Osprey Packs, a pack manufacturer based in Cortez, CO, became the latest outdoor gear manufacturer to support the Himalayan Stove Project (HSP), a seven-year effort to deliver clean-burning, fuel-efficient cookstoves to the people of Nepal.
The announcement was made jointly on June 26, prior to the 2017 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, by George Basch, founder of the HSP, and Sam Mix, Osprey conduit of corporate outreach. “This support makes great sense for us – we have a strong connection to Nepal,” said Mix. “Not only do we sell Osprey packs in Kathmandu through retailer Sherpa Adventure Gear, but many of our end-users either have toured the country, or have it at the top of their bucket lists to eventually visit.”
During the spring 2015 earthquakes in Nepal that killed 9,000, Osprey assisted with reconstruction, working with the Dzi Foundation, based in Ridgway, CO.
Mix continued, “Osprey and the HSP are a perfect match. As both a humanitarian and environmental cause, the HSP is consistent with our Philanthropic Five Areas of Focus: Environmental Conservation/Stewardship, Public Lands Protection, Trail Stewardship, Reducing Environmental Hazards, and Climate Change.”
George Basch became familiar with Osprey in 2001 during Erik Weihenmayer’s successful summit of Mount Everest, the first by a blind climber. He currently uses the company’s Manta series daypack, a deluxe technical hydration pack.
“Osprey’s support will go a long way towards helping us ship additional stoves to Nepalis suffering from Household Air Pollution due to poorly ventilated stoves,” Basch said.
Other outdoor industry supporters of the HSP include Adidas Outdoor, Kahtoola, Hilleberg the Tent Maker, Sea To Summit, American Alpine Club, Clothing Arts, Luminaid and Allett Wallets.
