The Roots of Fram Equipment: Why the “Globus” Tourist Club of KPI Is Our Alma Mater
For many people, the outdoor community begins with commercial tours or first independent weekend trips. But there are places where tourism is not just a hobby for the weekend, but a deep sporting passion, a way of thinking, and a lifestyle passed down from generation to generation. For thousands of Ukrainian travelers, that place became the “Globus” Tourist Club — the legendary center of sports tourism at Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.
“Globus” is one of the oldest and most active tourist clubs in Ukraine, with more than 70 years of history. Founded by enthusiastic students of the Polytechnic Institute, the club evolved into a powerful community that has trained athletes, masters of sports, guides, and pioneers whose routes have crossed some of the highest and most challenging mountain systems in the world.
The World of “Globus”: How the Club Ecosystem Works
The “Globus” Tourist Club is far more than just a meeting place. It is a complete infrastructure focused on the safe, professional, and inspiring exploration of the outdoors. Its ecosystem is built around several key areas.
Tourist Training Schools
Every year, the club launches free training programs for different levels — from beginners to advanced sports categories. Participants study everything from proper backpack packing and topography to rope techniques, river crossings, and first aid.
Sports Category Expeditions
Club members regularly participate in challenging mountain, hiking, water, and ski expeditions ranging from Category 1 to Category 6 difficulty. This is a structured sports system where every route is carefully planned and requires a high level of preparation. Club teams also organize complex expeditions around the world.
Training Sessions and Competitions
Throughout the year, “Globus” organizes regular technical training sessions on climbing walls, in forests, and on artificial terrain. The club also hosts open sports tourism competitions that gather hundreds of participants from across the country.
The “Globus Camp” Project
Another major direction of the club’s work is the creation and development of its own camp. It gives beginners — especially students and young people — the opportunity to join expeditions and discover the outdoor world. For many participants, it becomes a lifelong passion and a gateway into a strong outdoor community.
What Does “Globus” Contribute to Ukrainian Outdoor Culture?
The club’s influence goes far beyond the walls of KPI. “Globus” helps shape the culture of responsible, safe, and conscious mountain travel in Ukraine.
Safety and Professionalism
At a time when mountains are becoming more accessible, “Globus” provides systematic education in outdoor safety. Members learn to respect nature, assess risks realistically, and work as a united team. The transfer of experience between generations helps avoid mistakes that can be extremely costly in the mountains.
A Talent Forge for the Industry
Many Ukrainian guides, founders of турист companies, gear developers, and outdoor opinion leaders came from “Globus.” The club provides the fundamental training and mindset that later transform into professional projects and brands.
Civic Values and Community
The club community has always been an active part of civil society. “Globus” unites people around shared values — mutual support, responsibility, love for nature, and freedom of exploration.
The Tradition of Open Meetings: The “Globus” Lecture Hall
In addition to sports and training activities, “Globus” has long served as an important cultural and educational platform for travelers in Kyiv.
The club regularly hosts open lectures, traveler evenings, and meetings where climbers, polar explorers, autonomous travelers, and pioneers share their experiences, show photos and videos from the most remote corners of the planet — from the Himalayas and the Andes to Antarctica — and inspire new generations to pursue their own adventures.
These events are open to everyone and turn the club into a vibrant center of gravity for the entire Ukrainian outdoor community.
Why It Matters for Fram Equipment
For Fram Equipment, the “Globus” Tourist Club of KPI is a special partner and our true Alma Mater. The founders of the brand were — and still are — active members of the club. It was during “Globus” expeditions and mountain trips that the need emerged to create professional lightweight gear adapted to real expedition conditions.
That is why supporting the club is more than a partnership for us — it is a way to honor the community that shaped our vision of the outdoors.
We support the club through competitions, traveler events, educational initiatives, and projects that help develop outdoor culture in Ukraine.
At the same time, many club members contributed to the development of Fram Equipment gear, testing products in expeditions and helping improve them through real-world experience.
For us, it is a great honor to support our Alma Mater.
