Wild Things

In 1981, accomplished mountaineers Marie Meunier and John Bouchard founded Wild Things in New Hampshire, driven by dissatisfaction with the available outdoor gear. They established the motto "Light is right," focusing on creating lightweight, durable equipment tested against the rugged backdrop of Mount Washington. Their approach quickly gained traction, and by 1990, Wild Things had earned a cult-like following among the world's elite climbers, with their gear being a staple on major expeditions. The company's trajectory shifted in the early 2000s when its reputation for tough, lightweight gear attracted the attention of the U.S. Special Forces. This led to a pivotal moment in 2004 when Wild Things secured its first major contract to produce cold-weather clothing systems for the U.S. Military. This new focus on the military market became a core part of the business, providing mission-specific gear to every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. After a series of ownership changes, including an acquisition by ASGARD Partners & Co. in 2018, the company underwent a significant transformation to stabilize and grow the brand. In August 2020, Wild Things was acquired by National Safety Apparel (NSA), a family-owned company specializing in safety and military apparel. This acquisition integrated Wild Things into NSA's portfolio, complementing their existing DRIFIRE brand and reinforcing their commitment to manufacturing for the U.S. Armed Forces.