OUTDOOR PIRATE / PRESS
Paul Clarke is an Australian high-altitude mountaineer and creator documenting major expeditions around the world.
Lhoste SUmmit 26th May 2026
THE 14 × 8,000M PROJECT
Paul is working toward climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks, with Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Annapurna I and Manaslu already completed. The project combines long-term expedition planning, repeated exposure to high altitude and the challenge of returning to some of the world’s most serious mountains season after season.
RETURNING TO DHAULAGIRI
Dhaulagiri has become one of the defining mountains in Paul’s project. His 2025 attempt ended after heavy snow and avalanche conditions shut down the route, and he returned in 2026 for a second attempt, facing another major storm and prolonged uncertainty at Base Camp.
FOUR 8,000M SUMMITS IN ONE NEPAL SPRING
In spring 2026, Paul summited Annapurna I, Makalu, Everest and Lhotse in just over five weeks. The season involved rapid transitions between expeditions, limited recovery time and a series of high-altitude decisions that tested both physical preparation and judgement.
HIGH-ALTITUDE RISK, RESCUE & DECISION-MAKING
Paul’s expeditions have included emergency situations at extreme altitude, including an oxygen-mask failure during his Everest descent and involvement in a search following Annapurna. He can speak first-hand about risk management, team dynamics, decision-making and the realities of operating above 8,000 meters.
THE REALITY OF EXPEDITION LIFE
Beyond summit day, Paul documents what actually happens on major expeditions: weeks at Base Camp, acclimatization, weather delays, route changes, equipment failures, team dynamics and the constant decision-making that happens long before anyone reaches the summit.
Paul Clarke is an Australian high-altitude mountaineer, expedition creator and founder of Outdoor Pirate.
He is currently working toward completing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks, with five already summited: Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Annapurna I and Manaslu. He is also pursuing the Seven Summits and a broader program of major mountain objectives around the world.
In 2026, Paul climbed Annapurna I, Makalu, Everest and Lhotse during the Nepal spring season before returning to Dhaulagiri later in the year for a second attempt after avalanche conditions ended his 2025 expedition.
Before focusing on mountaineering full time, Paul worked as a superyacht captain and built a life around travel, diving, flying, overlanding and remote adventure.
Through Outdoor Pirate, he documents the reality of expedition life, the preparation, setbacks, risk, logistics and decision-making behind major climbs.
PRESS BIO
Short and full biography available for editorial use.
HIGH-RES PORTRAITS
Editorial-quality portrait images available to approved media.
EXPEDITION PHOTOGRAPHY
Selected high-resolution expedition imagery available for editorial use.
OUTDOOR PIRATE LOGOS
Brand assets available for approved media use.
CURRENT CLIMBING PROFILE
Up-to-date expedition background, summit history and objective progress available on request.
PRESS KIT
A complete media package can be provided to verified journalists, producers and publications.
Media assets are available on request to verified journalists, broadcasters, producers and publications. Usage is subject to approval and appropriate credit.
Media assets are provided on request to verified journalists, broadcasters, producers and publications. Usage is subject to approval and appropriate credit.
