"Above the Clouds" — A Mountaineer's Story
I've spent the past fifteen years chasing summits across the world — from the icy ridges of Denali to the thin air of Cho Oyu. Each climb has tested not only my endurance but also every piece of gear I carry. Comfort, weight, and adaptability are not luxuries up there — they're survival.
When I first tried BWO apparel on an expedition to the Andes, I realized that comfort could coexist with performance. The BWO One Fit fleece hugged my body like a second skin, keeping warmth where I needed it and letting me breathe through the steep ascents. The BWO shell jacket, light yet impenetrable, stood firm against freezing wind and sleet at 6,000 meters.
There's a moment near every summit when the world falls silent — only your heartbeat and the wind remain. In that stillness, you notice every detail: the steady warmth across your chest, the flexibility in your shoulders, the absence of distraction. That's the difference BWO made for me — freedom in motion, clarity in focus.
On my latest climb up Ama Dablam, I wore BWO from base to summit. As the sun broke over the Himalayas, I felt that quiet confidence that only comes when your gear feels like an extension of yourself. For a mountaineer, that's everything.
"BWO isn't just apparel. It's the calm between the gusts, the warmth between breaths, the unseen companion that lets you climb higher — and stay there longer."
Mountaineer Profile — Ethan Ward
Personal Details
- Name: Ethan Ward
- Nationality: Canadian
- Profession: Professional Mountaineer, Expedition Leader, Outdoor Photographer
- Experience: 15+ years of high-altitude climbing across six continents
Major Expeditions
- Mount Everest (8,848m) — South Col route, 2018
- K2 (8,611m) — Summit attempt, 2021
- Denali (6,190m) — Solo ascent, 2016
- Ama Dablam (6,812m) — Summit, 2024
- Aconcagua (6,961m) — Summit, 2015
- Elbrus (5,642m) — Summit, 2013
Awards & Recognition
- National Geographic Adventurer of the Year (Nominee, 2022)
- Lead climber for "Beyond the Summit" environmental film project
- Featured in Alpinist Magazine and Outside Online
- Current Gear Partner: BWO Outdoor Equipment
Personal Motto
"The higher I climb, the clearer the silence."
Ethan Ward
Ethan Ward is a professional mountaineer and BWO ambassador known for his high-altitude expeditions and environmental advocacy. He has climbed on six continents and leads expeditions for both experienced and aspiring mountaineers.