two backcountry skiers walking up a hill on a blue snowy winter day through the trees

About Us

Inspired by nature. Built for adventure.
a trail runner in an Aspect base layer shirt running through snowy, rocky mountains in the Mammoth Lakes, CA area

We make Merino wool apparel you can rely on for all of life’s adventures.

We spend countless hours designing, testing and fine-tuning our gear before it ever reaches you. Based in Mammoth Lakes, California where the high desert meets deep snow and 14,000-foot peaks, we put our Merino wool layers to the ultimate test.

With the help of our team of athletes and product testers, we ski off ridges, run through rainstorms and camp on cold desert nights to ensure our clothing keeps you comfortable even in the most unpredictable conditions.

Ridge Merino founder and CEO Jeff Russell wearing a Heist Hoodie while backcountry skiing in Mammoth Lakes, CA
a hand doing the shaka sign wearing Northwind Fleece Gloves with a trippy tree in the background

Where It All Started

Husband-and-wife team Susan and Jeff Russell started Ridge Merino in 2014. With backgrounds in marketing and outdoor apparel development, they saw an opportunity in the outdoor space as Merino wool base layers were gaining traction among athletes.

No brand felt truly accessible or relatable to the everyday consumer, so they decided to build a more approachable company focused on crafting high quality Merino gear without gimmicks or compromise.

More than a decade later, Ridge Merino has grown from a small mountain town startup into a brand trusted worldwide. Still independent and family-owned, we now outfit not only outdoor enthusiasts but anyone seeking the comfort and performance of natural materials—delivering everyday versatility on and off the mountain.

Ridge athletes make a plan for the next day of backcountry skiing sitting at a table in a backcountry ski yurt

The Ridge Difference

When you buy from Ridge Merino, you’re supporting real people in a real mountain town making real gear we stand behind. You’re getting soft, breathable layers to wear wherever the day takes you, and you’re giving back: 1% of every purchase goes to environmental nonprofits working to protect the world we love for future generations.

We believe in doing things the right way, even if it’s not the easy way. We choose sustainability over the status quo and relationships over profit. We're working toward making natural performance the new standard in outdoor apparel.