Ever since I discovered ThruDark, I’ve been a fan. Why? Because they don’t just make high-quality gear; they test it under the most extreme conditions. They trust their own equipment so much that they continually push the limits of what’s possible. No marketing gimmicks, just real-world experience. That’s evident in their expeditions, like Mission Everest: 7 Summits 7 Days. From London to the top of the world’s highest mountain and back in under a week. Normally, such an expedition takes eight to ten weeks, but they want to set fire to the clock and make history. Why? Because they can – and because they want to prove it.
This ThruDark Mission Everest goes beyond breaking records. They aim to raise a million pounds for veterans and wounded soldiers, with £200,000 going directly to children of fallen service members. A noble cause, but the question remains: is this insanity or a revolutionary approach to mountaineering?
Want to contribute to the mission and the causes they support? You can donate here
Crowdfunder Mission Everest
Mission brief
Redefining what is possible in high-altitude mountaineering.
Who are these daredevils?
This isn’t some group of Instagram adventurers armed with a GoPro and a dream. This team is made up of hardened veterans with extensive experience, both in the mountains and in combat zones. The key players:
- Major Garth Miller – Previously climbed Everest in just 21 days and also flies the world as a British Airways pilot.
- Colonel Alistair Carns – A decorated veteran with five Afghanistan tours under his belt. A man who knows how to survive under extreme conditions.
- Anthony ‘Staz’ Stazicker – Special Forces sniper, co-founder of ThruDark, and someone who’d rather be on dizzying heights than in an office.
- Kevin Godlington – Ex-Special Forces, helicopter pilot, endurance athlete, and long-time advocate for veterans.
No lightweights here. But even with their impressive résumés, the question remains: can they physically and mentally pull it off?
A new standard for high-altitude expeditions?
A traditional Everest expedition follows a fixed rhythm: acclimatization, buildup, and—if luck is on your side—reaching the summit without losing any toes to frostbite. This team is taking a radically different approach. They’re going light and fast, minimizing their time on the mountain, and possibly setting the tone for a more sustainable way of expedition climbing. Less impact on the fragile ecosystem, fewer traffic jams at the Hillary Step, and no prolonged exposure to the brutal climate of the ‘Death Zone.’
Smart preparation
This isn’t just about speed; it’s also about smart preparation. The team will be pre-acclimatizing using hypoxic tents at home, simulating high-altitude conditions before they even set foot in the Himalayas. They need to accumulate approximately 450 hours in these tents before attempting the climb. Even the typical ‘rotations’—where climbers gradually ascend to higher altitudes and descend to adapt—will be done at home in these tents before heading out to base camp.
Sir David Hempleman-Adams, legendary polar explorer and mountaineer, sums it up: “Mission Everest will set a new standard for what is physically possible on this mountain.” A bold statement, but if anyone can judge, it’s him.
Gear as a lifeline
Beyond their raw endurance, the climbers rely on cutting-edge equipment. The ThruDark Summit Suit—an evolved version of previous expedition suits—is designed to shield them from temperatures that would freeze an ordinary human solid.
ThruDark stands by its motto: We don’t just stand by our kit, we stand in it.
For the gear nerds: the full kit list is available here: Mission Everest Kit List.
Why might this work?
Mission Everest isn’t just about breaking a record—it’s an experiment in human endurance and strategy. The team’s military background gives them an edge in discipline, teamwork, and handling high-stress situations. They’re trained to perform under extreme pressure, operating with a precision usually seen only in military operations.
The expedition also makes a statement. It showcases that veterans are still capable of extraordinary feats long after their service ends. It shines a light on the mental and physical strength they carry from their time in the forces.
A no-trace expedition
The Mission Everest claims to be climate neutral. No waste, no footprint, just pure performance. In an era where Everest has become an overcrowded tourist attraction, with queues of climbers and plastic waste flowing down the slopes, this is a breath of fresh air.
Mission Everest will set a new standard for what is physically possible on this mountain.
Sir David Hempleman-Adams
Want to support?
Even a small contribution can make a difference. The funds raised will go directly to veteran and military charities, including organizations supporting bereaved military families. Donate now
Crowdfunder Mission Everest
Madness or Genius?
Mission Everest sits at the intersection of brilliance and recklessness. It could write a new chapter in mountaineering history or serve as a cautionary tale about the limits of the human body. Either way, one thing is certain: this expedition will shake up the climbing world.
At Gearlimits, we will follow this closely.
