Crafted Locally: Misty Mountain Threadworks Showroom
Misty Mountain Threadworks: A Pioneering American Climbing Gear Manufacturer
Misty Mountain Threadworks, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the world of climbing gear, was co-founded by Woody Keen and George Keen in 1989. Located in the picturesque community of Valle Crucis, North Carolina, a place not commonly known in the climbing world, the company has been thriving for over three decades.
The product lineup at Misty Mountain Threadworks is diverse, catering to a wide range of climbing disciplines. From lightweight harnesses for sport climbing and alpinism, big wall harnesses, full body harnesses, dog harnesses, military harnesses, challenge course harnesses, backpacks, crash pads, and more, they have got you covered.
Woody Keen, the founder, started making harnesses at the age of 17 and moved the production into a 7,000-square-foot building in 1989. Goose, a childhood friend of Woody's, joined the operation around the same time. Goose, who is now a co-founder, expresses no desire to compete with Black Diamond, but rather focuses on maintaining the high quality and unique design that Misty Mountain is known for.
Inside the factory, there is a unique blend of climbing paraphernalia and personal items, such as school photos, kindergarten artwork, and references to hunting or fishing. This eclectic mix reflects the harmonious blend of climbers and locals, young and old, educated and not, that Misty Mountain represents.
Misty Mountain Threadworks currently employs 17 people and promotes from within. The factory in North Carolina employs local workers, including climbers, App State graduates, and individuals from the region. Goose's wife works part-time on special projects at Misty Mountain, and his son assists during the summer.
Misty Mountain harnesses are renowned for their comfort, thoughtful design, and durability. They produce harnesses in various sizes, including XXXL models, adaptive designs for wheelchair athletes, and custom sizes and features. This commitment to inclusivity and versatility has helped Misty Mountain become an industry leader in soft goods, particularly harnesses.
The climbing scene in North Carolina is stout, with granite domes and a ground-up ethic. It's no surprise then, that Misty Mountain Threadworks has seen an increase in harness sales by 6% over the last several years. With the recent addition of climbing as an official sport for the 2020 Olympics, it seems that Misty Mountain's success is set to continue.
In a world where the production of most of our outdoor gear has been moved to far-flung countries, Misty Mountain Threadworks stands as an anachronism, proudly manufacturing all facets of their operation, from sourcing to design to production, in the United States. A testament to their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and the American spirit.
