Sherpa Adventure Gear has hired Drew Runberg to assist its apparel design and development team led by Amy Lietz Roberts.


“Drew is a talented and ready team worker who will help see our apparel design from concepts to materials selection to final completion,” said Lietz Roberts.


Runberg, who is from Beaverton, OR, graduated Oregon State University in 2012 with degrees in apparel design and merchandising management. Following his graduation, he interned with Black Diamond in apparel development, and, before his studies, he held a design internship with Hlaska, the San Francisco-based bag, apparel and accessory maker.


While Runberg is new to the outdoor industry, he brings a background of nearly 10 years of work with Diode Laser Concepts, where he learned hands-on manufacturing and ultimately became an assistant engineer.   Runberg says the experience gave him an appreciation of small, family-owned businesses that often call for an Œall hands on deck approach but also offer the opportunity to be a significant contributor to the business success.


Runberg is based in Sherpa Adventure Gear’s Kent, WA office, and is happy to be back in the Northwest where he can easily pursue his after hours activities that include running, cycling, backpacking and climbing.



Sherpa Adventure Gear  was founded in 2003 by Tashi Sherpa, who was inspired to start the company when he discovered that his two uncles were on Sir Edmund Hilary¹s celebrated, first-ever expedition to the summit of Mount Everest in 1953.  Sherpa Adventure Gear, which manufacturers apparel for mountain and outdoor adventures, honors the unsung Sherpa heroes who make high altitude Himalayan climbs possible by carrying the loads, laying the ropes, and guiding the way.  Sherpa athlete-ambassadors test and help design Sherpa Adventure Gear products, most of which are manufactured in Nepal.



The company employs hundreds of people in Nepal, where its downtown Kathmandu headquarters houses its offices, a flagship store and The Terrace bed and breakfast. Two more stores opened in 2010, in Namche and Pokhara, Nepal.  The company’s marketing and sales office is in Kent, Washington. Sherpa Adventure Gear gives back to the Sherpa community through its Paldorje Education Foundation.  A portion of every sale funds educational and social initiatives, such as providing scholarships to deserving Sherpa children.