It's not our job to try to tell people why they go to the wild places and mountains. It’s our job to make the very best gear in the world.

Since Mountain Equipment began in 1961 we have participated in countless ascents of the world’s highest peaks, supported climbers establishing ever more adventurous routes and equipped world record setting trips to the North and South Poles.

We have been making gear for the most inhospitable places on the planet for over 50 years. You learn a lot here. And all we have learned, lives in our gear.

Sam has been Head of Design at Mountain Equipment since 2009. His lifelong passion for climbing played a large part in his decision to steer his way from an international position back to the UK. Crucially, living and working on the Eastern edge of Manchester puts the iconic gritstone climbing and bouldering of the Peak District within range.

Simply getting out on the rock is not necessarily as simple as it sounds though, with a demanding day job and family life compressing personal climbing time into narrow windows of opportunity. But there is always a way. Some days begin with a pre-dawn start to fit in a session on a project, others finish with late night training on his board.

Climbing matters. Sam makes the time, gets the hours in and continues to push his standard.