When Eddie Bauer launched their First Ascent line, I was a skeptic. Eddie Bauer had about as much outdoor product credibility with me as The Gap.
However, I am becoming more and more impressed with their product line. It seems to be well thought out, quality gear at a reasonable price (particularly because it goes on sale regularly.) There are lots of very nice pieces in their clothing line up, and I noticed that they have a new sleeping bag line up that looks interested (although I've never seen them for real.)
It's nice to see a new player in the "serious" outdoor gear market, especially a more price conscious player.