Sponsors
The North Face
Mountaineers and explorers alike rely on The North Face products in the most inhospitable environments. The 2009 Everest Challenge Expedition is proud to exclusively utilize the North Face line of professional-grade apparel and gear.
The North Face Midwest Events
Apple
The expedition is powered by Apple. We will be using MacBook Pro notebook computers to send updates to news organizations and to make blog entries on this website using satellite technology. Apple is a new sponsor this year and we are grateful for their generous participation. We will use the MacBook Pros at Base Camp and carry one of notebooks up to the high camps to maintain a steady stream of information.
Hyatt
Hyatt is the exclusive provider of lodging during the expedition's stay in Kathmandu, Nepal. "The best part of finishing the expedition was returning to the amazing splendor of the Hyatt hotel in Kathmandu." -Mike Kobold following the 2008 expedition to Mt. Everest. In 2009, the hotel's friendly staff arranged a hero's welcome for the exhausted but relieved expedition team members returning to Kathmandu.
Fuisz
Fuisz originates and incubates new technologies, principally in drug delivery, women's health, tobacco harm reduction, medical devices and computer software. Fuisz both develops new products as well as actively licenses its technologies to dominant industry players. At Fuisz, innovation overcomes obstacles. We are therefore proud to be a supporter of this event.
Honda Power Equipment
Honda Power Equipment has donated two heavy-duty generators for use at Base Camp. The generators had to be modified extensively to work at at 17,500 feet elevation, where the oxygen level is far lower than at sea level. We will be using the generators to power our satellite communications equipment as well as our Apple MacBook Pro notebooks and radios.
Global Satellite
Our exclusive communications sponsor, Global Satellite, offers solutions in the fields of avionics, land, marine, portable, and data satellite communications. With big name partners such as Iridium and Inmarsat, Global Satellite can equip you with the tools you need that work optimally with your personal needs. Global Satellite has offices in Paris, Casablanca and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. We will be using Thuraya handheld satellite telephones and a Thuraya BGAN device (for Internet access) to communicate with the outside world during our trip. The BGAN's main purpose is to transmit live footage from Base Camp to news organizations.
Shell
Shell Oil has agreed to become the expedition's official fuel sponsor. Nepal is a country in which gasoline shortages do occur from time to time and with Shell Oil's commitment we are ensured prompt and continuous (if needed) fuel supply at Base Camp. We will be using fuel very sparingly as it is not only bad for the environment but also extremely difficult and dangerous to handle in the Himalaya. Each fuel drum has to be carried on the back of a porter, making supply even more challenging.
The Earnest Sewn Co.
The Earnest Sewn Co. is an American luxury apparel manufacturer specializing in high-quality denim and durable lifestyle wear. The expedition will rely on Earnest Sewn products at Mt. Everest base camp and during the trek through the High Himalaya..
Carnegie Mellon
With its main campus based in Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon is a global research university of more than 10,000 students, 70,000 alumni and 4,000 faculty and staff. Recognized for its world-class arts and technology programs, collaboration across disciplines and innovative leadership in education, Carnegie Mellon is consistently a top-ranked university. CMU and its world-renowned Tepper School of Business are media and technology sponsors of the expedition.
Conde Nast Publications
Conde Nast Publications is home to many of the world's celebrated magazines and websites, is committed to journalistic integrity, influential reporting and superior design. Each of our magazines features renowned editors, writers and photographers. Conde Nast is a media sponsor of the expedition.
Dermatone
Dermatone is the sunblock of choice for hikers, skiers, mountaineers and other sportsmen and -women Available in the USA, as well as in Canada, England, Scotland, Sweden, and New Zealand, Dermatone is the only sunscreen manufacturer to offer a line of waterfree sunscreens for cold weather sports, including a waterfree, transparent Zinc Oxide. Dermatone has sponsored the expedition with its patented sunblock.
UPS
United Parcel Service (UPS) is the world's largest package delivery company. UPS delivers more than 15 million packages a day to over 6.1 million customers in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. UPS is the official logistics sponsor of the expedition and will, among other items, transport over 2,000 bars of Hershey's Chocolate, an Acer notebook and communications equipment, 10 bottles of Heinz ketchup, six pairs of Maui Jim sunglasses, as well as countless sweaters, jackets and other gear provided by The North Face.
Maui Jim
Based in tropical Lahaina, Hawaii, Maui Jim is the world's fastest-growing polarized sunglass maker. Maui Jim sunglasses feature the revolutionary PolarizedPlus2 technology, ridding the world of blinding glare and boosting color everywhere. Maui Jim will ensure that expedition members Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Anita Kobold and Michael Kobold will be as stylish as the aptly-named expedition member Kenton Cool.