie Bauer down. On that same American Mount Everest Expedition Tom Hornbein and Willi Unsoeld completed the first successful ascent of the challenging West [...]

On May 1, Eddie Bauer celebrated its 90th anniversary by cutting the ribbon on its newly constructed archive room. The museum-style opening included guests such as American climbing legend Jim Whittaker and First Ascent guides Ed Viesturs and Peter Whittaker.

By Leif Whittaker In 1963, my father, Jim Whittaker, became the first American to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. Now, 47 years later, armed with his original journal and some very warm boots, I’m attempting to follow in his footsteps and to share this adventure with all of you.

Last year, Eddie Bauer launched First Ascent in dramatic fashion, from the top of the world. This year, several members of the First Ascent family will return to Everest to attempt some amazing new firsts and we’ll be there to capture all the action.