NW Alpine

While NW Alpine revenues have been growing significantly YoY and we’ve been marginally profitable in 2025, ultimately our cash situation has put us into an untenable position. Running out of cash is perhaps the most classic way to go out of business. Combine those struggles with deteriorating consumer confidence and a largely listless outdoor industry, we’ve decided that it no longer makes sense to continue operating.

This shouldn’t be taken as a sign that US manufacturing isn’t a viable path forward for outdoor apparel brands, simply that the sum of NWA’s parts ultimately weren’t viable. There are so many factors that go into the success of any business. Luckily, there are other entrepreneurs continuing to fight the good fight that folks interested in supporting American manufacturing can support. Brands like: Youer, Wuru Wool, Burgeon Outdoors, Alpine Fit, etc.

What does all this mean? First off, we’re liquidating all of our inventory. I know we have a lot of customers for whom certain NWA pieces are a staple of their kit so, if that’s you, pick up a lifetime supply while they’re still available. I’m guessing there will continue to be a secondary market for our products among the real niche gear nerds, so who knows, it may be a good investment for the future to pick something up now. Our plan is to start liquidation at full price, then ratchet up the discounts until everything is gone over the next couple of weeks.

Secondly, we have a fairly substantial amount of various fabrics in inventory that will need a home, so if there’s any interest there please send me a DM.

As for me I’m sad and disappointed that this fifteen year journey is coming to an end, but also excited and optimistic for the potential the future holds.

The 100% American-Made Sun Hoody is the perfect companion to protect you from the suns nasty rays on your next climb. UPF 40 Rated, Over Helmet Hood, & super comfy thumb holes are some of our favorite features on this piece.
🧗 out on Mt Baker this past week 🏔️

The 1998 Dodge Caravan served me well for many years. It was originally my mom’s van that I inherited after she passed away in 2001. I enjoyed hundreds of nights and so many memories in that minivan. From watching pirated episodes of Gossip Girl with somewhere in the Eastern Sierra, to camping on the banks of BC trout streams, it was my companion for so many formative experiences.

And when the motor finally blew in 2012 it marked the end of an era for me. A transition from my wandering ways to something resembling adulthood. NW Alpine was growing, I would meet my wife a year later, and the weight of responsibility got much heavier. Now that I’m solidly middle aged, it’s easy to get caught up in nostalgia for a simpler time. But today is all that is guaranteed, and we must make the most of it.

Dirtbag Billionaire? Please…

There’s a new biography of Yvon Chouinard being released in September called “Dirtbag Billionaire” and I find the name slightly preposterous.

Though I’ve lived out of a minivan, spent my 20s traveling and thinking about little other than climbing, I’ve never been a true dirtbag. I’ve always had the safety net that a middle class upbringing afforded me. A dirtbag is a special category of person. They cross the line from societally accepted pursuit of passion to vagrancy, not concerned with the norms most us abide by. All in the singular pursuit of something greater. The dirtbag is a special, and perhaps dying, breed of human.

At NW Alpine, we build gear for the real ones, the climbers, guides, and alpinists who do this because they can’t not do it. We make it here in the USA, because we believe the people making your gear should be paid fairly, not exploited.

As you can imagine, this is not the most lucrative way of doing things, and right now my bank account is far closer to that of a dirtbag (if they had a bank account) than anything else. But pursuing passion is what we’re all about. The mountains taught me about commitment and sacrifice and I hope that those values are reflected in our work at NW Alpine.

Lightweight, breathable, & built for durability. Fortis 115 keeps you cool all summer long 💪
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With temps reaching nearly 100° this upcoming weekend, we’ll be reaching for our favorite lightweight layer! At 115gsm, Fortis is a no brainer for those hot days when you’re trying to cool down & stay comfortable. As an added bonus, you’ll find this layer to have superb durability through its UHMWPE blended fabric. Comfort for days!

Ranger Green all the things.. 🫦

What do you think? RG Haleine Alpha Hoody’s by Fall? Ya know, match your favorite made in USA 👀

Your skin’s health isn’t something to mess around with! Keep the sun off all day with our UPF 40 Sun Hoody. Back in stock now 🤝
100% Made In USA, Durable, helmet compatible hood, & comfy thumb holes!

Seemingly known for its iconic hill climb race, Colorado’s Pikes Peak is also home to some of the best climbing outside of Colorado Springs, CO. cruising some beautiful rock over the past weekend rocking his OG Fortis 115 hoody! 💪

Get it before it’s GONE 🚨 Our best-selling Haleine Hoody is nearly out of stock! A handful of Black & Choss Grey..
Featuring Polartecs Alpha 90 fleece, this ultralight 5oz midlayer is the definition of active insulation. Breathable, yet warm, and oh-so cozy! 100% Made In USA.

Lighter + Stronger. Fortis 115 hoody delivers the best of both worlds for high output activity. Whether you’re like us and your body temp runs warm, or you just need the lightest & strongest baselayer, this one’s for you!

This is what it’s all about! PNW choss, views, & evading countless mosquitos.. 3FJ last week for a quick out of office outing to test new gear 👀