An explosion of enthusiasm for outdoor pursuits followed the conquest of Everest in 1953, producing a demand for equipment not needing squads of Sherpas to carry it.

This meant ever-lighter, water-proof tents.

Robert Saunders responded to that demand with the original designs of lightweight tents manufactured from synthetic fabrics, and such innovations as transverse ridge and hoop tents, and double-skinned tents.

That spirit of innovative response to users’ demands continues into the twenty-first century.