Point6, designer and manufacturer of premium merino wool performance socks, has inked an exclusive partnership to provide Eddie Bauer with socks for its First Ascent line beginning in September 2010.


“We are honored to have been selected by Eddie Bauer and the Whittaker Mountaineering Company to be the exclusive sock supplier for First Ascent” said Patty Duke, co-founder, Point6. “Their commitment to quality mirrors the Point6 mission and vision to create the highest quality products without compromising performance or functionality. With so many sock brands on the market, it is a true testimonial to the quality and innovation of our products.” 


Point6 exclusively uses 100% compact spun merino yarns versus conventional ring spun yarns to create the most durable merino socks available for a perfected anatomical fit. The team’s proven track record for creating innovative products is a result of the decades of combined experience and expertise in merino wool sock product and brand development.


The First Ascent and Point6 private label collection will debut at retail in September 2010 and will be available exclusively at Eddie Bauer retail outlets, online or through the company catalog.



Eddie Bauer teamed with mountain guides, including Peter Whittaker, Ed Viesturs, and Dave Hahn, to launch the First Ascent line of of gear in 2009.


“We are building Point6 First Ascent socks utilizing the same design principles that we follow for all Eddie Bauer First Ascent apparel and gear,”  said Whittaker, co-owner of Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. and Whittaker Mountaineering. “The guide team is involved every step of the way. Our guide team spends an incredible amount of time in cold environments and we simply cannot have cold feet.  These socks are built to keep our feet warm on the world’s highest and coldest mountains.” 

Point6 founders Peter and Patty Duke have over 20 years of experience within the merino category and were instrumental in establishing the presence of performance wool to the outdoor industry. The Duke’s identified an opportunity to evolve the merino category with Point6 by applying advanced spinning and knitting technologies to superior quality wool, thereby creating a durable result with unsurpassed comfort and performance.