Wild Country
Oberalp Group · United Kingdom
Wild Country is a British climbing equipment brand founded in 1977 and based in Tideswell in the Peak District. It is best known for the Friend camming device and is owned by the Oberalp Group.
| Founded | 1977 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Mark Vallance |
| Headquarters | Tideswell, Peak District, England |
| Owner | Oberalp Group (since 2012) |
| Signature product | The Friend camming device |
| Website | wildcountry.com |
What is Wild Country?
Wild Country is a climbing equipment company from England that makes protection, harnesses and hardware for rock climbers. It is headquartered in Tideswell, in the English Peak District.
History
The company was founded in 1977 by British climber Mark Vallance, who had met American climber Ray Jardine, the inventor of the spring-loaded camming device. Wild Country brought that invention to market as the Friend, which became its signature product. In 1986 it acquired Clog, a Welsh climbing equipment maker. In February 2012 the brand was bought by Oberalp, the Italian group behind SALEWA.
Products and positioning
- Friends, spring-loaded camming devices for traditional climbing
- Climbing harnesses
- Nuts, carabiners and other climbing hardware
Over its history the company has also made tents, backpacks and technical clothing, and has distributed other international climbing brands in the UK.
Why it matters
Wild Country is a case of a single product innovation defining a brand for decades. Within Oberalp it sits alongside SALEWA, DYNAFIT, POMOCA and Evolv, giving the group a focused climbing hardware specialist with strong heritage.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Wild Country?
Wild Country was founded in 1977 by British climber Mark Vallance.
What is Wild Country known for?
Wild Country is best known for the Friend, a spring-loaded camming device, as well as harnesses, nuts and carabiners.