Made In The USA, Wild Things Alpine Relaunches At ORWM 2012

NEWPORT, R.I., (Jan. 31, 2012) – Wild Things, LLC, (www.wildthingsgear.com), a leading manufacturer of technical outerwear for the U.S. Military, law enforcement and consumer markets, is relaunching its Alpine line at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City, January 19-22. Designed and manufactured in the USA since 1981, Wild Things’ heritage stems from a history in core climbing and military needs. The full line, consisting of men’s and women’s outdoor base layers, mid layers, hard shell and insulating outer layers, as well as climbing packs and expedition duffels, can be previewed at Wild Things (booth #1039) and is currently available online at www.wildthingsgear.com

“The Alpine line reinforces our commitment to the needs of the outdoor enthusiast, looking for gear that is functional, simple and that gets the job done,” said Brian Foley, product manager of Wild Things. “The Alpine line has no extra or superfluous features that add weight or detract from functionality,” Foley continued. Being able to make this line in the USA is an added feature that differentiates us from the competition and is important to our customers.”

Specifically, the line features the Alpinist Jacket for both men and women (MSRP $300). As the only hard shell in the line, the Alpinist Jacket is extremely versatile. Utilizing bi-component construction, these shells are light, packable, and meet the extreme challenges of tree skiing or ice climbing. It is visually appealing while providing solid functionality, with 3-D shaping at the elbows and shoulders. Bi-component construction enables the torso, made with lightweight eVentâ„¢ 40d, to be breathable where winter athletes need it most, while the hood, yolk, and outer arms, made with a heavier Steadfast 70d, provide maximum water-shedding ability and abrasion resistance. For men, the jacket is available in Castlerock and Delft. For women, the jacket is available in Castlerock and Peridot.

The line also includes the Insulight Jacket (MSRP $189.00), a highly water-resistant, extremely compact, nylon-shell jacket that stuffs easily into packs. The fabric selection, beefier than similar competitive products, reflects Wild Things’ philosophy that durability is an essential requirement for outdoor garments, particularly those that may be worn in the backcountry. This versatile piece features two oz. PrimaLoft® insulation, two tricot-lined hand warmer pockets, stretch side panels for added breathability and mobility, interior mesh pocket, and four-way stretch clean finished cuffs. For men, it is available in Castlerock, Chili Pepper, Delft, and Rifle Green. For women, it is available in Castlerock, Nasturtium, Peridot, and Azure Blue. A hooded version (MSRP $199.00) is also available for those who require an extra level of protection. The Insulight Pants (MSRP $179.00), which have the same features as the jacket, are ideal for chilly nights at a high camp or for light winter duty. These pants use an elastic Velcro® closure waistband, a drop seat, reinforced instep, and full-length side zippers.

The Wild Things Belay Jacket (MSRP $250), an updated version of the nylon (Epic, by Nextec) completes the selection of outer layers. It is an insulated parka that repels moisture, blocks wind, and breathes easily to keep consumers comfortable. Built with six oz. PrimaLoft® synthetic insulation, this jacket is engineered to keep users warm and dry in extreme cold and is a solid choice for ice climbing and go-light-go-fast cold weather expeditions. For men, the jacket is available in Castlerock, Chili Pepper, Delft, and Rifle Green. For women, the jacket is available in Castlerock, Nasturtium, Azure Blue, and Peridot.

The Wild Things Alpine offering is rounded off with a complete system of cold weather base layers for men and women (MSRP $99.00 – $119.00) featuring Polartec® Power Stretch®, body-hugging fabrics that accommodate every move in zones of hard mixed climbing.

“For the past 30 years, we have made technical apparel for the world’s most demanding users, from the US military to high altitude climbers and mountaineers,” Foley noted. “We are able to continue to grow and do what we love because our demanding audience feels no need to compromise, and that attitude runs through the Wild Things brand.”

Wild Things guarantees a tradition of quality with its complete line being made in the USA. By providing jobs and business in the Northeast, the products have a low carbon footprint. “This, paired with the exact feature set needed by the customer, has Wild Things redefining the nature of the technical garment,” Foley continued.

In addition to the consumer line, Wild Things is currently a major supplier of technical cold weather clothing to branches of the U.S. Military including: U.S. Army Special Forces, U.S. Navy Seals, U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force, among others.

Wild Things works closely with a select group of climbers and adventurers to develop and test product including Mark Richey, Will Cross, Kellie Okonek, Peter Ostroski, Dean Potter, Jeff Shapiro, Will Steger, and Damien Tomasi.

“Wild Things brand ambassadors embody a true wild spirit,” said Ed Schmults, Wild Things CEO. “From scaling unnamed peaks in Alaska and racing in the skies over Switzerland to quests to end global warming or summiting six of the world’s highest peaks, our band of adventurers come to us from varied outdoor disciplines. They put our product to the most rigorous tests and play a central role in product development.”


About Wild Things: Wild Things is an outdoor brand chosen by individuals who are knowledgeable about their outdoor activities, know what’s current, and what works. These individuals are serious about what they do and what they buy. They seek out the best-made, most reputable technical gear. Wild Things takes great pride in serving the common needs of all users in the Military and US Armed Forces, law enforcement, and the outdoor enthusiast. This demanding, elite audience feels no need to compromise, and this attitude runs through the Wild Things brand. For more information, visit: www.wildthingsgear.com


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