Partner
Main Partner
Partner
Outfitter
Transa
Transa is the leading supplier of outdoor articles in Switzerland. The focus of their actions is the customer’s request, which is first-class advice and support. The Transa combines the travel, outdoor and biking enthusiasm and its goal is to make every visit to their shops an authentic experience. For many years, the Transa has been supporting the biologist and adventurer David Bittner with outdoor equipment that he needs for his research in wild Alaska. These products are characterized by innovation and quality in terms of function, durability and design. Ultimately, Transa is also committed to sustainable ecological and social development beyond its company boundaries because it wants to use our planet’s resources sensibly and fairly.
Nikon
“I have to be able to capture expressive images quickly and easily. With the Nikon cameras, I have managed to do this in a convincing way. The nature photographer David Bittner attaches great importance to robust and reliable equipment that has to withstand the often difficult weather conditions. The digital SLR camera system from Nikon won him over. The high image quality and high quality film recordings when used in the wild inspire the photographer.
David Bittner is excited to work with Nikon. The speed and image quality of the D6 is simply overwhelming and the AF-S 180-400 / 4EFL ED VR TC1.4 has proven itself extremely well for photographing bears.
Oris
“The Oris claim – GO YOUR OWN WAY – simply fits my attitude to life perfectly!”
For many years, Oris has been committed to the sustainable protection and preservation of biodiversity and valuable ecosystems. Oris is an authentic company that is extremely respectful of nature. These values fit perfectly with the attitude and work of David Bittner to inspire people for the beauty of our planet and, above all, for unique wild animals such as bears. Together, Oris and David are raising awareness of the sensitivity of our natural world and its inhabitants.
The AquisPro Date with the new and powerful Caliber 400 automatic transmission not only impresses extreme divers. As an aquatic biologist, David is often out in the wet element and appreciates the reliability and fascination of this exceptional watch and is delighted with the ongoing partnership.
Hüsler Nest
“For a strong sleep, I fully trust a Hüsler Nest.”
I grew up in the mountains in the Bernese Oberland and spent a lot of time in nature. For 15 years I have been drawn to the wilderness of Alaska to see the big grizzly bears, where I spend countless nights on hard sleeping mats in my tent. My wife Cécile has been with me for several years. It is all the more important that we can retreat to a cozy, comfortable nest at home.
Sustainable and ecological products such as the natural bed from Hüsler Nest are extremely important to me as an environmentally conscious and nature-loving person. Thanks to our Hüsler Nest, I can now spend wonderfully pleasant nights like «our» bears and have to be careful not to go into hibernation right away.
Many people are very afraid of these fascinating animals. With the encounters and the growing trust, however, this fear gave way to a deep respect. Finally, I have also found the confidence and knowledge for a natural and healthy sleep with our strong Hüsler Nest.
SIStech
“SIStech specializes in rechargeable batteries, portable solar panels and smart chargers, everything I absolutely need for an extended stay in the Alaskan wilderness to document my experiences with filming and photography.” SIStech understands the common challenges with all the electronic devices, but also knows that David wants the products to be as simple and versatile as possible. The nature photographer greatly appreciates the constant product development and the resulting high-quality products and can always rely on his equipment, even in the harshest external conditions. “I use a large Solarflex 16V /74W to charge 2 external power tanks, which I can then use to charge all the batteries in my electronic devices.” In addition, SIStech always has one or the other important gadget ready to make life in the bush more comfortable with the supply of energy. David Bittner is extremely grateful for the SIStech products!
Hilleberg
Protection is a fundamental need. Out in the wild is fundamental not only for weather protection but also for the necessity of transportation. This is the reason for the way Hilleberg builds its tents. David Bittner has trusted the high-end tents from Hilleberg for years. For Hilleberg, the ideal tent is a well-balanced mixture of simple principles: Reliability – you have to be able to rely on your tent in every situation; Handling – the tent must be able to be erected even in strong winds, very cold, in the dark and with thick gloves; Comfort – in addition to water resistance, there are also more subtle properties important, such as good ventilation and practical detailed solutions; Versatility – the ability to cope with all possible environmental or weather influences; and durability – for long-term enjoyment of the tent. That coincides exactly with the philosophy of bear researcher David Bittner. “The tent is my home for months because there are no huts out there. It is my shelter in storms in rain and cold, and I appreciate the unsurpassable quality of the Hilleberg tents ”.
The flagship among Hilleberg’s tunnel tents is the Keron GT with the extended apse. This tent is extremely suitable for the wilderness for extreme weather conditions, such as those often found in Alaska. In addition, David Bittner uses a Hilleberg Akto for the sometimes multi-day trips into the mountains, where the smallest weight plays a central role. In the base camp, the small one-person tent is used as a material tent and storage place for the bear-safe ‘food containers’.
Prijon
The ‘KODIAK’ from Prijon is fast, safe and has a range of storage space that is unique in this boat class as well as a very spacious seat hatch, which is particularly interesting for tall paddlers. The high volume is also another safety aspect when touring at sea. In recent years the KODIAK has established itself as an expedition boat around the world. Various Greenland expeditions, circumnavigating the North American continent or cruising the entire coast of Norway are just a small selection of tours on which the KODIAK has confirmed its exceptional position as a safe and fast sea kayak.
Bear researcher David Bittner is supported by Prijon on his wilderness trips. “To spend months in the wilderness of Alaska, on my own, and to keep track of the bears would be simply impossible for me without a sea kayak. In addition, the remote and rugged coasts of Kodiak Island and Katmai National Park require a stable and reliable kayak. My paddling trips from bay to bay are often associated with much greater dangers than the bears, for example – especially given the unpredictable and rapidly changing weather conditions in Alaska. ” After all, the kayak is of central importance for the biologist when it comes to taking care of himself. Halibut fishing from a kayak is arguably a hobby invented by David.
Kokatat
Since the invention of the revolutionary waterproof material from GORE-TEX®, Kokatat has focused on the development and manufacture of a single branch of the outdoor area: paddling. Today, ‘Kokatat’, which means ‘into the water’ in an Indian dialect, is one of the world’s leading brands when it comes to paddling equipment. Their high-quality products are made to be used underwater and the GORE-TEX® drysuits come with a lifetime guarantee. With such a suit, Kokatat supports the biologist and bear researcher David Bittner. “The Kokatat dry suit is a kind of life insurance for me when I am out and about in the cold sea on the extremely remote coast of the Katmai National Park.”
Safety is the key for Kokatat customers, rescue workers and the coast guard, who are equipped by Kokatat. It is the aim of Kokatat to remove the worries and fears of the element water, so that we can safely go out. The company also stands for social equality and economic vitality in the region. In 2010, Kokatat was voted ‘Green Business of the Year’ for the city of Arcata (USA).
Four paws & Arosa bear sanctuary
I was very happy when the Arosa Bear Sanctuary and 4Pfoten asked me if I would like to become an ambassador for the first bear sanctuary in Switzerland. I had heard a lot about this innovative and exciting project even before the groundbreaking. Getting to know the motivated people from 4Pfoten, as well as Pascal Jenni, Hans Schmid, Carsten Hertwig and Stefan Eicholzer are a great enrichment to this day. As an expert and a doctor of biology in wild bears, I like to show the parallels between a wild bear living in the wild and an animal kept in captivity.
I spent many summers alone for months with wild bears in the Alaskan wilderness. Often asked about whether I could even hold a bear in captivity, I can give a positive answer with a clear conscience. The concept of the Arosa Bear Sanctuary impresses with what is probably the most species-appropriate bear keeping not only within Switzerland. The large enclosure of Napa, Amelia and Meimo offers the bears natural structures and an area in which the bears that migrate from Italy to Switzerland also occur in their natural habitat. It allows an animal to hide for a while and not be seen by any visitor, not even the keepers!
Allowing exploited and abused bears to continue their lives in a truly attractive environment is a touching story. Unfortunately, there are still many bears that are kept under the most adverse circumstances and I very much hope that this showcase project will continue to catch on in Switzerland and internationally. For me in particular, it is wonderful to see how the bears in Arosa rediscover and / or get to know their original instincts. As an attentive visitor, you can literally feel the joy of the animals, even if, and that is part of a bear’s life, you are in a bad mood on one day or have got up on the wrong leg, or better paw.
I am extremely happy to carry the success story of the Arosa Bear Sanctuary out into the wide world and I would personally be delighted to work much more closely with those responsible!
Grizzly Bear Protection Yukon
The organization is committed to protecting the grizzlies and their habitats in the Yukon. I am happy to support Grizzly Bear Protection Yukon in their important work to abolish trophy hunting for grizzly bears in the Yukon region, to reduce road accidents with bears and to create a rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned grizzly bears. Thank you for your tireless efforts for these fascinating animals!
Bio familia
bio-familia AG is guided by the vision of producing the best müesli in the world through Swiss excellence, innovation and unique commitment. familia is the epitome of genuine Swiss müesli, which is sold all over the world. As an organic pioneer, bio-familia has always been committed to the sustainable use of natural resources. The continuous reduction of CO2 emissions is a key issue.
Bio familia supports my school visits and children’s presentations and offers the children a ‘taster’. The children return home not only with enthusiastic impressions of the world of bears, but also with a delicious ‘snack’ as a giveaway.
Simms
Avid anglers know that the best fishing often happens in the worst weather conditions. That’s why you use Simms products to fight the rain, snow and strong winds. Simms supports the bear researcher David Bittner. “By far the most important piece of clothing for me in the Alaskan wilderness, along with a 3-layer breathable and waterproof GoreTex jacket, is the Simms waders . These are also waterproof and breathable, and what’s more, I fight my way through the dense alder brush, sometimes up to a mountain peak. All with the same extremely robust pants and without them showing tears and holes after the exertion. In addition to the Simms waders, I have a pair of fiber fur pants with me for the tent. That has to be enough – and it’s enough. David Bittner is enthusiastic about the impeccable quality of Simms products.
“There is simply nothing better, and certainly nothing like it.” That is why the best fishing guides worldwide rely exclusively on Simms. Simms believes that the best fishing clothing must be functional, durable and comfortable, even in the most unimaginable weather conditions. David lives largely on self-caught fish and fly fishing has been one of his passions since childhood. “It’s wonderful to catch your own dinner in the pristine wilderness of Alaska!”
